Cleveland, OH – Winter will arrive in full force across Ohio this Black Friday weekend, as Arctic air spilling over the Great Lakes ignites bands of heavy snow from November 28–30. The system threatens to disrupt holiday travel with slippery roads, poor visibility, and wind chills in the teens across northern counties.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Cleveland and Wilmington, OH, a moderate risk of heavy snow exists across northern and northeastern Ohio, where cold northwest winds will pull moisture off Lake Erie Friday into Saturday. Forecasters expect 6–10 inches in lake-effect zones east of Cleveland and 2–4 inches across the I-90 corridor toward Erie County, PA. Lesser amounts are expected in central and southern Ohio, but strong winds could still cause blowing snow and icy spots.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, difficult driving is expected along I-90, I-480, and Route 2 late Friday through Saturday morning. Visibility could drop below a quarter mile at times, and temperatures will stay below freezing through the weekend, keeping untreated surfaces slick.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, keep emergency kits in vehicles, and dress in layers if venturing out for Black Friday shopping. Temperatures will remain 10–20 degrees below normal, with the potential for frostbite in prolonged exposure.
