Update: Heavy Snow and High Winds Close Schools and Libraries, Slow Commuters

Updated 12:25 p.m. Friday: The heavy band of snow hitting Cleveland Heights now should slow down by mid afternoon. 

With snow falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and winds gusting at more than 30 miles per hour, the morning commute was slow in most areas.

, and John Carroll and Case Western Reserve universities canceled classes today. had delayed opening until 1 p.m., but are now closed for the day. 

Total snowfall rates will range from 5 to 10 inches today, according to the National Weather Service. Though the snow should taper off by the evening commute, the winds will lower visibility to a quarter mile in some areas. Still, the NWS predicts that tonight will be better than this morning.

"This main system just came really fast and is really strong. We have a little bit of enhancement from Lake Erie with this system," said Kristen Schuler, meteorologist with the Cleveland National Weather Service.

There will be a few lingering flurries tonight and into tomorrow, she said, but accumulation shouldn't be more than an inch. 

But it's not over.

Temperatures Sunday and Monday will be above freezing, and it's supposed to rain, which combined with the melting snow, could cause flooding in the area, Schuler said. 

After Monday, the weather should improve, she said. 

"There's hope in sight. Temperatures will be in the lower 40's, and we'll have some sunshine Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, if that's any consolation for what's happening now," she said. "It's going to be nice. I can't wait." 

Check back throughout the day for updates.