The Wood County Emergency Management Agency has issued the following advisory:
Wood County is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 1 a.m. Monday morning. A winter storm will impact the entire forecast area beginning Monday morning and persisting through Tuesday morning. There will be two distinguished periods of snowfall, one occurring Monday morning into Monday afternoon, and the other occurring Monday night into Tuesday. The current forecast has a brief hiatus of snowfall occurring Monday evening, however this window continues to diminish. Timing of the snowfall is expected to impact both Monday and Tuesday morning commutes, with a potential to impact the Monday evening commute with any lingering snow across the area.
Breaking down what to expect during the two different periods:
– Monday morning into the afternoon: 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected for areas west of I71, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected for areas in the I71 corridor and east.
-Monday night into Tuesday: an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected for areas west of I71, with an additional 4 to 8 inches of snow expected for areas in the I71 corridor and east.
In addition to widespread accumulating snowfall, wind chill values overnight Sunday and Monday are expected to be in the single digits, approaching zero in the western counties. The attached wind chill graphic is for Monday night as this will be the colder of the two nights. Please take this time to prepare for these cold temperatures and heavy snow.
- Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
The EMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will update as it develops. Stay safe and warm.
