A massive icing event is not expected. The brunt of this winter event should stay to the west - Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.
“But it’s going to be a really close call,” said WHIO TV Chief Meteorologist Eric Elwell.
Ice could accumulate up to a tenth of an inch in some areas. WHIO TV Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs said freezing rain will start south of the region, working its way northward through the night and into the day Saturday.
Precipitation was expected to begin starting 7 or 8 p.m. Friday.
“Even after the precipitation comes to an end, temperatures will be cold enough that the ice or glaze — whatever falls — is not going to thaw right away,” Vrydaghs said.
Brian Cunningham — spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation District 8, which includes Butler and Warren counties — said crews will monitor the storm system and pavement temperatures.
“Once we see there are some issues, we do have residual salt still out and we may be do some pre-salting,” he said.
Crews will also be on call, he said. “We will mobilize individuals to come in if and when necessary,” he said.
Chris Petrocy, a spokesman with the Butler County Engineers Office, said county crews are ready.
“We got the trucks loaded with salt,” Petrocy said. “They’re ready to go. Based on the projections we’re seeing, we’re planning to call our guys in around 7 or 8 o’clock.”
Forecasters said the ice or rain is likely to be scattered or light. But even a little ice can cause problems.
“With a set-up like this, the big story is not necessarily the numbers, but rather the impact,” said Brett Collars, also a meteorologist for WHIO TV. “With 0.5 or 0.10 of an inch, we’re still going to have the same impact. We’re still going to have slick roads regardless of how much ice actually builds up.”
Cold air was pushing potential problems up from southern Indiana and western Kentucky through Friday afternoon. And several rounds of icy weather were expected, with forecast models showing potential freezing rain Saturday night and Sunday, as well.
Sleet, freezing rain and maybe a few snow flakes may be seen south of Interstate 70, with issues lingering through early Saturday afternoon. The advisory may be extended if continued problems are evident, Vrydaghs said.
Law enforcement is also preparing.
“I’ve already made my sergeants aware that there’s weather in the forecast and that no leave should be approved,” Lt. Douglas Eck, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Xenia post, said Friday.
Saturday afternoon may dry a bit, but don’t be surprised if re-freezes are seen on the roads after the sun goes down Saturday.
Early next week, temperatures should be climbing into the 50s, with rain expected, too.
WHIO TV Reporter Gabrielle Enright contributed to this story.
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