OHIO — Northeast Ohio residents should prepare for icy conditions late Saturday night into Sunday morning, as freezing rain is expected to create slick and potentially dangerous roads.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a warning for commuters and holiday shoppers to exercise caution, particularly on major highways such as I-90, I-80, and I-77.
Freezing rain is anticipated to develop after midnight as rain moves eastward into colder areas.
Ice accumulations are forecast to remain below one-tenth of an inch but could still cause hazardous conditions on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Temperatures are expected to hover near freezing through early Sunday before warmer air transitions the precipitation into rain by midday.
Sunday’s weather will bring periods of rain, with a high near 42 degrees and wind gusts of up to 18 mph.
More rain is expected Sunday night as temperatures stay in the mid-30s, with showers lingering into Monday.
Looking ahead, milder temperatures are forecast for the start of the week, with highs reaching 54 degrees on Monday.
However, temperatures will drop back into the low 40s by Tuesday and Wednesday, with showers possible through midweek.
Drivers traveling overnight or during the Sunday morning hours should check traffic reports and consider delaying plans if possible.
Slow driving, increased following distance, and extra caution on icy surfaces are strongly advised to reduce the risk of accidents.
Stay tuned to weather updates and take necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads.
The latest forecast for your area may be viewed at weather.gov.