CLEVELAND — If you plan to head out to celebrate the new year this evening, start your decade off right and exercise extreme caution getting home – in addition to the increased risk of drunk drivers, weather conditions could lead to icy and slick roadways across Northeast Ohio.
Snow showers will lead to accumulations of up to 2 inches, with Lake Effect snow lingering tonight into New Year’s Day morning.
By midnight, temperatures will be in the high 20s to lower 30s, with 15 to 20 mph winds. The roads will be icy, and the lingering Lake Effect snow could impact visibility in some areas. Watch and read the latest Power of 5 forecast here.
In addition to icy roads, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has a warning about impaired and distracted drivers. During the New Year’s Eve holiday reporting period last year, there were seven OVI-related crashes that resulted in eight fatalities.
After an already-deadly holiday season, with 12 people killed in eight crashes between Dec. 23 and Christmas Day, troopers will be out in full force to crack down on impaired, distracted and dangerous driving.
RELATED: Troopers increasing enforcement as deadly year on Ohio roads comes to a close
OSHP’s Sgt. Ray Santiago said drivers today simply have no excuse to drive drunk or impaired, especially considering the availability of services like Uber and Lyft.
In fact, several ride share services are offering free and discounted rides home in parts of Northeast Ohio – click here to find out where and how to receive a safe ride home.
Here are three easy resolutions to start off 2020: Don’t drink and drive, have a plan to get home safe, and be mindful of impaired drivers and icy roads tonight.
