Cleveland, OH — After a short break between winter storms, Ohio Department of Transportation crews are preparing for another round of snow and ice expected to impact Northeast Ohio beginning Wednesday, with hazardous travel conditions likely through Thursday evening.
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Multiple Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties from 9 a.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Thursday, warning that changing precipitation and plunging temperatures could make travel dangerous.
Forecasters say the system will start as rain Wednesday morning before transitioning to snow as temperatures drop sharply into the single digits, with subzero wind chills possible by Wednesday night. The rapid temperature change could allow road conditions to deteriorate quickly.
Hundreds of Plows Mobilized Across Northeast Ohio
ODOT officials say between 250 and 275 plow trucks will be deployed across Northeast Ohio as the storm moves in. However, crews will not be able to pretreat roadways with brine, since the storm begins as rain and would wash the treatment away.
Instead, trucks will be staged and ready to begin heavy salting operations as soon as snow starts accumulating, working 12-hour shifts around the clock while the storm continues.
“We do have our full crew of trucks out. We work 12-hour shifts around the clock as long as it’s snowing, and we’re going to do the best we can to keep up with the storm,” said Brent Kovacs, ODOT public information officer.
Drivers Warned of Slow, Dangerous Commutes
Kovacs warned drivers to expect slow evening commutes, especially during the Wednesday rush hour, as snow accumulation can happen rapidly.
“As quickly as snow comes down in Northeast Ohio, roads can get covered in a matter of mere minutes,” Kovacs said. “Don’t expect to get anywhere quick in the evening rush hour. Just give yourself extra time and you’ll get there safely.”
ODOT is also reminding motorists to give plow trucks plenty of space, noting that 25 plow-related crashes have been reported since Thanksgiving, many involving rear-end collisions.
“A lot of the crashes that we’re seeing with these plows are rear endings,” Kovacs said. “You’ve got to give more space between the vehicles around you—front, left, and right. Please just drive cautiously when there is snow on the roads.”
Safety Officials Urge Caution as Storm Arrives
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel once snow begins falling. Even with full staffing and equipment, road conditions may remain slick during peak snowfall periods.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and road conditions as the storm develops.
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