Lake Effect Snow will continue through Saturday with up to 10 inches possible in the Snow Belt

CLEVELAND — Keep the snow shovel and winter coat handy as heavy Lake Effect Snow continues and the mercury stays at the bottom of the thermometer.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings

Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties remain under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

See the full warnings here.

The Winter Storm Watches that were in effect through Saturday have expired, but residents in any of counties under the Lake Effect Snow Warnings should continue to monitor forecasts and radar, especially those in the Snow Belt.

How much snow?

Snowfall totals range widely depending on where squalls persist. Most spots in the Lake Effect Snow Warning area will be in the 6 to 10-inch range. Outside the area should stay under 6 inches, with most under 2 inches, according to Power of 5 Meteorologist Trent Magill.

As of Thursday at 1 p.m., the Power of 5 Radar showed widespread Lake Effect Snow impacting Northeast Ohio, with the heaviest bands around Medina, Akron, Chardon and Wellington.

Snowfall through Thursday night and Friday could reach over 6 inches for some across the Snow Belt.

Gusty winds

Fueling the snow will be strong winds out of the west-northwest from 15 to 25 mph, gusting over 30 mph at times. Temps will remain low – between 10 and 28 degrees through Sunday morning, with the wind chills between 5 and 15 degrees.

The winds are causing high waves across Lake Erie, and, in some places, accelerating the ongoing erosion issues. Watch News 5 this evening for more from reporter Jordan Vandenberge.

Impacts

Travel could continue to be difficult, the NWS warns, as areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could affect the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

With Lake Effect snow bands continuing to stream in from the west and currently impacting Cleveland, Medina, Akron & Shalersville, drivers should watch out for a sudden drop in visibility and slick roads as they prepare to drive home Thursday.

Lake Effect Snow bands will impact the area on and off through Saturday, creating slick, slippery roads in addition to reduced visibility.

Monitor any impacts to our area’s roads from the snow in real-time on the News 5 Traffic page here.

Dozens of schools and organizations closed Thursday, so a repeat Friday is possible.

Check the latest closings and delays for schools and other organizations here.

Prepare

The NWS recommends that anyone traveling on the roads keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

Because of the wind chill, everyone should limit their time outdoors and if you do have to be outside, bundle up, covering all exposed skin. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur in minutes.