Cleveland, Ohio – Snow squalls and accumulating snow may create sudden whiteout travel conditions across parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York on New Year’s Eve, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service reports a strong cold front moving east across the Great Lakes region will bring widespread snowfall, with the highest impacts expected during the evening and overnight hours. Snow squalls—short-lived but intense bursts of snow and wind—are most likely along and just ahead of the front.
Forecasters warn that snow squalls can reduce visibility to near zero within minutes, creating hazardous driving conditions even on previously clear roads. Wind gusts up to 35 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, further worsening visibility.
In Ohio, snow squall potential includes areas near and north of Interstate 70 and Interstate 80, including the Ohio Turnpike, I-71, I-77, and I-90 corridors. Lake effect snow is expected to persist northeast of Cleveland, impacting Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties with higher localized accumulations.
Across Pennsylvania and western New York, snow squall risk increases during the late evening as the front advances east. Major routes including I-79, I-80, I-81, and I-90 may experience rapidly changing road conditions. The highest risk window stretches from approximately 7 p.m. to midnight EST.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that snow squalls often last only 30 to 60 minutes, but their sudden onset can trigger multi-vehicle crashes, especially during busy holiday travel periods. Wireless Emergency Alerts may be issued if a snow squall becomes imminent.
Drivers are urged to slow down immediately if visibility drops, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and delay travel if possible. Those traveling for New Year’s Eve events should monitor local forecasts and road conditions closely.
