In a daring effort to save more than 20 individuals stranded on an ice floe in Lake Erie, the Coast Guard has initiated a rescue operation. The group is currently marooned near Catawba Island State Park in Ohio's Ottawa County, a popular recreational site for boating and fishing activities.

The U.S. Coast Guard's 9th District, based in Cleveland, has dispatched the Air Station Detroit and Marblehead Station in collaboration with local authorities to carry out the rescue mission. The reason behind the group's presence on the ice remains unclear.

The Midwest region has been grappling with severe winter weather conditions over the past few days, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Although Ohio experienced temperatures in the teens over the weekend, Monday saw a slight increase to the 30s. Despite this temporary respite, the state continues to face complications from lake effect snow, with the Greater Cleveland area reporting a snowfall of over 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

As the situation intensifies, residents in central and west central Ohio, as well as east central Indiana, have been advised to remain vigilant. The NWS office in Cleveland has issued a winter weather advisory starting from 8 p.m. on Monday, extending into Tuesday morning. The advisory warns of freezing rain and potential ice accumulations in the region.

With the rescue operation now underway, it is hoped that the stranded individuals will be safely retrieved from the perilous ice floe. The combined efforts of the Coast Guard, local authorities, and favorable weather conditions will be crucial in ensuring a successful outcome.