If you thought winter was winding down, think again! Wilmington, Ohio, is in for a chaotic week of winter weather, with snow, freezing rain, and plunging temperatures set to cause major disruptions. The National Weather Service is warning that roads could turn icy and treacherous, and morning and evening commutes may become dangerous due to changing weather conditions.
Expect a little bit of everything—snow to start the week, icy drizzle midweek, and bitterly cold air to end it. If you haven’t prepped for winter weather yet, now is the time to take action.
What’s Coming and When?
This storm isn’t a one-and-done event—it’s a drawn-out system bringing waves of different winter hazards. Here’s what to expect day by day:
- Tuesday: Light snow begins, accumulating 1 to 2 inches in some areas. Side streets, sidewalks, and bridges will become slick.
- Wednesday Morning: Freezing drizzle develops, which could create a thin layer of ice on roads, sidewalks, and power lines—making for a hazardous morning commute.
- Wednesday Afternoon: Temperatures rise slightly, turning the freezing drizzle into a cold rain, which will wash away ice but could lead to ponding on roads.
- Thursday: A major drop in temperatures—lows plummet to 15°F (-10°C) overnight, leading to re-freezing on roads and sidewalks.
- Saturday & Sunday: Another storm system moves in, bringing more rain, followed by a potential deep freeze and snowfall Sunday night.
How Cold Will It Get?
Temperatures will fluctuate wildly, making this storm even more unpredictable.
- Tuesday: High of 33°F (0°C), low of 30°F (-1°C)
- Wednesday: High of 39°F (4°C), low of 30°F (-1°C)
- Thursday: High of 33°F (0°C), dropping to 15°F (-10°C) overnight
- Sunday Night: Arctic air arrives, with temperatures plummeting to 8°F (-13°C)
How Will This Impact Travel?
If you have to drive at any point this week, be prepared for potentially dangerous conditions—especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Bridges and overpasses will freeze first, creating unexpected icy spots even when main roads seem fine.
- Black ice will be a major concern, especially Wednesday morning and late Thursday night.
- Rain melting the snow could cause pooling on roads, which could freeze overnight into a slick, invisible layer of ice.
- Expect longer commute times as roads become slushy, icy, or completely frozen over depending on the time of day.
If you don’t absolutely need to drive, it’s best to stay home during the worst of the storm. If you must travel, drive slowly, keep extra distance between cars, and have an emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.
Will There Be Power Outages?
It’s possible. Freezing drizzle and ice accumulation on power lines and tree branches could cause some outages, especially in rural areas. Even a small amount of ice can snap power lines, so it’s better to be prepared just in case.
How to Prepare for Possible Power Outages:
- Charge your phone and other devices ahead of time.
- Stock up on flashlights, extra batteries, and warm blankets.
- Have non-perishable food and bottled water on hand in case of an extended outage.
- Check on elderly family members or neighbors who may need assistance.
How to Stay Safe in This Winter Storm
- Limit travel if possible – Even if roads seem fine at first, conditions can change quickly.
- Dress in layers – Freezing temperatures combined with wind chill can cause frostbite faster than you think.
- Watch out for icy sidewalks – Falls on ice can cause serious injuries, so walk carefully and wear boots with good traction.
- Keep up with weather alerts – Tune in to local news and check updates from the National Weather Service.
How Long Will the Impacts Last?
This isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a prolonged winter storm that will bring waves of snow, ice, and rain through the week. Even once the system moves out, leftover ice and dangerously cold air could make travel hazardous into the weekend.
Final Warning: Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
This isn’t just a normal winter chill—it’s a storm that could cause major disruptions in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Be ready for icy roads, freezing rain, and dangerously cold air.
