Winter weather hits Northeast Ohio: Power outages, traffic issues

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Snowy conditions are causing traffic issues and power outages throughout Northeast Ohio, including, traffic lights in downtown Cleveland.

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At 10:30 a.m., Cleveland Public Power Spokesperson Shelley Shockley released the below statement regarding the traffic lights:

“As our crews work on repairs we are working with the Division of Traffic Enforcement to place generators at key intersections. A generator has been set up at E. 9th & Prospect and another will be situated on Chester Avenue.”

Shockley added the weather caused the circuit breakers to trip.

Blowing snow will also be a problem Thursday.

SNOW EMERGENCIES

Erie County is under a LEVEL 1 snow emergency.

Ashtabula County was downgraded to a LEVEL 2 snow emergency around 10:35 a.m. Thursday.

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness explains the snow emergency classifications as such:

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.

LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.

POWER OUTAGES

Click these links for the latest power outage numbers from FirstEnergy and AEP.

FirstEnergy is asking anyone who loses power to report the outage and to maintain a distance from downed powerlines.

As of 11:30 a.m., FirstEnergy is reporting 2,822 customers without power statewide, including, about 1,700 in Northeast Ohio.

CLOSURES

Schools across Northeast Ohio canceled classes for Thursday due to the snow and travel conditions.

In some areas, city buildings were closed as well.

The Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island has suspended service for Thursday and it will resume Friday.

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