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Tag: Breakout Weather

  • Wind and snow will slow down travel on Friday

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    OHIO — Friday will begin with a round of accumulating snowfall and end with a reinforcing shot of Arctic air.

    What You Need To Know

    • Accumulating snowfall will begin early Friday morning

    • Roads may be snowy and slushy during the daytime hours

    • Most areas can expect between 1 to 3 inches of snow, with pockets up to 4 inches
    • Snow squalls are possible Friday evening

    Snowfall amounts will be 1-3 inches for most but some pockets of heavier snow up to 4 inches are possible.

    Road conditions during the daytime hours may be snowy and slushy with afternoon highs mainly at or above freezing. Winter weather advisories are up for Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati.

    Winds will be gusty so we could see lower visibility from blowing and drifting snow. Intense snow bands are possible in the snowbelt, with the possibility of snow squals in Northeast Ohio. Snow squalls can reduce visibility down to zero and produce heavy snowfall and snow covered roads in a short amount of time.

    This system will be fast moving so many will see the snow come to an end Friday evening.

    Following the snow, a blast of Arctic air will come rushing in out of the northwest, dropping wind chills as low as -10 to -20 early Saturday.

    Cold weather advisories are up for Saturday.

     

    Temperatures will moderate on Sunday, with milder and more average temperatures for most of next week.

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    Meteorologist Erin Carroll

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  • Snow to fall in southern Ohio Tuesday

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    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.

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    Meteorologist Joe Astolfi

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

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    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.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Major winter storm moves into Ohio tonight

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    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.

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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

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    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.

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    Justin Pryor, Blair Hamilton

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

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    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Snow showers to affect New Year’s plans

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    OHIO — As we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026, winter weather will impact New Year’s holiday plans around Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening

    • Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility

    • An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday

    Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening, making for a messy New Year’s Eve forecast. 

    Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility and leading to messy roads. 

    We’ll see widespread snow north of I-70 late this afternoon into the evening, then progressing south as we move into your late night forecast. 

    Snow totals outside the Snowbelt won’t be a lot, but the timing will be important, with 1″ or so  quickly falling with some heavier bursts of snow. 

    An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday, with highs in the teens and 20s.

     

    Don’t forget, the Spectrum News App is a great resource to track Ohio’s wintry weather and stay up to date on the latest breaking news and information.

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    Meteorologist Ashley Batey

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  • Extreme wind to blow through Ohio

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    OHIO — As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state.

    As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state. Some records may fall today in southern Ohio. 

    While we’re tracking some rain this morning, we’ll be cloudy but mostly dry for the afternoon, allowing an opportunity to enjoy some milder temperatures.

    However, a strong cold front associated with the same area of low pressure moves in tonight, bringing a drastically colder air mass back to Ohio.

    Along the front, showers and even a few strong storms are possible, starting in western Ohio around 9-10 p.m., central Ohio around midnight, then exiting before sunrise. 

    Temperatures drop by nearly 20 degrees within an hour or two, and we’ll remain cold and windy through the day Monday.

     

    Winds along and behind the front could gust as high as 50-60 mph, with the strongest winds likely near Lake Erie. 

    Much of the state will be under a Wind Advisory if not a High Wind Warning tonight into tomorrow.

    Cold air sticks around through the New Year. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers this week

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    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • A clipper system brings heavy snow across the Northeast and New England before Christmas

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap this week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes. Southern California remains mostly dry today, but wetter trends ramp up tomorrow.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, with parts of Maine seeing up to 6 to 8 inches. Totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation everywhere else. Out west, rain and snow continues, with heavy rain spilling into southern California.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. Some strong storms are also possible across Southern California. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers next week

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    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mostly dry weather is on tap across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Saturday

    If you’re traveling Saturday, a weak disturbance will bring some light snow across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast during the afternoon and evening. Heavier snow accumulation should remain into Canada.  Most of the Midwest is looking at dry, sunny weather. 

    Northern California and the intermountain west will continue seeing periods of wet weather.


    Sunday

    Wet weather continues out west on Sunday, especially for parts of Northern Calfornia, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Heavy snow and rain is expected.

    Some snow showers are possible around the Great Lakes and rain across the Southeast, but activity remains light.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap into early next week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, but totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation. Out west, rain and snow continues.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Here’s how much snow fell across the state

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    BY

    Aaron Hepker

    Ohio


    PUBLISHED 12:24 PM ET Dec. 14, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:24 PM EST Dec. 14, 2025

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    Aaron Hepker

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  • Winter storm to bring snow, dangerous cold

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    OHIO — A storm system will bring widespread snow to the state, making for dangerous travel. Much of the state can expect several inches by Sunday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow will start to fall later in the day Saturday
    • Much of the state will see at least 2-4 inches with amounts closer to six inches south and in NE Ohio

    • Lake-effect snow will be in the mix across northeast Ohio, bringing more snow
    • Subzero wind chills by Sunday morning and again Monday

    The winter storm will push into the state by early afternoon, with snow spreading across the state. Dangerous travel is likely with heavy snow at times and gusty winds that could cause blowing and drifting. Most areas will get at least two to four inches of snow, with six inches of snow possible in some areas – especially in southern Ohio. Over six inches of snow could fall in areas northeast of Cleveland.

    Winter weather alerts are in place through early Sunday.

    As the storm moves out overnight, arctic air will move into the region. Many areas will have sub-zero wind chills by Sunday morning.

    Cold weather alerts are in place across much of the state.

    Northeast Ohio will still have to battle with some lake-effect snow on Sunday, which will add to the snow totals across the southeast. 

    Once we get past Monday, we can expect a warming trend through Thursday. 

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • Messy Thanksgiving travel expected with snow, rain on the way

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    OHIO — A cold and blustery Thanksgiving day on tap. High temperatures will top out in the lower to mid 30s, with wind chills in the 20s. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A cold and blustery Thanksgiving

    • Lake-effect snow showers across northeast Ohio could lead to white-out conditions and trick travel for the holiday
    • Wind chills in the teens as you hit the stores Friday morning
    • Active weather builds back in for Sunday and Tuesday 

    Much of the state will be dry and even see some sunshine, especially across the southwest, but the northeast will have to battle with lake-effect snow showers through late Friday. Snow totals will vary greatly depending on where we see some of the heaviest snow bands. 6+ inches of snow is not out of the question, but snow totals have started to trend down a bit. 

    If you’re heading out to grab some Black Friday deals, you’re going to want to layer up! Wind chills early Friday will be in the lower and middle teens. The cold weather will hang around all day with lake-effect snow showers for the northeast.

    We’ll get a quick break from the weather on Saturday with active weather building back in on Sunday. A storm system will bring messy weather statewide which will surely impact holiday travel.

    We’ll do it all over again on Tuesday with another chance for rain and snow. 

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • Thanksgiving week starts mild but ends on wintry note

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    OHIO — This busy holiday week is starting off with dry roads and way above normal temperatures. However, pre-Thanksgiving dinner we will see a very strong cold front.

    What You Need To Know

    • Roads will be wet on Tuesday from rain
    • Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday with gusty winds

    • Lake-effect snow will likely impact travel late Wednesday through early Friday
    • A weekend storm of snow and rain will complicate travel to wrap up the holiday week

    Our first storm system on Tuesday will be all rain with highs in the 50s and even some lower 60s.

    On Wednesday, a strong cold front will approach but the morning will be mild so we will see scattered showers early Wednesday.

    Our highs on Wednesday will likely happen in the morning and then fall throughout the day with winds starting to pick up.

    Late Wednesday night lake-effect snow will kick in for northern Ohio and will likely continue through early Friday.

    Gusty winds combined with lake-effect snow could produce hazardous travel along the turnpike during this timeframe.

    We may see a short break on Friday night from the active weather before a storm system approaches from the west.

    It looks like initially this will be snow showers on Saturday but then could change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday as warmer air moves in.

    Either way, these are big travel days and the roads will be wet or slippery.

    Spectrum News 1 will monitor the weekend storm for adjustments throughout the week. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Thanksgiving Travel Forecast

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    According to AAA, more Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year than ever before. Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your trip. Here’s what to expect across the country this week.

    What You Need To Know

    • An early week system will bring rain from the Plains to East Coast

    • Thanksgiving looks mostly quiet across U.S.

    • Much colder air after Thanksgiving


    Here are the weather highlights for Thanksgiving travelers this week. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Monday

    A system will be on the move and bring widespread rain from the Southern Plains to Great Lakes. Scattered storms could create travel issues for places like Dallas, St. Louis and Memphis. 


    Tuesday

    By Tuesday, our system will continue its path to the east with showers and storms expected in the Southeast and up the East Coast. Areas farther north will see mostly showers, so nothing too concerning other than a wet commute up and down I-95.

    Wednesday

    By Wednesday, the system will be mostly gone with only a few areas of lingering rain chances in the East and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes. Attention turns to the Pacific Northwest where the next system will be moving on shore. Rain and mountain snow will be likely in this region.


    Thanksgiving Day

    If you are traveling short and far on Thanksgiving Day, most of the country thankfully looks quiet and uneventful. The Pacific NW system will be pushing inland bringing snow across the northern Mountain West. Additionally, the lake-effect machine will continue in the Great Lakes.


    Black Friday

    Black Friday shoppers may need to deal with some winter weather from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes. Temperatures will be far colder behind the early week front setting this one up.

    Saturday

    Forecast info.


    Sunday

    Forecast info.


    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Frost and freeze concerns tonight in the Southeast

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    Colder air is surging south and the coldest night so far this season is expected overnight. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The coldest air of the season so far arrives Friday night in the Southeast

    • Frost Advisories and Freeze Watches are in place for most of the Southeast

    • Cover and protect sensitive plants and agriculture


    With cold air expected, Frost Advisories and Freeze Watches are in place for most of the Southeast.

    The National Weather Service issues Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings of impending cold air, but it’s to warn gardeners and those in agriculture that cold temperatures could damage sensitive plants and to take the proper precautions.  

    What’s the difference between a frost and a freeze?

    A frost occurs when temperatures drop between 32 to 37 degrees for an extended period. Usually, this will cause damage to more sensitive plants. However, if proper precautions are taken, such as covering up plants, the prospects of survival are good. 

    A freeze happens when temperatures fall below 32 degrees for more than four hours. This event usually marks the end of the growing season, but some hardy plants can still survive.  

    How to prep your garden for frost and freeze

    Here are some steps to prevent frost damage before a cold blast.

    • With delicate plants and flowers, try to grow them in a warm, sunny spot and closer to the foundation of a home. A south-facing wall may help provide even just more warmth during the cooler seasons.
    • Mulching is another great way not only to protect plants but also to add aesthetics to your garden. Adding a layer or two can provide the extra warmth needed to withstand a frost or even a freeze.
    • In a pinch, packing the surrounding soil and mulch with straw or even covering plants with old t-shirts, towels or blankets will help.

    Download the Spectrum News App for the latest forecast updates.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • A look back at Hurricane Katrina, 20 years later

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    Hurricane Katrina remains infamous as one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the United States.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Katrina reached Category 5 status but made landfall as a Category 3 with winds of 125 mph

    • Record storm surge was reported across the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines

    • 80% of New Orleans was under water on Aug. 31, 2005


    20 years ago on Aug. 29, it made its strongest landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in southeast Louisiana and brought devastation across the city of New Orleans and surrounding parishes.

    Meteorological history

    Hurricane Katrina developed from the remnants of Tropical Depression Ten and a tropical wave near the Lesser Antilles. It became Tropical Depression Twelve over the southeastern Bahamas on Aug. 23.

    On Aug. 24, it was classified as Tropical Storm Katrina, and it moved through the northwestern part of the Bahamas on Aug. 25. It strengthened into a hurricane on the evening of Aug. 25 just before making its first landfall near the Miami-Dade/Broward County line.

    The storm drifted southwest across southern Florida before moving over the eastern Gulf on Aug. 26. Over the warm waters of the Gulf, Katrina rapidly intensified, becoming a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 175 mph on Aug. 28.

    A satellite image of Hurricane Katrina prior to making landfall on Aug. 29, 2005. (NOAA)

    Katrina turned to the northwest and then north, making its second landfall near Buras, LA, in the southeastern part of the state on Aug. 29. It had weakened to a Category 3, with winds of 125 mph, just before landfall.

    Approximately five hours later, Katrina made a third landfall near the Louisiana/Mississippi border with winds estimated at 120 mph, still a Category 3 hurricane.


    Katrina moved over land and weakened but still maintained hurricane strength near Laurel, Mississippi. It was finally downgraded to a tropical depression on Aug. 30 before dissipating altogether on Aug. 31.

    Katrina’s impacts

    Katrina wasn’t just a Louisiana/Mississippi storm; at its height, it was 780 miles from east to west and about the same distance from north to south. Hurricane conditions were reported in southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama, with storm surges reported as far east as Destin, FL.

    Storm surge affected coastal regions, with a 20-mile-wide swath of 24 to 28 feet along the Mississippi Coast. The highest surge was at Pass Christian, MS, at 27.8 feet. The storm surge was so high that it overtopped the levees in the city of New Orleans, leading to levee failures and extensive flooding. 80% of New Orleans was under water on Aug. 31.

    The damage and destruction it caused equated to $125 billion (un-adjusted 2005 dollars). Not to mention the thousands of lives lost.

    More Storm Season Resources

    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.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • EF1 tornado confirmed in Largo Wednesday evening

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    The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado moved through Pinellas County Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • A tornado touched down in Pinellas County Wednesday evening

    • It was rated an EF1 with estimated peak winds of 90 mph

    • It caused significant damage in the Ranchero Village community


    According to the National Weather Service, the tornado began just after 7 p.m. Wednesday in Largo, with the first damage occurring at a shopping center near the intersection of Belcher Rd. and Bryan Dairy Rd. 

    It moved north-northeast and stayed on the ground for eight minutes, causing the most significant damage in the Ranchero Village community, where several mobile homes were badly damaged. 

    The tornado stayed on the ground for just over two miles and had estimated peak winds of 90 mph.

    Check out the tornado track in the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos.


    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.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Beryl, Helene and Milton retired from the list of Atlantic storm names

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    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee is retiring Beryl, Helene and Milton from the rotating list of Atlantic names.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beryl, Helene and Milton are being retired from the list of names

    • The WMO retires names if they cause exceptional death or damage

    • Brianna, Holly and Miguel will replace the names in 2030


    Beryl, Helene and Milton all caused significant death and destruction across the Caribbean, Mexico and United States during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.


    There were no Atlantic storm names retired during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Before Beryl, Helene and Milton, the most recent names retired were Ian and Fiona from 2022.

    The WMO names Atlantic storms and the list is recycled every six years. The list alternates between male and female names, and includes English, French and Spanish names to reflect the geographical coverage of Atlantic and Caribbean storms.

    If a storm is particularly deadly or costly, its name is retired and replaced by a new one for sensitivity reasons. The WMO has now retired 99 names from the Atlantic basin list since 1953.

    You can learn more about each storm below.

    Beryl

    Beryl was an early season, record-breaking storm that made three landfalls and strengthened into the earliest Category 5 storm in the Atlantic on record during its lifespan. 

    Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the year. It first became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record. 

    It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record. 

    It made its first of three landfalls on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.

    Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks. Beryl was also the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.

    It brushed past the south of Hispaniola, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands as a major hurricane before making its second landfall just northeast of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It moved inland on the morning of July 5, as a Category 2 hurricane with max winds of 110 mph.

    Its third and final landfall was near Matagorda, Texas, on July 8, as a Category 1 hurricane with max winds of 80 mph.

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl is known to be responsible for at least 68 deaths. 34 were directly attributed to the storm’s winds, rain and tornadoes. 34 were indirectly caused by the storm in the U.S.

    NOAA estimates that Beryl’s damage to property in the U.S. was up to $7.2 billion and millions of dollars in the Caribbean and Mexico.

    Helene

    Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and became the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the fifth hurricane, the second major one (Category 3+) of the season.

    Helene developed from a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea, becoming a tropical storm as it approached the Yucatan Peninsula, and became a hurricane on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

    Helene rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday, Sept. 26 as it approached the southeastern Gulf of Mexico

    Helene reached peak intensity with winds of 140 mph before it made landfall near Perry, Fla., along the Big Bend region, maintaining winds of 140 mph and peak intensity. This was the strongest storm to ever made landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida. 

    It devastated Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay area with storm surge inundation up to 6 to 9 feet above ground level.

    As Helene moved inland, it quickly weakened to a tropical storm and eventually became a post-tropical cyclone before stalling out and dissipating.

    An upper-level disturbance merged with the weakening Helene as it traversed Georgia and South Carolina, bringing catastrophic rainfall and flooding to areas in the Southeast.

    It brought widespread destruction across the southern Appalachians and inundated the Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina border area with flooding, landslides and strong wind gusts. 

    Rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 inches occurred over a large area within the mountainous region of western North Carolina. 

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Helene was the deadliest hurricane for the contiguous U.S. since Katrina in 2005, with at least 248 fatalities (including at least 175 direct deaths), and produced an estimated $78.7 billion in damage in the United States.

    Milton

    Milton formed into a tropical storm in the Bay of Campeche on Saturday, Oct. 5, and quickly intensified into a hurricane on Sunday, Oct. 6, becoming the ninth hurricane of the season. 

    By the morning of Oct. 7, Milton was a Category 3 hurricane, making it the fourth major hurricane of the season. By the late afternoon of that same day, Milton underwent rapid intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with maximum winds of 180 mph as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico. It solidified itself in the record books before making landfall.

    It fluctuated in strength over the next two days from a high-end Category 4 storm to a low-end Category 5 hurricane. As it approached the western coast of the Florida peninsula, it interacted with a front and weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. 

    Prior to landfall on Oct. 7, the outer rainbands spawned tornadoes in central and southern Florida. A total of 126 tornado warnings were issued in Florida, the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day, and the most ever in Florida or from a tropical system. 

    Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph on the evening of Oct. 9 near Siesta Key, Florida. It weakened to a Category 2 hurricane shortly after landfall and eventually became a Category 1 storm. It maintained hurricane status as it crossed the Florida peninsula. 

    As Milton moved inland, heavy rain created a flash flood emergency north of the center of circulation, including the cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. The maximum reported rainfall was 20.4″ in St. Petersburg.

    It is the fifth Gulf Coast landfalling hurricane this year, joining Beryl, Debby, Francine and Helene. It ties 2005 and 2020 for the second most Gulf hurricane landfalls on record, trailing only 1886, where six Gulf hurricanes made landfall.

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton is currently known to be responsible for 15 direct deaths – 12 in the United States (all in Florida) and 3 in Mexico. Milton caused 27 indirect deaths in the United States, all in Florida.

    NOAA estimates that Milton caused $34.3 billion in damage in the United States, almost exclusively in Florida.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • A frigid storm drops rare snow as Florida readies plows in the Panhandle

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    NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A rare frigid storm charged through Texas and the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, blanketing New Orleans and Houston with snow that closed highways, grounded nearly all flights and canceled school for more than a million students more accustomed to hurricane dismissals than snow days.

    What You Need To Know

    • New Orleans shattered its all-time snowfall record with more than 9 inches in parts of the city

    • Florida also broke its all-time snowfall record, more than doubling the old record of 4 inches

    • The storm prompted the first ever blizzard warnings for several coastal counties near the Texas-Louisiana border



    The storm prompted the first ever blizzard warnings for several coastal counties near the Texas-Louisiana border, and snowplows were at the ready in the Florida Panhandle.

    In the Texas capital, two people died in the cold weather, according to a statement from the city of Austin. No details were provided, but the city said emergency crews had responded to more than a dozen “cold exposure” calls. Officials said one person died from hypothermia in Georgia.

    Snow covered the white-sand beaches of normally sunny vacation spots, including Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Pensacola Beach, Florida. The heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain hitting parts of the Deep South came as a blast of Arctic air plunged much of the Midwest and the eastern U.S. into a deep freeze.

    A powdery South made for some head-turning scenes — a snowball fight on a Gulf Shores beach, sledding in a laundry basket in Montgomery, Alabama, pool-tubing down a Houston hill.

    One of the country’s quirkiest cities, New Orleans, didn’t disappoint under the snowy spotlight. There was an attempt at urban skiing along Bourbon Street; a priest and nuns in a snowball fight outside a suburban church; snowboarding behind a golf cart; and sledding down the snow-covered Mississippi River levees on kayaks, cardboard boxes and inflatable alligators.


    High school teacher David Delio and his two daughters glided down the levee on a yoga mat and a boogie board.

    “This is a white-out in New Orleans, this is a snow-a-cane,” Delio said. “We’ve had tons of hurricane days but never a snow day.”

    The nuns at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School near New Orleans encouraged their students last week to pray to saints, including Our Lady of the Snows — a devotional term for Mary, mother of Jesus — for the snow day they received Tuesday, said the Rev. Tim Hedrick. The priest said he invited the nuns to make snow angels, and they challenged him to a snowball fight that has since received tens of thousands of views on social media.

    “It’s a fun way to show that priests and sisters are humans, too, and they can have fun,” Hedrick said.

    It has been more than a decade since snow last fell on New Orleans. With more than 9 inches of snow in parts of the city Tuesday, New Orleans has far surpassed its record — 2.7 inches on Dec. 31, 1963 — according to the National Weather Service. There were unofficial reports of 10 inches of snow in New Orleans in 1895, NWS meteorologist Christopher Bannan said.

    For Houston, the winter blast marks the latest dramatic fluctuation in extreme weather. Hurricane Beryl devastated the city in July, killing dozens and knocking out power to large swaths of the city. Several months later, a winter storm has dumped the most snow in decades over the Houston area.


    Nearly 2,000 flights to, from or within the U.S. were canceled Tuesday, with about 10,000 others delayed, according to online tracker FlightAware.com. Both Houston airports suspended flight operations starting Tuesday. Nearly every flight was cancelled at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, but most airlines planned to resume operations Wednesday.

    Alvaro Perez was hunkering down at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Tuesday after his flight to El Salvador was canceled. His new departure is scheduled for Thursday.

    “I’ll just ride it and stay here,” Perez said.

    Snow on the Gulf Coast

    Ahead of the storm, governors in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and even Florida — the Sunshine State — declared states of emergency and many school systems canceled classes Tuesday. School closures were planned in some coastal communities in North and South Carolina.

    The NWS said up to 4 inches of snow fell in the Houston area. Texas transportation officials said more than 20 snowplows were in use across nearly 12,000 lane miles in the Houston area, which lacks its own city or county plows.

    Forecasters say snowfall could stretch from north Georgia, through Atlanta, and into southern portions unaccustomed to such weather.

    Parts of the Florida Panhandle were coated white Tuesday. Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, last saw snow in 2018 — just 0.1 of an inch, according to the weather service. Tallahassee’s highest snowfall on record was 2.8 inches in 1958.

    “Believe it or not, in the state of Florida we’re mobilizing snowplows,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.


    Mobile, Alabama, hit 5.4 inches and counting Tuesday, topping the city’s one-day snowfall record of 5 inches, set Jan. 24, 1881, and nearing its all-time snowfall record of 6 inches in 1895, the weather service said.

    The blizzard warning in effect until midday Tuesday was the first issued by the office in Lake Charles, Louisiana, according to meteorologist Donald Jones.

    Louisiana transportation agency workers worked through the night to prepare bridges and roadways. Nonetheless, Louisiana State Police said they have already responded to more than 50 crashes Tuesday, and pleaded for people to stay home.

    Return of the Arctic blast

    This latest cold snap comes from a disruption in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped at the North Pole.

    Frigid cold persisted across the eastern two-thirds of the country as the East Coast was blanketed in snow while people from the Northern Plains to the tip of Maine shivered in bitter cold. The NWS said normal temperatures would return slowly by the end of the week.

    A state of emergency was declared in at least a dozen New York counties with up to 2 feet of lake-effect snow and extreme cold expected around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie through Wednesday.

    Wind chills are expected to reach minus 30 to minus 50 across the Dakotas and into the Upper Midwest through Friday, the NWS warned. Subzero wind chills were forecast from the Central Plains eastward through Wednesday night.

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    Associated Press

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