Posted Tuesday AM, February 16, 2022
A strong cold front will bring the potential for heavy rainfall to east-central Ohio Thursday and Thursday night. The combination of melting snowpack, ice jams, and excessive rain raises the risk for flooding – especially in those areas near rivers and streams.
Current National Weather Service forecasts indicate that total rain amounts could range in the 1.00″ to 1.50″ range in our area. This amount of rain, coupled with the water contained in our melting snowpack, could bring localized flooding.
Widespread rain is expected to overspread the area Thursday morning and continue Thursday night. As temperatures rapidly cool behind the cold front Thursday night, the rain will mix with snow before becoming all snow early Friday morning. Some sleet is also possible during the transition period. Snow accumulation will be less than an inch locally but any standing rainwater on area roads and walkways will quickly freeze.
A rumble or two of thunder is also possible. The threat for strong to severe storms will set up well to our south with the highest potential for severe storms along and near the Ohio River.
Light snow showers can linger into Friday morning. However, any snow showers should exit the area by mid-morning with skies becoming mostly sunny Friday afternoon. Temperatures will be cooler once again on Friday with an afternoon high around freezing.
