March indeed came in 'like a lion' in Northeast Ohio as a Winter Storm Warning moved in Thursday night.
The Winter Storm Warning for Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties expired at noon Friday, but many areas are still recovering due to wind damage and snowfall.
Cleveland-based National Weather Service meteorologist Marty Mullen says wind gusts from the storm passing through Thursday night into Friday morning reached 55 miles per hour near the Lake Erie shoreline with sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour.
Mullen says areas in Ashtabula County received 10-12 inches of wet, heavy snow while temperatures hovered around freezing. Areas west of Cleveland reportedly received less than an inch.
Though wind advisories have been canceled, the air remains brisk.
Here is a real-time update as we follow the progress of the storm:
3:30 p.m. - Safety precautions
The city of Cleveland says roughly 200 people remain without power within its limits. Officials are aware of the issue and say power should be back on by the end of the day.
Residents are urged to take the following safety precautions:
- Take personal precautions and check on the vulnerable
- Dress appropriately in the cold
- Don't block intersections
- Bring pets/companion animals inside
Additionally, the Cleveland Office of Aging offers a 24-hour help line at (216) 664-2883.
Noon - Winter Storm Warning expires
The Winter Storm Warning for Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties has expired.
9 a.m. - Latest power outages
More than 73,000 are still without power and the estimated restoration time remains 8 p.m. Click here to see a full rundown of outages by county.
6:45 a.m. - Second check on road conditions
Tiffany Tarpley says roads are mainly wet on Interstate 480 where it meets Interstate 77 toward downtown Cleveland.
Roads in Summit County also look good, as conditions are merely wet and windy, according to Ryan Haidet.
6:15 a.m. - Watch out for downed wires!
This is just a friendly reminder to watch out for downed wires. Our crew spotted some on the west side at W. 68th and Madison Avenue, so please remember to steer clear.
Friday 5:30 a.m. - Thousands without power
According to FirstEnergy, more than 84,000 are without power across the region. The estimated time of restoration for many is 8 p.m.
Friday 5:15 a.m. - Check on the roads
WKYC has crews on the roads to monitor conditions for your morning commute.
Tiffany Tarpley was on Route 44 in Chardon, which was well covered in snow and slippery in spots.
Friday 5 a.m. - Cleveland Metro Schools closed
All Cleveland Metropolitan Schools are closed, the district announced. See all school closings and delays here.
Friday 12:45 a.m. - Road closure in Garfield Heights
Garfield Heights Police tells WKYC that Rockside Rd. East & West is closed at Monica Lane due to two downed power poles and line
Thursday 11:52 p.m. - Power outage check from FirstEnergy
We are unfortunately closing in on more than 100,000 customers without power across Northeast Ohio:
11:30 p.m. - Power out at Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services
According to Deputy Director Tamara Wagner, the power is out at the Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services. The 696-KIDS hotline is working, however.
11:20 p.m. - Road condition check in Lake and Cuyahoga County
11:15 p.m. - Wind causing damage around Northeast Ohio
Our Dorsena Drakeford checks in from Fairview Park, where a tree crashed into a home
11:00 p.m. - Cleveland Police issues travel advisory
Cleveland Police put out the following statement advising residents to stay off the roads:
Due to numerous issues including downed trees, power wires and power outages, residents of and visitors to the city of Cleveland are advised to not travel unless absolutely necessary. Crews are out to clear streets and restore power at this time.
10:45 p.m. - FirstEnergy power outage update
Over 80,000 customers across Northeast Ohio are now without power. Here are the latest figures:
10:15 p.m. - Speed restriction on I-90 in Lake County
You knew this was coming from our friends at ODOT:
10:05 p.m. - The latest from WKYC Meteorologist Matt Wintz
Matt gave an extended weather update on WKYC's Facebook Live, including answers to some of your questions!
10:00 p.m. - How bad was the flooding earlier today? This bad
Facebook friend Kristin Hill-Horvath sent this video in to us from the Rye Beach neighborhood in Huron
9:45 p.m. - A look at road conditions on the east side
WKYC photojournalist Craig Roberson was out and about on Thursday evening as the severe weather makes its way into our area. He captured the following video in and around Richmond Town Square in Richmond Heights.
9:30 p.m. - Evacuation order lifted for residents on Riverside Drive in Vermilion
WKYC Channel 3's Chris Tye went to Vermilion, where the evacuation order has now been lifted for those living on Riverside Drive along the Vermilion River. Here's Chris' report on WKYC's Facebook Live:
9:00 p.m. - Photos and videos are coming in from the storm!
It's pretty brutal out there! Here's what some of our WKYC crew are dealing with:
And then there was this tweet that we got from Sean from Mentor-on-the-Lake
Here's the photo gallery we have put together so far. Send us your pictures via Twitter at @wkyc and we'll add them to our collection.
8:35 p.m. - Power outages surge across the area
From Matt Wintz:
8:15 p.m. - More snow emergency parking bans issued
In Parma, a snow emergency parking ban will be in place starting at 11:00 p.m. tonight until further notice.
Newburgh Heights has also issued a no parking snow ban effective now until further notice.
7:30 p.m. - Flood Warnings issued for Erie, Lorain, and Lake counties
As we continue to follow the situation with the rising of the Vermilion River, the National Weather Service has issued several flood warnings:
7:15 p.m. - Vermilion orders evacuation of residents on Riverside Drive due to Vermilion River rising
7:00 p.m. - Winter Storm Warning now in effect; First Energy reports more outages
Here's the latest from Meteorologist Matt Wintz as the Winter Storm Warning gets underway.
Also, FirstEnergy is reporting more than 7,000 power outages across Cuyahoga County
6:00 p.m. - Power problems
Cleveland Public Power has sent out the following tweets:
How heavy are the winds out there? We had a camera at the East 55th pier on Thursday evening and posted the following on Facebook Live:
5:00 p.m. - First look at the winter storm with Matt Wintz
As conditions start to deteriorate, what should be be looking for from this winter storm? Meteorologist Matt Wintz gave us this look on WKYC's Facebook Live
Thursday 4:00 p.m. - Emergency Snow Ban issued for Lorain
We have a feeling we'll see more of these as the evening progresses. The city of Lorain has issued an emergency snow ban which will begin tonight at 7:00 p.m. until further notice.
