MOUNT VERNON — The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Knox County – as well as the rest of northern Ohio – on Wednesday morning.
It will last from Thursday evening through Saturday evening.
Knox County is expected to see a “multi-hazard winter storm” during that time, according to the NWS. This storm is expected to include “a combination of strong winds, very cold temperatures, snow” and the possibility of blowing snow.
Knox County could receive 2 to 4 inches of snow during that time, the NWS stated, and wind gusts could reach 60 miles per hour. Wind chill values could bottom out at 30 degrees below zero.
“A window of brief intense snowfall is possible with a cold frontal passage late Thursday night into Friday morning. This front will also bring a sharp temperature drop over a matter of a few hours, where temperatures above freezing Thursday night will drop to the single digits by Friday afternoon. A flash freeze is possible with this occurrence,” the NWS stated Wednesday.
“Winds will increase across the area on Friday, especially Friday night, and be the main hazard for the area with blowing snow also potentially causing hazardous travel. Strong winds could cause damage to trees, bring down power lines, and blow around unsecured objects. Snow will attempt to fill back in across the area on Friday night into Saturday for some additional snow accumulations.
“From Friday afternoon through Sunday, a period of almost 48 hours where temperatures remain in the single digits is possible. This combined with the strong winds would allow for a long period of wind chills well below zero and increase exposure risk and infrastructure concerns across the area.”
The NWS recommended people in the northern part of the state “plan on slippery road conditions,” and noted that “areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.”
“The hazardous conditions could severely impact the Friday morning commute and any holiday travel,” the agency continued. “Strong winds could cause tree damage. The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.”
How might Knox County residents best prepare for the weekend ahead? What should they consider as they navigate the holidays in arctic conditions?
James DeChant, the incoming Knox County Emergency Management Agency director, shared his advice below.
PREPARE YOUR HOME: DeChant said power outages may become a concern this weekend, given the high winds and arctic temperatures forecasted.
He encouraged residents to find their electrical provider’s website and phone number, just in case. Doing so will allow residents to stay up-to-date if outages occur in their area.
Residents using alternative heat sources, such as space heaters, should keep combustable material at least three feet away, DeChant said. He also advised people not to use generators, gas or propane heaters, camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors.
Residents should be stocked up on food and bottled water, DeChant said. “If you’re out in the country and you have a well running on electric power, you might fill your bathtub with water to use for flushing toilets,” he added.
DeChant said residents should keep devices charged. He also said people should plan to communicate with their neighbors throughout the storm.
“Check on your neighbors,” DeChant said. “Have those conversations before the storm hits about whether they’re going to be home or not, so you know who needs checked on and who doesn’t.”
DeChant said residents should consider bringing their pets indoors once the temperature drops below 20 degrees. He encouraged dog and cat owners to thoroughly wipe their pets’ paws, as they can become irritated by salt and other ice-melting chemicals.
PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE: DeChant encouraged those traveling this holiday season to “pay attention to the weather reports and warnings, and plan your trip accordingly.”
He said residents should anticipate longer travel times, given the conditions. Residents should also let their loved ones know what time they’re leaving, when they expect to arrive, and what route they’re planning on taking, DeChant said.
DeChant encouraged travelers to create “supply kits” for their vehicles, filled with jumper cables, pet litter, shovels, ice scrapers, blankets, bottled water and snacks. He said travelers should fill up on gas and charge their phones before leaving.
In general, DeChant said, residents should try to limit their time outside this weekend. Those who do go outside should watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, he added.
WARMING CENTERS ON CALL: DeChant said Knox County EMA has contacted its list of potential warming centers around the county, and five have confirmed they will be able to open their doors this weekend if need be.
An “extended power outage” would prompt the EMA to ask these centers to open, DeChant said.
“If we know it’s going to be an extended power outage where folks need to charge medical devices, phones, and just go where it’s warm, that’s when (we’ll move forward),” he said.
Knox County EMA would publicize the opening of warming centers as soon as possible, DeChant said. Times and locations would be published on social media and shared with local news media.
DeChant said Knox County EMA will remain in-touch with local electrical providers throughout the weekend, to determine if and where outages exist, and how long they are expected to last.
