The National Weather Service in Cleveland released updated snow totals Friday afternoon, confirming widespread accumulation across the region. Some communities in Cuyahoga County, Lake County, and Geauga County saw more than 12 inches, while surrounding counties measured between 6 and 10 inches.

On Thursday at 7 a.m., FOX 8 meteorologist Jenn Harcher reported that “some areas had seen more than a foot of snowfall,” and additional updates Friday supported those early observations. The heaviest totals came from persistent lake-effect bands that stalled over parts of the snowbelt.

Communities in northeast Cuyahoga County, northern Summit County, southern Lake County, and western Geauga County saw the most prolonged snow bands, leading to rapid accumulation.

Counties With the Highest Totals

As of Friday afternoon, preliminary totals included:

• Cuyahoga County, OH (Cleveland, Parma, Lakewood)
  8–14 inches depending on location and elevation

• Lake County, OH (Mentor, Painesville, Willoughby)
  10–15 inches in snowbelt zones

• Geauga County, OH (Chardon, Middlefield, Chesterland)
  12–16 inches, highest in Chardon area

• Summit County, OH (Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow)
  6–10 inches, with drifting on rural roads

• Lorain County, OH (Elyria, Lorain, Avon Lake)
  4–8 inches

• Portage County, OH (Ravenna, Kent, Streetsboro)
  5–9 inches

Totals varied significantly depending on wind direction, lake-effect positioning, and elevation differences across Northeast Ohio.

How This Snow Event Developed

The widespread snow was driven by a combination of moisture from Lake Erie and frigid air from Canada funneling across the Great Lakes. When cold air moves over relatively warmer lake water, it produces narrow bands of intense snowfall, often difficult to predict.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, winds shifted repeatedly, causing multiple lake-effect bands to redevelop and sweep across densely populated counties. Each time the bands stalled, accumulation increased rapidly.

By Thursday morning, some communities had already reached the one-foot mark, with additional snow showers continuing into Friday.

Timeline: What Happens Next

Friday Afternoon

Light scattered snow persisted but diminished by early evening. Road crews continued clearing primary and secondary routes.

Friday Night

Forecasters warn of the potential for additional flurries and light snow showers. Temperatures will drop into the 20s, increasing the risk of black ice on untreated roads.

Saturday

Another weak disturbance could spark scattered snow showers across:

• Cuyahoga County

• Summit County

• Lake County

• Geauga County

Accumulation is expected to be light, generally less than 1 inch, but visibility may drop during brief bursts.

Sunday

A reinforcing shot of cold air may generate additional lake-effect development. Minor accumulations of up to 1–3 inches are possible in the primary snowbelt.

Early Next Week

A quiet, colder pattern takes over. Highs stay in the mid-20s, with lows in the teens.

Official Statements and Forecast Guidance

The National Weather Service noted that while warnings have expired, the weather pattern remains unstable.

Meteorologists stress the importance of monitoring updates because lake-effect snow can be unpredictable, forming and dissolving quickly.

Local road crews in Cleveland, Akron, and Mentor have urged residents to allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary driving during bursts of heavy snow.

Public Reaction Across Northeast Ohio

Residents reported a mix of excitement and frustration as snow totals climbed.

In parts of Geauga and Lake counties, snowblowers and plows were in constant use. Several school districts issued delays or cancellations earlier in the week as snowbands intensified.

Drivers across Cuyahoga County experienced slow travel on I-90, I-480, and I-271 due to accumulation and reduced visibility. Rural areas in Portage and Summit counties dealt with drifting snow and slippery conditions.

Despite the challenges, many Northeast Ohio residents are accustomed to lake-effect patterns and reacted with typical winter preparedness.

What Residents Should Watch for This Weekend

While no major storm system is expected, forecasters emphasize that lake-effect snow can still cause localized problems:

• Slick roads

• Reduced visibility

• Sudden bursts of accumulation

• Black ice overnight

The FOX 8 team recommends staying updated throughout the weekend, especially if winds shift and new snowbands form.

NEWS FACT TABLE

FAQ SECTION

1. How much snow did Northeast Ohio get this week?
Some areas saw more than 12 inches, especially in the snowbelt counties.

2. Are the Lake Effect Snow Warnings still active?
No, warnings have expired, but additional snow is still possible.

3. Which counties saw the most snow?
Lake, Geauga, northeastern Cuyahoga, and northern Summit counties received the highest totals.

4. Will we get more snow this weekend?
Yes. Light snow and flurries are expected Friday night through Sunday.

5. Will travel be affected?
Yes. Slick roads and reduced visibility may continue, especially in snowbelt regions.

6. What caused these heavy totals?
Cold air over Lake Erie triggered strong lake-effect snowbands.

7. What should residents do now?
Monitor forecasts, allow extra travel time, and be cautious on icy roads.

 

While the heaviest lake-effect snow event has ended, Northeast Ohio isn’t done with winter weather yet. Light snow showers and flurries are expected to return Friday night through Sunday, with potential travel impacts across the region. Residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts as wind shifts could create new snowbands. More stable weather is expected early next week, but cold temperatures will persist.