CLEVELAND — If you were hoping for a white Christmas this year, you got your wish. Thursday's rain will start to transition to snow in the early afternoon and a blanket of white is expected to cover most of Northeast Ohio by the holiday.
Lake Effect snow across Northeast Ohio isn't showing signs of letting up. Some areas could see as much as 6 to 10 inches of additional snow.
Here are some things to expect:
- Bitter cold temps all day and evening
- Single digit temps all day due to wind chill
- Several more inches of snow possible east through Saturday morning
By Sunday we'll make it back above freezing but only by a few degrees.
Winter Storm Warning
According to the National Weather Service, the warning is in effect for the following counties until 7 a.m. Saturday:
- Cuyahoga
- Lake
- Geauga
- Ashtabula
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across much of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania. For the latest updates, visit https://t.co/BhX8IiQgtf #CLEwx #OHwx #PAwx pic.twitter.com/1FRe8UsytS
— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) December 25, 2020
Parking Bans
- Cleveland has issued a parking ban until 8 a.m. Saturday. Parking is prohibited on designated Snow Emergency streets.
- Warrensville Heights has issued a parking ban that is in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Fairview Park has issued a parking ban until at least 10 a.m. Friday.
- Newburgh Heights has issued a parking ban until further notice. "Residents should remove move their vehicles from the Village streets to allow the service department the opportunity to clear the streets," the city said.
- Parma has issued a parking ban until further notice. No parking on streets within the city.
- Lorain has issued a parking ban until further notice. Parking is not permitted on any city street within the city with the exception of addresses that do not have a dedicated driveway.
ODOT Snow Prep
The Ohio Department of Transportation said it has more than 250 plow trucks ready to go across 17 counties in Ohio.
"As always, ODOT reminds drivers to slow down, plan for additional travel time and maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles. Remember, don't crowd the plow - give us room to work," ODOT said.
ODOT also has 272,000 tons of salt on hand in Northeast Ohio ready to put on the roads.
"Plummeting temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of salt, forcing crews to mix in additives that are more effective at extremely low temperatures such as calcium chloride or beet heat," ODOT said.
Over 250 plow trucks are ready to go to help you get where you are going this Christmas in NE Ohio. Help them do their job by giving them plenty of room to work! #ODOTwinter pic.twitter.com/cTONHr4FTP
— ODOT Cleveland (@ODOT_Cleveland) December 24, 2020
Road Closures
CLICK HERE for an interactive map of Northeast Ohio road closures.
Travel Tips
Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, which could make travel very difficult and create hazardous conditions for the morning and evening commutes.
The National Weather Service says that if you must travel, you should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, you can call 511.
The Cleveland Police Department is advising residents to stay at home if possible due to icy road conditions.
Traffic Advisory: Road conditions are becoming increasingly difficult with ice and snow causing drivers to spin out and become stuck. Please don’t travel unless absolutely necessary and if you do drive, use extreme caution. 🚗🚔🚒🚑
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) December 24, 2020
RELATED: View the latest weather alerts here.
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White Christmas Pics
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We may feature your photo in an online gallery or even during our broadcast!
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