Source from http://www.newsnet5.com
blowing and drifting snow. NewsChannel5’s Justin Michaels said it is blustery, cold and dangerous out. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph will cause reduced visibility.
Maximum speeds have only been about 30 mph on local highways.
A spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation said that all roads are passable, but snow-covered. Travel is going to be slow Monday, due to the blowing, drifting and continuous snowfall.
There are more than 70 plows are out in Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties. They will be working around the clock.
The ramp from Chagrin Boulevard to Interstate 271 northbound was closed because of icy conditions.
North Marginal Road is closed at East 55th Street because of drifting snow. Accidents were reported on the Innerbelt near Superior Avenue and on I-90 east at 44th Street.
Interstate 90 from the west and east sides was also reported to be snow-covered. Motorists said it’s hard to see any driving lanes.
I-77 north and south were mostly snow-covered early. There were very few spots where pavement could be seen. There are reports of a crash on I-77 at Wheatley Road.
Drifting snow was reported on I-480 at I-7 1 near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and also on I-480 under I-77.
I-71 northbound had one lane clear and one lane snow-covered at 5 a.m. NewsChannel5’s Bob Jones said the morning commute will be a mess. I-71 south has been plowed, but blowing snow is covering the roadway again quickly.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said that conditions are going to get worse. Troopers ask that motorists stop calling the Highway Patrol for weather conditions.
Conditions are changing quickly and motorists should use extra caution.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has dozens of plows on the roads trying to keep up with the snowfall. It’s the wind that plow drivers are most worried about, as it will cause drifting snow and hazardous roads.
An ODOT truck was stuck on Marginal Road near Burke Lakefront Airport.
RTA spokeswoman Mary McCahon said that buses and trains are about 5 to 10 minutes behind. “That could change as the conditions change.”
Before you leave the house, check the road conditions and check traffic updates from the ODOT.
Buckeye Traffic allows you to check for snow, ice, disabled vehicles and accidents. It’s a handy tool, along with watching Good Morning Cleveland, to stay safe during this winter weather.
ODOT is not using brine on the roads because they need a dry pavement for it to work. The rain earlier in the day means ODOT will only use salt.
