COLUMBUS – Central Ohio drivers and road crews are preparing themselves for what may be the first taste of winter weather of the season, slated to arrive just in time to cause problems for the Thursday morning commute.
A Winter Weather advisory is in effect from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday until noon Thursday.
Be alert for slick spots during the Thursday morning commute! pic.twitter.com/d4UogIcDj5
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) November 14, 2018
A wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow is expected to deposit light ice and snow accumulations, causing slick road surfaces starting late Wednesday evening in areas south of Columbus and continuing on Thursday morning across the region, according to WBNS 10-TV meteorologist Ashlee Baracy.
The City of Columbus Public Service Department says its Snow Warriors have begun anti-icing major roadways throughout the city. Anti-icing involves the application of liquid products to roadways, which prevents snow and ice from bonding to pavement and aids in maintaining safe travel.
The Department of Public Service Street Maintenance section has approximately 24,000 tons of salt and more than 90,000 gallons of liquid anti/de-icing agents on hand, according to spokesman Michael Liggett.
The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to have more than 100 crews on duty after midnight, treating interstates and state and US routes in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Marion, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties, spokeswoman Breanna Badanes said.
Crews will give special attention to ramps and bridges, since they freeze before surface roadways.
The mix should change to rain by Thursday afternoon as temperatures rise above freezing.