Cleveland, OH – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Monday for the snowbelt regions of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Cleveland. Heavy lake-effect snow, strong winds, and dangerous wind chills are expected to create hazardous travel conditions through the weekend.
Forecasters report that lake-effect snow bands will develop Saturday morning and intensify throughout the day, continuing into Sunday before shifting east Sunday night. According to the NWS, areas where the most persistent bands set up could receive 6 inches or more of accumulation. Snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour, and wind gusts up to 30 mph could produce blowing and drifting snow, especially near the lakeshore.
Outside of the primary snowbelt, most counties can expect 1–4 inches of snow from Saturday afternoon through Saturday night. The highest totals outside the watch area are expected near and south of US-30.
Temperatures will drop sharply as the system settles in. Overnight lows will fall into the single digits and teens, and subzero wind chills are possible Sunday morning. According to the NWS, locations such as Akron, Canton, Mentor, and Ashtabula may feel like -5°F to -8°F at times early Sunday.
Another round of lake-effect snow is likely Sunday, with an additional 2–6 inches possible across the eastern snowbelt into Northwest Pennsylvania before the bands weaken late Sunday night.
Officials warn drivers that travel could become difficult where snow bands persist due to reduced visibility and rapidly accumulating snow.
Residents are urged to prepare for bitter cold conditions and limit outdoor exposure Sunday morning.
