Ohio — Wind slaps against Lake Erie’s shoreline this morning as rain sweeps across Cleveland’s lakefront streets. Gusts rattle traffic signs and whip across bridges while temperatures hover in the upper 50s. Conditions will shift quickly as colder air surges into northeast Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT across northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania. South winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected through the day. Tree limbs could fall and scattered power outages remain possible.
Drivers along I-90, I-71, and I-480 may experience difficult travel as crosswinds sweep across exposed highways and bridges. Secure loose outdoor items and use extra caution if driving high-profile vehicles.
Rain will begin mixing with snow later this afternoon as colder air pours across the Great Lakes. Temperatures fall rapidly into the 30s by evening. That transition sets the stage for a burst of lake-effect snow tonight through Tuesday.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for parts of Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, including Cleveland. Snow bands could deliver 5 to 9 inches of accumulation where the most persistent bands set up. Winds may still gust between 35 and 45 mph, causing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The heaviest snow may affect the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Expect slick highways, especially east of Cleveland toward Mentor, Chardon, and inland snowbelt communities.
Conditions gradually improve by midweek as the storm system pulls away. Milder air begins pushing back into Ohio by Wednesday afternoon.
Five Day Outlook for Cleveland, Ohio
Tuesday: Snow likely early, breezy and cold, high near 31°F.
Tuesday Night: Chance of snow, low around 22°F.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 41°F.
Wednesday Night: Slight chance of rain, low near 35°F.
Thursday: Chance of rain, milder, high near 51°F.
