Posted 10:00 AM EST Saturday, January 30, 2021
THIS IS A LONG DURATION EVENT: A potent winter storm will bring accumulating snowfall to east-central Ohio tonight through Sunday night. Lake effect snow showers will set up and continue on and off through Monday. Expect moderate impacts to travel Sunday and Monday.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10:00 PM Saturday until 10:00 PM Sunday for all counties in the region. Periods of heavy snowfall rates capable of reducing visibility are possible tonight. The advisory will likely be extended into Monday at some point tomorrow.
There is a good possibility that the Advisory could be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for portions of east-central Ohio later today.
TODAY AND TONIGHT
There will be no weather issues today (Saturday). Clouds will increase through the day as a strengthening low pressure system approaches the Ohio Valley. The models have been very consistent with the low tracking east near the KY/OH border. This scenario sets up the area of heaviest snowfall across central Ohio tonight into Sunday morning.
SUNDAY
The system will push a warm front north into east-central Ohio. The most recent guidance suggests that the front will stall at or near I-70. With temperatures warming to above freezing, we can expect a wintry mix of rain/sleet/snow Sunday afternoon for a time. Freezing rain is also possible. As temperatures cool Sunday evening precipitation changes back to snow.
MONDAY
Cold air will flow into the region as the system moves east of the region on Monday. This sets up a period of lake effect snow showers that can stretch south into our area. Expect to see additional snow accumulation at times from these bands.
The system finally pulls away from eastern Ohio Monday night allowing for quiet weather to return Tuesday and Wednesday.
SNOW AMOUNTS
NOTE: Snow totals are for the entire 48-hour period from about 2:00 AM Sunday to 2:00 AM Tuesday.
*IMPORTANT* Snow totals have trended upward slightly over the last 24 hours. I would not be surprised to see snow totals increase as more data comes in today. Expect adjustments in the snow forecast later today.
The bulk of the snow in our area will occur Saturday night through Sunday. Additional accumulation will likely occur on Monday. Moderate to heavy snowfall can occur at times through the Saturday night – Sunday period. Generally, we can expect 4″ to 6″ of snow. Some areas – especially those communities west and south of New Philadelphia – could see additional accumulation on the order of 6″ to 8″.
LOCAL IMPACTS
Impacts from this storm will be with us for a couple of days beginning tonight. Expect snow-covered roads and highways. Untreated roads will be especially hazardous and snow-covered. Travel may be difficult and visibility reduced at times.
I’ll post an update here later today. I also do quick updates through the day on Twitter (@tuscwx).
Thank you!
Best (and never overblown) forecast around. We depend on your site for dependable and true weather. Thanks!
You’re a class act!
Thanks Joe
Why doesn’t Pgh just issue a Warning for us?
The criteria for a Warning is not quite there yet. I think they’re waiting to see how far north the snow/rain line can reach. If it stays to our south and not much liquid precipitation or sleet mixes in, then we’ll get more snow. Warnings are not issued lightly. In order for a Warning, they need to be confident that snowfall will reach at least 6″ within 12 hours OR 8″ within 24 hours.
Thanks Joe! You are my go to for local weather!
Thanks for caring Joe
Thanks Joe! You are better than the NWS!😁
Thanks! But to be fair, they do have to cover a much larger area. I only concentrate on our little place in the world.