Residents in and around Cleveland found themselves facing a gamut of severe weather conditions courtesy of a low-pressure system that pulled through the area accompanied by a potent cold front. The National Weather Service in Cleveland reported that this system slung heavy rainfall across the region, followed by strong gusty winds and a conditional risk for severe thunderstorms.
According to the forecast discussion from the NWS, most of the rainfall occurred early in the morning, with "a slug of steady, moderate to heavy rain" lifted in by a robust low-level jet. Areas west of I-71 saw the heftier amounts, with storm total rain/QPF amounts clocking between 1.25-1.75 inches. Some local streams and rivers edged towards minor flood stages, but overall, officials anticipated these conditions would be manageable without widespread flooding.
Additionally, gusty winds were a major concern. A Wind Advisory was implemented across the forecast area, with expected gusts that prompted concerns about potentially damaging conditions. "With a deepening sub-990mb low tracking through the region later today and tonight, impressive wind fields will lead to gusty winds both ahead of and behind the low," the National Weather Service explained. Wind gusts were powerful following the cold front's passage, peaking between 45-50 MPH, with some areas possibly experiencing gusts up to 55 MPH, especially northeast of the I-71 corridor.
On the convective front, the NWS underscored a "low-CAPE/high-shear severe threat" which posed the risk of low-topped showers and storms potentially escalating to severe levels. Conditions were favorable for surface-based convection, given the unusual mix of near-record temperatures and high moisture content for this time of year. The potential for brief tornadoes was also mentioned, although it remained a secondary concern to the wind threat. The day's warmth flirted with record highs, invoking memories of bygone years when late December readings were similarly unseasonal.
Looking ahead, the short-term forecast anticipated another low-pressure system to track through the Ohio Valley by Tuesday, leading to another round of precipitation, primarily in the form of rain owing to the warm conditions. Reports suggested snowfall accumulations in certain areas as the system moves out and temperatures drop. Lake effect snow was also expected to contribute to the winter weather narrative, particularly in the snowbelt region.
The marine conditions on Lake Erie mirrored the tumult on land, with gale warnings in place as the low-pressure system traversed the area. Boaters were advised of the hazardous conditions projected to last through Monday. On the shores of Ohio, environmental impacts were also expected, with low water advisories issued for the western basin due to the strength of the winds.
The Climate section of the NWS bulletin rounded out this eventful forecast, noting that the current warmth battled historic temperature records for the latter days of December, with some areas threatened to reach or surpass the highs set well over a century ago.
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