CLEVELAND, Ohio — Northeast Ohio woke up on Thursday morning, Dec. 5, 2024, to a heavy layer of snowfall, terrific winds, and cold weather. Lake-effect snow barreled its way throughout the region; thus, school districts in many counties declared closure and delays due to safety.
Weather Warnings and Impact
A lake-effect snow warning from the National Weather Service includes these counties: eastern and southern Cuyahoga; Geauga; southern Lake; northern Summit; northern Portage, and northwestern Trumbull. Forecast conditions appear to call for 5 to 10 inches of snow for areas within Ashtabula County, where it might come up to 12 inches during early Friday morning.
Add these with hazardous travel caused by gusty winds that sustained a speed of 50 mph. Slick roads and snow squalls had reduced visibility, giving students, parents, and staff many problems reaching school.
Closed Schools in Ohio
There have been hundreds of schools and colleges that have suspended classes or delayed them altogether. There is also this list for your reading pleasure.
- Beachwood City Schools
- Berkshire Local Schools
- Lake Erie College
- Mentor Exempted Village Schools
- Kent State University Ashtabula Campus
Other schools that were affected include Andrews Osborne Academy, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools, Geneva Area City Schools, and St. Helen School in Geauga County.
Many private schools also closed. Most of the students in these institutions will likely have their curricula changed as administrators seek to know whether it is safe to reopen.
Also read: French Government Collapse: What Happened and Why?
Traveling Issues
Thursday morning brought challenging travel conditions on the highways and local roads. The snow squalls reduced visibility, and icy patches made the roads hazardous. Road crews are working hard to keep the highways and streets passable, but the persistent snowfall continues to be a challenge.
Parents and guardians should not travel unnecessarily, but stay updated on information that is released locally about road conditions and opening up of schools.
Lake Erie College and Kent State University’s Ashtabula Campus
As for the reasons of inclement weather, the said colleges are closing their institutes for the day. All students of these respective colleges will have to visit the college’s official websites and portals regarding schedules of holding classes or doing online instructions.
Guidelines to Manage Shutdowns
- Stay Informed: Look for updates in real-time on school district websites, social media pages, and local news stations.
- Plan: Families should make alternative childcare arrangements and study if the school closes unexpectedly.
- Drive Safely: For those who must travel, ensure their vehicle is fitted with snow tires and drive safely.
What’s Next?
The lake-effect snowstorm will continue through Thursday night and potentially into Friday. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will be cold, and additional snowfall is expected.
Schools and communities will continue to place safety first. Reopening will depend on road conditions, continued snowfall, and cleanup efforts.
Northeast Ohio Adapts
It’s dropping on the area this winter storm, but with it comes community resilience. Whenever a closure or delay threatens to disrupt the routine of daily life, safety takes on a new priority. Chances are that the students, teachers, and parents will have a chance to get inside safely, survey the situation, and be prepared for the resumption of school like it never happened.
