Much of the Columbus metro area could see between 8 and 12 inches of snow. Some parts of southern Ohio may pick up more than a foot of snowfall.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation Saturday proactively declaring a state of emergency in Ohio due to the major winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could bring up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the state. Subzero temperatures are also expected. NWS has already issued a Winter Storm Warning for all 88 Ohio counties.
DeWine spoke on Friday afternoon about the state’s preparations for the impending storm.
The proclamation authorizes the Ohio Department of Administrative Services to waive standard purchasing rules to quickly secure supplies needed to protect Ohioans.
“I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out,” said DeWine. “We’re expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly.”
Things to know:
- Much of the Columbus metro area could see between 8 and 12 inches of snow. Some parts of southern Ohio may pick up more than a foot of snowfall.
- A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for central Ohio counties. It is in effect now until 12 p.m. Monday.
- Snow will begin Saturday evening and continue through Sunday night.
- The further south you go, the greater the accumulation.
- Snow, wind, and cold temperatures will make for difficult travel conditions.
How much snow is expected in Central Ohio
The 10 Weather Impact team has updated the snowfall forecast to bring some of the heavier snowfall further north. Once all is said and done by Monday morning, 8-12″ of snow appears likely for the Columbus metro with 12″ or more expected along and south of Interstate 70 and east of I-71.
There will be some areas in southern Ohio that pick up greater than a foot of snowfall.
This has the potential to be one of, if not the biggest, snowfall we get this season.
In addition to the snow, single digit and even subzero temperatures are expected for several days. This drop in temperatures will again bring widespread and prolonged subzero wind chills to the whole region.
