The National Weather Service has upgraded Columbus and portions of central Ohio to a winter storm warning, increasing the forecasted total snow accumulation to 5-7 inches through 1 a.m. Saturday.
And several area counties have declared Level 1 snow emergencies including: Delaware, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union. Level 1 emergencies indicate hazardous roadways with blowing and drifting snow.
Up to 8 inches are possible in isolated areas affected by the warning, which includes Franklin, Delaware and Licking counties in central Ohio.
The storm warning also includes eastern Indiana and western Ohio, with a heavy band of snowfall largely falling on either side of the Interstate 70 corridor headed west to east.
The NWS had originally forecast up to 4 inches of snow for central and southern Ohio under a winter weather advisory issued earlier. But steady, heavy snowfall — which has been falling in central Ohio since around 2 p.m. — has led the agency to revise its forecast upwards and to switch to a storm warning.
"You're most certainly going to get accumulating snow, how much and where kind of depends" where you are," said NWS meteorologist Steve Hrebenach.
What's the difference between a winter storm advisory, watch and warning?
The NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) cautions about winter weather in three categories: advisories, watches and warnings (although there are subcategories as well that may be used). Here's what each means:
- Advisory: A less severe winter weather event is imminent. It is intended to highlight hazardous weather conditions which could lead to life-threatening situations if caution is not exercised and are usually issued six to 18 hours before the weather event.
- Watch: The potential exists for a significant or dangerous weather event (and can become a warning). A Watch is usually issued between 12 and 48 hours before a weather event.
- Warning: A significant or dangerous weather event that is imminent. Warnings are usually issued six to 18 hours before to the weather event.
With ground temperatures dropping from the 40s into mid- to low-30s, roadways are expected to become cold enough that "there will probably be slick spots when we head into the night," Hrebenach said.
Similar forecasts earlier this week produced no accumulation in Columbus, with precipitation pushed into southern Ohio. This time, Hrebenach said, "It's happening."
In preparation for the weather actually behaving like winter again, road crews in central Ohio were applying brine solution throughout the region on Thursday, especially on overpasses and bridges which can freeze more easily than pavement that retains heat.
But the snow was coming down so fast and heavy in some places Friday night that roadways were quickly covered.
Delaware County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 snow emergency at 6:40 p.m. Friday, reporting roadways there largely covered with snow and ice. That's the lowest of the three snow emergency warning levels for road travel in Ohio that are controlled by county sheriffs.
What do the different snow emergency warnings mean?
Level 1 snow emergency
This means that roads are icy and there is some blowing or drifting snow into roadways. Those out driving are urged to "drive very cautiously.
Level 2 snow emergency
In addition to blowing and drifting wind, roads are very icy and only necessary travel is recommended during Level 2 snow emergencies. Drivers are urged to ask their employers if they should report to work.
Level 3 snow emergency
Roads will close to non-emergency personnel during Level 3 snow emergencies, except for personal emergencies or "absolutely necessary" travel. Those out driving may be subject to arrest, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather website states.
What's the forecast for the rest of the weekend?
The chance of precipitation is 100% tonight with the overnight low in the low 20s, the NWS forecasts. Northwest winds may push 10 mph, creating a wind chill that will make outside "feel" temperature in the mid- to upper teens.
Saturday is forecast to be partly sunny, with a high near 29 and wind gusts up to 28 mph later in the day, creating dangerous wind chills.
Sunday will see temperatures rise to near 40. Wind gusts will continue, but will shift from the southwest.
dnarciso@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: NWS upgrades Central Ohio to a winter storm warning, with total snowfall of 5-8 inches
