CLEVELAND — We are tracking lake effect snow on Saturday and its impacts in Northeast Ohio. Additionally, weather alerts have been issued throughout the region.
How much snow can you expect in your area? Are there any traffic impacts? What do the roads look like right now? We're tracking the snowy weather minute-by-minute with real-time updates throughout the story below. Be sure to refresh this page frequently as new updates will appear at the top of the timeline.
But first... Some important weather resources for you to check as we move through the wintry conditions:
- LIST: iAlert school closings and delays
- INTERACTIVE RADAR: Track the snow
- CURRENT WEATHER ALERTS: See if your county is currently under a winter weather alert
- PICS & VIDEOS: Here's how to send us your weather photos / videos
- UPDATES: Download the free 3News app (Apple / Android) to follow the latest weather updates.
- EXTENDED FORECAST: See the 7-day weather outlook for Northeast Ohio
- SUBSCRIBE: Get the day's top headlines sent to your inbox each weekday morning with the free 3News to GO! newsletter
SATURDAY WEATHER UPDATES
12 p.m. Newburgh Heights lifts parking ban
11:12 a.m. ODOT crews have confirmed that there have now been 13 plow truck hits in Ohio in 2024
10:44 a.m. City of Cleveland extends emergency snow parking ban until Sunday, Jan. 21, at 9 a.m.
10:03 a.m. ODOT's Matt Bruning says that crews have dropped to under 1,000 across the state
9:04 a.m. Lorain County Level 1 Snow Emergency canceled
8:40 a.m. 3News has a live look at the road conditions in Cleveland on Saturday morning
8:26 a.m. ODOT gives an update on road conditions in Northeast Ohio
6:21 a.m. ODOT crews are back on the road and are continuing to deal with lake effect snow in Northeast Ohio
6 a.m. A live look at the road conditions in Maple Heights following the storm
FRIDAY WEATHER UPDATES
Here's the latest...
11:30 p.m. The National Weather Service has come out with new snowfall totals for the storm, with communities like Maple Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Macedonia all receiving at least a foot of the white stuff.
11:10 p.m. Anthony Copeland and Neil Fischer have the latest on what to expect from this storm as we head into the weekend.
9:59 p.m. The winter storm warning has expired early for a number of areas, with Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, and Summit counties no longer under the alert. In addition, Ashland, Holmes, Lorain, Richland, and Wayne counties are no longer under a winter weather advisory.
However, Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties are still under a winter storm warning until 10 p.m. Saturday, while the warning for Erie and Huron counties has been extended until 4 a.m. Sunday.
6:53 p.m. Neil Fischer provided a live look at weather conditions on I-90 in Willoughby Hills.
6:30 p.m. 3News' Matt Rascon checked in with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who reported that as of 6 p.m., there have been 14 crashes in Cuyahoga County, 16 crashes in Lorain County, and seven more in Medina and Summit counties combined.
6:10 p.m. 3News at 6 is off and running. Here's our team coverage from meteorologists Jessica Van Meter and Anthony Copeland, along with a look at conditions on the road from Isabel Lawrence and Neil Fischer.
6:02 p.m. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Press Secretary Matt Bruning released some additional information about the conditions on the roadways, plus the latest on the news that three more plow trucks were struck on Friday.
5:50 p.m. Our Lindsay Buckingham got some winter weather driving tips from Mary Kaye Speckhart with Professional Driving School in Parma. Here's one you may not have known: Don't have your hands at "10 and 2" on the steering wheel. Speckhart advises drivers to keep their hands at "8 and 4." Why? Because if you're at "10 and 2," your hand is in front of the airbag and you could hit yourself in the face. So you won't have enough time to react if the airbag goes off.
Another tip from Speckhart: If you have to suddenly brake, rely on your automatic brake system to give your tires some traction on slick roads.
5:15 p.m. 3News' Neil Fischer checked in with the city of Cleveland amid concerns that its online snow plow tracker is not working.
“The tracker is up and running, however it may be somewhat slow to load. We’ve contacted the vendor and instructed them to identify and fix any problems related to lag time," a city spokesperson told Fischer.
5:01 p.m. 3News at 5 has begun and we have team coverage for you. Meteorologists Jessica Van Meter and Anthony Copeland look at our weather picture, while reporters Isabel Lawrence, Lindsay Buckingham, and Matt Rascon check in from the field.
5 p.m. Our Neil Fischer checked in with ODOT in Lake County as crews load up on salt for the roadways.
4:30 p.m. The city of Akron's School Travel Plan meetings scheduled for Saturday are being canceled due to the weather conditions. There are two public meetings planned for later this month:
- Wednesday, January 24, 6:00pm - Firestone-Litchfield CLC (470 Castle Blvd)
- Wednesday, January 31, 6:00pm - Ellet CLC Auditorium (309 Woolf Avenue)
4:16 p.m. 3News reporter Neil Fischer posted a traffic update on X (formerly Twitter)
Our photojournalist Bailey Lustig captured video from the scene at I-90 East before the exit at E 185th St. as a pickup truck appeared to have slid off the highway into a tree.
4:10 p.m. Isabel Lawrence checks in with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Three ODOT plows have been struck already today, making it 12 already this year.
4 p.m. 3News at 4 is off and running and we have team coverage of the wintry conditions. Meteorologists Jessica Van Meter and Anthony Copeland have a first look at our latest weather picture.
Lindsay Buckingham gets some advice on how to stay safe on those slick roads across Northeast Ohio.
3:45 p.m. Let's take a look around Northeast Ohio via the Ohio Department of Transportation's OHGO camera to see how traffic is progressing for the afternoon commute:
I-90 at Detroit Rd. in Rocky River:
Here's I-480 and SR 237 at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport;
And here's I-480 at Transportation Blvd. in Garfield Heights.
3 p.m. The city of Cleveland has announced a snow parking ban starting at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon and continuing through 12 p.m. on Saturday. You can see our list of parking bans across the area here.
2;32 p.m. 3News Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz shared this photo of the current conditions inside Progressive Field. Baseball season feels a long way away!
2:30 p.m. Here's the latest look at our weather situation from 3News Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz:
2:17 p.m. The National Weather Service in Cleveland revealed which locations have gotten the most snow. Click HERE to see the totals.
2:11 p.m. Snow is continuing to fall in Cuyahoga County. Here's the latest from ODOT:
1:56 p.m. 3News' Matt Wintz gives an update on where to expect snow this afternoon
1:53 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Art to close early at 3 p.m. on Friday due to severe weather
1:46 p.m. Lorain County snow emergency downgraded to Level 1
1:45 p.m. Snow in Cleveland's Playhouse Square
1:44 p.m. Heavy snow in Warrensville Heights on I-480
1:35 p.m. Road conditions on I-271 N near Macedonia
1:30 p.m. ODOT is live on Facebook from a snowplow showing road conditions on I-76/I-77
1:09 p.m. ODOT reminding drivers in Summit County to give the plows plenty of room on the road
12:54 p.m. Conditions across Northeast Ohio are changing by the minute according to ODOT's Matt Bruning.
12 p.m. ODOT's Matt Bruning says they have 1,250 plows working to clear the roadways throughout the state. Here's a view from one of those plows along I-480 in Cuyahoga County:
11:48 a.m. An updated look at the snow on radar. You can track it all with our interactive radar HERE.
11:15 a.m. A parking ban has been activated in North Royalton until 4 p.m. Saturday. Check the full list of parking bans HERE.
11:10 a.m. Heads up! ODOT says the three right lanes are blocked on I-480 East near Route 94/Route 176/State Road due to a crash. Drivers can expect some delays.
11:08 a.m. A look at the road conditions from 3News' Matt Rascon:
10:53 a.m. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik issued the following statement as the snow continues to fall: “We have been well prepared for today’s weather event. Crews were out pretreating roadways starting at noon on Wednesday and they are now out working on main routes and arterial roads. We do not anticipate needing to plow all residential streets or issuing a parking ban for this storm, but we will have all our crews out keeping arterial roadways clear for our traveling public. Thanks to our snow and ice team for all their hard work!”
Mayor Malik also advised that residents in need of salt or a plow on their residential road can enter a service request in the the following ways:
- Call 3-1-1 (330-375-2311).
- Go online to www.AkronOhio.gov/311 and enter a request there.
- Download the city’s new app “MyAkron311” on Apple or Android devices and enter a request through the app.
10:52 a.m. Snow emergency / winter weather road condition advisory update: The Erie County Sheriff's Office says they have downgraded from a Level 2 to a Level 1.
10:51 a.m. A look at I-77 at Route 21 in Summit County:
10:31 a.m. Here's a look at the snowy roads along I-71 at West 143rd:
10:18 a.m. How are the roads? We're seeing some slow conditions throughout the region. Here's a look at I-71 at Bagley Road:
10:21 a.m. The city of Cleveland shares an update on how their plows are working to clear the snow:
10:07 a.m. Here's an updated look at the current radar. The darker blue indicates some heavier snow that's impacting areas from Cleveland and down into Medina County. Follow the snow with our interactive radar HERE.
10 a.m. Here are some viewer-submitted photos of the wintry weather:
Winter Storm: January 19, 2024
9:53 a.m. ODOT says there are 1,250 crews working statewide. Here's a look they shared from the roads on I-71 in Cuyahoga County.
A snowy look at downtown Cleveland:
9:48 a.m. Snowy road conditions along I-90 at Hilliard Road:
9:40 a.m. ODOT Cleveland has this update...
9:33 a.m. A look at downtown Cleveland:
9:11 a.m. Checking on the roads... Here's a look at the snowy conditions on I-71 at Route 82:
8:42 a.m. Here's another look at the snowy road conditions...
8:34 a.m. Silver Lake has issued a parking ban. It will be in effect for 48 hours starting at 9 a.m. today. See the full list of parking bans throughout Northeast Ohio HERE.
8:33 a.m. Roads are looking good along I-77 at Copley Road in Summit County:
8:28 a.m. Here's a look at the current road conditions along I-71 at Snow Road:
8:21 a.m. What can you expect for the rest of the day? 3News' Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz has this updated look at the weather forecast:
7:56 a.m. Snowy road conditions on I-90 at Route 254 in Lorain County:
ODOT's Matt Bruning says there are nearly 1,230 crews working throughout the state:
7:51 a.m. ODOT tells 3News that one of their snow plows was struck while working along I-71 North in Medina County. Full details HERE.
7:45 a.m. ODOT says I-90 West is closed at Fulton Road due to a crash:
7:01 a.m. Here's a peek at road conditions along I-71 at Route 303:
6:54 a.m. Here's another look at the road conditions:
6:44 a.m. Here's the updated weather forecast:
6:40 a.m. The Rocky River Public Library has announced they are closed today.
6:30 a.m. Here's our latest team coverage with radar updates, traffic conditions and more:
6:26 a.m. Here's an update from ODOT Cleveland:
6:24 a.m. An update from the National Weather Service in Cleveland:
6:22 a.m. ODOT has an update:
6 a.m. Here's another update from the roads:
5:58 a.m. The Lorain County Sheriff has activated a Level 2 snow emergency. "The roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing, drifting snow and/or flooding. Only those who feel it necessary to travel should be on the roadways. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact their employer." See the full list of snow emergencies currently in effect HERE.
5:56 a.m. All classes are canceled today at Baldwin Wallace:
5:45 a.m. We talk with Reliable Snow Plowing about how their teams are working through the winter storm:
5:33 a.m. Watch live video from the roads:
5:30 a.m. Here's our team coverage with the latest weather updates and road conditions:
5:24 a.m. Cuyahoga County has announced that county buildings will open on a two-hour delay due to the wintry weather. That means the opening is now set for 10:30 a.m.
5:17 a.m. Here's a look at the road conditions along I-71 at West 140th Street:
5:05 a.m. Here's a look at the radar:
5 a.m. We have extended team coverage with the latest weather updates and traffic conditions here:
4:54 a.m. Cuyahoga County has announced that non-essential employees under the County Executive will have a two-hour delay "to make it to work safely."
4:50 a.m. ODOT's Matt Bruning has this update...
4:44 a.m. How much snow can you expect? How long will the snowy conditions last? 3News' Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz takes a closer look at your extended weather forecast:
4:40 a.m. Erie County is under a Level 2 snow emergency... Here's what that means for you:
4:37 a.m. Here's a look on the roads along I-71 at Route 303:
4:35 a.m. ODOT's Matt Bruning says there are now nearly 1,200 plows working across Ohio:
4:30 a.m. 3News' Matt Wintz and Dave Chudowsky give us an early morning check on the weather conditions. Watch:
4:17 a.m. Roads are becoming more snow-covered throughout the region. Here's a look at I-71 at Puritas:
4:15 a.m. Checking on road conditions... Here's a current look at I-90 near East 140th Street:
4:13 a.m. Here's a peek along I-90 near East 152nd Street...
3:52 a.m. Join us on WKYC from 4:30-7 a.m. with live team coverage of the winter storm throughout our GO! morning show. 3News' Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz will have all the latest weather updates you need to know.
3:45 a.m. How are the roads? Here's a snapshot from Cleveland along I-77 near East 30th Street:
3:30 a.m. Huron County is at a Level 1 snow emergency:
Also...
Matt Bruning of ODOT currently has more than 1,160 crews working statewide. "Many roads are snow-covered," Bruning posted on X. "Travel is hazardous across much of Ohio."
3:26 a.m. Here's a look at the road conditions along I-76 at I-277 in Akron:
3:24 a.m. Crews are working to fix a water main break in Cleveland. East 9th Street is closed to traffic between Rockwell and St. Clair.
2:57 a.m. Here's a look at the snow on our interactive radar:
2:54 a.m. Here's a peek at the road conditions in the Mansfield area along I-71 at US 30.
2:30 a.m. We have loads of school closings for today. Check the full iAlert list HERE.
THURSDAY WEATHER UPDATES
11:32 p.m. How quickly conditions can change...
11:15 p.m. ODOT says there are 760 crews on duty throughout the state ahead of midnight.
11:14 p.m. An update from 3News' Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling:
9:50 p.m. 630 ODOT crews are working statewide ahead of the snow.
5:03 p.m. 3News' Kaitor Kay shows how ODOT is preparing for the winter storm:
3:27 p.m. The city of Lorain announces a snow parking ban in effect from 2 a.m. Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday. You can check the full list of parking bans HERE.
3:21 p.m. An update from the National Weather Service in Cleveland:
3:14 p.m. Maple Heights has issued a parking ban in effect as of 7 p.m. Thursday night. It will remain in place until further notice. You can check the full list of parking bans HERE.
1:49 p.m. Sagamore Hills announces their snow parking ban will begin at midnight and end at 12 p.m. on Saturday. You can check the full list of parking bans HERE.
12:32 p.m. ODOT addresses the incoming storm with the following update:
Several inches of snow are forecast to blanket the entire state through the weekend, with the heaviest amounts in northern Ohio. Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation have already been out ahead of the storm preparing equipment and roadways.
Travel is expected to be challenging later this afternoon through Friday for much of the state. Heavier lake effect snow is expected to hit portions of northeast Ohio later Friday and Saturday.
“Heavy snow combined with frigid temperatures could make travel incredibly difficult at times. I encourage all drivers to be extra careful if they must travel,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Salt is the main tool in ODOT’s toolbox, but it begins to lose effectiveness when pavement temperatures drop below 20 degrees. To combat this, ODOT uses additives like calcium chloride and even a product that uses beet molasses.
“Our team is ready for whatever Mother Nature hands us, but we want to make sure Ohioans are ready too. During the storm, roads will likely be snow covered – passable, not perfect. Travel will take longer, and drivers will need to go slow,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
ODOT utilizes nearly 3,000 drivers who often work 12-hour shifts during snow and ice events. ODOT’s fleet includes around 1,500 plow trucks maintained by a team of 250 mechanics. ODOT maintains more than 43,000 lane miles of state and U.S. routes outside municipalities and all interstates in Ohio, except the Ohio Turnpike.
So far this year, ODOT snowplows have been struck 8 times while out on duty. This includes 4 plows hit on Tuesday.
“There is no reason for anyone to hit one of our plow trucks,” said Marchbanks. “These trucks are highly visible. Drivers need to slow down, pay attention, and give our crews room to work.”
The plow strikes have occurred in Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lucas, Paulding, and Richland counties. A 5,000 gallon salt brine tanker was hit in Allen County.
8 a.m. A reminder from ODOT on who treats which roads:
7:15 a.m. The National Weather Service in Cleveland takes a closer look at the weather alerts throughout Northeast Ohio...
6:45 a.m. 3News' Matt Wintz gives a preview before the storm even arrives...