OHIO — A winter weather advisory is in effect Friday afternoon across parts of northern Ohio as lake-effect snow continues to impact the region, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland OH.
The advisory covers Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula Inland and Ashtabula Lakeshore counties and remains in place until 7 p.m. Snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with bands of lake-effect snow continuing through the early evening hours.
Forecasters say snowfall rates may reach up to one-half inch per hour at times, leading to slippery and hazardous road conditions. The snow is creating travel concerns, particularly during the Friday evening commute, as roads, bridges and overpasses become snow-covered.
Communities affected include Mentor, Painesville, Willoughby, Ashtabula, Geneva, Conneaut, Chardon, Burton and surrounding areas.
The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission urge motorists to slow down, follow posted travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Drivers are encouraged to check current roadway and traffic conditions at ohgo.com.
Weather officials note that lake-effect snow can vary significantly over short distances, with bursts of heavier snow reducing visibility and causing rapidly changing road conditions.
