Snow totals across northeast Ohio landed right where forecasters expected, and in some cases even higher. Cleveland TV stations report the Akron–Canton area picked up about 8.6 inches, Stow saw around 12 inches, and Cleveland recorded 5.9 inches as of last night.
With conditions still challenging, school closures are widespread today, including Akron Public Schools, and some districts are already calling it for Tuesday, including Norton and Wadsworth. Families are encouraged to check WAKR.net for the full, up-to-date list of closings and delays.
Akron Public Schools says deciding whether to close isn’t a simple call. District leaders know many students rely on school for meals and a safe, warm place, but with road conditions deteriorating and more than 15,000 students walking to school, safety has to come first.
Across Northeast Ohio, plow crews have been working around the clock, focusing first on major routes and highways. The steady snowfall has made it difficult to keep roads completely clear, and drivers are urged to give plows plenty of space as crews continue working 24/7.
In Akron, road crews have been working nonstop since before the storm even began. Public Service Director Chris Ludle says progress is steady, despite some unexpected challenges.
“Some of the residential routes we expect to get into by mid-morning. We are tandem plowing right now, going back through. We got some lake-effect snow last night that we really didn’t expect.”
Ludle says more than 50 percent of Akron’s roads have now seen a plow, and crews will continue cycling through neighborhoods as conditions allow.
On the highway front, ODOT says plow drivers have been logging long hours across the region. Spokesman Justin Chesnic says more than 120 crews are working in District 4 alone, and that effort will continue into the week.
Highways are described as passable, but far from perfect, with the biggest challenge still ahead. Chesnic says dangerously cold temperatures could make road treatment more difficult.
“With temperatures dropping into the single digits, salt becomes much less effective,” Chesnic explained. “So we have to add other products like calcium chloride and APEX seed to help treat the roadways. It only adds to our battle.”
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. today, with lake-effect snow possibly adding another 1 to 3 inches in some areas.
Looking ahead, the bigger concern may be the cold. An Extreme Cold Warning goes into effect for northeast Ohio from 7 p.m. tonight through 11 a.m. Tuesday, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 26 below zero.
Because of the weather, Akron City Council will hold its regular meetings virtually today. The public can watch those meetings live on the City of Akron’s YouTube channel.
Travel remains hazardous. The Ohio Turnpike has issued a Travel Alert, warning drivers that dangerous road conditions could persist through at least Thursday. While crews, including 98 snowplows operating 24/7, are working to keep the roadway clear and ice-free, officials are urging motorists to pay attention to snow emergency levels and delay travel if possible.
This storm is part of a massive and historic winter system impacting more than 40 states nationwide. Power outages have affected over 160,000 homes and businesses, and emergency declarations have been issued in 12 states, including Ohio. Thousands of flights have been canceled, and MSN reports Texas and Louisiana remain among the hardest hit, as crews work to prevent widespread blackouts.
The storm has already made history in Arkansas. FOX Weather reports Little Rock recorded six inches of snow, breaking a 127-year-old daily snowfall record that dated back to 1899.
Here in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency, allowing the state to speed up purchasing and logistics to protect residents during the dangerous cold and snow.
Nationally, the USO says National Guard units have been activated in parts of the country to support winter storm response efforts. While Ohio has declared a state of emergency, there has been no confirmation of National Guard activation here, though officials say resources are ready if needed.
Officials are also reminding residents to prepare at home. Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks during extreme cold, especially in basements, garages, and exterior walls. Letting faucets drip and opening cabinet doors can help. Heating systems are also under heavy strain, so clogged filters or poor insulation could lead to breakdowns.
Meanwhile, snow emergencies remain in effect across northeast Ohio. Erie, Huron, and Sandusky counties are under the highest level. Much of our area, including Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Portage, and Medina counties, is under a Level 2 Snow Emergency, meaning only those who feel it’s necessary should be on the roads.
Snow parking bans are also in place for many communities until further notice, including Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls.
Stay tuned, stay warm, and stay safe. Continue checking WAKR.net for the latest updates as conditions evolve.
