Danger Looms As Lake Erie Ice Breaks, Shifts: Ice Advisory

AVON LAKE, OH — As temperatures continue to climb, the sheet of ice atop Lake Erie is cracking and drifting apart, the National Weather Service said. That could pose a serious threat to anyone who ventures onto the ice.

An ice advisory was issued for much of Lake Erie and will remain in place through Wednesday night.

"The ice is breaking and shifting because of warmer temperatures and strong gusty south winds," the agency said on Twitter. Ohioans should avoid going onto the ice for any reason, the National Weather Service added.

Temperatures are expected to hit 50 degrees or higher on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to melting snow and ice across northern Ohio. Gusty blowing winds could hit 50 mph or faster throughout Wednesday, accelerating the breakup of the ice.

In addition to the problems with ice on Lake Erie, the weather could be dangerous on shore too. Both a flood watch and wind advisory have been issued for most of northern Ohio. Residents should expect possible power outages, downed tree branches and overflowing rivers and creeks on Wednesday and Thursday, according to forecasts.

"The combination of rainfall and rapid snow melt are expected to cause significant rises on area creeks and rivers, with some waterways reaching flood stage. Ice jams may also develop on frozen waterways and could become focus areas for flooding," the National Weather Service warned.