CLEVELAND — Winter may be brutal for some, but there are some sights of beauty, such as Lake Erie freezing over. 

While the weather wonder is beautiful to look at, officials say that’s all visitors should do: look, but don’t walk on it. 

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Lake Erie has over 95% ice coverage, but not quite 100%. The last time Lake Erie reached 100% ice coverage was in 1996. 

While it may seem safe, it’s never 100% safe, according to the Cuyahoga County Emergency Management Agency.

On average, between 2014 and 2024, 21 people died in Lake Erie each year, according to Towey Law. While many of the deaths happen over the summer, because of water sports like boating and jet skiing, some happen in the winter. Between those 10 years, 13 deaths were attributed to falling in. 

“It is never recommended that you walk on ice,” County County EMA said. “Fluctuating temperatures and underwater currents can create unstable, dangerous conditions.”

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The snow shovels may get another brief workout before the week is over — and the timing could complicate the Friday morning commute.

After snow showers Tuesday and a brief midweek lull, Northeast Ohio is on track for a round of accumulating snow Friday as a clipper system moves through the Great Lakes.

The late-week system will be followed by another surge of Arctic air, keeping temperatures well below normal this weekend and setting the stage for additional lake-effect snow chances.

Light snow Tuesday, brief lull midweek

Snow showers will continue at times Tuesday as a weak cold front moves across the region. While much of the snow will be light, forecasters say a brief heavier burst is possible along the front, which could lead to slick conditions on untreated roads.

Additional accumulation today is expected to remain around an inch or less, according to the National Weather Service Cleveland.

High temperatures Tuesday will reach the mid to upper 20s before colder air settles back into the region tonight. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the single digits, with clearing skies allowing temperatures to drop quickly after sunset.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be mostly quiet, with dry conditions favored across much of Northeast Ohio. Highs Wednesday will struggle to reach the upper teens to lower 20s, while Thursday will be slightly milder, with temperatures climbing into the 20s ahead of the next system.

Overnight lows Wednesday are expected to dip back into the single digits, while Thursday night lows will be in the teens thanks to increasing cloud cover ahead of the next system.

Accumulating snow expected Friday

Snow is expected to develop late Thursday night and become widespread Friday as an Arctic front moves southeast through the Great Lakes.

Meteorologists at WKYC say the snow is most likely to impact the Friday morning commute before tapering off later in the day, with some lake-effect snow possible behind the system.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland currently expects roughly 1 to 4 inches of snow across Northeast Ohio, with the highest totals most likely in higher terrain east of Cleveland, where upslope flow could enhance snowfall.

Much colder air follows into the weekend

Colder air will pour in behind Friday’s system, ushering in another stretch of bitter winter weather for the weekend.

Scattered lake-effect snow showers are possible Friday night through Saturday, though significant accumulations are not expected due to extensive ice coverage on Lake Erie.

Forecasters say subzero wind chills are possible at times Saturday through Monday as Arctic high pressure settles over the region. Dry but very cold conditions are expected to round out the weekend before temperatures begin to moderate slightly early next week.

During the offseason, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland had surgery to repair an injury he had on his toe. He has played in 26 of the team’s 50 games this season and recently suffered another toe injury, but this time on the other foot.

There have been multiple mock trades involving Cleveland’s point guard all season, but it seems that one move has caught the Cavaliers’ eye.

As first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have had advanced discussions over a trade that would send James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Garland.

Why Make This Trade

The Cavaliers entertaining moves for Garland is realistic. Last season, the core four were the best team in the East and came up short in the playoffs. When a team falls short of their expectations, somebody is bound to be the scapegoat.

Some may have assumed that center Jarrett Allen would be that guy as he was not the best in the playoffs, but Allen was the first player the Cavs traded for when deciding to go all in on winning a ring.

Garland has also been injury prone his entire career, with last season being the only time he played over 70 games.

If the Cavaliers think that Garland’s injuries are holding them back, then finding the right move would have been really important. 

Getting a player like Harden could solve those issues. Harden has had injuries in his career, but has more experience than Garland and has won multiple NBA awards. He won the MVP award in 2018 when he averaged a triple-double.

Harden is better than Garland maybe, but can you give up the future for it?

Why Not Make This Trade

Age has to be the biggest reason as to why you don’t make this move. Harden is 36 and turns 37 in August of this year. Garland has 10 less years on him as he just turned 26. He has not even reached his prime technically in the NBA.

Harden has also been a locker room issue on teams he’s played for. When he was in Philadelphia, he had an infamous incident where he had a big falling out with president Daryl Morey. 

Harden has caused issues at every team in his career. He has not played the last two games for the Clippers as Ty Lue announced on Monday he was not with the team.

Garland has also shown to be one of the biggest factors to the Cavs playing well, when he is on the court Donovan Mitchell is better which has to be considered. Can Harden bring that to Mitchell’s game?

This trade would be a massive shift for Cleveland to make if they are really considering this season as a make or break year. Giving up Garland could have a massive impact on the team’s morale and chemistry.