MANSFIELD — When it comes to weather, Richland County is about to have the book thrown at us.
In the next 48 hours, our area will at various times be under watches and warnings for rain, snow, flooding and rain.
“We are going to have a lot going on beginning tomorrow through Friday afternoon,” said Richland County EMA Director Joseph Petrycki.
A slow-moving cold front has started approaching the area Wednesday, and will move across the region on Thursday.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Richland County starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 and ending at 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.
Precipitation will begin as rain on Thursday afternoon, changing over to freezing rain, sleet, and then snow late Thursday evening. Total snow is only expected to accumulate 1 to 2 inches, but wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour are expected.
With this advisory there is the potential for slippery road conditions, and hazardous conditions that could impact the evening commute on Thursday.
On top of winter weather, a Flood Watch remains in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday evening through late Thursday night. Heavy rain combined with snowmelt and potential ice jams will produce a threat for flooding for most of the area Thursday.
“As of now, we could see between 1 to 2 inches of rain before the transition to a wintry mix,” Petrycki said. “This rain, along with the melting snow, has the potential to create the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.”
Finally, a wind advisory has been extended until 5 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17. Southerly winds 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour are expected generally along and west of I-71 and along the Lake Erie shoreline on Wednesday.
Gusty winds could blow unsecured objects, tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result. Use extra caution while driving, and secure outdoor objects.
