The first snowstorm of the year has hit the area, bringing with it cold temperatures, high winds, road closures in some counties and difficult driving conditions all over. And now bitterly cold temperatures have arrived.
Additional snowfall amounts likely with lake effect.#Cleveland #Weather @WEWS pic.twitter.com/DCzVBmaPi0
— Bryan Shaw (@WxShaw) January 20, 2019
RELATED: The Power of 5 weather team's latest winter storm forecast
Here’s everything else you need to know:
Snow Emergencies
Some roads in Northeast Ohio are closed to non-emergency personnel. In other areas, motorists are urged to remain off roads. More 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
A power outage in Cleveland left about 2,500 people without power Saturday night.
There was a small power outage in Battery Park in Cleveland. A video captured by a viewer was thought to be thundersnow, but may, in fact, be a blown transformer.
— Nick Virzi (@INVIRZIBLE) January 20, 2019
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.
Some stores at the popular shopping center Crocker Park have closed due to weather conditions.
Many churches have cancelled Sunday services due to the winter storm.
Airport delays and cancellations
We are seeing delays and cancellations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. You can check the full list of delays and cancellations 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
Read The 7 sacred rules for driving in the snow in Northeast Ohio here.
ODOT is Prepared
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.
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.
Pets
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.
Power of 5 Weather team has the latest on this weekend's weather
Snow is expected to continue throughout the evening.
See the most up-to-date forecast from the Power of 5 Weather Team 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
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