It looks like snow is on the way tonight into Saturday. This won’t be a major winter storm but with one to isolated three inch amounts of new snow combined with blowing snow, driving may become dicey at times. Conditions will be worse northeast of Cincinnati with considerable blowing snow in open areas and as much as 3 to 5 inches near Columbus, OH.
Snow possible Friday night into Saturday
Snow flurries and snow showers have the potential to increase and produce some more significant accumulations Friday night into Saturday morning. While just a chance at this point, it is worth noting. Details here.
Another strong (winter) storm
After a weak weather system on Saturday, another strong winter storm will move into the area.
This strong low pressure system will produce up to a foot of snow. However, the track of the low is forecast to move right over Cincinnati. This would move the heavy snow into central and northern Indiana and Ohio with heavy rain possible in Cincinnati.
Such a weather system will likely melt some snow. However, with streets and gutters clogged with ice and snow, this much water could lead to street flooding and home water damage. Colder air will rush in on the back side of this storm with snow showers into midweek.
As predicted for an El Nino winter, water equivalent precipitation has actually been below normal this year. Here is how 2010 compares to the previous two years:
Jan./Feb. 2008: 6.20
Jan/Feb 2009: 5.31
Jan/Feb 2010 to date: 3.51
Normal Jan/Feb liquid precipitation: 5.98
Due to the low amount of water equivalent precipitation this year, we actually needed the moisture. However, with nearly two inches of water in the current snow pack and up to an inch of rainfall possible in the coming storm, we may end up with too much of a good thing. Saturday may be a good day to clear out storm drains…and build an ark!
Ice dams and water damage: click here
Rainfall potential: Click here
Update 2.20.2010… 2130 hours: The track of the storm system will be even farther to the northwest. This will result in less rain in the Ohio Valley, although some rain and melting will still occur.