A major winter storm is on track to impact Eastern Ohio and West Virginia this weekend, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) about potentially hazardous weather conditions. Meteorologists have reported growing confidence in the storm's capacity to bring significant snowfall, expected to begin affecting the region later this week.
This impending storm is predicted to develop starting late Saturday, with impacts peaking on Sunday and Monday, according to the NWS. Areas such as Muskingum, Coshocton, and Guernsey counties—among others—are under hazardous weather advisories. Local forecasts indicate the possibility of 1-3 inches of snow Friday morning alone, creating dangerous travel conditions for commuters.
According to the NWS, "there is growing confidence the storm will produce significant wintry weather beginning later this week." This forecast is backed by predictions of light snow throughout Friday, which will taper to scattered flurries over the course of the day. The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur late Sunday night and early Monday, leading to widespread accumulating snow across the area.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued for various counties indicates increased risk from both rain and snow. The advisory covers counties such as Harrison, Jefferson, Muskingum, Guernsey, Belmont, Noble, and Monroe in Ohio, and Wetzel, Marshall, and Ohio counties in West Virginia. Specific forecasts suggest snow could transition to heavy bands or squalls on Friday night, reducing visibility and contributing to rapid accumulation on roadways—an alarm raised particularly for areas east of Interstate 77.
“Snow will overspread the region overnight... with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. This could result in hazardous travel conditions, impacting the Friday morning commute,” the NWS warned. Drivers heading out Friday morning should brace for potentially challenging conditions on the roads.
With regard to snow totals, uncertainties remain due to variables surrounding the low-pressure system’s track, which could significantly alter the expected snowfall amounts and timing across the region. Generally, forecasters are predicting the most substantial snow accumulation could arrive late Sunday, where parts of Central Ohio have already been tagged with medium to high chances of impacts.
Forecasts indicate the potential for another storm to affect southern Ohio later this weekend, and predictions are being adjusted accordingly. The NWS is urging the public to remain vigilant as the storm develops, ensuring they have access to the latest information and updates.
On the temperature front, the conditions will also drop considerably. Expected highs hover near the mid-20s throughout the weekend. Northern cold fronts will continue to play their role, leading to the snow system entering the Ohio Basin. Friday’s forecast looks like this: snow likely before 1 PM, then transitioning to isolated snow showers as temperatures linger around 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Friday night will cool down to around 18 degrees with continued isolated snow chances throughout the night.
Looking ahead, Saturday is expected to be partly sunny with high temperatures barely managing 25 degrees, with low temperatures dropping down to approximately 13 degrees overnight. Snow chances return on Sunday, primarily after 1 PM, where cloudy skies are expected and highs will only reach the upper 20s.
“The potential for these heavy bands is greatest for areas east of Interstate 77,” another NWS statement emphasized, highlighting regions at risk for rapid snowfall accumulations. For now, the public is encouraged to stay tuned to forecasts for the latest updates, especially with expected snow developing on Sunday night, with low temperatures around 20 degrees and high chances of snowfall.
Winds during this weather system are expected to be brisk, reaching gusts up to 25 mph, adding to the dangerous travel conditions on roads as drivers will not only have to contend with accumulating snow but also potentially icy patches due to sustained winds. By Monday morning, temperatures will remain grim as high temperatures reach just around 30 degrees, with forecast models signaling there might still be snow hanging around.
While forecasts continue to evolve, making it challenging to provide absolute projections, communities are reminded to prepare for the worst as the winter storm approaches. Staying informed through local weather service reports is the best way to combat the series of winter weather threats expected this weekend.