Winter storm hits northeast Ohio hard, causing snow emergencies and crashes

CLEVELAND - Snow emergencies have been issued and multiple crashes reported after a snowstorm hit northeast Ohio Saturday.

The snow started falling Friday night, but the heaviest came Saturday morning.

Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson said the snow was a double-barreled lake effect snow that came from both Lake Huron and Lake Erie. It brought moderate-to-heavy snowfall through Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Geauga, Lake, Summit, and Portage counties.

Crashes were reported across the region. Here is a listing of the latest reports we've received:

CRASH & TRAFFIC REPORTS
- Portage County: I-76 westbound near State Route 43 . Highway was closed for several hours and multiple vehicles were involved. As of 6 p.m. Saturday, I-76 westbound at SR 43 is back open.

- Cuyahoga County: I-77 northbound near Wallings Road. A tractor trailer lost control and hit a guard rail. Traffic was moving slowly through the area as it took police some time to clear the trailer and have it towed. The accident was cleared as of 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

- Cuyahoga County: The right two lanes were closed on I-90 westbound between East 72nd and East 55th Streets due to waves from the lake breaking over the wall and onto the roadway Saturday afternoon. As of 6 p.m. Saturday, all lanes are open on I-90 westbound between East 72nd and East 55th Streets. However, the East 72nd Street entrance ramp to I-90 westbound remains closed.

SNOW EMERGENCIES & PARKING BANS IN EFFECT

- Medina County: Level 1 snow emergency

- Warrensville Heights: Parking ban in effect
- Chesterland: Parking ban in effect
- Maple Heights: Parking ban in effect
- Brunswick: Parking ban in effect
- Stow: Parking ban in effect

- Cuyahoga Falls: City-wide parking ban in effect starting at 12:00 noon
Saturday, February 11, 2012 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2012.

SNOW EMERGENCY EXPLANATION

- Level 1 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy; drive carefully.

- Level 2 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.

- Level 3 Snow Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one else should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may be subject to arrest.