Heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Due to increased heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions, Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold A. Pretel has elevated Cuyahoga County to a Level 2 Snow Emergency.  Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should do so. Residents should follow the guidance of their home municipality on parking bans and road closures. Updates to the Snow Emergency will be sent via ReadyNotify and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff app.

If traveling by vehicle, residents are advised to clear snow from their vehicle before driving, travel at reduced speeds, increase following distance, and allow for extra time to reach destinations.  Motorists should also prepare and travel with a vehicle go-kit that includes jumper cables, food and water, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and warm clothing and blankets.  More information about personal preparedness can be found here.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through Monday morning, January 26, and an Extreme Cold Watch from Monday night into Tuesday morning. A major winter storm is currently impacting a large portion of the country, with a high probability of heavy snow and prolonged cold temperatures extending through next week.

The Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to be prepared for hazardous weather conditions across the region. Forecasted conditions may result in power outages, downed trees and power lines, hazardous travel conditions, and an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite. 

Residents are reminded to: 

• Use extreme caution around downed wires - do not touch or attempt to remove downed wires. Report downed wires to emergency services immediately.
• Limit travel when able and drive cautiously.
• Treat any intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal as a four way stop.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those at risk.
• Bring pets inside. 

Anyone seeking shelter should contact United Way 2-1-1 or visit the County’s Emergency Management website for information on warming centers. 

The City of Cleveland has activated Warming Centers through Wednesday, January 28.  Locations and hours are as follows:

·              Friday, January 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

·              Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

·              Sunday, January 25 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

·              Monday, January 26 from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

·              Tuesday, January 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

·              Wednesday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 10p.m.

Locations:

• Michael Zone Recreation Center (West side) - 6301 Lorain Avenue
• EJ Kovacic Recreation Center (Near downtown) – 6250 St. Clair Avenue
• Zelma George Recreation Center (Southeast) – 3155 Martin L. King Boulevard
• Collinwood Recreation Center (Northeast) – 16300 Lakeshore Boulevard

Additional Resources: 

• Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services aids our senior population. Call 216-420-6700
• Office of Homeless Services
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program
• FEMA Winter Storm Guide 

Cuyahoga County urges residents to follow cuyahogacounty.gov/coldweather for comprehensive cold weather resources including a map that displays warming center locations throughout the County. Residents are urged to sign up for alerts through the County’s emergency notification system, Ready Notify.