Ohio wakes this Saturday under churning, slate-gray clouds as icy wind sweeps across Cleveland’s lakefront and whips spray off Lake Erie. The air feels sharp, and blowing flakes already skim across pavement and parked cars. Anyone returning from post-Thanksgiving travel should prepare for a fast-changing and potentially dangerous setup as lake-effect bands strengthen through the day.
Wind gusts push 40–50+ mph at times, and meteorologists now track intense bands capable of producing rapid whiteouts. Models hint at 4 to 13 inches across northeast Ohio, with the highest totals south of I-90 where convergence zones persist. Travel could deteriorate quickly by late morning, especially along I-90, I-480, and Route 2. Plan extra time and avoid sudden braking on bridges and elevated ramps where drifting develops first.
Through the afternoon, snowfall rates may spike to 1–2 inches per hour inside stronger bands. To be fair, not every neighborhood will see the same totals, but conditions may flip from manageable to treacherous within minutes. Expect blowing and drifting snow, sharply reduced visibility, and scattered tree-limb damage in gustier pockets. Keep warm layers, a phone charger, and water in your vehicle if you must travel.
Snow continues into Saturday evening before slowly weakening overnight as winds pivot more westerly. Sunday brings lingering snow showers with highs near 41°, though icy patches may persist where deep bands hit hardest. Monday stays cold with scattered rain and snow showers, and Tuesday holds in the low 30s with a stubborn breeze. Wednesday turns partly sunny with highs near 36°.
National long-range guidance shows a below-normal temperature pattern December 2–6, meaning deeper cold returns next week and could support additional early-season snow chances across northern Ohio.
