COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) --
The National Weather Service is raising the bar for what it will consider a snow "storm" in 17 central and western counties.
The forecasters will now post a winter storm warning for an area that includes Dayton, Columbus only if 6 inches or more are likely to fall within a 12-hour period. The zone's previous snowstorm threshold was 4 inches.
Weather service meteorologist Mary Jo Parker in Wilmington says the agency wants to save the storm designation for winter weather that could produce life-threatening conditions.
Areas across northern Ohio, including Toledo and Cleveland, already had the heavier snow requirement for a winter storm.
Warnings for southern Ohio will still be made at the 4-inch level.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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The city of Cincinnati released the following information on Friday:
CITY OF CINCINNATI– TIME TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHERThe Department of Public Services has been hard at work preparing crews and equipment for first big snow event of the season. While City crews finalize their winter preparations, citizens are encouraged to prepare their homes and vehicles for the winter weather ahead.
- A direct link to the City’s Winter Operations is now available on the main page of the City’s Web site. It can be accessed by going to www.cincinnati-oh.gov and clicking on Winter Weather Information located under Features.
- The City’s Winter Operations has launched its newest communication tool for delivering road conditions and news to its citizens. Twitter.com/cincinnatisnow is now posting timely communication during severe weather events. Citizens are encouraged to follow the City’s Public Services Department on Twitter.
How Citizens Can Prepare for Severe Weather EventsBEFORE SEVERE WEATHER:- Have a portable radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor official weather forecasts and other important information for your area.
- Have a plan to move yourself and your family — especially those with special needs — to an alternate location in case you have to evacuate or experience an extended power outage.
- Keep a supply of water and non-perishable food items on hand.
- Ensure first aid supplies and all medicines are readily available.
- Make sure flashlights are readily available and working and that a supply of extra batteries is on hand.
- Consider the need for specialty items such as prescription medication, baby food, additional warm clothing and a safe heat source.
- Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency water supply in case power to their electric water pumps is interrupted.
- If you have an emergency heating or power source, learn how to use it properly.
- Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage
- Know where gas and water shut off valves are, and which circuit breakers operate which parts of your home.
- Keep an Emergency kit. This should include things such as sheet plastic and duct tape to temporarily repair a broken window. Keep batteries and flashlights on hand for lighting which is much safer than lighting the home with candles. Sand, Salt, and shovels for controlling snow and ice.
WHEN TRAVELING:- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle which includes bottled water, blankets, hats and gloves, LED emergency Lights, sandbag and shovel, and a tow chain.
- Keep fuel level high in vehicles and ensure the vehicles are well serviced.
