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Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

McCoy: Plenty more winter weather ahead

Van Wert independent/EMA information

Snowplows could be out again early next week if weather forecasters are right about a snowstorm predicted for the area. (independent file photo)

Tired of winter? Well, Van Wert County residents may need to deal with plenty more of it, especially with a new winter storm on the horizon, according to County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy.

Computer models are starting to confirm that another major winter storm is taking shape the first part of next week that will affect much of the eastern half of the United States. Right now, indications are the Ohio Valley will see a mixture of freezing rain and snow, he said, adding that the new system has the potential to be quite a storm.

According to McCoy, computer models that are used for forecasting weather systems have been wavering dramatically all winter, making it very difficult to forecast the exact track of recent storms beyond several days out. As weather events get closer, forecasters have been able to pinpoint where storms will hit and how much precipitation can be expected. The same case holds true with this developing weather system, McCoy said.

“We currently know that a cold Canadian high will settle over the plains on Monday bringing cold air into the region,” the EMA director said, and added that an upper low-pressure system will then approach from the west and move across Texas and then move northeast towards the area.

“This is going to pull abundant moisture up from the Gulf of Mexico, causing a wide array of weather from Texas to the Northeast coast as it moves along,” McCoy said, noting that it is too early to make the call on how adversely Ohio will be affected, but the potential sure is there for some severe weather.

“People should be prepared and stay tuned to National Weather Service forecasts as this event unfolds,” McCoy advised.

One of the culprits for the winter storms this year is the current La Niña global weather system. This weather phenomenon is the result of cooler than normal waters in the Equatorial Pacific that affects the global weather patterns. Indications are that it will continue to remain strong through February and beyond.

“In La Niña years, we see an increase of moisture during the winter months, but, fortunately for Ohio, most of the big storms that have developed moved across the Tennessee Valley and up the East Coast,” the EMA director said, adding that the upcoming storm, though, shows more potential, as it appears it will affect many states and may take aim at Ohio.

“We can keep our fingers crossed and hope that this one misses us but we need to be ready,” McCoy said. “I think by Sunday, we will have a pretty good handle on where it will go.”

POSTED: 01/29/11 at 1:30 am. FILED UNDER: News