“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” — Anamika Mishra
Winter, it seems, has decided to RSVP early to the New Year’s Eve party — and stay awhile.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland says snow will begin spreading into north central Ohio Tuesday night, with a prolonged lake-effect event expected to linger through Thursday evening.
The main round of accumulating snow is forecast to develop around 1 p.m. Wednesday and continue through about 7 p.m. Thursday, with several rounds of accumulation possible as colder air pours across Lake Erie.
For much of Richland, Ashland and Knox counties, snowfall totals are expected to land in the 4- to 6-inch range by the time the system winds down.
Areas farther north and east, particularly within the primary lake-effect snowbelt of northeast Ohio, could see higher totals, with some locations receiving 8 to 12 inches closer to the lakeshore.
The snow won’t be falling quietly, either.
Forecasters say wind gusts of 30 to 35 miles per hour are possible at times, especially near Lake Erie, which could lead to blowing snow and periods of reduced visibility.
Travel could become difficult, particularly Wednesday night into Thursday, as roads turn slippery and snow showers become more persistent.
That timing may complicate plans for anyone venturing out to ring in 2026.
New Year’s Eve celebrations are set for Wednesday night, and the message from forecasters is a familiar one: plan ahead, slow down and give yourself extra time if you’re heading out — and even more time if you’re heading home.
Temperatures will remain cold throughout the holiday, with daytime highs mostly in the 20s and overnight lows dipping into the teens. Wind chills are expected to hover in the single digits at times, making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
The National Weather Service says the lake-effect pattern may persist into Thursday evening before gradually tapering off, though lingering snow showers could continue beyond that point in some areas.
In other words, this is not a quick hitter.
It’s the kind of snow that asks for patience, a steady hand on the steering wheel and a reminder that 2026 is right around the corner — but winter still has plenty to say.