Winter storm timeline sharpens for Northeast Ohio: Here’s when the snow is expected to begin

CLEVELAND, Ohio — After days of anticipating a major winter storm now marching boldly across the United States, the timeline for Northeast Ohio is finally coming into sharper focus — and there’s some good news for Saturday.

The National Weather Service says the onset of snow has trended slightly later than earlier forecasts, allowing Saturday to remain snow-free across Northeast Ohio and giving residents time to complete errands and preparations.

Snow is expected to arrive overnight, with most areas not seeing accumulating snowfall until after midnight. Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly on Sunday as heavier snow develops through the day.

Saturday stays quiet before overnight change

Quiet but bitterly cold conditions will persist through Saturday evening, with high temperatures reaching around 10 degrees to the lower teens and then falling into the single digits overnight.

Despite the cold, roads are expected to remain dry during the day and evening, allowing for normal travel.

Forecasters caution that conditions will change rapidly overnight as snow overspreads the region from south to north.

When snow is expected to begin (by county):

Forecasters say snow will arrive from south to north late Saturday night, beginning after midnight in the southern part of the region, spreading into much of Northeast Ohio — including the Cleveland area — after 2 a.m., and reaching far Northeast Ohio closer to daybreak Sunday.

The specific timeline:

• 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.: Southern Ashland County; a small portion of southwestern Wayne County.
• 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.: Lorain, Cuyahoga, Medina, Summit, Stark and Portage counties; most of Wayne, Geauga, Lake and Ashland counties.
• 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.: Ashtabula County; northeastern portions of Geauga and Lake counties.

Forecasters note that snowfall may initially be light early Sunday morning due to dry Arctic air in place, but conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly once steadier snow develops.

Sunday impacts remain significant

While the later start offers a break for Saturday, forecasters stress that Sunday remains the most impactful day of the storm.

Snow is expected to intensify Sunday afternoon and evening, with snowfall rates potentially approaching three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch per hour at times. The rapidly accumulating snow is expected to make roads slick and snow-covered, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.

Winds will increase out of the northeast Sunday at 15 to 25 mph, followed by northwest winds Sunday night into Monday. Although winds are not expected to be extreme, the snow is forecast to be light and fluffy, allowing it to blow and drift easily and further worsen travel conditions.

Officials warn that visibility could drop to less than a quarter mile at times, particularly during heavier snow bursts.

Travel discouraged Sunday

Because of the expected conditions, officials strongly encourage residents to delay unnecessary travel Sunday. Anyone who must be on the roads should carry a winter survival kit, including a blanket, food, water and a charged phone.

Stranded motorists could also face increased risks from cold exposure, with wind chills expected to dip below zero late Saturday night into Sunday morning and again Sunday night into Monday morning.

Snow is expected to continue into Sunday night before tapering off from west to east Monday morning.