Northeast Ohio storm to disrupt Thanksgiving travel with dangerous winds and heavy lake-effect snow
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Northeast Ohio travelers this afternoon into this evening will experience a powerful storm system which will impact the area through Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
The weather is projected to bring dangerous winds, rapidly falling temperatures and significant lake effect snow that will severely impact Thanksgiving travel.
What to expect this afternoon and evening with weather warnings
Strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph will develop across Northeast Ohio today, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. Temperatures will fall to the 30s by afternoon and the 20s overnight, with wind chills dropping into the teens.
Heavy lake effect snow will develop late Wednesday and continue through Friday, with the heaviest amounts expected in the snowbelt counties east of Cleveland.
Accumulations of eight to 16 inches are forecast across northern Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties, with some locations potentially receiving up to 18 inches. The National Weather Service in Cleveland has also issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for these areas from 1 a.m. Thursday until 7 p.m. Friday. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour on Thursday, creating dangerous travel conditions. Those on the roads are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission issued a travel ban for high-profile vehicles along the entire 241-mile toll road Wednesday morning.
A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Northeast Ohio beginning Thanksgiving morning and extending through Friday evening, while a wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Friday for counties along Lake Erie.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph will continue Thursday, with slightly calmer conditions for areas away from Lake Erie. The combination of fresh snow and strong winds will create blowing snow, further reducing visibility for holiday travelers.
Snow slowly tapering off Friday, Saturday
Friday will see lake effect snow gradually tapering from west to east as drier air builds in. High temperatures will remain in the 30s with overnight lows falling into the upper teens to mid-20s.
Saturday brings a brief reprieve as high pressure moves through ahead of another storm system. A rain and snow mix is possible late Saturday into Sunday as temperatures climb back into the 40s on Sunday before colder air returns early next week.
