Posted by Joe on Thursday, Jan 11, 6:30 PM
Note: This update includes minor changes to the storm forecast that reflect the latest model trends.
A powerful low pressure system will travel through the Upper Great Lakes region Friday and Saturday. The storm will bring a variety of winter weather impacts to the Valley. While the latest model trends have slowed down the onset of the storm, it will still bring a period of strong winds and usher in the coldest temperatures of the season so far for the Tuscarawas Valley area.
Current model solutions have slowed the storm system down a bit and slightly altered the track. This will delay the onset of precipitation in our area until late morning or early afternoon on Friday. Changes in this update also reflect minor changes in timing the changeover to snow showers and a reduction in snow amounts for the Valley.
HAZARDS
By far, the biggest threat from this system will come from strong winds. Wind Advisories are already in place for all of the east-central Ohio region. There is a high probability that some or all of the region could be upgraded to High Wind headlines. The latest data suggests that the highest wind gusts in our area are most likely to occur Friday night through Saturday afternoon.
Power outages and damage to trees and such are likely. Secure anything outside that might get blown away if you’d like to keep it.
SATURDAY SNOW
There can be a period dry period Friday night as a dry slot moves through the region. Temperatures will start a downward slide Friday night and any liquid precipitation will mix with snow late Friday night. Precipitation will change to all snow showers before the sun rises Saturday morning.
As for local snow amounts, some places up to the north and east are going to get a good thump. Not us, though. While we will see some snow blowing around on Saturday here, it won’t amount to much.
Locally, travel impacts from snow showers will be minor. With the potential for periods of blowing snow, visibility may be hampered at times. Roads and highways that run through sheltered areas could see some slick spots.
LOCAL TIMING
Below find my updated timing graphic and not the changes from yesterday’s update:
THEN, JUST COLD
Cold arctic air will flow into east-central Ohio on the back end of our storm. We will probably see an 8 to 10-day period of well-below-normal temperatures for a while. Wind chill values will also come into play. These will the the coldest temperatures of the season so far – and, the longest stretch of cold we’ve seen so far in the season.
On the plus side of things, we’re not anticipating any impactful snow going out for a week or so.
Thank you for reading the Tuscarawas Valley’s most detailed weather forecast. You have a lot of choices when it comes to where you get your weather info and I’m glad you choose to rely on TUSCWeather for the latest local weather info.
Joe