The National Weather Service reports parts of Ashtabula County have already been buried under more than 3 feet of snow, with totals across the warned counties ranging from 5 inches to a staggering 39 inches. While many areas have escaped substantial snowfall since Thanksgiving, a broader impact is expected in the coming days, with some communities potentially seeing storm totals reach 4 to 5 feet.

**Alert Extensions and Upgrades**

The lake-effect snow warning for Lake and Ashtabula Counties has now been extended until Tuesday morning. Additionally, a winter storm watch for Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties was upgraded to a Lake Effect Snow Warning as of Saturday afternoon. This upgraded warning will also remain in effect until 7 AM on Tuesday.

**Brief Lull Before the Next Wave**

Currently, a brief pause in the intense snowfall has been experienced, thanks to southwesterly winds temporarily pushing the lake-effect snow bands offshore. This reprieve is likened to the eye of a hurricane—offering momentary calm before the return of heavy snowfall. Even during this lull, blowing and drifting snow could pose significant challenges for road travel.

**Expected Timing and Inland Movement**

Predicting the exact timing for the return of heavy snow is somewhat uncertain, but forecasts suggest it could resume as early as Sunday morning. This next wave is anticipated to extend farther inland and shift more towards the west, affecting additional communities including eastern Cuyahoga and northern Geauga Counties. Snowfall rates could reach an intense 1 to 2 inches per hour, persisting into Tuesday. By then, more widespread accumulation is projected across the region.

In the other parts of the viewing area, expect cold and breezy conditions with limited snowfall. For a detailed look at the expected timing and placement of the lake-effect snow bands, check the latest Futurecast images.