CLEVELAND — As the Winter Storm Watch continues for areas in Northeast Ohio, some places may see that weather alert upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory or a Winter Storm Warning late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued in Tuscarawas County effective from 4 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday.
Currently, the following counties are under a Winter Storm Watch effective from 4 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Saturday:
- Lake County
- Cuyahoga County
- Geauga County
- Ashtabula County
Active winter weather is headed into the area with a rain-to-snow change around midday Thursday with a few inches possible by 7 p.m.—up to four inches east of Cleveland in the Snowbelt.
Throughout the day Thursday, temperatures will plummet out of the 40s and into the lower 30s and 20s.
Gusty winds will also roll into the area, with the possibility for gusts above 30 MPH.
As the snow continues to fall, two to five inches are possible with the counties under the Winter Storm Watch receiving the heaviest snowfall.
Come Friday, the area-wide snow is expected to transition into lake effect snow for Christmas Day with additional snow falling mostly in a narrow band east of Cleveland.
Those doing last-minute shopping or perhaps dropping off gifts should take caution on the roads as flash freezing of wet surfaces is possible. Travel Thursday evening will likely be hazardous.
So about that White Christmas? Most areas have the best chance with snowfall between midday Christmas Eve and early into Christmas morning. Areas across Lake and Ashtabula counties have the best chance for heavy snowfall, but for the rest of Northeast Ohio, light snow and flurries on Christmas Day is what to expect.
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