Cleveland, OH – A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties from 1 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday, with the National Weather Service warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions through the Thanksgiving holiday period.
Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 3 and 13 inches, with the heaviest snow — 8 to 13 inches — forecast for Geauga County, Ashtabula County, and southeast Cuyahoga County. Northern portions of Cuyahoga and Lake Counties could see lighter totals under 4 inches. Winds may gust up to 50 mph, causing blowing snow, whiteouts, and power outages from downed branches.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Thursday morning through Thursday night, when snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour, quickly covering untreated roads and reducing visibility below a quarter mile. The National Weather Service warns that conditions could make travel “treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
Drivers are urged to delay nonessential travel, check conditions via OHGO.com, and prepare emergency kits if driving is unavoidable. Officials advise motorists to use extreme caution and allow extra time as weather can vary sharply over short distances during lake effect snow events.
