Cleveland, OH – Thanksgiving travel plans are in jeopardy across northeast Ohio as a Winter Storm Watch was officially expanded to include Cuyahoga County for Thursday into Friday, with snow totals potentially exceeding 8 inches and wind gusts reaching 45 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, lake-effect snow will begin organizing late Wednesday and intensify Thursday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected Thursday into Thursday night, especially along the I-90 corridor and through Cleveland’s eastern suburbs. The snow may reduce visibility and accumulate rapidly on untreated roadways just as holiday travelers hit the roads.
Areas across northeast Ohio—including Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga counties—are also under watches, while neighboring Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania face full Winter Storm Warnings. Snow bands could be persistent in these lake-effect zones, with localized totals potentially topping a foot where snowfall lingers.
Drivers are urged to delay non-essential travel, keep gas tanks at least half full, and carry emergency kits in case of road closures or delays. High winds Thursday could cause drifting snow and dangerous whiteout conditions, particularly in open areas and along the lakeshore.
Winter alerts remain in effect through Friday evening. More advisories may be issued if the storm track shifts or intensifies.
