Heavy Rain Gives Way to Lake-Effect Snow Tonight
RIGHT NOW FROM NEWS 5: Here's your full Power of 5 Weather Forecast for Cleveland, Akron, and all of Northeast Ohio.
Current Weather Conditions
This morning is chilly and raw, with heavy rain and temperatures near 40 degrees. As the day progresses, temperatures will fall into the 30s by late afternoon and near freezing after sunset.
Weather Transition This Evening
Heavy rain will change over to a wintry mix this evening, becoming all snow by midnight as the lake-effect snow machine activates. Initial snow accumulation will be minimal due to warm, wet ground, requiring snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour for sticking.
Snow Characteristics and Impact
The snow will be wet and slushy, raising the risk of fallen trees or branches, especially near the lakeshore where many trees still retain leaves. Combined with gusty winds exceeding 30 mph, heavy wet snow could cause tree damage.
Accumulation Areas and Road Conditions
- Accumulations will first appear on elevated grassy surfaces cooling faster than paved roads.
- Bridges and overpasses will be impacted before regular roads develop slush.
Lake-Effect Band and Wind Effects
As winds shift northerly, lake-effect snow bands will shift accordingly. A notable west side effect is expected as a north wind may push a band from Lake Huron southward toward areas like Sandusky and Mansfield this evening.
"This snow will be wet and slushy, potentially causing fallen trees or branches, especially those near the lakeshore that still have a decent amount of leaves."
"The combination of the heavy wet snow and blustery wind with gusts over 30 miles per hour could lead to tree damage."
Author's summary: A heavy rain event will transition to a wet, slushy lake-effect snow with gusty winds tonight, posing hazards mainly near lakeshore areas due to potential tree damage.
Would you like the summary to be more technical or more casual?