Old Man Winter visits Ohio County

Old Man Winter paid a visit to Ohio County twice in the past week and could be dropping in for a third visit before the week is out, according to National Weather Service.

The first major winter storm of 2021 moved through Ohio County Feb. 10 in the form of freezing rain creating dangerous travel conditions through the area.

On Monday, Ohio County was hit with both sleet and snow forcing the closure of Ohio County schools as well as many offices and businesses due to the deteriorating road conditions.

As much as 6-12 inches of snow was originally forecasted to hit the county, but the higher totals projected were cut down by sleet, according to the NWS.

As of Tuesday morning, roadways throughout the county continued to be hazardous.

While the precipitation tapered off with just a few flurries Tuesday morning, lows for the day were in the single digits with the high in the mid-teens and wind chill below zero.

“At this time, parkways/interstates are snow covered in the fast lanes and the slow lanes are partially/fully covered in places. In areas that have a lane cleared of snow, ice has now formed on the roadway. Secondary and side roads are snow covered. All roads are slick and hazardous,” according to the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office early Tuesday morning.

Another system, beginning Wednesday night into Thursday night, will bring an additional wintry mix across Kentucky.

“What we’re facing is three winter storms in eight days,” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “This next round of winter weather will bring varying conditions across the state, but what remains constant is our crew’s commitment to maintaining mobility along critical routes and our plea to the public to avoid unnecessary travel.”

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 40% chance of snow showers today, mainly after noon. Temperatures are expected to reach 28, but wind chill values will still be in the single digits. Chance of precipitation Wednesday night is 80% with an accumulation of two to four more inches of snow possible. Snow showers are likely early Thursday with a possible mix of freezing rain becoming all snow after 7 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 70% with new snow accumulation of one to two additional inches possible.