Painesville, OH – Northeast Ohio is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning from midnight Thursday through 10 a.m. Saturday, with snowfall accumulations forecasted between 6 and 22 inches. Gusty winds of up to 40 mph along Lake Erie will exacerbate travel challenges, especially for Black Friday shoppers and holiday travelers.
According to the National Weather Service, the most intense snow bands could produce snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, creating near-whiteout conditions. Interstate 90, a key route for regional travel, is expected to face heavy disruptions as visibility drops and snow piles up.
The snowstorm is expected to peak Friday morning and evening, coinciding with high traffic volumes. Commuters are advised to plan for additional travel time, and non-essential trips should be delayed until conditions improve. Lower snow totals are expected in southern portions of Ashtabula and Geauga counties, but hazardous conditions will still be present.
Drivers are reminded to carry winter survival kits, avoid sudden braking, and stay informed of changing weather and road conditions. Updates on Ohio’s highways can be accessed via the Ohio Department of Transportation’s website, OHGO.com.
This event is part of a larger system impacting the Great Lakes region, and officials caution that additional snow is possible into next week as lake effect snow bands shift.
