Winter Storm Warning Update: Snowfall Predictions, Forecast, More

OHIO — Nearly a foot of snow and a layer of ice could develop in parts of Ohio from Wednesday night through Friday morning, according to a winter storm warning.

Most of the Buckeye State will see dangerous winter weather starting Wednesday night and continuing through Friday morning. Many communities across the state will see freezing rain and sleet, while cities in northern Ohio are expected to get between 8 and 12 inches of snow. Winds are also expected to hit 25 to 30 mph, reducing visibility and increasing the danger for travelers.

Central and southwest Ohio will get thick ice formations, the National Weather Service warned. Forecasts call for 1 to 3 inches of snow atop the ice in those regions.

"Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute," the National Weather Service said.

The winter storm warning will remain in place until at least 7 a.m. Friday.

Here are the latest updates on the storm from around the state.

Snowfall Predictions

On Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service issued new snowfall predictions for cities in northern Ohio.

• Cleveland — 9.9 inches
• Elyria — 10.4 inches
• Mentor —10.6 inches
• Toledo — 12.7 inches
• Fremont — 11.7 inches
• Sandusky — 11.3 inches
• Ashtabula — 10.3 inches
• Medina — 9.1 inches
• Akron — 8.1 inches
• Canton — 5.3 inches
• Ravenna — 7.6 inches
• Wooster — 7 inches
• Mansfield — 8.5 inches

Communities in central and southwest Ohio will get between 1 and 3 inches of snow between Wednesday night and Friday morning, forecasts said.

ODOT Warns Drivers

"Even with our crews out around the clock, travel during the storm will be extremely difficult," the Ohio Department of Transportation said.

Drivers should move slowly on any roadway and provide as much space for snowplows as possible, the department added. Morning and afternoon commutes could be impacted by the storm on Thursday.

In northeast Ohio, ODOT said it has more than 166,000 tons of salt available and crews have the capacity to make salt brine to combat the storm's effects.

"Mechanics have been tuning up the snowplows and our drivers are ready to begin 12-hour shifts. If we get the expected amount of snowfall, it will be very difficult for our crews to keep up. Don't expect perfect road conditions. Our snowplows will be plowing and treating roads and doing their best for those that must travel," the department said in a news release.

Tips for Safe Driving

As a potentially major winter storm approaches Ohio, the travel organization AAA is urging Buckeye State residents to avoid travel if they can.

If you must travel, here some safety tips to remember from AAA:

• Check your tire pressure, windshield wipers, fluid levels and lights before leaving.
• Make sure your gas tank is at least half full before leaving on any trip.
• Build extra time into any commute or travel plans.
• Drive slowly.
• Keep space between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road.
• Stop slowly. Do not slam on the brakes.
• If your vehicle starts to slide, take your feet off the pedals and focus your eyes on where you want to go instead of what you're trying to avoid.

Snow Parking Bans

Many cities are already issuing snow parking bans, or reminding residents that automatic parking bans go into effect when a certain amount of snow falls. Cleveland and suburban Cleveland Heights issued snow parking bans on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, in advance of the storm.

Lakewood, Solon and other communities have snow parking bans that are automatically implemented when snowfall hits a certain rate during a storm. Ohioans will want to avoid parking on the street in their town if at all possible.

Ohio Turnpike Bans High-Profile Vehicles

With the potential for a major winter storm looming, the Ohio Turnpike is banning high-profile vehicles from using the turnpike for part of the week.

The ban will be in effect for the entire turnpike and will be implemented starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday and will remain in place through noon on Friday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will enforce the ban.

The following high-profile vehicles are included in the ban, the Ohio Turnpike said:

• All Long Combination Vehicles (LCV) triple-trailer combination commercial vehicles;
• All LCV long double-trailer combination commercial vehicles (enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers) more than 90-feet in length;
• Mobile home/office trailers;
• Boat and horse trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks; and
• High-profile campers and enclosed trailers, which are defined as trailers designed for a person of average height to stand in.