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Tag: APP Weather Stories

  • Snow to fall in southern Ohio Tuesday

    CINCINNATI — An area of low pressure will pass through the Ohio Valley on Tuesday and bring a round of accumulating snow to parts of the state. Many counties along the Ohio River and generally south of Interstate 70 are under a Winter Weather Advisory.

    What You Need To Know

    • Accumulating snow is likely mainly south of Interstate 70 Tuesday

    • Snow will be most impactful mid-morning through the afternoon

    • Totals of 1-3″ with isolated higher amounts are possible

    Snow will quickly overspread southern Ohio from west to east during the morning hours and will continue through the afternoon, tapering off in most locations before sunset on Tuesday evening.

    Road conditions are expected to deteriorate after the snow starts to fall. This may affect travel on city streets, country roads and area highways for several hours, including the afternoon commute.

    Accumulations will range between 1 and 3 inches in the advisory area. Isolated higher amounts of 4 or 5 inches will be possible in a few spots. Further north, snow totals will taper off to less than 1 inch.

    As temperatures approach the freezing mark by afternoon, road conditions may improve some. Regardless, use caution and give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and leave plenty of space for snowplows and road crews to get their work done.

    Meteorologist Joe Astolfi

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  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

    Associated Press

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  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

    Associated Press

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  • Live updates: Dangerous travel conditions expected as snow falls across N.C.

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    North Carolina

    UPDATED 4:16 AM ET Feb. 01, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:00 PM ET Jan. 30, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:00 PM EST Jan. 30, 2026

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Cold weather brings flurries, ice to Tampa Bay

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 2:15 PM ET Feb. 01, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:15 PM EST Feb. 01, 2026

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • How to keep your pets safe during cold spells

    WISCONSIN — As temperatures continue to plummet, it’s important to keep your pets warm, dry and safe.

    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released these safety tips on its website ahead of the cold spell:

    If you’re too cold, so is your pet

    If left outside in the cold, pets can freeze, become disoriented, get lost, get hurt or even killed. Pets should be kept inside, where it’s warm and safe.

    ASPCA also said pets should not be left in the car alone. In cold weather, cars can act like refrigerator, keeping cold air inside. This could freeze your pet, lead to health problems or kill them.

    Make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and tummy after a walk or outdoor time

    On walks, pets can step in ice, salt or other chemicals that could hurt their feet and paw pads. ASPCA recommended bringing a dry, clean towel on long walks if you need to clean off irritated paws.

    ”Don’t forget to check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes,” ASPCA said.

    Rub petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads before you head out the door

    This helps protect them from salt and chemicals. Booties are another great option to protect paws outside.

    (Pixabay)

    Keep your home humidified and your pet dry

    Towel drying your pet as soon as they head inside will help keep their skin healthy, avoiding flakes or itchiness.

    ”Repeatedly going into the cold and then coming back to a warm home can cause this skin reaction in pets,” ASPCA said. “Again, paying close attention to their feet and in-between their toes will help prevent and treat skin irritation in the winter.”

    Do not shave your pets down in the winter

    A dog’s coat is like, well, a coat. The longer it is, the more warmth they’ll have.

    If you have a long-haired dog, feel free to trim them down to avoid things getting caught in their fur or hair, such as ice balls, salt crystals or de-icing chemicals. Those can all dry out their skin.

    If you have a short-haired pet, bundle them up in a coat, sweater or turtleneck.

    Skip baths if possible during cold spells

    Too many baths could get rid of oils in your pet’s skin, increasing the odds of their skin getting dry or flaky. During the winter, opt for moisturizing shampoo. Ask your vet if they have any recommendations.

    (AP Photo)

    Clean antifreeze spills

    Antifreeze can kill your pet.

    ”Additionally, cold weather chemicals like ice melts can be dangerous when ingested, so always be mindful and keep chemicals up and out of paws’ reach,” ASPCA said.

    Feed your pets more

    ASPCA said pets burn extra energy throughout the winter in order to stay warm. The extra calories and plenty of water are needed when it’s chilly.

    Make sure they’re cozy at night

    Your pet should be sleeping off the floor and away from any drafts. Consider adding a blanket to their bed to keep them extra toasty.

    (Christopher Miller)

    Stay together, and on a leash, when you’re outside

    Don’t let your dog off leash during a snowstorm, onto snow or on ice.

    ”Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears an ID tag,” ASPCA said.

    Aly Prouty

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  • Winter storm deaths reach 35 as officials say 3 Texas boys drowned in icy pond

    When a massive winter storm descended on the Northeast and parts of the South over the weekend, Lisa Patterson planned to stick it out at her family’s home in Nashville.

    But after she and her husband lost power, trees fell onto their driveway and their wood stove proved no match for the frigid temperatures. Along with their dog, the couple had to be rescued and taken to a warming shelter.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new influx of arctic air is expected to spur freezing temperatures in parts of the South already covered in snow and ice

    • Many people have fled to warming shelters, and crews worked Tuesday to restore power knocked out by a massive weekend winter storm

    • At least 35 deaths have been reported in states afflicted with severe cold

    “I’ve been snowed in up there for almost three weeks without being able to get up and down my driveway because of the snow. I’m prepared for that. But this was unprecedented,” Patterson said.

    The family was among many across Tennessee and other parts of the South that have fled to warming shelters as crews worked to restore power to hundreds of thousands of households in the face of a new influx of arctic air expected to spur freezing temperatures Tuesday in places already covered in snow and ice.

    At least 35 deaths have been reported in states afflicted with severe cold. Three brothers ages 6, 8 and 9 died Monday after falling through ice on a private pond near Bonham, Texas, said County Sheriff Cody Shook in a news release Tuesday. The two older boys were pulled from the water by first responders and a neighbor then taken to a hospital, while the youngest was recovered after an extensive search of the pond. Bonham Independent School District said it was devastated by the loss.

    Other deaths included two people run over by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio, fatal sledding accidents that killed teenagers in Arkansas and Texas, and a woman whose body was found covered in snow in Kansas. In New York City, officials said eight people were found dead outdoors over the frigid weekend.

    The National Weather Service had warnings for extreme, dangerous cold in effect Tuesday morning from Texas to Pennsylvania, where some areas were forecast to see wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 29 degrees Celsius. Much of the U.S. wasn’t forecast to get above freezing all day Tuesday, with temperatures plunging again overnight. Thermometers in northern Florida were forecast to sink to 25 F, or minus 3.9 C late Tuesday into early Wednesday.

    The brutal cold lingered after storms over the weekend and Monday dumped deep snow across more than 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometers) from Arkansas to New England and left parts of the South coated in treacherous ice.

    In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear warned that the temperatures could become so frigid that as little as 10 minutes outside “could result in frostbite or hypothermia.”

    And forecasters said it’s possible another winter storm could hit parts of the East Coast this weekend.

    There were still 550,000 power outages in the nation Tuesday morning, according to poweroutage.com. Most of them were in the South, where weekend blasts of freezing rain caused tree limbs and power lines to snap, inflicting crippling outages on northern Mississippi and parts of Tennessee. Officials warned that it could take days for power to be restored.

    In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday at least 14 homes and 20 public roads had major damage in the aftermath of the state’s worst ice storm since 1994. The University of Mississippi canceled classes for the entire week as its Oxford campus remained coated in treacherous ice.

    New York City saw its snowiest day in years, with neighborhoods recording 8 to 15 inches of snow, forcing the nation’s largest public school system to shut down.

    In Nashville, Nathan Hoffner sent his 4-year-old son to stay with his son’s mother after his rental house in lost power midday Sunday. He and his roommate layered up with clothes and several blankets overnight and by the next morning the temperature inside the home had dropped dramatically.

    “I saw my breath in the house,” Hoffner said.

    Associated Press

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  • The first impactful winter storm of the year

    It was a relatively quiet start to 2026, with winter storms bringing heavy snow to the typical snow belts. The hardest-hit states included Michigan and New York, where lake-effect snows have added up, with some areas seeing well over 100 inches.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow was reported from New Mexico and Texas to Maine

    • Freezing rain and sleet brought icy conditions to Mid-South and South

    • Five tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Florida on Sunday



    However, the Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic, and even the Northeast hadn’t seen as active a start. In fact, these regions began the year with temperatures above average, some even having top ten warmest starts to January. But all of that changed on Jan. 23. 

    At one point, a large storm stretched over two-thousand miles, with millions of people under a weather alert.

    Southern snow and ice totals

    Two storm systems merged as arctic air surged south across much of the U.S. By Jan. 23, snow began falling in New Mexico. The highest snowfall accumulated near Bonita Lake, NM., where 31 inches of snow fell. 

    As the storm emerged east of New Mexico into Texas, it picked up moisture from the Gulf. Snow, sleet and freezing rain fell across the South. Dallas and Fort Worth, TX., picked up 1 to 2 inches with bitter cold that followed. 

    Northern Arkansas and Oklahoma saw higher totals, ranging from 6 to 8 inches, with a mix of sleet and freezing rain in parts of Arkansas. 


    Mid-South snow and ice

    By Saturday, Jan. 24, snow and ice moved through the Mid-South, with the heaviest snow occurring Saturday night into Sunday across Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois. 

    With cold air in place in Missouri, snowfall totals range from 5 inches around Kansas City to over a foot of snow south of St. Louis. Kentucky saw snow at the onset before switching to a mix of snow and sleet, which limited the totals. 

    As the storm moved through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Saturday into Sunday, it was mainly a snow event. Totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches across the region.


    The Northeast and New England snow

    With cold air in place in the north, it was an all-snow event in this region. The storm dumped over a foot of snow onto New York City, with the Boston area picking up nearly two feet of snow Sunday through Monday evening.

    York, Maine, in the southern part of the state, accumulated 20 inches of snow. 


    Mid-Atlantic snow and ice

    Snow fell in parts of the Mid-Atlantic before changing to sleet. Washington D.C. saw nearly 7 inches of snow before it mixed with and changed to sleet. 

    Central North Carolina picked up a few flakes before it mixed with and changed over to sleet. While not as icy as freezing, sleet still caused treacherous road conditions.


    Southeast snow and ice totals

    The colder air was in place in the northern parts of Alabama, Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. Some snow fell at the onset of the storm before mixing with and changing to sleet and freezing rain. Ice Storm Warnings were posted on Sundy and Monday across the region.


    Severe side of the storm

    The National Weather Service confirmed that five tornadoes touched down on Sunday. Four of them in Alabama and one in Florida. The highest rated tornado was an EF2 with winds estimated of 115 mph in Geneva County, Ala. 


    Airport delays

    With all of the intense weather of the pass few days, airport delays and cancelations are prevalent. Here’s the latest below. 


    Cold air remains locked in place for the eastern two-thirds of the country. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days

    A strong cold front has brought in much cooler air, with another reinforcing shot of cold air this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Freezing temperatures are expected north of Tampa

    • Highs will only be in the 50s and 60s the rest of the work week

    • It could get even colder next weekend


    Low temperatures on Tuesday morning will fall to the mid-to-upper 30s for Tampa, but expect some areas near freezing in eastern Hillsborough and Polk counties.

    A freeze warning is in effect for Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, where lows in the mid-20s to near 30 are likely.

    Wind chills near or even below 20 are possible north of Tampa, with 20s to low 30s wind chills possible elsewhere. 

    Wednesday morning will be a touch colder, so expect freezing temperatures north of Tampa once again.

    Expect another cold morning with a freeze north on Thursday, but it will be slightly milder to start Friday. 

    This Weekend

    Another strong cold front will come through during the day on Saturday.

    This will bring a chance of showers during the day, then falling temperatures Saturday night.

    Sunday morning could be the coldest of the winter, with temperatures near freezing in Tampa and possibly in the teens in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    Long Term Forecast

    Beyond the weekend, there is no sign of the colder air letting up.

    A big dip in the jet stream across the eastern United States will continue to drive cold fronts south.

    Below-normal temperatures are expected through at least the first week of February. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Updates: Snow, frigid cold impact Ohio

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Ohio

    UPDATED 9:20 AM ET Jan. 26, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM ET Jan. 25, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM EST Jan. 25, 2026

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Live blog: Winter storm on the move with more freezing rain in the forecast

    A winter storm is forecast to bring ice and snow to much of North Carolina this weekend. Get updates from our live blog here.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Check local emergency snow levels before hitting the road this weekend

    OHIO — We’re getting closer to the start of the impending winter storm and, while officials have urged Ohioans to stay home if at all possible, some people will need to brave the roads even in unsafe conditions.

    If you do so, you’ll want to be sure you have the most relevant details on conditions for your area. Make sure you’re checking in with your local sheriff’s office to determine what snow emergency level your county is under before hitting the roads.

    What You Need To Know

    • Local sheriff’s issue snow emergency levels during winter weather events

    • Be sure to check your local level before hitting the roads this weekend

    • This winter storm is expected to bring a lot of snow to the Buckeye State

    Here’s a look at how some counties in the state differentiate between the three levels.

    Cuyahoga County

    The City of Cleveland describes the snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Use caution”
    • Level two — “Hazardous roads – necessary travel only”
    • Level three — “Emergency vehicles only – travel advisory strictly enforced”

    They recommend people working in the city know their workplace’s snow emergency policies.

    Hamilton County

    The County Sheriff describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. Unnecessary travel is discouraged.”
    • Level two — “Roadways are hazardous and may be very icy. Only drive if it is necessary to do so. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”
    • Level three — “Extremely hazardous road conditions. All of certain County roads are closed. No one should be on the roadways unless absolutely necessary. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”

    Montgomery County

    The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.”
    • Level two — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.”
    • Level three — “All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. However, those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to prosecution.”

    Lucas County

    The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “A Level I Snow Advisory is due to conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow, which can make county roadways hazardous. Residents should drive cautiously. This advisory can be upgraded or discontinued.”
    • Level two — “In addition to elements detailed in a Level 1 Advisory. A Level II Snow Advisory includes ice, blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility on county roadways.  Only persons with a real and important need to be out on roads and streets should do so. This advisory can be upgraded, downgraded, or discontinued.”
    • Level three — “A Level III Emergency is for all roads and streets in Lucas County. This declaration does not apply to traffic on the Ohio Turnpike but does apply to all other roads and streets in Lucas County. Travel on these roadways is limited to emergency and essential personnel only. No one should be on these roadways during the duration of this Snow Emergency unless absolutely necessary. All employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report for work.  All non-emergency and nonessential personnel traveling the roadways during this Snow Emergency may be subject to arrest and prosecution under section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code for ‘misconduct at an emergency.’ The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions or duties constitute essential or nonessential employees.”

    Before traveling on the roads during this winter storm, be sure to check the emergency snow level issued by your county sheriff. You can find their contact information and website here.

    Cody Thompson

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  • Major winter storm moves into Ohio tonight

    OHIO — Arctic air has settled in across the Buckeye State but now our attention turns to a major winter storm that is approaching and will bring heavy snow to much of the state starting later today.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brutally cold temperatures are expected today through next week

    • Snow starts to fall in southern Ohio this evening, spreading north into the night

    • Heavy snow continues through early Monday morning

    This winter storm will bring heavy snow at times, which will make for some very dangerous travel conditions. Since the air is so cold, the snow that falls will be very light and fluffy, which will accumulate quickly.

    Timing of system

    Impacts from the storm will first be felt late this afternoon into the early evening when snow first starts to fall in southern Ohio. The latest models show snow will likely start between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. for areas south and southwest of a line from Dayton to Chillicothe. As the evening progress, snow will continue to spread northward with areas like Columbus, Zanesville, Wheeling and Lima seeing snow after 7 p.m. We’re looking at a late night timeframe for snow starting in northern Ohio into the very early morning hours Sunday.

    Snowfall rates could be heavy at times, with heavier snowfall expected by mid-morning Sunday.

    We’ll continue to see snow accumulate through the remainder of the day Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off overnight into Monday as the system moves out of the region. By Monday mid-morning, most of the state will see drier conditions, but snow will still be possible across the northeast.

    Even though most of the state will see drier conditions Monday, roads may still be snow covered leading to another day of treacherous travel.  

    Snowfall totals

    Most of the state will see more than six inches of snow. Heavier amounts are possible, with a foot of snow expected in some areas. A heavier band of snowfall totals is setting up over an area extending from Cincinnati through Chillicothe to near Athens. Central Ohio and Northeast Ohio could see anywhere from 8-12″ of snow, with localized heavier amounts possible. Lesser amounts of snow will fall in Northwest Ohio, with 4-8″ expected in areas like Toledo and Sandusky.

    Areas in Southeast Ohio where sleet or ice may be an issue could see lesser amounts.

    Frigid cold

    Once the snow is done, it’s expected to hang around for a while because temperatures will continue to be cold. One of the coldest mornings will be Tuesday, with wind chills in many areas falling to -20 degrees. 

    Check back for updates throughout the weekend as the winter storm affects Ohio and much of the country.

    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • Pinellas County to open cold weather shelter Monday night

    With colder weather back in next week’s forecast, look for some counties in the Bay area to open cold weather shelters.

    We’ll update the list below, so make sure to check back.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Monday night, Jan. 26, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Shelter guests are accepted until the shelter is full. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal. 

    The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will provide free bus rides to and from Cold Night Shelters Monday evening from 5 p.m. through 7 a.m. the next day. Riders must tell PSTA drivers they are going to a Pinellas Cold Night Shelter when boarding to ride fare-free.

    The following cold weather shelters are available to adult men and women:

    Tarpon Springs

    • St. Timothy Luthern Church 
    • 812 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs
    • PSTA Route #19

    Clearwater

    • First United Methodist Church of Clearwater 
    • 411 Turner Street, Clearwater
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #52A

    Pinellas Park

    • Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park 
    • 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park
    • PSTA Route #74

    First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park 

    • 9025 49th St. N, Pinellas Park
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #49

    St. Petersburg

    • Unitarian Universalist Church 
    • 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
    • Requires the use of stairs
    • PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, SunRunner

    Salvation Army 

    • 1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg
    • Requires valid ID for entry
    • PSTA Route #4A or B

    Allendale Church

    • 3803 Haines Rd. N, St. Petersburg
    • PSTA Route #16, #38

    Northwest Church 

    • 6330 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #54, #66

    Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.

    The Homeless Leadership Alliance is in need of volunteers for this and future activations. Those interested in volunteering should visit pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Winter storm’s ‘major impacts’ could last for days, N.C. governor warns

    As North Carolina begins preparing for a winter storm this weekend, Gov. Josh Stein said impacts from snow and ice could last for days. He said people should prepare for power outages that could last for days. 

    Much of North Carolina could see ice accumulation of a quarter inch or more, which could cause power outages and make travel treacherous. 

    “Our greatest concerns remain for travel and power outages that could last for days,” the governor said. 

    The governor said people should stay off the roads starting Saturday evening. Icy roads could last for days with cold temperatures in the forcast well into next week, he said. 

    Earlier this week, crews with the state Department of Transportation began treating the roads with brine and removing abandoned vehicles from the side of roadways in preparation for icy conditions. 

    Officials say high-rise vehicles have been prepped and are ready to be deployed for any rescue efforts, the forest service is prepared to remove any downed trees and aviation units from the State Highway Patrol and N.C. National Guard are ready to be deployed if necessary.

    Equipment is also being prestaged, Daniel Johnson, the state’s transportation secretary said, in areas that are known trouble spots for rapid response.

    Duke Energy is also bringing in crews from across the country to respond as quickly as possible to any outages that may occur, Stein said. At this time, the governor said there is no estimate as to how many people may lose power across the state, but everything that can be done is being done to ensure it is restored as quickly as possible to those impacted.

    Power outages should not be reported to 911. All outages should be reported directly to the power companies through their websites. The North Carolina Department of Public Saftey has created an interactive map to track power outages across the state, with the number of homes and business impacted. 

    Related: 10 tips to help you get through another winter storm in N.C.

    To help residents prepare for the coming winter storm, North Carolina Emergency Management officials are recommending the following tips:

    • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area
    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged
    • Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts
    • Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing
    • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map
    • Gather emergency supplies for your pet, including leash and care supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier
    • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather
    • Look out for your friends, neighbors, and the elderly during winter weather

    If your power goes out:

    • Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors
    • Properly vent kerosene heaters
    • Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    Justin Pryor, Blair Hamilton

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  • Indian Rocks Beach Library readies for grand re-opening after hurricane damage

    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — After being destroyed by hurricanes in 2024, work has been going on for more than a year to reopen the shuttered Indian Rocks Beach Library.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Indian Rocks Beach Library grand re-opening is scheduled for Saturday  

    • Of the 22,000 books and materials in their collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after Hurricane Helene

    • Roughly $300,000 in renovations were made to the building 


    After a $300,000 renovation, librarians are ready to reopen and share their love of books with the community. 

    Set to launch with a grand re-opening on Saturday morning, librarian Lee Miller is thrilled that the day has come. 

    “I really didn’t know whether or not the library would be open again,” Miller said. 

    Miller has worked at the Pinellas County library for the last eight years and is passionate about her job. But after the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, she says the future seemed bleak.

    The memories of walking back into the building for the first time after the storms are still with her No power, water lingering on the carpet and books fallen off the shelves. 

    Of the 22,000 books and materials in the library’s collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after the storm.

    “We had to remove everything from inside the building,” Lee said. “And that required filling dumpsters of wet books and hauling them out.”

    The journey to recovery has been slow, but the renovations were made possible with the help of insurance and community donations.

    Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Denise Houseberg said the library is an integral part of the community.

    “It took a lot of people, a lot of manpower, and a lot of volunteers to pull this beautiful library back together,” she said. “It is something the community really adores.” 

    The library’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Gov. Stein and emergency officials discuss preparations ahead of winter storm

    Preparations are underway across North Carolina for a winter storm that is expected to bring snow, sleet, and accumulating freezing rain to most of the state this weekend, creating hazardous conditions that could last for several days.

    Related: Get the latest information on the winter storm and what’s expected in North Carolina

    After issuing a state of emergency declaration Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein and other state officials spoke Thursday morning about what is being done to ensure impacts are as minimal as possible. Stein said the storm is expected to be “a massive disruption to people’s lives.”

    “A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” Stein said. “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”

    Officials say the state has already activated its Emergency Response Team, and crews with the Department of Transportation are hitting roadways to pre-treat with brine, restocking salt supplies and making sure equipment is ready for whatever issues the storm may bring. Crews are also in the process of removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles from the sides of roadways, Stein said Thursday.

    “From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm,” said Daniel Johnson, the state’s transportation secretary. “We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads.”

    Officials say high-rise vehicles have been prepped and are ready to be deployed for any rescue efforts, the forest service is prepared to remove any downed trees and aviation units from the State Highway Patrol and N.C. National Guard are ready to be deployed if necessary.

    Equipment is also being prestaged, Johnson said, in areas that are known trouble spots for rapid response.

    Duke Energy is also bringing in crews from across the country to respond as quickly as possible to any outages that may occur, Stein said. At this time, the governor said there is no estimate as to how many people may lose power across the state, but everything that can be done is being done to ensure it is restored as quickly as possible to those impacted.

    Related: 10 tips to help you get through another winter storm in N.C.

    To help residents prepare for the coming winter storm, North Carolina Emergency Management officials are recommending the following tips:

    • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area
    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged
    • Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts
    • Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing
    • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map
    • Gather emergency supplies for your pet, including leash and care supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier
    • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather
    • Look out for your friends, neighbors, and the elderly during winter weather

    If your power goes out:

    • Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors
    • Properly vent kerosene heaters
    • Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    Justin Pryor

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  • Tips to stay safe in the extreme cold

    OHIO — With a potentially major snowstorm on the way with frigid temperatures this weekend, Spectrum News 1 Ohio compiled a list of stories containing tips for getting through the frigid weather — everything from how to prevent freezing pipes, to taking car of your car and even your pets. 

    Take a look:

    (File Photo)

    1. Doctor shares tips to avoid frosbite
    Many Ohioans sent their kids off to school in yet another morning of below-freezing temperatures.

    2. How to keep pets safe in cold spells
    As temperatures continue to plummet, it’s important to keep your pets warm, dry and safe. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released these safety tips on its website ahead of the cold spell.

    3. Ways to protect your car in the cold

    In general, winter can be tough on vehicles, but when temperatures are below freezing, it could make the impact worse. 

    4. How unsafe heating practices can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning
    The Ohio Department of Health warns residents that while staying warm is important, heating yourself and your home safely can save your life. 

    5. How to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting in cold temps
    With repeat periods of below-freezing weather, it’s possible for pipes to freeze.The City of Toledo and AAA has these tips to help prevent it from happening to avoid unnecessary expenses and repairs, as well as to help keep the water running. 

    Josh Hart sets a drip for each faucet to prevent freezing pipes. (Spectrum News 1/Nikelle Delgado)

    6. ODNR reminds Ohioans to prioritize ice, water safety this winter
    As cold weather moves into the state for the season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents to prioritize water safety.

    7. How to handle the extreme cold
    The Ohio Department of Health said while you don’t need to lock yourself away for the next few months, there are important things to remember when venturing out into the cold. 

    8. Attic insulation may be the key to staying warm in single-digit temperatures
    The U.S. Department of Energy estimates nine out of 10 homes are under-insulated
    Homeowners could save an average of 15% on energy utility costs by sealing their home and installing attic insulations

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Cleveland experiencing rock salt shortage

    CLEVELAND — As Ohio braces for another potential wintry system this weekend, the City of Cleveland said it’s experiencing a rock salt shortage, as is the rest of the region.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cleveland stated it’s because of delayed deliveries from Cargill, the state-contracted supplier for Cuyahoga County

    • The Department of Public Works placed salt orders in August, but some of the orders haven’t been delivered

    • There will be temporary operational changes until more salt is delivered

    Cleveland stated it’s because of delayed deliveries from Cargill, the state-contracted supplier for Cuyahoga County. 

    The Department of Public Works placed salt orders in August, but some of the orders haven’t been delivered. 

    The city said it’s affecting municipalities throughout northeast Ohio, but as officials continue to press for delivery, the following temporary adjustments are being made:

    • Plowing will continue on all streets, including residential areas. Efforts will be increased depending on conditions 
    • Salt will be prioritized for main roads, hills, dangerous intersections and areas near hospitals and schools
    • Residential streets will be plowed but may not be salted. Slippery conditions could last longer because of this
    • Crews will work extended hours to help maintain safe travel conditions. This includes nights and weekends

    “These operational changes are temporary and will remain in place until salt deliveries resume,” the city said. 

    Lydia Taylor

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  • Major winter storm could cripple the Southeast with snow and ice this weekend

    A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall, dangerous ice and frigid cold from Texas to the East Coast this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • A major winter storm will impact the U.S. this weekend
    • Heavy snow, dangerous ice and frigid cold temperatures are expected
    • There is still uncertainty about specific totals and timing


    There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast location and timing, but it’s becoming increasing likely that a widespread winter storm will develop across the South on Friday, bringing heavy snow and ice to parts of Texas and Oklahoma, and move east toward the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast this weekend.


    The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches across parts of the Mid-South for the possibility of heavy snow late this week. Advisories, watches and warnings will be issued and expanded eastward this week as we get closer to the weekend.


    There are still some differences in weather model forecasts, most notably on where the snow, ice and rain lines will be. With a storm like this, minor differences in the track of the low pressure system could lead to significant differences in the forecast.


    It’s still too far out to forecast any specific snow or ice totals, but it’s becoming increasingly likely that this will be an extremely disruptive storm across parts of the Southeast. The major impacts will begin Saturday and last through the end of the weekend, with lingering effects into early next week as frigid cold settles into the region.

    Even with the uncertainty in specific forecast details, it’s not too early to prepare for winter weather. If you live in the Southeast and could be affected by this winter storm, put together an emergency kit for your household and consider your entire household, including pets and check on your neighbors and family members.

    This forecast is very fluid, as are all southern snow events, so please stay with Spectrum News for any updates. Download the Spectrum News app to follow the event as it unfolds and tune in to your local Weather on the Ones forecast.

    Submit your weather photos here. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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