Ohio and Pennsylvania – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania, where prolonged lake effect snow could bring significant accumulations and hazardous travel conditions this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, heavy lake effect snow is possible from Saturday morning through late Sunday night, with 6 inches or more of total snowfall expected in the most persistent snow bands. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph could lead to blowing and drifting snow, further reducing visibility.
In Ohio, the watch includes Cuyahoga, Lake, inland Ashtabula, Ashtabula Lakeshore, and Geauga counties, affecting communities such as Cleveland, Mentor, Willoughby, Painesville, Ashtabula, Geneva, Chardon, Burton, and Middlefield. In Pennsylvania, the watch covers Crawford County and Erie County, including Erie, Meadville, Corry, Edinboro, and Union City.
The National Weather Service notes that lake effect snow bands can remain nearly stationary, resulting in sharp snowfall differences over short distances. Areas under persistent bands may experience rapidly deteriorating road conditions, near-whiteout visibility, and snow-covered highways, while nearby locations receive much less snow.
Earlier Winter Weather Advisories and a Winter Storm Warning have been cancelled, as the primary concern shifts to the long-duration lake effect event expected this weekend.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates, especially those living in traditional Lake Erie snowbelt areas. Travelers should consider adjusting weekend plans and be prepared for dangerous driving conditions, particularly overnight and during heavier snow bursts.
Additional watches, warnings, or advisories may be issued as confidence increases in snowfall placement and intensity.
