Steady rain slows east Ohio travel from Cleveland to Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Drivers heading east from greater Cleveland will have to deal with steady rain, gusty winds and standing water on area roadways.

Just after 4 p.m., I completed the 74-mile drive from downtown Cleveland to the Covelli Center in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, where Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton will headline a Democratic Party rally Monday evening.

Throughout the nearly 90-minute drive, heavy rain and winds kept most Ohio Turnpike drivers at or beneath the posted 70 mph speed limit.

Weather conditions moving east through Portage, Trumbull and Mahoning counties were similar with rain falling non-stop and visibility at times diminished by truck traffic and road spray.

Turnpike personnel at the Interstate 80 and 76 toll plaza said they had no reports of weather related trouble in the area. Road conditions on the Turnpike were good with little standing water -- but after exiting on to Interstates 80 and 680, highway drainage was not as effective and there was puddling in some areas.

On surface streets in Youngstown, traffic moved slowly near the Covelli Center and standing water was again in evidence as people with umbrellas scurried toward the facility which was blocked off by local police and U.S. Secret Service.