CLEVELAND — It's a system we've been tracking for days... A major winter storm is bringing big impacts to Northeast Ohio with strong winds, dangerously cold temperatures and blowing snow.
So what's happening right now? We're following the storm minute-by-minute with time-stamped updates throughout the story below. Be sure to refresh this page frequently as it will be updated as new details come in. You'll find the most-recent information at the top of the list.
But first... Some important resources for you during this storm:
- LIST: iAlert school closings and delays
- LEVEL 3 SNOW EMERGENCY: What drivers need to know
- INTERACTIVE RADAR: Track the storm
- YOUR AREA: Current weather alerts
- PICS & VIDEOS: Here's how to send us your weather photos / videos
- PARKING BANS IN EFFECT: See the list
- POWER OUTAGES: Numbers by county
- UPDATES: Download the free 3News app (Apple / Android) to follow the latest weather updates.
SUNDAY, DEC. 25
2:01 p.m. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency released a status update on the winter weather
Status
"Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills continue today, with gradual improvement throughout the day. Lake effect snow is forecasted in Lake and Ashtabula counties today, with 2-3 inches of snow possible. Snow rates up to 1 inch per hour can occur in the core of lake effect bands this morning, leading to very poor travel conditions on parts of I-90 and Ohio Route 2. Expect hazardous travel in snow bands."
Impacts
- Statewide power outages continue with numbers trending downwards. Estimated times of restoration (ETR) vary statewide.
- Whiteout conditions may occur on roadways little to no notice creating visibility issues.
Ohio Turnpike Update
The Ohio Turnpike’s westbound and eastbound lanes have reopened following the incident that occurred at milepost 106 in Erie and Sandusky counties on Dec. 23, 2022:
12:47 p.m. Merry Christmas! Areas of Northeast Ohio had up to four inches of snow on Christmas morning.
10:37 a.m. Richland County has been downgraded to a level 1 emergency
5:16 a.m. National Weather Service in Cleveland is warning drivers that there may be hazardous conditions in the snow bands.
4 a.m. A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for Lake County until 7 p.m. on Christmas
SATURDAY, DEC. 24
8:30 p.m. Another crash, this time in Shelby County, has claimed the lives of four more people.
6 p.m. Jason Mikell has your latest forecast as the wind chill advisory continues:
5:21 p.m. The Ohio Turnpike is now open in both directions following yesterday's crash that claimed the lives of four people. Turnpike and Infrastructure Chair Jerry N. Hruby released the following statement on the fatal 46-car pileup:
4:00 p.m. Grayton Road exit on 480 east is now open.
2:57 p.m. Brookpark Road between Grayton Road and Route 237 is currently a hazardous driving area with multiple vehicles stuck, requiring tows and police response. Please avoid this area.
1:07 p.m. The Cleveland Browns are playing in the coldest regular season game in Browns history
12:45 p.m. I-71 re-opens in Medina County
12:25 p.m. I-71 North in Medina County has closed due to a crash
12:19 p.m. The Cleveland Division of Police released a statement reminding residents of the severe weather throughout Cleveland.
"Severe weather conditions continue throughout the Cleveland area with extremely low temperatures and high winds. Blowing snow is creating driving hazards due to low visibility and snow drifts, causing vehicles to become stuck. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution and travel only when necessary.
As dangerously low temperatures continue, members of the public are reminded to avoid going out unless necessary. If going out, please dress appropriately and warmly and to not remain outdoors for long periods of time."
10:44 a.m. Cleveland Browns prepare for a frigid game against the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m.
9:36 a.m. Since Thursday, ODOT plows have driven over 30,000 miles
9:30 a.m. Traffic on the Ohio Turnpike is being diverted off exit 118 US 250 / Sandusky again
8:59 a.m. ODOT Akron is asking for drivers to use caution today and to give room for the snowplows to work
8:33 a.m. Strong gusts of wind are continuing in Northeast Ohio
8:00 a.m. ODOT Cleveland says that nearly 300 snowplows are continuing to work on Christmas Eve
6:41 a.m. 3News' Betsy Kling gives an update on the winter weather alerts in Northeast Ohio. The Winter Storm Warning has been canceled, but a Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Chill Warning remains in place.
6:15 a.m. 3News' Payton Domschke gives the Cleveland weather forecast for Christmas weekend and says when we can expect the winter storm and frigid temperatures to leave
6:09 a.m. 3News' Kierra Cotton was live in the Muni Lot ahead of what could be one of the coldest Cleveland Browns games to be played
4:13 a.m. A sub-zero temperature streak ends in Cleveland after 19 hours
FRIDAY, DEC. 23
11:45 p.m. The westbound lanes affected by today's fatal Ohio Turnpike wreck are now open again. However, the eastbound lanes remain closed.
11:20 p.m. Jason Mikell has your final forecast of what has been an eventful day:
11:05 p.m. Emma Henderson has more on the Turnpike situation, ODOT's strategy, and power outages:
10:30 p.m. Another update from state troopers on the fatal turnpike pileup:
9:36 p.m. State troopers now confirm a fourth death in today's Ohio Turnpike incident.
9:18 p.m. Monica Robins has some more tips on how to keep yourself safe from frostbite:
8:30 p.m. The blizzard warning for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake counties has expired more than seven hours earlier than expected. However, a winter storm warning remains in effect for most of Northeast Ohio until 10 a.m. Saturday.
8:20 p.m. The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirms a third person has died in connection with the Turnpike pileup.
7:30 p.m. What's the status of area power outages? Neil Fischer tells us:
6 p.m. Another update from Betsy and Jason, their last live hit until "What's Next" at 11 p.m.:
5:37 p.m. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has the latest on the fatal pileup in Sandusky County:
5:15 p.m. Another forecast from Betsy and Jason, featuring a report from our sister station WTHR in Indianapolis:
4 p.m. Betsy Kling, Jason Mikell, and the rest of the 3News team have the latest on how this storm is impacting Northeast Ohio:
3 p.m. The Ohio Turnpike is closed due to multiple crashes between Route 53 and Route 4 in Erie County.
Authorities tell our news partners at WTOL in Toledo that it's believed approximately 50 vehicles are involved, with one fatality being reported in addition to multiple injuries.
2:42 p.m. A statewide update from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency:
The Winter Weather System continues to move across the state producing snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures. Multiple temperature (wind chill) readings of -37F and -38F have been recorded north of US-30. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH were also recorded this morning.
White-out conditions are being reported across the state. Winter Storm and Wind Chill Advisories and Warnings remain in effect for much of Ohio through Saturday 12/24. Additional snow is expected today through 12/24 in parts of northern and eastern Ohio. Locally heavy lake effect snow and blizzard conditions possible in lake effect areas. The NWS has issued a Blizzard Warning through 4:00 AM Saturday 12/24/22 for the following counties: Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga.
Impacts
- Statewide Power outages continue. Estimated times of restoration (ETR) vary statewide.
- Strong winds have caused power outages, fallen tree limbs, and minor structural damage.
- Wind gusts: 60 mph wind gust were measured in Eastern OH; 72 MPH gust in Erie County.
- Wind Chill:
- -37F at Findlay in Hancock Co
- -37F at Sandusky Co Regional Airport
- -38F at Ashland in Ashland Co
- -37F at Brunswick, Medina Co
- Transportation:
- Multiple counties have declared snow emergencies up to and including level 3.
- Multiple vehicle accidents have been reported throughout Ohio today, in addition to local traffic impacts.
- Local public transportation services are competing with hazardous conditions. Reduced speed limit areas are in effect in eastern areas on the Ohio Turnpike.
- Drifting snow and reduced visibility are causing hazardous driving conditions.
- Air travel is being affected.
- Ohio EMA regional staff continue to report traffic incidents in their areas of operation.
- White out conditions are causing vehicle crashes throughout the state.
- Wind Chill:
2:23 p.m. Checking on road conditions along I-90 at Eddy Road:
2:12 p.m. From 3News' Lindsay Buckingham:
2:11 p.m. 3News' Neil Fischer has an update on power outages involving Cleveland Public Power:
2:09 p.m. This video from 3News' Bri Buckley definitely captures the wickedly frigid temperatures:
2:06 p.m. Officials with the Ohio Turnpike say all westbound traffic is being diverted off at exit 118 (US 250 / Sandusky) and all eastbound traffic is being diverted off at exit 91 (Route 53 / Sandusky) due to multiple crashes. "Long delays expected."
1:46 p.m. Here's a look at road conditions along Route 8 at East Glenwood Avenue:
1:44 p.m. We featured live streaming video of the weather conditions from Chardon Square. Watch below:
1:37 p.m. A view from Garfield Heights:
1:20 p.m. From Cleveland police: "Due to hazardous road conditions, motorists are advised to avoid I-90 West when traveling from east of Cleveland. The freeway is very icy due to water blowing onto the freeway from the lake and freezing on the westbound side of I-90 between Eddy Road and East 55th Street. Alternate routes include I-271 to I-480."
1:19 p.m. Wow!
12:57 p.m. 3News' Neil Fischer captured this photo of utility crews in Parma:
12:55 p.m. All eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike are closed due to a crash near mile post 106 in Sandusky County:
12:50 p.m. In case you missed it... A Blizzard Warning has been issued for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties until 4 a.m. tomorrow. Here's an extended 12-minute look at the updated weather forecast with 3News' Payton Domschke:
12:48 p.m. Here's a look at current road conditions along I-90 at Vrooman Road:
Route 2 is closed in both directions between US 6 and Route 13 in Huron due to multiple crashes:
11:45 a.m. A 3News viewer sent in some photos of nearly bare shelves at a Walmart store in Chardon:
11:37 a.m. Wow! Check out this drop in temperatures!
11:28 a.m. Here's the current road conditions on I-77 at Route 82.
11:20 a.m. We streamed live video of the winter storm from Fairport Harbor. Watch below:
10:45 a.m. Here's an update from ODOT on road conditions across the state:
10:44 a.m. See a time-lapse video of the winter storm from Lakewood:
10:29 a.m. Fairport Harbor had a wind that gusted up to 74 mph, which is the strength of a category 1 hurricane:
9:45 a.m. A Blizzard Warning has been issued for the following counties until 4 a.m. Saturday:
- Ashtabula
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
9:22 a.m. Fairview Park has issued a parking ban in effect until 11 p.m. Friday. See the updated list of parking bans HERE.
9:21 a.m. A view of I-76 at Eastwood Avenue near Brimfield:
9:09 a.m. Cleveland Heights announces a parking ban, which is in effect until further notice. Check to see the current list of snow parking bans.
8:54 a.m. The Gates Mills Police Department says Mayfield Road is closed in all directions due to inclement weather. "We are expecting Mayfield to be closed most of the day," the department said on Facebook.
8:45 a.m. An update from ODOT in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties:
8:34 a.m. The Summit County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 2 snow emergency: See if your county is under a snow emergency.
Here's a look at traffic conditions on I-480 at Lee Road:
8:20 a.m. Sandusky County is now under a Level 3 snow emergency, which means all roads are closed to non-emergency travel. See if your county is currently under a snow emergency.
8:19 a.m. The National Weather Service in Cleveland shared this video of blizzard-like conditions from Lakewood:
8:15 a.m. Temperature check:
- Akron: 2 degrees
- Canton: 1 degree
- Cleveland: 8 degrees
- Mansfield: -5 degrees
8:12 a.m. How long will the winter storm last? Here's another update on the extended weather forecast:
8 a.m. A view from a snow plow on I-271 in Cuyahoga County:
7:50 a.m. All city of Brecksville offices are closed today.
7:42 a.m. Yep, we've got a VERY cold weekend ahead...
7:33 a.m. An updated glimpse at the road conditions from ODOT along I-480 at Transportation Boulevard:
7:17 a.m. The Ashtabula Municipal Court announces it will be closed today due to hazardous weather conditions. It will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
7:12 a.m. Parma Municipal Court announces it will be closed today due to the winter storm.
7:02 a.m. Lorain County has activated a Level 1 snow emergency. This means roadways are hazardous and drivers should use extreme caution. See which counties are now under a Level 3.
7 a.m. Summit County is now experiencing 4,500 power outages, according to FirstEnergy. That's the most in any county within Northeast Ohio. Check the current power outage numbers in your county HERE.
6:55 a.m. Here's an update on the Level 3 snow emergencies issued in Erie and Huron counties:
6:40 a.m. Yep... It's COLD! Check out this frozen beer experiment with 3News' Austin Love:
6:33 a.m. Whiteout conditions reported along I-77 in Canton:
6:30 a.m. We streamed extended team coverage of the winter storm, which you can watch below:
6:18 a.m. Here's a peek at the weather conditions in Garfield Heights:
6:15 a.m. The Medina County Sheriff's Office has activated a Level 1 snow emergency. See the updated list of snow emergencies.
6:11 a.m. To capture the scope of this storm, we check in with our friends at WTHR in Indianapolis:
6:08 a.m. Erie County is now under a Level 3 snow emergency, which means roads are closed to all non-emergency travel due to extremely hazardous conditions. See the updated list HERE.
5:57 a.m. Here's a view from of the roads with ODOT crews in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties:
5:54 a.m. Multiple counties are under a snow emergency, which impacts travel. See the updated list HERE.
5:45 a.m. We get an update from on the weather conditions in central Ohio:
5:33 a.m. We get an update on the road conditions:
5:15 a.m. An update on road conditions from ODOT:
5 a.m. What's happening right now? Here's a look around Northeast Ohio:
4:45 a.m. Another expanded look at the weather conditions:
4:30 a.m. Here's our team coverage with an expanded look at the weather conditions:
4:14 a.m. Temperature check: It's now 27 degrees in Akron.
3:52 a.m. A view from I-90 at Chester Avenue:
3:51 a.m. Here's a look at the current radar:
3:48 a.m. The Richland County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 snow emergency.
3:33 a.m. Here's a look at I-71 at Route 82:
3:17 a.m. Here's a view of the weather conditions in Wooster:
3:10 a.m. 3News' Betsy Kling shows how temperatures are falling across Northeast Ohio:
2:57 a.m. ODOT says there are now more than 1,100 plows out working to clear the roads:
2:40 a.m. Here's another peek at road conditions:
2:30 a.m. The Erie County Sheriff issues a Level 1 snow emergency. This means roadways are hazardous due to accumulated snow or ice. "Drive cautiously."
1:55 a.m. "The front is here." 3News' Betsy Kling shares an update from downtown Cleveland:
1:38 a.m. A view of the roads in Licking County from ODOT:
1:32 a.m. A view from Mansfield:
1 a.m. More winter storm warmings are in effect, with the following counties under such an advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday:
- Cuyahoga
- Erie
- Geauga
- Holmes
- Huron
- Lorain
- Mahoning
- Medina
- Portage
- Stark
- Summit
- Trumbull
- Wayne
In addition, Ashtabula and Lake counties are also part of the warning, but it will list longer for them until 4 p.m. Sunday.
THURSDAY, DEC. 22
11 p.m. Winter storm warnings for Ashland and Richland counties went into effect only an hour ago, and they are expected to last until 7 a.m. Saturday. Betsy Kling and Jason Mikell have the latest on what the rest of the region can expect:
9 p.m. Monica Robins has some tips on how to keep yourself (and your pets) safe in these frigid temperatures:
7:02 p.m. Maple Heights announces a snow parking ban in effect from midnight Thursday until further notice. See the full list of parking bans HERE.
6 p.m. ODOT says it is prepared for this winter blast, deploying more than 300 trucks and 260,000 tons of salt. However, as Bri Buckley reports, drivers should not expect "perfect road conditions":
5:28 p.m. The Cleveland Public Library announces they will be closed Friday due to the weather. Since the library is already closed for the holidays on Saturday and Monday, all Cleveland Public Library locations are set to reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m.
5:21 p.m. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History announces it will be closed Friday. It will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 26.
4:50 p.m. The city of Cleveland announces a snow parking ban will be in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday until noon on Saturday. See the full list of parking bans HERE.
4:20 p.m. The Akron Zoo announces it will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 -- including Wild Lights. The zoo will reopen on Monday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
4 p.m. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gave an update on the weather situation a short time ago:
3:46 p.m. The city of Green announces a snow parking ban will be in effect from 12 a.m. Friday until noon Sunday. See the full list of snow parking bans HERE.
