Winter snowstorm predicted for area

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Mother Nature may have been a bit off on her timing this year, but those local residents wanting a white Christmas may get their wish, albeit a day later than hoped for.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Van Wert County and the surrounding area, meaning that a winter storm event is predicted for this area. County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy notes that a large winter storm should move into the area this morning, beginning with light snow that is expected to become heavy by late morning and continue into the afternoon.

McCoy said weather models are indicating 6-8 inches of snow for the county, with winds of 35 mph causing drifting and blowing snow. The blowing and drifting snow could also create visibility problems for motorists traveling in the area today.

“If this storm does not change its track, conditions and travel will become quite difficult tomorrow,” McCoy said in a Facebook posting on Christmas Day.

Although weather conditions are not expected to be great today in Van Wert County, neighboring counties to the south and north of us could see even more snow from the incoming winter storm.

McCoy notes that Mercer County is expected to receive between 8 and 10 inches of snow today, while Darke County is also expecting large amounts of snow.

North of Van Wert County may also be a problem, as the winter storm band results in what could be between 10 and 12 inches of the white stuff in an area from Findlay to Cleveland, along with 40 mph winds that could make travel nearly impossible for much of the northern portion of Ohio.

Meanwhile, for local residents just itching to try out those snow blowers they received for Christmas, this could be the perfect time to do so.

Those wanting up-to-date weather information should listen to WERT Radio (1220 AM).