Cleveland, Ohio – Temperatures are plunging across northeast Ohio Friday as strong west winds and lake-effect snow combine to create hazardous travel, bitter wind chills, and rapidly changing road conditions from Cleveland east into Pennsylvania.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, wind advisories are in effect Friday for Cuyahoga County, Lake County, the Ashtabula lakeshore, and northern Erie County, Pennsylvania. West winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected to gust between 35 and 50 mph, peaking from late morning through the afternoon. As colder air pours in, temperatures are falling into the 20s with wind chills dropping to near zero in some areas.
The heart of the snowbelt east of Cleveland, including Lake and Ashtabula counties, is expected to see lake-effect snow showers develop through the day and intensify this evening. Several inches of snow are possible in northern Erie County, Pennsylvania, where a winter weather advisory remains in effect into early Saturday. Snowfall rates could approach an inch per hour at times, leading to rapidly deteriorating visibility and slick roads.
In Cleveland and western suburbs, lighter snow showers and blowing snow may still create icy patches, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Strong winds could also bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to isolated power outages.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and prepare for sudden visibility drops, particularly east of Interstate 71. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and dress in layers if heading outside, as exposed skin can become numb quickly in the gusty winds.
Windy and cold conditions will persist into Friday night, with lake-effect snow gradually tapering early Saturday. Additional advisories may be issued if snow bands intensify or linger longer than expected.
