MANSFIELD — The last time the skies delivered this variety of dangers Moses was trying to get an Egyptian pharaoh to let his people go.
OK, that’s a stretch. A big stretch. But we’re talking weather. So lighten up, Francis.
The fact is north central Ohio is going to experience a wide range of meteorological fun in the next 24 hours or so — flood watch, winter weather advisory, snowmelt, gusty winds, etc.
It’s the Jeopardy “potpourri” of winter weather. “Give me torrential rains for $1,000, Alex.”
Here is what’s on tap.
A flood watch remains in effect through late tonight due to heavy rain and snowmelt in an area that includes Richland, Ashland, Knox and Crawford counties.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland said excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, the NWS said.
Warm temperatures will continue Thursday causing most of the remaining snowpack to melt. In addition, a strong storm system will bring 1 to 2 inches of rainfall to the region through tonight.
“The combination of rainfall and rapid snowmelt are expected to cause significant rises on area creeks and rivers, with some waterways reaching flood stage,” the NWS said.
As the day rolls on and temperatures begin to drop, the wet fun turns to snow and ice. The area can expect rain or freezing rain before midnight, then snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely between midnight and 1 a.m., and then a chance of all snow after 1 a.m.
New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
To keep up to date on the roller coaster for the remainder of today and tonight (or anytime, really) check the Cleveland website of the NWS.
