We’re less than 24 hours from a very impactful winter storm.

Today’s low temperature at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport hit 9 degrees below zero, the lowest we’ve seen since about a year ago. 

Temperatures won’t get much higher today, with thermometers struggling to get above 10. The biggest thing, though, will be the calm conditions: Winds will be light, and no snow is expected. Get all involved weekend plans done today, whether that be travel, shopping, or preparing for the snowstorm in another way. The storm will progress towards our area this evening.

The winter storm will finally bring snow into our area early on Sunday morning. After a battle with dry air above us, it will move in from South to North anytime between 2 and 7 am. After the first flake falls, snow will be continuous. The heaviest bands will move through around midday, dropping snowfall rates between 1” and 2” per hour. While trends have nudged the storm further north, our area is still firmly expected to be mix-free. Steady snow for this long a time will make road clearing a very tough job for crews. Travel during this day is strongly advised against unless deemed necessary.

The snow is expected to exit on Monday, with a chance of wraparound lake-effect flurries. Once this is all set and done, a good 8-12 inches of snow could fall from this storm. This would be the largest accumulating snowfall in at least four years, and could rank as a top ten one-day snowfall on record, thanks to the strength and favorable timing. Because temperatures will remain below freezing, crews will need to clear the roads without Mother Nature’s assistance. We expect other impacts to businesses and schools to bleed into Monday.

After the snow, temperatures will stay well below freezing. Highs in the mid-teens from Tuesday until Thursday will be almost 20 degrees below average. Low-end snow chances will allow for additional accumulations on a snowpack that will show no signs of diminishing until at least the second week of February.