Ohio – Snow lashes sideways across Northeast Ohio this morning as powerful winds roar off Lake Erie, rapidly changing road conditions during a critical holiday travel window. Visibility drops without warning, and snow piles up fast as winter asserts full control to close out 2025.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a High Wind Warning remains in effect through early Tuesday, while a Winter Weather Advisory runs through Tuesday afternoon. Lake-effect snow totals between three and six inches are expected across Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. West winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts near 60 mph, are producing whiteout bursts and drifting snow.
Cleveland, Mentor, Euclid, Willoughby, and surrounding communities are seeing conditions deteriorate through the morning. Travel along I-90, I-271, and Route 2 remains hazardous, especially near the lakeshore where blowing snow sharply reduces visibility. High-profile vehicles face added risk as strong crosswinds batter exposed stretches.
Temperatures fall quickly today, dropping into the 20s as Arctic air pours in. Any melting will refreeze by evening, creating black ice beneath fresh snow. Power outages are possible as gusts strain trees and power lines already coated with snow.
Snow intensity eases at times tonight but ramps up again Tuesday with additional lake-effect bands. Travel may remain difficult into Tuesday morning before conditions slowly improve. New Year’s Eve trends colder and quieter, while New Year’s Day 2026 looks dry but bitter, with highs only in the lower 20s.
This storm is part of a massive Great Lakes winter system, signaling an active pattern to start the new year. Delay non-essential travel, keep emergency supplies ready, and check conditions often. How intense is the snow where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Cleveland, Ohio
Monday: Snow and blowing snow, high near 22
Tuesday: Snow showers, high near 29
Wednesday: Snow likely, high near 32
Thursday (New Year’s Day): Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 22
Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 24
