Cleveland, OH – A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect across parts of northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania through 7 a.m. Monday, with additional snowfall and gusty winds creating hazardous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
Forecasters say 2 to 7 inches of additional snow is expected across the warned areas, with the highest totals in Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Portage, Lorain, Medina, Summit, and Erie and Crawford Counties in Pennsylvania. Periodic snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are likely through this evening, especially within persistent lake effect snow bands.
According to the National Weather Service, winds gusting up to 35 mph will combine with falling snow to reduce visibility and cause drifting, particularly on open roadways and bridges. Officials warn that road conditions will deteriorate quickly, making travel dangerous at times.
Cities impacted include Cleveland, Mentor, Painesville, Chardon, Akron, Elyria, Medina, Kent, Ravenna, Erie, and Meadville, where snow-covered roads and near-whiteout conditions could slow or halt traffic during peak travel times.
The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Monday morning commute, with untreated roads, overpasses, and bridges becoming slick overnight. Visibility may drop below one-quarter mile in heavier snow bands.
Transportation officials in both Ohio and Pennsylvania strongly encourage drivers to delay unnecessary travel and check road conditions before heading out. Motorists who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including food, water, flashlights, and extra clothing.
Lake effect snow bands are expected to gradually weaken after sunrise Monday, allowing conditions to slowly improve later in the morning.
