'Several Rounds' Of Winter Snow Possible Soon In Ohio: Forecast

CLEVELAND — A significant and long-lasting winter storm is increasingly likely to hit northern Ohio this week, the National Weather Service warned Monday.

Precipitation is likely to start Tuesday night, though initial showers will be composed primarily of rain, forecasts said. As temperatures drop on Wednesday afternoon, that rain will become snow. Snow showers could then continue through Wednesday night, Thursday and early Friday.

"The heaviest precipitation will likely occur on Thursday with significant accumulations possible," the National Weather Service warned.

Parts of northern Ohio could see "several rounds" of snow, the agency said. In addition to the heavy snowfall expected, there is also a chance of freezing rain and sleet during different parts of the storm.

Here's a forecast for the week, including details on how the storm could develop each day:

Tuesday — Mostly cloudy during the day but precipitation could develop overnight. A daytime high of 41, but an overnight low of 34 degrees. There is currently a 40-percent chance of showers overnight.

Wednesday — Snow showers are likely. There is currently an 80-percent chance of precipitation during the day and a 100-percent chance of precipitation overnight. If there is rain during the day, it's likely to become snow overnight, the forecast said. One to 3 inches of snow is possible overnight.

Thursday — There is a 100-percent chance of snow during the day and an 80-percent chance of snow overnight, with a high of 31 and a low of 13. Snowfall predictions for the day are not yet available.

Friday — Current forecasts predict a 30-percent chance of snow on Friday, with a high of 22 and an overnight low of 4 degrees.

Safety tips

Here are the National Weather Service's tips to prepare for the possible storm:

• Make sure snow shovels or snowblowers are in good working condition in advance of the storm.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
• Find the following items in your house: a first aid kit, flashlight, fresh batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food and blankets.