The winter storm system has entered our area.
(We will continue to update this story.)
Snow is usually the main concern when a storm system moves in, but local officials said the expected ice accumulation on the roads before the snow hits the pavement remains the biggest concern.
RELATED: Ice, not snow, is the biggest concern for Friday's winter storm
ODOT and FirstEnergy have their crews in place as some areas can expect to see a tenth of an inch of ice.
In short, here's what to expect:
- Friday afternoon/evening: Sleet and freezing rain develop early afternoon with snowfall expected later in the evening around 5 p.m.
- Saturday morning: The snow tapers off but a cold front returns, dropping temperatures into the teens.
RADAR
Get the latest radar updates HERE.
WEATHER
Temperatures are dropping, and the rains have arrived. Get the latest weather updates HERE.
TRAFFIC/ROAD CONDITIONS:
We are seeing road closures. Refer to News 5 traffic blog for all the latest updates found HERE.
PARKING BANS
Alliance (Stark and Mahoning Counties): A parking ban will be put in place if and when snow accumulated to four inches.
Brunswick Hills Township: Effective until Sunday at 3 p.m.
Cuyahoga Falls: A citywide parking ban will be in effect from 5 p.m Friday through 5 p.m. Saturday. Cars parked on city streets will be ticketed and are subject to towing.
Lawrence Township (Stark County): Effective until further notice.
Lorain County: Effective until further notice.
Macedonia (Summit County): Effective until further notice.
Newburgh Heights (Cuyahoga County): A parking ban will be put in place from 4 p.m. Friday until further notice.
Parma: A parking ban will be put in place from 9 p.m. Friday until further notice.
Ravenna: A parking ban will be put in place from 5 p.m. Friday until noon on Saturday in the downtown area.
Stow: Effective until 6 p.m. Saturday on the city side streets.
Tallmadge (Summit and Portage Counties): A parking ban is in place from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday.
Willoughby (Lake County): Effective until further notice.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
As early as Thursday afternoon, schools started closing ahead of the impending storm. Find the complete school closings and delays list HERE.
FLIGHTS
WINTER BLAST: Flying today? Many flights in & out of Cleveland-Hopkins airport are delayed or canceled #clewx #ohwx pic.twitter.com/qfqBjLRtv6
— Homa Bash (@HomaBashWEWS) January 12, 2018
Icy conditions and incoming snow are canceling and delaying several flights going out of Cleveland.
SNOW PICTURES
Snow accumulating in Sandusky. pic.twitter.com/mfAIDDMGCK
— Bryan Shaw (@WxShaw) January 12, 2018
AROUND TOWN:
The lake, she is angry (and thawed) pic.twitter.com/pKMdNan0Pi
— Homa Bash (@HomaBashWEWS) January 12, 2018
Officials are monitoring local rivers for any flooding due to morning temperatures in the 50s melting any leftover ice chunks. Temps will drop to the teens later in the day, causing sleet and icy conditions.
Still a comfortable 55 in Eastlake, but the rain has begun ahead of this afternoon’s sleet, freezing rain, and snow. @WEWS pic.twitter.com/s9Qgl0xCPe
— Dave Hatala (@davehatala) January 12, 2018
Never cease being amazed by the power of Mother Nature! Huge chunks of ice piled up onto a parking lot along the Chagrin River in Eastlake when the ice broke up on Thursday night. @WEWS pic.twitter.com/2vSbWsiVG3
— Dave Hatala (@davehatala) January 12, 2018
A flood warning has been issued for Erie and Lorain Counties by the National Weather Service. The Vermilion River is beginning to flood in the Riverside Drive area, according to city officials. Residents should move their cars and be prepared to evacuate.
Heinen's Grocery Store in downtown Cleveland is full of customers as shoppers stock up on necessities before the snow hits Friday.
The general manager there says the store has been busy all day with people buying ready to eat items from the deli, milk and other essentials.
All 22 Heinen's locations in Northeast Ohio will be closing at 4 p.m. Friday for shopper and employee safety. The stores plan to reopen Saturday at 8 a.m.
Heinen’s closing all of its 22 stores at 4pm today out of employee and customer safety. This location has been extremely busy all day, the GM says. pic.twitter.com/rvIXXIDwD9
— Jordan Vandenberge (@NEWSjordanv) January 12, 2018
Aurora Farms Premium Outlets are closed until Saturday.
Comedian John Mulaney's 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. performances Friday night at the Connor Palace have been postponed until March 16.
