Ohio — A damp, gray sky hangs over Cleveland this morning, and travelers can already feel the wind strengthening off Lake Erie. Gusts whip across parking lots and highways as the first hints of the region’s next winter weather system begin to take shape.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued both a Wind Advisory and a Lake-Effect Snow Warning, highlighting what could be a rough stretch for Thanksgiving travelers. Winds may gust up to 50 mph, especially near the lakeshore, and visibility could plummet later this evening as heavy lake-effect snow develops.
Meteorologists say snow bands could dump 4–8 inches across the snowbelt counties of Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga, with localized totals of up to 13 inches possible. Travel along I-90, Route 2, and I-271 may become difficult late Thursday into Friday morning, as snow squalls and blowing gusts create near-whiteout conditions at times.
Temperatures will slide from the lower 50s early today to the 30s by nightfall, signaling the beginning of the cold plunge that will dominate the weekend. Thanksgiving Day brings periods of snow and wind, with highs only in the upper 30s.
By Friday, scattered snow showers linger before easing, followed by another potential system by Sunday that could bring rain changing to snow. Beyond that, long-range models hint at a major Arctic front spreading south by December 1, likely delivering the coldest air of the season to northern Ohio.
For those traveling today or Thursday, pack patience — and a snow brush. Roads could turn slick quickly under the most intense snow bands.
Five-Day Outlook (Wed–Sun)
• Today: Rain changing to snow, 40°F.
• Thursday: Snow and wind, 37°F.
• Friday: Flurries, 35°F.
• Saturday: Cloudy, 36°F.
• Sunday: Rain to snow, 42°F.
