The Cleveland Hopkins Airport has not had much luck this year when it comes to avoiding snowstorms. In fact, winter keeps revisiting the Cleveland Hopkins Airport despite its desire to move on in to spring and put the salt and cold in the freezing past of the Winter of 2007/08. But, Mother Nature has other things in store and the Cleveland Hopkins Airport just has to sit back and take what it is given.
Over the last two weeks the state of Ohio has been hit by three major winter storms. Despite it being the end of February and beginning of March, Ohio is not seeing any signs of spring. IN fact, the current storm is causing a Level 3 snow emergency in many parts and will likely drop a foot of snow or more on the state by Sunday. The blizzard watch is in effect until early evening Saturday and if the snow continues this could be the first real blizzard in 15 years. That information is coming from the National Weather Service that stated if the wind and snow continues for three straight hours with 35 mph winds and only visibility for a quarter mile then it would classify as a blizzard. This would certainly cause a grounding of all flights at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
The past two snow events were part ice and rain. However, this one is full fledged snow and the accumulation is getting worse. Saturday is looking like it will be a big day as far as snow fall is concerned. Eastern Lake County and Ashtabula have really had a beating with this storm and it does not appear to be letting up anytime soon. These two areas feel much like the Cleveland Hopkins Airport in that they are ready for the snow to stop.
After the storm on Tuesday, many homes east of Cleveland were without power and they remain without power through this storm. That puts many families at risk and makes weathering the snow storm, and potential blizzard, even more difficult. Those stuck at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport must find lodging until the storm clears up and planes are no longer grounded.
It is quite interesting that if the snow keeps falling over the weekend, as it is predicted to, it is likely that the seasonal average will come close to the annual average. That is close to 63 inches of snow!
This has caused problems in areas all around Ohio, not just the Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Some communities banned parking on city streets as a direct result of the snow levels. These include Lakewood, Parma, Strongsville, Lyndhurst, and Warrensville Heights.
Travelers are stuck at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport, kids are out of school, businesses are closing early, and all the while the snow begins to fall. Salt supplies are running low and putting a kink in dealing with the snow and ice on the roads.
Only time will tell where this storm will go, but for the moment it is over Ohio and dropping lots of snow.