Posted 1:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 15, 2020
We’re still on track to get some snow here in the Valley on Wednesday. There has been some auguring between the models on where the heaviest snow will fall and there are some differences in timing. But, basically, the bottom line is that impactful snow looks like a good bet locally tomorrow
So, let’s get caught up with the latest info…
THE SETUP
A storm system will travel east through the Ohio Valley Wednesday. With ample Gulf moisture available and cold temperatures, snow will spread into east-central Ohio Wednesday morning. Snowfall will continue through much of the afternoon on Wednesday before the system exits along the Atlantic Coast and heads north into New England.
This is a major snowstorm for parts of the eastern and northeastern US.
NWS WINTER HEADLINES
The National Weather Service is posting weather headlines in advance of the storm. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Tuscarawas, Carroll, Guernsey, Coshocton, Harrison and Wayne counties in our area as of 1:00 PM for 3″ to 5″ of snow. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for parts of western PA and western WV.

RECENT MODEL TRENDS
Model runs overnight and early this morning have shown a trend toward higher snowfall amounts for eastern Ohio. If this trend continues with today’s model runs, look for the National Weather Service to issue Winter Weather Advisories later today or early Wednesday morning.
The bullseye and heaviest snowfall is still expected to occur well to our east and north. The general trend has been for additional snow spreading farther westward.

THE GAMEPLAN
This is not a lake effect snow event. Snow will spread southwest to northeast Wednesday morning. Once the snow gets underway it will continue for much of the afternoon and into sunset. Snowfall rates could be heavy at times and will probably have impacts on the Wednesday afternoon/evening commute.

LOCAL SNOW AMOUNTS
As a result of the trend toward high snow amounts spreading west from the storm, I’ve bumped up snow totals here in the Valley to a general 3″ to 5″. Folks in our communities east of New Philadelphia might trend a little higher in the 3″ to 6″ range.

LOCAL IMPACTS
The timing of this system means that impacts on travel will increase through the afternoon on Wednesday. Be prepared to deal with snow-covered roads on the way home after work/school. As it usually is, secondary untreated roads will be the trickiest.
I’ll probably take another look at things late tonight and early Wednesday morning. Look for future updates as the storm evolves and more information comes into focus.
Be safe out there.