Ohio – Snow streaks sideways across Lake Erie this morning, rattling signs and coating lanes in minutes. Headlights glow against blowing flakes, and the cold cuts deep as winter asserts control heading into the final hours of 2025. Conditions remain unsettled, and travel could worsen quickly.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Cuyahoga County through early New Year’s Day. Lake-effect snow is expected to produce additional accumulations between three and five inches, with snowfall rates reaching one inch per hour at times. Wind gusts may approach 40 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Euclid, and surrounding suburbs remain in the core impact zone. Travel along I-90, I-71, I-77, and the Shoreway may become difficult during heavier snow bursts. Slick roads, drifting snow, and sudden whiteouts are possible, especially this afternoon and evening. Drivers should slow down and avoid unnecessary trips if conditions deteriorate.
Temperatures stay locked in the 20s today, then dip further tonight. Wind chills fall into the teens and single digits as arctic air deepens behind the snow bands. Even after snow eases, flash freezing may occur where roads briefly clear, raising black ice concerns for New Year’s travel.
New Year’s Day 2026 remains cold and mostly cloudy, with lingering lake-effect snow possible. Snow chances gradually taper Thursday night into Friday, but winter does not loosen its grip. The first weekend of 2026 stays cold, with highs struggling through the upper 20s and mostly cloudy skies.
Motorists should keep emergency kits ready, monitor conditions closely, and check ODOT updates before traveling. Conditions may change rapidly under persistent lake-effect bands.
Seeing heavy snow or drifting where you are? Share what road conditions look like near you.
Five Day Outlook for Cleveland, Ohio
• Today: Snow and blowing snow likely, high near 32
• New Year’s Day: Mostly cloudy, lingering snow possible, high near 24
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 29
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 27
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 29
