Cleveland, OH – A fast but intense burst of snow is expected to move across northeast Ohio early Thursday morning, potentially creating hazardous travel for commuters across Cleveland and lakeshore communities, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Cleveland.
Forecasters say the snow band will sweep through the region between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., bringing a quick coating to an inch for most areas, with 2–3 inches possible from Ashtabula to Erie. While snowfall totals will remain on the lower side, NWS warns the timing and intensity may still produce rapid visibility drops and slick roadways, especially along the Lake Erie shoreline and one to two counties inland.
According to the NWS, the quick-moving nature of the system means conditions may deteriorate suddenly as the band passes. “This will be a quick and heavy burst of snow,” meteorologists noted, emphasizing that even minor accumulations can cause high-impact travel if the snow falls during peak commuting hours.
Winds may also push lake-enhanced snowfall inland, further reducing visibility along I-90, Route 2, and major surface streets around Cleveland, Euclid, Mentor, and Ashtabula.
Outside the core band, locations farther south — including Medina, Akron, Mansfield, and Canton — are expected to see less than one inch, though brief slick spots remain possible.
Residents heading out early Thursday are urged to allow extra travel time, use headlights, and be prepared for stretches of rapidly changing conditions.
