CLEVELAND, Ohio — A lake-effect snow warning has been issued for portions of Northeast Ohio, where heavy, persistent snow bands could bring significant accumulations and dangerous travel conditions through the weekend.
The warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Monday for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
Forecasters say 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected in the warning area, with the highest totals favored in eastern Cuyahoga County, southern Lake County, inland Ashtabula County and much of Geauga County.
Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, leading to blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Heaviest snow shifts from lakeshore to inland areas
Snow will intensify Saturday afternoon and evening as colder air pours across Lake Erie, setting up a prolonged lake-effect event.
The heaviest snow is expected to initially favor areas closer to Lake Erie late Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening, before shifting farther inland late Saturday night through Sunday night as winds change.
Snowfall rates within stronger bands could reach around 1 inch per hour Saturday evening and Saturday night, making travel difficult or dangerous at times, forecasters said.
Winter Weather Advisory elsewhere in Northeast Ohio
Outside of the warning area, a winter weather advisory is now in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Monday for Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.
Those areas are expected to see a combination of snow from a passing clipper system Saturday afternoon and evening, followed by lake-effect snow late Saturday night into Sunday night.
Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of snow Saturday afternoon and evening, with an additional 2 to 5 inches possible in lake-effect snow bands through Sunday night. Localized higher totals could occur if stronger bands develop, which could prompt additional upgrades.
Travel impacts likely through the weekend
Travel could be difficult across much of Northeast Ohio, especially in the warning area, due to snow-covered roads and periods of reduced visibility, forecasters said.
Officials urge drivers to slow down, delay unnecessary travel if possible, and keep emergency supplies in vehicles, including food, water and a flashlight. Motorists can check ohgo.com for the latest road conditions.
The lake-effect snow will gradually wind down late Sunday night into early Monday as high pressure builds into the region, though bitterly cold temperatures will linger until at least Tuesday.
