Ohio – Snow streaks sideways across downtown streets this morning as lake-effect bands push inland, cutting visibility without warning. Tires crunch, plows scrape, and traffic slows as winter asserts control across northeast Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from late morning today through Thursday evening. Cold air rushing in behind a front fuels lake-effect snow, with total accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected. Higher totals are possible where bands stall, especially north of Geauga County. Northwest winds gust over 25 mph, creating blowing snow and drifting.
Across Cleveland, Euclid, Mentor, Parma, and Willoughby, conditions may deteriorate quickly by midday. Rain mixes with snow early, then changes fully to snow as temperatures fall into the 20s. Roadways including I-90, I-71, I-480, and the Ohio Turnpike could see sudden whiteouts under heavier bands. Slower travel and delays are likely through the afternoon and evening.
Tonight turns sharply colder. Lows drop into the teens, and wind chills slide near zero. Any melted snow refreezes, increasing black ice risk on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets. Thursday stays blustery and cold, with additional snow showers possible before conditions slowly ease later in the day.
Snow chances return Friday and through the weekend as colder-than-normal air locks in. While no single storm dominates yet, repeated light snow and persistent cold keep travel challenging into early next week.
Drivers should slow down, leave extra space, and avoid unnecessary trips during heavier snow bursts. Keep winter kits ready and check ODOT updates before heading out. Seeing intense bands near you today? Tell us how conditions look on your drive.
Five Day Outlook for Cleveland, Ohio
Thursday: Chance of snow, high near 23°F
Friday: Snow, high near 34°F
Saturday: Snow likely, high near 32°F
Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 22°F
Monday: Chance of snow, high near 23°F
