Blizzard Warning for Northeast Ohio

The National Weather Service has canceled its winter storm warning and instead issued a blizzard warning for northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga County.

The blizzard warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26 to 7 a.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 27. Heavy snow will combine with blustery northeast winds to create severe winter weather.

“The winter storm warning is canceled,” the NWS said in its statement. “The national weather service in Cleveland has issued a blizzard warning.

 “This in an upgrade to the winter storm warning which was previously in effect.”

United Airlines has already canceled many of its flights at Cleveland Hopkins Airport for Wednesday afternoon.

WKYC-TV is reporting that the snow will start across northern Ohio by noon Wednesday. A steady moderate-to-heavy snow will persist through the afternoon with very heavy, steady snow continuing in the late afternoon through evening.  

When combined with the brisk wind, blizzard conditions are possible in all areas. 

An estimated 6 to 10 inches of snow will fall across all of northern Ohio through the day and evening. An additional 2 to 5 inches will fall Wednesday night before the snow cuts down to light showers and flurries early Thursday morning. 

The NWS advised of the following:

• Accumulations: 8 to 12 inches of snow. 
• Timing: Snow will spread northeast across the area Wednesday morning. Heavy snow and wind gusts of 35 mph will create blizzard conditions during the height of the storm Wednesday afternoon and early evening. The snow will taper off from west to east Wednesday night. 
• Winds: Northeast 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. 
• Impacts: Blizzard conditions will make for dangerous travel conditions Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Visibilities will be near zero at times. Some roads may be impassible from drifting snow. 
• Temperatures: Temperatures will be in the upper 20s. 
• Visibilities: Visibility will be reduced to near zero at times from the   combination of falling and blowing snow Wednesday afternoon and   evening. 

Watch for any announcements from local authorities concerning your road conditions. 

Precautionary/preparedness actions: A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Visibilities will be near zero at times making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.