CLEVELAND — Brace yourselves! We're about to go from bitter cold temperatures to heavy snow in Northeast Ohio -- and travel is expected to be hazardous.
A previously announced Winter Storm Watch has now been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning by the National Weather Service in Cleveland. Additional counties are now also under a Winter Weather Advisory.
Here's how the weather alerts impact the region...
WINTER STORM WARNING
In effect from 11 p.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Saturday...
- Cuyahoga
- Erie
- Huron
- Lorain
- Medina
- Summit
In effect from 1 a.m. Friday until 10 p.m. Saturday...
- Ashtabula
- Geauga
- Lake
"Widespread snow late tonight and Friday morning will transition to lake effect snow Friday afternoon," according to the weather alert as issued by the National Weather Service.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
In effect overnight Friday until early Saturday morning...
- Ashland
- Carroll
- Columbiana
- Coshocton
- Holmes
- Mahoning
- Ottawa
- Portage
- Richland
- Sandusky
- Seneca
- Stark
- Trumbull
- Tuscarawas
- Wayne
The Ohio Department of Transportation says approximately 300 snowplow drivers will be plowing and salting state and U.S. routes outside municipalities and all interstates – except the Ohio Turnpike – in 17 counties across Northeast Ohio. Crews from ODOT will work around the clock.
"Where heavy snow persists, don't expect perfect road conditions. Our crews will be plowing and treating roads and doing their best to keep the roads safe and passable," ODOT added in a release.
More weather coverage:
- FORECAST | A snowy end to the week
- Expert tips to keep your pipes from freezing this winter
- Lake Erie sees ice coverage growth with freezing temperatures, although experts say its less than normal
- Akron, Cleveland, Canton open warming centers amid frigid temperatures
- Advice for keeping your home and car safe when temperatures are frigid in Northeast Ohio