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Watches, warnings and advisories… oh my!

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Watches, warnings and advisories… oh my!


Winter time is upon us soon, and that means a whole assortment of weather in Northeast Ohio. We have snow, sleet, rain, freezing rain, blizzards, snow squalls, and, of course, the infamous lake-effect snow.

There are many warnings, watches and advisories used to convey what folks need to prepare for. Do you know what a “Winter Weather Advisory” and “Winter Storm Warning” Mean?

Well, let me be your guide!

First off, all of these warnings, watches and advisories originate from the National Weather Service, specifically, the office in Cleveland for most of the News 5 Viewing Area. Two counties are under the Pittsburgh National Weather Service office: Tuscarawas and Carroll.

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The most common alert across Northeast Ohio is the Winter Weather Advisory. This is kind of a catch-all for winter weather in a sense. These are issued if possible snow accumulations of 4 inches, and or any freezing rain accumulations less than ¼ inch for any county.

Every county can be under most winter warnings, advisories and watches. But there are only certain counties that can be under Lake-Effect Snow Warnings. Primarily, they are Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga, the areas where most lake-effect snow occurs. It can be issued for any of our northernmost areas.

The criteria to be put under a Lake-Effect Snow Warning are if lake-effect snow accumulations of 6 inches or greater are anticipated.

Now, Winter Storm Watches and Warnings, too, are kind of a catch-all for winter weather, just in a more impactful way. A winter storm watch is issued for potential for a blizzard, heavy snowfall, or ice storm within the next 18 to 48 hours, issued when there is a 50% confidence or greater of at least 6 inches of snow and/or a ¼ inch of ice.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued for snow accumulations of 6 inches or greater; Freezing rain accumulations of ¼ inch or greater are imminent.

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Now you noticed the word “blizzard” in the winter storm watch and warning. Well, it too has criteria, and it is probably more specific than you realize.

To have an actual blizzard, according to the National Weather Service definition, you need sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater AND falling/blowing snow reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for at least three hours. That’s right, you don’t need falling snow to have a blizzard. A blizzard is a visibility concern, rather than a snowfall or accumulation concern.

People will only see blizzard warnings once in a great while here in Northeast Ohio, but we will see a “Snow Squall Warning” several times a winter, which gets confused for a blizzard.

You need a short-duration (less than 1 hour), polygon-based warning (like severe thunderstorms and tornadoes) that is issued when strong snow squalls and flash freezing will cause dangerous and life-threatening conditions, especially for roadways. Usually issued when ground/road temperatures are sub-freezing and visibility is less than ¼ mile.

An Ice Storm Warning is issued when freezing rain accumulations of ¼ inch or greater result in significant, widespread power outages, tree damage and dangerous travel. A warning that is not that common across Northeast Ohio, but can happen if conditions are right.

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Now we’ve talked about winter precipitation problems. But cold air can be a problem for folks. Now, in years past, we had two ways to describe cold: the actual air temperature and the wind chill. In the last year, the National Weather Service has combined both into one advisory, watch and warning.

So, an Extreme Cold Watch is issued when a wind chill or temperature of -25ºF or colder is anticipated within the next 18 to 48 hours, and an Extreme Cold Warning is issued when -25°F or lower wind chills or temperatures are imminent. A Cold Advisory is issued when temperatures or wind chill of -15ºF to -24ºF are imminent.

So there you have it, all of the winter-season watches, warnings and advisories. Quite a list for sure, but keep in mind, Mother Nature is in charge, and does not abide by our lines on a map.

So you will need to stay weather-aware, and the Power of 5 Meteorologists will always keep you informed and ahead of the ever-changing weather this winter across Northeast Ohio.

Want the latest Power of 5 weather team updates wherever you go? Download the News 5 App free now: Apple|Android

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Click here to view our interactive radar.

Follow the News 5 Weather Team:

Trent Magill: Facebook & Twitter
Katie McGraw: Facebook & Twitter
Phil Sakal: Facebook & Twitter
Allan Nosoff: Facebook & Twitter





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Cleveland, OH

19 First Alert Days: Smoke in the air today; severe storms possible Saturday

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19 First Alert Days: Smoke in the air today; severe storms possible Saturday


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Smoke from wildfires in northeast Minnesota and Canada will impact air quality in Ohio through tomorrow. A cold front sweeps through the area Saturday night.

Partly cloudy and humid today. Afternoon temperatures 82 to 91 degrees.

Clear sky tonight.

Partly cloudy tomorrow. High temperatures around 90 degrees.

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Breezy and humid Saturday with a few thunderstorms. The best risk of storms will be during the evening hours. The storms could turn severe.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Advances Housing Manufacturing Strategy with MMY US Selection and Historic Tax Credit Award for Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Building

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Cleveland Advances Housing Manufacturing Strategy with MMY US Selection and Historic Tax Credit Award for Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Building


June 30, 2026— CLEVELAND, OH — Mayor Justin M. Bibb, the City of Cleveland, and the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund (SRF) today announced two major milestones in Cleveland’s industrial and housing strategy with the selection of MMY US (MMY) as the City’s preferred modular housing manufacturer, and the award of $2.56 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits for the redevelopment of the historic Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Engineering Company building at 7000 Central Avenue.

Together, these announcements reflect a coordinated effort to expand housing production capacity in Cleveland, create quality manufacturing jobs, and activate one of the Midline’s most significant historic industrial assets.

The City and SRF selected MMY through the “Off-Site Construction Manufacturing in Cleveland” Request for Proposals, marking a major step forward in Cleveland’s effort to reduce the time and cost of building new homes through innovative construction methods. The process was made possible thanks to City Council’s participation and careful analysis.

MMY’s investment will support the City’s Housing Innovation District, a focused strategy spanning Central, Hough, and St. Clair-Superior designed to accelerate housing production through modern zoning, incentivized permitting, innovative construction techniques, and infrastructure investments.

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“Clevelanders deserve access to high-quality, affordable homes, and addressing our housing shortage requires bold action. With the selection of MMY as our modular housing manufacturing partner, we are taking a major step toward building more housing, more quickly, and at a scale that meets the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This decision brings advanced manufacturing and good-paying jobs to Cleveland while creating the capacity to produce the homes our city needs. It is a powerful example of how we are tackling our housing challenges head-on and building a stronger, more affordable future for Cleveland families.”

The company’s decision to establish operations in Cleveland will expand the region’s capacity to produce off-site construction housing while creating up to 150 manufacturing jobs.

Pending the completion of state and local incentives, MMY intends to locate its manufacturing facility in the historic Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Engineering Company building at 7000 Central Avenue, a 185,000-square-foot industrial landmark situated within the Midline.

The redevelopment marks another significant milestone for the Midline, Cleveland’s long-term effort to transform more than 350 acres of former industrial land into a modern employment district, innovation corridor, and greenway connecting neighborhoods with opportunity.

“We are grateful to Mayor Bibb, the City of Cleveland, and the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund for the confidence they have placed in MMY US,” said Robin Bartram Brown, CEO of MMY US. “At MMY, we believe quality housing creates stronger communities, and that the best outcomes are achieved through innovation, skilled manufacturing, and strong partnerships. We look forward to contributing to Cleveland’s future.”

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Founded by Samuel T. Wellman, inventor of the first open-hearth furnace in the United States, alongside Charles H. Wellman and John W. Seaver, the facility served as home to the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Company until 1978. The company earned an international reputation for engineering some of the largest material-handling systems ever built, including Cleveland’s renowned Huletts.

Recognizing its historic and engineering significance, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office determined the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan building is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The site has also received a Cleveland Landmark designation, with a final National Register review anticipated this fall.

Building on that recognition, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office awarded the project $2.56 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits to support the building’s rehabilitation. The award represents a key component of a nearly $26 million capital stack that will transform the long-vacant facility into a modern manufacturing hub.

“This is far more than the rehabilitation of a historic building. As the crown jewel of the Midline, Wellman-Seaver represents the opportunity to reconnect Cleveland’s industrial legacy with its economic future by creating a site that will attract investment, support housing production, and generate jobs for decades to come,” said Brad Whitehead, Managing Director of the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund. “We are grateful to receive the full amount requested to support the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Wellman-Seaver Building, and we thank Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Development, Mayor Justin Bibb, and the City of Cleveland for their continued partnership and commitment to this transformational project.”

The selection of MMY and the redevelopment of the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan building reflect cornerstone pieces of Mayor Bibb’s Cleveland ERA agenda, driving economic resurgence through industrial revival, neighborhood vibrancy, and government innovation citywide.

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Cleveland, OH

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Ohio cases surge as CDC works to identify source

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Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Ohio cases surge as CDC works to identify source


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Ohio is seeing a significant rise in Cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic infection linked to fresh produce and leafy greens, with nearly 400 cases reported in the state — well above the typical annual count of around 70.

The CDC is working to identify the source food causing the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is a subtropical parasite not normally found in Ohio.

The infection causes severe diarrhea and is linked to the consumption of fresh produce or leafy greens.

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According to the CDC, the incubation period can range from 2 to 14 days.

What health officials are recommending

The Ohio Department of Health is urging residents to wash their hands before and after preparing food and to thoroughly scrub raw fruits and vegetables under running water.

“When we thoroughly wash these fresh fruits and vegetables, again, under running water, not by putting them into a bowl or the sink and soaking them, but cleaning them thoroughly under running water — we know from past experience that that can be very effective at reducing our risk of developing this illness,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health director.

Health officials also recommend eating locally grown produce when possible and cooking food to 158 degrees to kill the parasite.

Officials note that even with precautions, there is still a chance of infection.

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Diagnosis and treatment

Vanderhoff said the illness is both diagnosable and treatable and urged anyone with symptoms not to wait.

“This is not a time to tough it out. This is something that your doctor can diagnose very easily using a stool sample and in turn can treat very effectively with antibiotics. So this is very treatable,” Vanderhoff said.

Case counts and ongoing investigation

Ohio’s nearly 400 cases far exceed the state’s typical annual total of around 70.

Michigan has reported more than 3,000 cases, according to state health officials there.

The food source responsible for the outbreak has not been identified. The CDC is actively working to determine the cause.

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“As soon as we identify such a source, we will make people aware and we’ll work with that source to eliminate this going forward,” Vanderhoff said.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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