Winter Storm Will Bring Heavy Snowfall to Stark County
By: Maria Camper
for the Stark County Weather Center, Canton, OH.
February 5, 2010
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| Heavy snow will begin to fall over Stark County this afternoon from a winter storm that will affect the region through Saturday. Some communities in the county could get up to 12 inches of snow by the time the storm moves out tomorrow. |
Forecasters say 6 to 10 inches of snow could fall during the next 36 hours. Southern portions of the county could potentially receive near 12 inches. Winds will increase during the late afternoon producing blowing and drifting snow.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Cleveland are predicting a total of 6 to 10 inches of snow could fall as a result of a strengthening winter storm that will arrive over Stark County today.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from noon today to noon Saturday for many southern and central Ohio counties including Stark County.
Stark County is on the northern edge of the warning area where the storm is expected to have less of an impact. However, communities within the county will receive substantial snowfall from the approaching storm.
Snow ill spread from south to north during the afternoon and continue through Saturday evening. The snowfall this evening and overnight will be heavy at times. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches can be expected with a few locations near and south of a Mount Gilead to Canton line potentially seeing higher amounts to nearly a foot.
Snow from the storm will be wet and heavy.
The heaviest snow will pull out fairly quickly Saturday morning.
Northeast winds are expected to increase late this afternoon and persist into the nighttime hours. The increased winds will likely lead to some blowing and drifting of snow. However, the wet and heavy nature of the snow should limit drifting problems.
Schools, government offices, and businesses may adjust their times today as a result of the approaching storm. Please check with your place of business and school system for possible reduced hours of operation and early closings.
The afternoon and evening commute will be challenging. Heavy snowfall is expected to occur this afternoon which will lead to hazardous driving conditions on area roadways. Although crews will be out to treat roadways, not all surfaces will be treated at all times. Drivers will need to exercise extreme caution while traveling. Slow down, allow extra drive-time, and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Bridges and overpasses will be especially treacherous as these surfaces are colder and more susceptible to icing.
If at all possible, consider avoiding travel this afternoon and evening.
Hourly updates and local reports will be available on our website at starkcountyweather.com. Follow Stark County Weather on Twitter at twitter.com/starkwx.
