NWS Issues Winter Storm Warning for the Tri-State

It's going to a bone chilling holiday weekend in the tri-state. Please bring your pets inside.

Shutterstock photo.

Update published Thursday, December 22: 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the tri-state are. 

The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening to 5:00 p.m. Friday. 

Total snow accumulation of one to three inches is possible, according to the NWS. Wind gusts could reach as high as 45 MPH, brining dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero.

The low wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.  

Motorists should plan for slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Other concerns are gusty winds potentially bringing down tree branches. 

The sharp drop in temperature will happen in a matter of a few hours Thursday night, leading to the potential for flash freeze. 

If you must travel, the NWS suggests keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency. 

Original story published Wednesday, December 21: 

(Wilmington, Oh.) – The combination of cold temperatures and wind will produce dangerously cold wind chills this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, wind chills from 10 below to 30 below are expected Friday through Sunday.

Strong winds are likely Friday. Gusts of 40 to 50-plus MPH will be possible.

In addition to the cold and strong winds, a chance for accumulating snow is in the forecast Thursday night into Friday.

Even minor amounts of snow, combined with gusty winds, may lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility on area roadways – causing impacts to holiday travel.

As of Wednesday morning, the NWS forecasts that up to an inch of accumulating snow is possible Thursday night in the tri-state area.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. to Friday, December 23 at 5:00 p.m. A Wind Chill Watch will go into effect Friday at 1:00 a.m. and will last until Saturday at 4:00 a.m.