Ohio Snowstorm - Northeast Report

[From Cleveland, Akron, Ashtabula broadcast media]

9:00 AM - Being called the "Big Snow Storm" and the March Snowstorm '08.

Snow continues to fall. Winter storm warning in effect until 4AM Sunday. The storm front on radar generally follows the Ohio-Penn state line from north to south. East of the front is sleet and rain.

Hopkins Airport is open. Many flights delayed or canceled due to problems at other airports.

Scores of snowplows on the roads. Major roads being cleared by "ganged" plows of as many as five. Blowing snow causing poor visibility. Authorities telling everyone to stay off the roads.

Northeast Ohio is largely shut down. Virtually all schools, many churches, libraries, fitness & dance centers, museums and community events closed or canceled. Euclid Hunger Center closed. Lodi Outlets in Medina County closed. Thistledown closed. Northeast Ohio E-Check centers closed. American Red Cross - Cleveland is closed. Any establishment that is open or operating is delayed or slow.

Reported overnight snowfall totals range from 10" to 15" with more in Eastern snowbelt areas. An additional 5" to 10" is expected. Winds reported from 12 to 22 MPH, gusting higher. Temperatures reported in the 20s. Forecast high 26 degrees.

Ashtabula still has an estimated 3,000 people without power due to downed lines and transformer problems from last Tuesday's ice storm.

Parking bans issued throughout region.

Anecdotally, cheerleaders from Warren traveled for two hours in a Hummer to get to a scheduled competition at the Cleveland Convention Center. Cleveland Cavs game at Quicken Arena still on for today. Don't forget to spring forward your clocks tonight.

I'll update as necessary.