Prepare for Lake Effect Snow Possibilities in Beachwood, Ohio

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you are new to the Beachwood area, you are about to meet a familiar enemy called Lake Effect Snow Showers. Most of us are used to this warning, but for those new to the area, you may be wondering what Lake Effect means to Cleveland.

Lake effect occurs when the air is significantly colder than the surface of the water. As damp air from a lake moves over land and rises in elevation, rain or snow is released. In the case of lake-effect snow squalls, there can be thunder and lightning as well as blizzard conditions. The visibility can transition from unlimited to near zero, and roads can become snow covered in a matter of seconds, hence the concern for unsuspecting motorists traveling the highways.  It is not uncommon for one area to receive a modest 2-4 inches of snow fall.  Whereas a town simply 15 miles away could accumulate between 1-2 FEET of snow!  

Be sure to keep your gas tank at at least half a tank, bring water on each trip, and a spare blanket in your car in case traffic is backed up from the hazardous conditions. If possible, stay in your Beachwood home with a warm cup of coffee and admire the picturesque snow fall.

If you happen to come home to water damage, call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast at 216-464-4498 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."®