COLUMBUS, Ohio – Much of the nation, including central Ohio, is getting a bitter taste of winter weather, thanks to a “polar vortex,” a whirlpool of frigid air that is driving temperatures below zero from Montana to Alabama.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning in effect through Tuesday (see below). Forecasters say we’ll see 1-3 inches of snow, followed by sub-zero temperatures and wind chills as low as 40-below-zero.
Thousands of central Ohio schoolchildren are getting an extra day of Christmas vacation because of the winter weather. Closings include all Ohio State University campuses, though the Wexner Medical Center is open.
Air temperatures through much of the United States have plunged into the negative teens, twenties and even thirties. And wind speeds added to that are making conditions downright dangerous.
State and city road crews were out all weekend, treating and plowing roadways. Columbus crews were using a mix of salt and calcium chloride to treat state Routes 33, 104, 315 and arterial streets because salt alone is ineffective when the temperature drops below 20 degrees.
Safety officials are reminding Ohioans to exercise caution while driving in wintry conditions, slow down and leave additional space between themselves and the vehicles in front of them, including snow plows and salt trucks.
A Level One snow emergency was declared in Union County because of icy, hazardous roads.
Level Three snow emergencies were issued throughout the Toledo area yesterday, after nearly a foot of snow fell with gusty winds causing blowing and drifting. The weather forced the closings of the Toledo Zoo, University of Toledo and public parks in the region.
Ohioans are urged to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly.
Health and safety experts are advising residents to stay inside if possible and dress properly if they must venture out. Pets should be kept indoors.
They say to keep your home as warm as possible, but use space heaters safely and exercise precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Temperatures are expected to moderate later in the week. (See below).
