Cleveland, Ohio – Lake effect snow and strong winds are expected to create hazardous travel conditions across northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania from Monday morning through Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Monday until 1 p.m. Tuesday for much of northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula (inland and lakeshore), Summit, Portage, and Trumbull Counties. Cities impacted include Cleveland, Akron, Mentor, Painesville, Chardon, Kent, Ravenna, Warren, and Ashtabula.
Forecasters expect lake effect snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The strongest snow bands are forecast late Monday afternoon and evening, when snowfall rates may reach up to one inch per hour at times. Blowing snow may sharply reduce visibility, particularly in open and lakeshore areas.
In northwest Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County, including the city of Erie, is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 10 a.m. Monday until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Snow totals of 3 to 5 inches are expected, along with 60 mph wind gusts, creating areas of blowing snow and slick roads.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be difficult, especially during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Strong winds may also lead to downed tree branches and power lines, increasing the risk of localized outages.
Transportation officials in both states urge motorists to delay unnecessary travel, reduce speeds, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions typical of lake effect snow. Travelers can check road conditions at ohgo.com in Ohio and 511pa.com in Pennsylvania.
Winter weather impacts are expected to gradually ease later Tuesday as snow bands weaken and shift.
