Bitterly cold temperatures and zero-degree wind chills are greeting the Valley this Wednesday morning as we head out to work and school. Temperatures at 7:00 am will be in the lower teens and wind chills will hover around zero.
But, there will be no snow showers to deal with – at least through the morning and early afternoon.
We’ll also be in the middle of a nice break in the snow showers until our next clipper system fires the snow machine back up this afternoon.
Wednesday’s clipper will be distinctly different from the last couple of storms. It will track farther south than what we normally see with Alberta Clippers and end up along the I-70 corridor. The more southerly track of this system will mean slightly higher impacts in the Tuscarawas Valley with regards to snowfall.
It’s also a bit more potent than the run-of-the-mill clipper. With the track nearly right through the Tuscarawas Valley and sufficient moisture available, this system has all the markings of a widespread one to three inch snow event for the majority of the area.
As with previous clippers this week snow accumulation is not the biggest concern. Timing of snowfall will have implications on travel later today, though.
SNOW SHOWERS WILL IMPACT YOUR WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON COMMUTE
Timeline: Light snow showers should begin around 3:00 – 4:00 pm this afternoon. The light snow showers at the start will gradually become moderate snow showers AFTER 4:00 pm. That timing suggests the majority of us will have to deal with at least some snow showers and snow-covered roadways for the commute home.
SIMULATED radar loop from the hi-res model through midnight tonight:
I suspect we will run into a short period around 4 – 6 where a dry slot tries to work in from the east. I’m not 100-percent sure this will actually develop, but if it does, there may be a brief window where little if any snow falls. That would be good news for all those folks heading home from work.
Moderate snowfall will likely continue through the evening and tonight. Snow showers will taper off after 1:00 – 2:00 am ending 3:00 – 5:00 am Thursday morning.
LOCAL IMPACTS
It’s cold and the ground is cold enough to support accumulating snow. However, with moderate snowfall rates expected at times, even treated roadways will eventually become snow covered and slick. Untreated and less-traveled secondary roads will of course fare worse.
Visibility will also be reduced at times especially in those moderate snow showers after sunset tonight.
I do not have any influence on school adjustments. But I suspect SOME adjustments for Thursday morning. Contact you local school officials.
On the plus side, this will not be heavy wet snow. Today’s snow will be light and powdery – not good for snowman or snow fort making. But it will be relatively easy to shovel off sidewalks, patios, decks and walkways.
Another plus; Winds will diminish drastically today and tonight so blowing and drifting snow will not be a problem.
SNOW AMOUNTS
As with the last two clipper systems, this one will not bring a ton of snow to the Valley. Snowfall will, however, be widespread so EVERYONE will receive snow this afternoon and tonight. Generally, odds are best for a 2.0″ to 4.0″ across the Tuscarawas Valley area.
Odds for the higher end amounts will be greater for those communities north of New Philadelphia – Strasburg, Bolivar, Zoar, Sugarcreek, Mineral City, etc. Snow accumulation on the lower end will be more likely south of New Phila – Tuscarawas, Gnadenhutten, Port Washington, Newcomerstown, etc.
NOTICE that the farther north you travel tonight and Thursday, the more snow you’ll encounter. You’ll have greater travel impacts as you travel into Stark, Wayne, northern Carroll and Columbiana counties.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
The bulk of snow showers will end quickly before sunrise Thursday but we will continue to keep a slight chance for a random light snow shower through 7:00 am or so. Dry weather and cold temperatures will highlight the remainder of the day with afternoon temperatures around 26/28 degrees.
Friday should also remain dry. The next chance for snow will arrive Friday evening as a weak system crosses the Great Lakes. I wouldn’t expect much of anything from this one and only have slight chances for snow Friday night.
