Northeast Ohio Braces for Another Winter Weather Mix

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A mix of winter weather is forecasted to impact Northeast Ohio starting Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday, prompting winter weather alerts across the region.

Residents can expect a combination of cold rain, snow, freezing rain, and sleet. The nature of these conditions may vary significantly across different areas, affecting some communities more than others.

According to local meteorologists, travel will likely be slower and more hazardous during Wednesday evening and Thursday morning due to slippery roads and poor visibility. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and reduce their speed. Risk of power outages and tree damage is particularly high in parts of Northwest Ohio due to ice accumulation.

“If you must travel, please carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergencies,” a meteorologist noted. “We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared.”

This article was written around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with light mixed precipitation already appearing on radar. Meteorologists anticipate the mix to intensify throughout the evening, primarily resulting in freezing rain. Untreated surfaces are likely to become extremely hazardous.

Most adverse conditions are expected to clear by sunrise on Thursday; however, continued caution is advised as some slick spots may persist. Communities under an ice storm warning, particularly in far northwestern areas including Toledo and surrounding cities, will likely experience the most severe weather.

Ice accumulation in these communities could reach up to three-tenths of an inch, with snow and sleet accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches. The highest snowfall amounts are projected near Toledo.

In Cleveland, Akron, Mansfield, and neighboring areas, total snow and sleet accumulation is expected to remain under 1 inch for most, but there may still be ice accumulations of up to two-tenths of an inch. However, some locations may see less than a tenth of an inch.

Southern areas of Northeast Ohio will primarily experience chilly rain with minimal accumulation. Most severe conditions are forecasted to impact the northern sections of the region, particularly around Stark and Summit counties.

For continuous updates from the Power of 5 weather team, residents are encouraged to download the News 5 App, available for free on both iOS and Android devices.