Wind chill could reach -27 in NE Ohio, National Weather Service warns

On By Littum

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Weather conditions expected today and Wednesday in Northeast Ohio are at hazardous levels, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs today will be around 10 degrees in the Cleveland area, and wind chills could make it feel as cold as minus 14 degrees. Overnight temperatures will approach minus 10, and the wind will make it feel as cold as minus 24 in Cleveland and minus 27 in other areas, forecasters say.

Although Wednesday’s high could reach 14 degrees, stronger winds will make it feel as cold as minus-24.

As a result, the NWS has issued a cold road advisory for most of northern Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Trumbull counties. The advisory is expected to be in effect until 19 today.

An extreme cold warning begins at 7pm today and continues until 10am on Wednesday.

The weather service warns that chills around 25 min. can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Concerns about exposure have led dozens of school districts in Northeast Ohio to cancel classes both today and Wednesday.

Cleveland City Hall is closed today, but warming centers will be open throughout the city: Michael Zone Recreation Center (West Side), 6301 Lorain Ave.; Lonnie Burten Recreation Center, 2511 East 46th St.; Zelma George Recreation Center, 3155 Martin Luther King Blvd.; Collinwood Recreation Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.

Cuyahoga County offices will be open today, according to a news release. No decision has been made on Wednesday.

In Akron, the Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St., will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Wednesday to offer shelter from the cold, the city announced.

Forecasters advise residents to dress in layers if going outside, including a hat, face mask and gloves. Wrapping or draining pipes or allowing the water to drip slowly can prevent burst pipes. Residents are also advised to keep pets indoors.

The weather service also urges caution when using portable heaters, saying grills or generators should not be used indoors.