A winter weather storm is expected to hit Northeast Ohio this weekend, beginning Saturday morning with significant snow, and continuing into Sunday with cold winds and low temperatures.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Winter Storm Warning in Effect
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Friday night to late Sunday night across Northeast Ohio. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulations of 8 to 11 inches possible, according to the NWS. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Power of 5 Weather team has the latest on this weekend's weather
Friday should be chilly but mainly dry. By Saturday morning, a major winter storm is expected to impact the area bringing the threat for several inches of snow, major travel disruptions, and windy conditions.
See the most up-to-date forecast from the Power of 5 Weather Team here.
Mark Johnson update
Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson has been tracking the storm since Monday. In his latest update, he walks through how we got to this point, and gives the latest, most accurate forecast and snow totals for tomorrow. Bottom line: there will be enough snow and arctic air to shake up your weekend plans. Read his latest update here.
Winter Weather Guide
Click here to view the Power of 5 Weather Team's Winter Weather Guide. It includes lots of vital information, including a breakdown of the weather terms and alerts used online and on air, how to prepare for severe winter weather at home and at work, and an official NWS windchill chart that breaks down how quickly frostbite may set in when extreme cold hits.
Driving in the snow
Read The 7 sacred rules for driving in the snow in Northeast Ohio here.
ODOT is prepared for the winter storm
Our district of the Ohio Department of Transportation has 80 snow plows and 40,000 tons of salt ready to clear roadways this weekend.Read and watch more from ODOT on how they're preparing, and how you can stay safe on the roads.
Clear your fire hydrants
The Solon Fire Department posted an important reminder: do your part to help your fire department - clear snow 3 feet around your nearest fire hydrant, as well as snow from the hydrant to the street. Read more here.
Keep your pets safe in winter weather
Don't forget about your furry friends! When cold weather strikes, bring them indoors, even if it's into a garage, barn or attached unit. Inspect your pets paws after you take them out - ice melt and salt can freeze between their toes leading to pain and irritation. Bundle up small dogs in a sweater to keep them warm, even inside. Remember - cold air sinks, and it's often colder for animals than for you. Read more winter weather tips for pet owners here.
Parking Bans
Parking bans are in effect for many cities and towns across the area. These bans are put in place to prevent motorists from parking on city streets during weather events, so plows and emergency vehicles can access roadways. See a full list of parking bans here.
Power Outages
The winter weather has the potential to cause power outages across our area. See outage maps and find links to report an outage here.
Road Closures and Traffic Incidents
Check the Akron-Canton Airport Traffic Center for a map and list of the latest traffic incidents. Stay tuned to News 5 for a list of road closures as they occur this weekend.
Closings and Delays
While there is no school on Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, you can find closure and delay information for the rest of the week here.
Airport cancellations and delays
We are seeing a few delays and cancellations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as the first major storm sweeps in. You can check the full list of delays and cancellations here.
Send us your winter storm pics and video
We want to see what you’re seeing. First and foremost – STAY SAFE. Do not go out in unsafe conditions or use your phone while driving just to snap a pic or video. If you are able to SAFELY do so, send pictures and video of conditions in your area:
Email: newsdesk@wews.com
Facebook: Message us or post on our page here: News 5 Cleveland
Twitter: Mention\tag @WEWS on Twitter.
Instagram: Mention\tag @News5Cleveland on Instagram
Make sure to include your name (if you would like to receive credit), the specific location of your image or video, the time it was taken, and any other information you want to provide.
Stay informed
DOWNLOADthe News 5 app to receive alerts for severe weather events.
Add the News 5 channel to your Amazon Fire and Roku to see the latest weather video.
Mark Johnson: Facebook& Twitter
Bryan Shaw: Facebook& Twitter
Remeisha Shade: Facebook& Twitter
Trent Magill: Facebook& Twitter
