Winter storm leads to snow emergencies and school closings

Richland Newhope: All buildings open at 10 a.m. Transportation on a 2 hour delay. No a.m. or p.m. preschool.

Updated 6:18 a.m.—The National Weather Service reports that overnight snow has mixed with or changed to freezing rain this morning from Marion County east through the Mansfield, Wooster and Akron Canton areas. The mix will likely continue into the mid-morning hours before turning back to all snow.

The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. this afternoon according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland. Snow accumulations of an additional one to three inches are possible. Areas of moderate snow are expected through noon tapering to flurries by late afternoon.

Winds will be from the north at 10 to 20 mph with gust to 25 mph, and temperatures will range from the low to mid 20s through 9 a.m. Visibility may occasionally drop to a quarter of a mile.

Snow covered roads will make driving slow and hazardous. Some blowing and drifting of snow could make travel difficult, especially on east to west oriented roads.

If travel is unavoidable, use extreme caution. 

A winter storm warning is issued when severe winter weather is expected. And do you wonder what this one is named?

Maximus, the Latin word for “greatest” or “largest” was our most recent storm. The one about to pounce is Nika (NEE-ka), From Greek mythology; the goddess who personified winning or victory. And yes, we’ve heard there is a potential for another one later this week. It will be Orion (oh-RYE-un), from Greek mythology; a great hunter.