CLEVELAND — Cold air, dangerous wind chills and snow have moved into Northeast Ohio as a winter storm arrives. All of the News 5 viewing area can expect snow to accumulate all day. How much depends on where you live, but it's between six and 12 inches in most places.
CLICK HERE to read the most recent forecast from the Power of 5 weather team.
News 5 Meteorologist Trent Magill has the latest.
WATCH:
Snow emergencies issued
- Cuyahoga County has issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency.
- Erie County has issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency.
- Huron Count has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency.
- Lorain County has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency.
- Portage County has issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency and is discouraging nonessential travel.
- Richland County has issued a Level 2 Snow Alert, saying only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roads.
- Summit County has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency and is urging drivers to only use the roads if necessary.
- Wayne County has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency.
What is a Snow Emergency?
Snow Emergency classifications, according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness:
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
Impacts
- Water main breaks in Brunswick and Strongsville have left residents with little to no water, according to officials in both cities. More.
- The Cleveland Clinic is closing some urgent care locations.
- Playhouse Square has canceled shows.
- The Cleveland Museum of Art is closed Sunday.
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General LifeStyles centers in Bath, Green and Stow are closed Sunday.
It's here
Power of 5 meteorologist Trent Magill got an early look at the snow at 5 a.m.
Magill says today's snow will be a "slow burn."
This morning's message:
— Trent Magill (@TrentMWeather) January 25, 2026
The storm is here. It's a long slow burn. Plan on 2" - 4" every 6hrs. That'll add up to right around 12" for most of us.
Be safe pic.twitter.com/Vh2JyGAcrO
ODOT urges caution
5AM: Nearly 1,220 crews are on-duty across Ohio right now, including this plow on I-71 in Medina County. We have hours of snow yet to go and travel conditions continue to deteriorate. Avoid any unnecessary travel so we can keep roads passable for essential travel. #ODOTwinter pic.twitter.com/gE6Mnfajtm
— Matt Bruning (@mbruning81) January 25, 2026
Snow map
News 5 meteorologists are forecasting snow totals for Northeast Ohio. This updated map, released Saturday, which incorporates additional available data, has slightly higher possible snow totals than the map released on Friday night. The further south you are, the more snow you can expect.
Winter Storm Warning
Has been issued for the entire News 5 viewing area from 7 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday.
City of Cleveland update
Officials held a news conference on Friday afternoon to update the public on the city's winter preparedness plan for the upcoming winter storm.
WATCH:
According to officials, the city plans to plow every road in Cleveland this weekend, but the main thoroughfares, dangerous intersections, hills, and areas around hospitals will receive priority.
Mayor Justin Bibb asked residents to have patience with the plows. Residents are asked to park in driveways whenever possible to make it easier for plows to reach every road.
Four recreation facilities will be utilized as warming centers this weekend:
- Michael Zone Recreation Center, 6301 Lorain Ave.
- EJ Kovacic Recreation Center, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
- Collinwood Recreation Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
- Zelma George Recreation Center, 3155 Martin L. King Blvd.
The warming centers will be open until 10 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday. Anyone needing help regarding overnight shelters can call 211. Additionally, RTA may provide passes to anyone needing a ride to a shelter. For other city services, the city can be reached by dialing 311.
<b>State of Emergency</b>
Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation declaring a State of Emergency for Ohio Saturday afternoon amid extreme cold temperatures and a major winter storm set to pass through the state.
The proclamation, which includes DeWine's directive, states that state agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, will provide additional resources and support local communities as needed.
Parking Bans
Multiple cities have issued parking bans for the weekend. Check with your individual city to see if your area is affected.
ODOT, OSHP prepare for winter storm
The Ohio Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Transportation is gearing up to keep everyone safe during the weekend winter storm heading our way.
WATCH:
Salt shortage
A salt shortage is affecting how cities across Northeast Ohio can treat their roads ahead of this weekend's winter storm. More.
WATCH:
RELATED: Communities across Northeast Ohio facing salt shortage
Last night
Power of 5 Meteorologist Allan Nosoff answered your last-minute questions as snow began to move in across Northern Ohio. Some spots may see over a foot of snow. Watch for a final look at our snow forecast.
You can watch here:
Air temperatures were below zero Saturday morning for the first time in about a year, and this dangerous cold is the first ingredient needed for a massive winter storm. Our first BIG area-wide snowstorm of the season.
RELATED: Forecast: Biggest area-wide snowstorm in two years arrives tonight
The massive winter storm will cause significant travel impacts not only in Ohio but across over 30 states this weekend. Our snow forecast has gone up slightly—Power of 5 Meteorologist Allan Nosoff has more.
Next week?
Temperatures will remain well below average at least into next week, and Power of 5 meteorologists are tracking a potential Sunday-into-Monday snowstorm.
Watches and Warnings
CLICK HERE to see the list of severe weather watches, warnings, and other weather alerts from the NWS that are currently active in our area.
Power outages
Visit our Power Outage page to find links to see current power outages in Northeast Ohio and to report a power outage.
Traffic impacts
View our News 5 Traffic Map to see any road closures or delays caused by weather or crashes.
Send us photos, videos and reports of the weather
Please stay safe! Do not put yourself in danger to get a photo or video of severe weather. You can email photos and short videos to 5pix@wews.com and email storm reports and information to newsdesk@wews.com.
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Phil Sakal: Facebook & Twitter
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