Rain may affect morning commute

MONROE, Ohio - A light drizzle of rain mixed with sleet hit the Tri-State Wednesday evening, but didn’t cause any problems on the roads, but icy conditions could develop overnight.

In most cases, the roadways were damp but as temperatures continue to drop there may be enough precipitation to create slick roads for the morning commute.

In West Chester, there were standing ponds of water in some vacant lots and remote fields, but roadways like Union Center Boulevard and I-75 South were only damp and not rain soaked.

Drivers traveling southbound on I-75 say they saw rain freezing up on their windshields, but not much more. None encountered slick or icy roads north of Middletown or in the Dayton areas.

Trucker Marvin Falks was bringing a load in from Massachusetts Wednesday evening.

"My wipers get frozen up and everything and when that happens it's not too good," he said. 

Falks says slick roads weren't a problem because his load was heavy.

"I was hoping to see maybe six to eight inches of snow sometime this season. But so far it's been too mild. I went out an bought a new off-road truck and haven't gotten a chance to really use it yet in the snow,"  said motorist Chuck Valiquette of Dayton.

City road crews are not able to do much in this weather, so many state maintenance departments will remain closed. However, officials say they are keeping an eye on the situation and are ready to respond if ice becomes a problem overnight.

Chief Meteorologist Steve Raleigh says to expect heavy rain in the morning. For the latest forecast visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/weather/forecast/todays_forecast/Your-Latest-Forecast .

Before you head out the door in the morning, check with Good Morning Tri-State for the latest information on traffic and weather conditions starting at 4:30 a.m. on 9 News.