The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory in central Ohio, warning that freezing drizzle will glaze roads with ice and cause slick conditions.
The NWS in Wilmington issued the advisory at 6:53 a.m. Dec. 31, and it remains in effect until 11 a.m.
Drivers should plan on slippery conditions during the morning commute, the NWS said. They should slow down and use caution while driving.
Light snow is in the forecast for the rest of the day.
“Snow showers will develop this evening and continue into the overnight hours,” the NWS said in its hazardous weather statement at 7:22 a.m. Dec. 31. “One to locally two inches of snow will be possible.”
As of 8 a.m. Dec. 31, ODOT traffic cameras in Columbus showed most main roads and freeways appeared to be wet but clear, although slick spots were possible.
Several Ohio counties under snow emergencies
Several Ohio counties, including Fairfield and Licking counties, were placed under snow emergencies the morning of New Year’s Eve as snow fell on the region.
As of 7 a.m. that morning, Athens, Fairfield, Guernsey, Hardin, Licking, Marion, Morgan, Muskingum, Ross and Union counties were under level one snow emergencies. Hocking County was under a level two snow emergency.
Snow emergencies are called by local sheriffs. They remain in place until the sheriff cancels them.
A level one snow emergency means roadways are hazardous due to snow and ice, and drivers should use caution. A level two snow emergency means people should only drive if it is necessary, and at level three, roadways are closed except to emergency and essential personnel.
Columbus forecast
Here is the latest from the National Weather service forecast for Central Ohio.
Today: Snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain before 11am, then a chance of snow after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. West wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 14. West wind 8 to 13 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 26. Northwest wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.
Public Safety and Breaking News Reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Snow emergencies, weather advisory issued for slick roads in central Ohio
Reporting by Bailey Gallion, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
