Northeast Ohio winter storm watch

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Road were fairly clear on Cuyahoga County highways Saturday afternoon, but the Ohio Department of Transportation recommended to drive with caution.

Clear roads can still be slippery if snow blows onto freshly plowed streets.

Snow plows in Lake and Geauga Counties were battling high winds around 2:50 p.m. Motorists should be aware of changing road conditions mile-by-mile. There are similar conditions on highways in Lorain, Medina, Richland and Crawford counties.

In light of Friday's winter storm hitting Northeast Ohio, doctors are warning people to do everything they can to avoid the roadways and going outside.

One weather-related risk, according to Dr. Robert Hughes, of University Hospitals, is frostbite, which he said can set in as little as 30 minutes under normal conditions. Add extreme cold and wind, particularly high-speed wind, and that time can go down to ten or 15 minutes.

Read more tips to avoid injury during the winter storm from Ideastream's Taylor Wizner.

Cleveland Public Power is responding to power outages scattered across the city, and a transmission line issue from from Clark Avenue to Mapleside Road and from Scranton to West 46th Streets.

Crews are working to restore service. Residents should call Cleveland Public Power at 216-664-3156 to report outages.

After a power outage left more than 4,000 Portage County customers without electricity, most service is restored. The Record-Courier reported about 120 customers still waiting for service as of 11:10 a.m.

The 120 customers include:

• 50 customers in Windham Township
• 30 in Paris Township
• 25 in Palmyra Township
• less than 5 each in other communities in the county

Power is expected to be fully restored by 11 p.m. Saturday, but that could change. Visit the First Energy website for more information about the power outages.

Electricity grid operator PJM, which manages the power grid in all or parts of 13 states, including Ohio, requested the public conserve electricity between the hours of 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 and 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25.

The conservation will help maintain adequate power supplies, according to the news release.

Here's how to conserve power:

• Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits
• Postpone use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers
• Turn off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances

PJM will monitor power supply conditions, but may reduce voltage if necessary.

The Greater Cleveland RTA Red Line Service is currently experiencing a 30-minute delay due to switch issues.

The Ohio Department of Transportation said it has been working around the clock to keep roads safe and passable for Christmas Eve travel, utilizing nearly 300 snowplows. In a statement, it advised travelers to "give yourself extra time, go slow," and visit its real time traffic website for updates.

Gov. Mike DeWine is warning Ohioans to stay safe as dangerous weather conditions continue into the night.

“Our sympathy goes to those families who have lost a loved one during this severe weather situation in Ohio. Thus far four Ohioans have died and many more have been injured as a result of weather-related auto accidents," DeWine said in a statement.

"The road conditions continue to be very dangerous across the state, with white outs and extremely cold temperatures continuing," he said. "Please continue to remain home if at all possible and be vigilant with these extremely dangerous road conditions.”

One person has died and several were injured in a 50 car pileup on the Ohio Turnpike in Erie County today.

Most of Northeast Ohio remains under a snow emergency.

Annie Wu

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Ideastream Public Media

There likely won’t be any flights going into or out of Cleveland tonight due to the storm. But there is hope that could change tomorrow.

Most flights coming to or going out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport were canceled today. People likely won’t be able to catch a flight tonight or even early tomorrow, Commissioner of Operations Dan Radosavijevic said.

“The majority of the airlines have pulled down all of their flying for the remainder of the day," he said.

Read more about flying in and out of Cleveland this holiday weekend.

The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority has announced that it is extending its inclement weather service, which was in place today, to tomorrow.

Special routes mostly keeping to main roads have been established and riders can flag down the bus to have it stop for them to get on.

Check SARTA's inclement weather routes on their website.

Gabriel Kramer

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Ideastream Public Media

Warming centers across Northeast Ohio opened Friday to provide a place for those who need it to get out of the subzero temperatures.

Esaw Williams, a formerly unhoused man who said he spends his days seeking work, came to the Michael J. Zone Resource and Recreation Center, one of four Cleveland rec centers opened as warming centers, to warm up and use a computer.

"I understand why people are coming in here getting online, watching a movie -- to take their mind off of it being so cold, to take your mind off of being so hungry, to take your mind off of your feet hurting,” Williams said.

In Canton, at the Refuge of Hope warming center in Canton, about 10 people came in to warm up and receive new socks, gloves and a hat.

Read more of reporter Gabriel Kramer's coverage of local warming centers.

One person has died and several others have been injured in a 50 car pileup that has caused the Ohio Turnpike to shutdown.

19 News reports the crash occurred earlier this afternoon between State Route 53 and Route 4 in Erie County. Multiple agencies are working to transport people stuck on the Turnpike by bus to local facilities.

Both lanes of traffic are still closed.

Eastbound traffic is being diverted to State Route 53, and westbound traffic is being diverted to State Route 250.

According to 19 News, crashes began at 11:45 am, with two people getting injured in a five car crash near State Route 2. Multiple cars crashed shortly after 12:30 pm.

Akron officials say while the city has gotten through the major snowfall part of the storm, it is still experiencing major blowing and drifting of snow, which impacts visibility and creates new snow piles.

All of the city's plows are out on the roads and will continue to work through the night and into tomorrow.

Summit County is under a level two snow emergency, meaning only essential travel is allowed.

The Beck Center for the Performing Arts in Lakewood has canceled the Friday night performance of Elf the Musical due to the storm. Refunds will be issued.

Performances are still scheduled for tomorrow and for Dec. 28, 29 and 30, all at 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland Water is offering tips on how to defrost a frozen pipe. They say you should act fast if a pipe is frozen. You can tell your pipe is frozen if you turn on the faucet and no water or only a slight trickle comes out.

Here are some tools you can use to thaw a pipe:

• Hairdryer
• Heating pad
• Space heater
• Heat lamp

You can also contact a plumber to thaw your pipes.
Never use a blow torch or open flame to thaw a pipe, they say, as it creates a fire hazard and can damage the pipe.

Cleveland Water warns that if frozen pipes burst, it can cause serious and expensive damage. If a pipe happens to burst, shut your water off at the main valve immediately to minimize flooding and call a plumber.

To avoid your pipes freezing, leave a thin flow of water from faucets during cold spells. If you're away from home for several days, set you thermostat to at least 55 degrees to keep interior plumbing warm.

Read more of Cleveland Water's advice on water pipes during the cold weather.

The Ohio Turnpike is being shutdown.

All westbound traffic is being diverted off of exit 118 U.S. 250 in Sandusky. All eastbound traffic is being diverted off of exit 91 SR 53 in Sandusky. All east and westbound lanes remain blocked at mile post 106 in Sandusky due to multiple crashes. Long delays are expected.

Parking bans have been announced in cities all over Northeast Ohio since the storm preparation started in earnest yesterday.

Cleveland, Hudson and Warrensville Heights, announced parking bans, and they have also been declared in Garfield Heights, Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, among others.

Charles Orlowski, Assistant Director of Operations for Shaker Heights Public Works, stressed the importance of these bans for getting the roads back in drivable condition.

"We're bringing in a night crew and with all the cars off the road, we can do a much better clean up than we can right now with all the traffic and curbside parking," said Orlowski.

The parking bans can be inconvenient in the short-run, but are instrumental for getting cities back in order after a winter storm.

Snow emergencies have been issued across the region as the winter storm makes driving treacherous.

Level three snow emergencies, where all roadways are closed to nonemergency traffic, have been declared for:

• Crawford County
• Erie County
• Huron County
• Sandusky County

Level two snow emergencies, where hazardous road conditions restrict all but necessary travel, have been declared for:

• Ashland County
• Ashtabula County
• Knox County
• Portage County
• Richland County
• Summit County

Level one snow emergencies have been declared for:

• Holmes County
• Medina County
• Wayne County

Playhouse Square announced over its official Twitter channel that shows tonight and tomorrow will go on as scheduled.

Hamilton and A Christmas Carol will have their regularly scheduled performances this weekend, subject to changes in the weather.

Pay special attention to availability of RTA lines to get downtown if possible, as driving is still not advised.

The Cleveland Cavaliers also announced that tonight's game against the Toronto Raptors will go on as scheduled at 7:30.

The team issued a statement that reads: "We're in constant communication with the NBA and local officials and we are taking every precaution to keep our fans and team members safe.”

Cleveland Public Power announced that power has been restored between Trowbridge to Denison and W. 14th to W. 33rd.

The Greater Cleveland RTA announced that service has been restored on the Blue and Green lines between Shaker Square and Green Rd. and Warrensville Van Aken Stations.

The 67R buses that shuttled riders between those stations has been canceled.

Cleveland Public Power announced an outage between Clark Avenue and Mapleside Road and Scranton Road and W. 46th Street. Crews are responding.

About 3,200 FirstEnergy customers in Portage County are without power. That includes about 2,500 people in Kent, 460 in Streetsboro and hundreds of others throughout the county. There's no estimated restoration time.

FirstEnergy has more information about power outages.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia can come on quickly when exposed to cold temperatures.
Symptoms of hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Bright red skin and/or low energy for babies

The CDC recommends getting medical attention as soon as possible for a person with symptoms. If that's not possible, remove wet clothing and move the individual to a warm space and use blankets, skin-to-skin contact and hot drinks to raise their body temperature.
Symptoms of frostbite:

• redness or pain on the skin
• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

Seek medical attention for those with symptoms of frostbite, if possible. The CDC advises against rubbing or massaging the affected area or using heating pads, lamps or radiators to warm up. Instead, use warm — not hot — water, or use body heat to fight the frostbite.

Look out for people at higher risk of hypothermia, such as babies in cold rooms, those drinking alcohol or using drugs, adults without food, winter clothing and heating, and those exposed to the elements for long periods of time, like the homeless or hikers

Visit the CDC websiteto read more about prevention and treatment.

Cleveland Public Power announced an outage between Trowbridge and Denison and W. 14th and W. 33rd.

Cleveland Public Power says they've identified the problem. Primary wires are wrapped on W. 25th. Crews are working to solve the issue.

Cleveland is sharing snow tips during the winter storm.

• Home and business owners are responsible for clearing snow off of sidewalks.
• Move parked cars from the street.
• Check in on neighbors who may need help.

• We’re all in this together:
  🛻 As our drivers work to make streets passable, please help us clear the sidewalks.
  🚫 Move parked cars from the street.
  🏡 Be a good neighbor and check in on seniors and other folks who need help this weekend. pic.twitter.com/JQ9NcjifkF

  — City of Cleveland (@CityofCleveland) December 23, 2022

The Mansfield News Reporter is reporting that the Crawford County Sheriff's Office has declared a level three snow emergency. Sheriff Scott Kent's decision closes down all rural roads to nonemergency traffic. He warned that anyone who drives is at risk of arrest.

Per the Mansfield News Reporter, Richland County is still under a level two snow emergency. Drivers are asked to stay off the roads and use extreme caution. A spokesperson from the county said they have gotten reports of vehicles getting stuck and power outages.

About 400 homes in Richland County and 100 in Crawford County are without power. the Mansfield News Reporter reports.

The Record Courier in Kent is reporting that the storm has forced some Amazon sites to temporarily close. A spokesperson for Amazon said the company is continuing to monitor weather conditions, and employees scheduled for shifts will be paid.

Amazon did not confirm which locations have closed as the situation is "fluid." Per the Record Courier, an employee who works at a fulfilment center in Akron confirmed he has the day off.

The spokesperson said they will reopen closed sites when it is safe.

As of 12:30, the Blue and Green line service from Shaker Square to Van Aken and Green Road is suspended until further notice. The 67R shuttle buses will run between Green Road and Shaker Square, and between Van Aken and Shaker Square.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reported a closure on I-90 Westbound at East 72nd Street due to a crash. Drivers should plan ahead to find different routes for their commutes.

I-90 on the West Side also was treacherous with icy road conditions and a jackknifed truck snarling traffic.

Due to hazardous road conditions, drivers are being advised to avoid I-90 West. Reports say the freeway is very icy between Eddy Rd. and East 55th St. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes, such as I-271 to I-480.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is updating Northeast Ohioans on road conditions during the storm. The weather is making it difficult to keep roads clear, but crews will continue to be out throughout the weekend. Lake effect snowfall and high winds are making it difficult for crews to keep up. More than 300 plow drivers are out treating area roads. ODOT says to expect difficult road conditions and reduced visibility.

The Summit County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 2 snow emergency for Summit County. Sheriff Kandy Fatheree says only those who feel it necessary to drive should be on the roads.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is reporting 74 mile per hour winds in the lakefront community of Fairport Harbor in Lake County.

Using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, that's a Category 1 hurricane level of wind speed. In addition to the current temperature of near zero, it makes for an incredibly dangerous scenario on the roads.

NWS and local governments are strongly recommending staying sheltered and warm until the conditions outside settle.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is warning of disruptions on all rail lines due to frigid temperatures today. So far, there have been weather related delays on the Red, Blue and Green lines. Today's cold temperatures are causing vehicle and switch issues.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is recommending staying home today, but if you have to be on the roads, they offered these tips for safe driving during the storm.

• Leave early.
• Monitor weather conditions.
• Plan your route. Try to avoid steep inclines and lightly traveled roads.
• Clear your vehicle.
• Inspect your car.
• Slow down.
• Increase following distance.
• Accelerate and stop gradually.
• Remain vigilant.

Read more of ODOT's tips for winter driving.

Heavy winds are causing power outages across the region, with the hardest hit community being Sandusky.

FirstEnergy's power outage web site says 7,172 Sandusky households are without power due to the severe weather.

About 4,900 customers are without power in Summit County, with about 2,000 in Akron and 1,300 in Barberton.

Only about 1,300 customers are without power throughout Cuyahoga County and 2,100 in Portage County. Other Northeast Ohio counties have outages in the hundreds or less.

In Sandusky, Tom Horsman, the city's communications manager, said power went out at his home at 4:40 a.m. and was restored by around 10:30 a.m. That was long enough to make it very cold.

"Pipes are frozen ... in my kitchen," he said. "Hopefully now with the heat back on, that will help."

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning from Cuyahoga County to Erie, Pennsylvania, including Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties.

The weather service said there could be additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. As of 10 a.m., visibility due to blowing snow was below a quarter mile at many points across Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.

An urgent winter weather message from the agency stated, "Multiple observations in northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania have reported near-zero visibilities. The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and strong winds will continue to create blizzard conditions through tonight."

The last time the weather service issued a blizzard warning here was almost exactly a decade ago, on Dec. 26, 2012.

The blizzard warning is in effect until 4 a.m. tomorrow and a wind chill warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. tomorrow.

According to the weather service, "Travel should be restricted to emergencies only."

The weather outside is frightful. Twenty-foot waves are predicted on Lake Erie and gusts of wind up to 60 miles per hour could buffet Northeast Ohio until Saturday.

But if you want to watch Mother Nature's formidable display without venturing out, Cleveland Water's live stream shows the view from the 5-Mile Crib in Lake Erie — 3.5 miles from the shoreline.

Conditions on the lake are blustery and swirling snow is reducing visibility on the cam, but the waves are unmistakable.

The crib is the orange structure visible when looking out over the lake from the Shoreway and Downtown. It's the only one of the city's four water intakes that is visible above the water, according to the city.

The crib is more than 100 years old. Originally built in 1898, it was renovated in the 1990s, the city said.

Until the 1960s, workers would stay on the crib to operate a foghorn and navigational lights, which, from the looks of the live stream today, would have been a pretty chilly assignment during storms like this.

The Ohio Department of Transportation's 1,200 plows across the state are struggling with blowing and drifting snow, icy roads and frigid temperatures.

Spokesman Matt Bruning has been tweeting about the effort, noting that salt is freezing on the trucks' spinners.

"Please avoid unnecessary travel, if possible," he urged at 8 a.m.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has 70 plow trucks on the road in District 12, which includes Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties.

Roads are snow covered.

ODOT reports 1,200 trucks are deployed throughout Ohio and conditions are hazardous across the state.

At 6 a.m., the temperature in Cleveland is 26 degrees, but it feels like 8 with the wind chill, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature will continue to fall to around 1 degree by 5 p.m., with wind chill values as low as -27 and wind as high as 60 mph. Snow of 1-3 inches is possible.

Nearly 3,000 flights across the country Friday have been canceled, according to the flight tracker, FlightAwared. At Cleveland Hopkins Airport, 74 departing flights, or 60%, and 59 arrivals, or 49%, have been canceled.

Cleveland has banned parking on designated snow emergency streets until Saturday at noon.

The Cleveland Public library is closed Friday-Monday due to the cold and the holidays.

Warming centers across the city will be openfrom 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.

FirstEnergy reports 240 power outages in Cuyahoga County.

The strong winds and rapid atmospheric changes expected Friday and Saturday will cause Lake Erie's waters to drastically slosh (so to speak) from one end (Toledo) to the other (Buffalo). So much so that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects water levels to be literally off the charts.

See the illustration in the 🧵 below.

A snow emergency parking ban will take effect in Cleveland at 11 p.m. Thursday until noon Saturday.

Stopping, standing and parking vehicles will be prohibited and restricted on designated snow emergency streets, which are marked with red and white signs.

Snow emergency streets are necessary for the transportation of food, fuel supplies, medical care and fire, EMS and police vehicles, according to a press release from the city.

See a list of snow emergency streets to plan ahead for parking during the storm.

Visit the Cleveland's winter and snow plan website to learn more about storm procedures and resources.

Cleveland.com reports Warrensville Heights has also issued a parking ban until further notice, and Hudson has a parking ban in place until 7:00 pm Friday.

Tim Harrison

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Ideastream Public Media

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) has been reaching out to the unsheltered in Cleveland this week to alert them of the upcoming inclement weather, and places where they can stay warm, said Chris Knestrick, NEOCH executive director.

“A lot of our work has been just making sure we’re connecting with people this week and preparing them with ways to get inside," Knestrick said. "For us, it just feels really urgent, and at times very scary, when we know weather’s going to be so dangerously cold outside.”

There is an overnight men’s shelter open at 2100 Lakeside Ave. and the Norma Herr women’s shelter at 2227 Payne Avenue in Cleveland, he said. They've also referred individuals to several churches that also do overnight homeless outreach, he said.

In Akron, there is one emergency overnight shelter, located at 111 East Voris Street. The Peter Maurin Center, a homeless outreach nonprofit, operates the shelter along with Summit County Continuum of Care and Community Support Services.

Workers and volunteers will provide unsheltered individuals with meals, toiletries and a place to sleep this weekend, said James Orenga, executive director of the Peter Maurin Center. Individuals do not have to be from Akron to stay there, he said.

Read more about resources for people who are unsheltered.

BreizhAtao

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Shutterstock

Government:

Canal Fulton Public Library - closed Friday

Cleveland City Hall - closed Friday

Cleveland Heights Senior Center - closed Friday

Cuyahoga County buildings - closed Friday

City of Green Central Administration Building - closed Friday

Lake County buildings - closed Friday

Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging - closed Friday

Richland Public Health - closed Friday

Stark County Bow building - closed Friday

Stark County Courthouse - closed Friday

Stark County Government Office Building - closed Friday

Services:

Greater Cleveland Food Bank - closed Friday - Monday; for assistance, call 216-738-2067

Richland County Transit - closed Friday

Arts & Culture:

A Christmas Story House - closing early Thursday at 5 p.m., closed Friday - Sunday

Akron Zoo - closed Friday - Sunday

Bonfoey Gallery - closed Friday - Monday

Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Arboretum - closed Friday

Cleveland Metroparks tobogganing - Friday canceled; Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation closed Friday

Cleveland Museum of Natural History - closed Friday - Sunday; open Monday (museum is usually closed on Mondays)

Cleveland Public Library - closed Friday - Monday

Holden Arboretum - closed Friday

Lake Metroparks Country Drive-thru - canceled Friday

Music Box Supper Club - Friday shows rescheduled: Frank Amato & The Cleveland All Stars rescheduled to Feb. 1; A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute rescheduled to Feb. 17

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums - closed Friday and Saturday, horse drawn sleigh and trolley rides scheduled for Monday have been canceled

Snow Trails Ski Resort - closed Friday and Saturday

Stan Hywet Hall & Garden - canceled "Deck the Hall" event on Friday. Ticketholders will automatically receive a refund.

The Nightlight Cinema - closed Friday

Transformer Station - closed Friday - Sunday

Schools:

Cleveland Heights - University Heights School District - school canceled Friday

Cleveland State University - closed Friday

St. Ignatius High School - closed Friday & Saturday

This post will be updated. Additional closings from WKYC, cleveland.com and the Mansfield News Journal.

Some key provisions to have in the car:

• First-aid kit
• Phone charger
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Non-perishable food items, like protein bars (it's important to switch those out every few months)
• A couple bottles of drinking water
• Extra pet food, if applicable
• Shovel or ice scraper

Read more tips for winter driving.

Starting 6 a.m. Friday, certain high profile vehicles (exceeding 7 feet, 6 inches) are banned from driving on the Ohio Turnpike.

Ohio Turnpike

The following types of vehicles will be permitted to travel on the Ohio Turnpike:

• Self-propelled motor homes;
• Low-profile trailers;
• Fold-down camper trailers;
• Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units;
• Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks;
• Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers;
• Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer with cargo/loaded;
• Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer;
• Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations more than 90 feet;
• Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet;
• 2-axle buses less than 40 feet; and
• Buses with 3 or more axles less than 45 feet.

The ban ends Sunday at 8 a.m.

Extreme winter weather, such as subzero temperatures, wind chills and heavy snow, is impacting much of the U.S. this holiday weekend, and is expected to heavily impact travel and mail deliveries, and could even be deadly in some regions.

The intense conditions are piquing interest in the meteorological term "bomb cyclone." Google searches for the term over the last seven days peaked Wednesday.

What is a bomb cyclone?

A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, is defined by a rapidly intensifying storm. That can happen when atmospheric pressure drops significantly, which is usually the result of warm and cold air masses overlapping,according to the National Ocean Service.

Continue reading to learn where bomb cyclones are likely to happen this weekend.

In addition to frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service warns of high winds between 50-65 mph from early Friday to Saturday night. Consider securing outdoor objects that may blow around including holiday decorations.

• Gather a week's worth of food and prescriptions.
• Bring pets inside.
• Wear layers and keep doors closed.
• Keep your devices charged and have extra batteries for flashlights in case of outages.
• Turn off your natural gas logs or extinguish fireplace flames before going to bed.
• Don’t supplement a heating system lost during an outage by using household items such as cooking stoves or ovens.
• If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Ygal Kaufman

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Ideastream Public Media

The projected storm is “unusual” because the trifecta of snow, single-digit temperatures and high winds could make for dangerous driving conditions – and complicate crews’ response, said Jim Hall, bureau manager of Akron’s public works department.

Akron crews will attempt to pre-treat the roads ahead of the diving temperatures Thursday night, Hall said. They can’t use salt brine because of the rain, so they will have to use rock salt, he said.

Kelly Krabill

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Ideastream Public Media

Drivers should be extra cautious Thursday night into Friday morning due to an expected “flash freeze,” Hall added. The rain is expected to turn to freezing rain overnight, and temperatures will plummet - causing icy conditions.

Snow is expected to begin Friday morning and while the amount of expected snowfall is still up in the air, the frigid temperatures and gusts of wind will increase the chances of blowing snow, Hall added.

"There could be moments of limited visibility, maybe even whiteouts, typical of a blizzard, and I think that's why you hear a lot of people talking about the blizzard, because those type of conditions can creep up on you in a hurry,” he said.

Akron plows will prioritize expressways and main roads first, Hall said, then tackle local roads and residential streets.

When it comes to the highways, 300 ODOT trucks will be out on highways across Northeast Ohio, said Ray Marsch, spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) region that covers Summit, Stark and Portage counties. Plow drivers will be working 12-hour shifts to stay on top of the conditions, Marsch said. But, he warned, “if the snow’s coming down more than an inch in an hour, you are going to see snow on the roads.”

Marsh encourages drivers to slow down and keep plenty of distance from the car ahead of them. Hall recommends keeping blankets and food supplies in your car in case of an emergency or breakdown in the freezing temperatures.

“If you’re looking at single-digit temperatures and winds in the 40 to 30 miles an hour, you can get frostbite just filling up your gas tank,” he said. “There’s a lot of real dangers out there, not specifically related to the roadways and the ice and the snow, but just that level of cold and wind.”

Read more about storm preparations around the region.

Many major airlines are preparing for delayed and canceled flights going into the Christmas weekend by offering to waive the fee on flight changes. NPR reports, American, United, Southwest and even Spirit are among the airlines trying to accommodate changes to your air travel plans.

Annie Wu

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Ideastream Public Media

For those flying out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, officials warned at a Wednesday press conference that the airport may have to close, depending on the conditions.

“If it becomes too much, and it’s coming down too low and we just can’t, and it becomes a safety issue, we will possibly have to shut down the airport for a temporary period,” said spokesman John Goersmeyer.

Individuals should check the status of their flights on the airport’s website, he said, because delays and cancellations are expected.

He also recommends checking to see if rooms are available at local hotels in case flights are canceled.

The Haven of Portage County
2645 State Route 59, Ravenna
Thursday: 6 p.m. - Wednesday: 8 a.m. (open all night and day)

Portage Area Regional Transit Authority will provide transportation to The Haven from the main Ravenna-Kent route on every day except Sunday and Monday.

The city of Canton will offer an overnight warming center beginning Thursday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Dec. 26. The American Red Cross is supplying cots, and SARTA is offering free transportation.

Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center
1400 Sherrick Road SE, Canton
330-489-3350
Thursday: 6 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Friday: 6 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Saturday: 4 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Monday: 4 p.m. - 8 a.m.

Refuge of Hope
715 Second Street NE, Canton
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (no overnight stays)
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (no overnight stays)

Residents should tell their SARTA bus driver if they are headed to a warming center and the ride will be free. If transportation is needed but SARTA is not available, residents can call 330-649-5800 for assistance.

Akron is extending the hours at the Summit Lake Community Center to serve as a warming center. All other recreation centers will be closed for the holiday weekend.

Summit Lake Community Center
380 W. Crosier Street, Akron
Friday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Emergency overnight shelter plus food and clothing
111 East Voris Street, Akron
Friday: 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Saturday: 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Sunday: 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Monday: 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Tuesday: 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
METRO BUS: #11 and #13 bus, stop located across from Main Post Office on Wolf Ledges Parkway
​On-Site Security

The city of Cleveland is extending the hours of several recreation centers to serve as warming centers this weekend. They will not be open for overnight stays.

Zelma George Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
3155 Martin L. King Boulevard, Cleveland
Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Monday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Michael Zone Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
6301 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland
Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Monday: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Collinwood Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
16300 Lakeshore Boulevard, Cleveland
Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sterling Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
1380 East 32nd Street, Cleveland
Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.