Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania – A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect across large portions of northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania, with heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions expected through Thursday evening and early Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
In Ohio, the warning includes Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, including Cleveland, Akron, Elyria, Medina, Mentor, Chardon, and Painesville. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts in higher terrain, especially across southern Cuyahoga, southern Lake, and Geauga counties.
In northwest Pennsylvania, Erie and Crawford counties remain under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until 1 a.m. Friday, where 6 to 15 inches of snow are forecast. The heaviest totals are expected south of Interstate 90, particularly across higher elevations in southern Erie and northern Crawford counties.
Forecasters said rain will rapidly transition to snow late Wednesday afternoon and evening as temperatures fall sharply. Roads are expected to become snow-covered and icy quickly, with patchy blowing snow and reduced visibility persisting overnight and through Thursday.
The National Weather Service warned that travel will be very difficult, especially during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Wind chills near 0 degrees are expected late tonight and Thursday morning, increasing risks for stranded motorists.
Transportation officials in both Ohio and Pennsylvania strongly encourage motorists to delay unnecessary travel and monitor road conditions through OHGO.com and 511PA.com. Drivers who must travel should allow extra time and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions.
