How’s it lookin’ out there? Here’s what to expect from the winter storm today and tomorrow

The National Weather Service on Wednesday afternoon upgraded each Mahoning Valley county from a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning, indicating a slippery, wintry mix is en route or in progress.

As of Wednesday evening, all of Ohio’s 88 counties were under a winter storm warning.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” NWS said Wednesday. “The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.”

Your forecasted winter hazards vary slightly depending on where you live.

For the latest updates, visit WFMJ’s and WKBN’s weather centers. You can also visit the local National Weather Service station’s or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s websites or follow NWS Cleveland on Twitter.

Mahoning County: More ice, less snow

The National Weather Service expected heavy mixed precipitation between 1 a.m. today and 7 a.m. Friday — a total of between 4 inches and 7 inches of a “wintry mix” of snow and sleet, and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. This will likely change to snow, according to NWS.

The most snowfall is expected in the afternoon and evening on Thursday — as much as “one inch an hour at times,” according to NWS. Travel could be “very difficult,” especially on the evening commute, NWS reported.

Youngstown officials said on Twitter Wednesday 15 street department trucks are expected to be on the roads this morning.

Trumbull County: More snow, less ice

NWS expected heavy snowfall from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Friday — a total of between 7 inches to a foot of snow and a “light glaze” of ice.

The most snowfall is expected in the afternoon and evening on Thursday — as much as “one inch an hour at times,” according to NWS.

North winds are expected to gust up to 30 mph, and blowing snow could reduce visibility Thursday afternoon and could make your evening drive home “very difficult.”

Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties: Lots of ice and sleet

NWS expected heavy mixed precipitation between 1 a.m. today and 10 a.m. Friday — a total of between 3 inches and 8 inches of snow and sleet, and about one-fifth of an inch of ice.

WFMJ meteorologist Eric Wilhelm on Wednesday projected the worst of the ice would be south of U.S. Route 62, and said there could be “isolated” power outages.

Several state agencies on Tuesday shared tips on preparing for the storm, driving safely (though it’s recommended you try to stay home) and what to do if the power goes out.

Here’s what’s closed

• At least every public school district in the Mahoning Valley announced a Thursday closure, or that students would switch to online learning. See WFMJ’s complete list of school cancellations.
• Youngstown State University has also canceled Thursday and Friday classes. The university will remain open, however, and employees are expected to report to work. Nonessential employees may use unscheduled leave.
• The Youngstown Municipal Court Annex — which includes the city court, clerk of courts, prosecutor’s office, the Mahoning County Vital Statistics office and the Youngstown City Health District — is closed Thursday, WKBN reported. City health department staff plan to work remotely Thursday.
• The Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority will be closed Thursday, WKBN reported.
• The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown will be closed Thursday. The museum advises the public to check its website and social media pages for updates before planning a visit.
• The Mill Creek MetroParks Administration Office and the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will be closed to the public Thursday and Friday. Administrative staff at both locations will be working remotely and will be available by phone and/or email.
• The Trumbull County Combined Health District’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for Thursday at Eastwood Mall in Niles has been canceled.
• All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County closed at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday and Friday. Branches will reopen Saturday, with the exception of the Springfield branch, which will be closed Saturday due to a staffing shortage. Patrons are encouraged to use services on the library’s website.
• All Warren-Trumbull County Public Library locations and services will be closed Thursday and Friday, including libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty, Lordstown and Warren, as well as Bookmobile services. Digital movies, music, e-books, magazines and more online resources are available on the library’s website.
• A meeting set for Thursday morning between Trumbull County commissioners and North Canton law firm Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews has been canceled and will be rescheduled. The topic of the meeting was the county’s compliance with spending American Rescue Plan funds.

Updated closings

• Mahoning County Public Health closed at 2 p.m. Friday in coordination with the Mahoning County commissioners’ decision to close all Mahoning County offices. MCPH offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, weather permitting.

• The Mahoning County Children Services building at 222 W. Federal St., Youngstown, closed Thursday. The agency will continue to monitor and answer phones, and reports of child abuse and neglect can be made by calling 330-941-8888. Staff members are working remotely to provide services.

No parking

Several Valley communities on Tuesday and Wednesday issued winter parking bans, most of which are set to expire Saturday, WKBN reported. For locations, dates and times, check WKBN’s live list.

To submit a closure or cancellation, delay or winter advisory to Mahoning Matters, email news@mahoningmatters.com.

This story was originally published February 3, 2022 at 5:00 AM.