More online: Join WHIO Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek for a winter weather chat at 12:30-1:30 p.m. today at whio.com.
Another winter storm is expected to blow through the area this weekend, with most of the snow and ice falling Sunday evening, meteorologists say.
The storm carries the potential to drop as much as 12 inches of snow in some parts of the region, said Jamie Simpson, chief meteorologist for News Center 7.
Snow will begin falling in the northern parts of the area by sunrise Sunday, and will spread throughout the rest of the area throughout the morning, Simpson said. A few inches could fall by sunset, and then turn into sleet.
Snow will become heavier on Sunday evening, and change to sleet south of Interstate 70. Butler, Warren and Clinton counties could get freezing rain, Simpson said.
“It will all depend on how strong the push of warmer air a few thousand feet above the ground will be,” he said.
The storm is expected to last through early Monday afternoon.
“We expect areas that stay all snow to have the potential for 8 inches to 12 inches, but it is too early to tell where that will be in our area or perhaps just north of our area,” Simpson said. “Obviously where more ice mixes in we will see lower accumulations.”
Blowing and drifting snow should not be an issue because the storm is not expected to cause any strong winds, he said.
The area already has had its snowiest winter in more than 30 years, and its fourth snowiest ever. More than 45 inches fell through mid-February. In 1909-1910, 50.4 inches fell. The weather has caused major salt shortages for local governments.