Current Forecast: 8am on Wednesday, February 2nd 2022

Forecast Discussion

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Athens County, and all of SE Ohio, from 1 am on Feb. 3 to 7 am on Feb. 4.

A potentially major winter storm is beginning to take shape across the Central US that will begin to impact our region by Wednesday afternoon. A cold front will cross the region over the next few days and will bring several different forms of precipitation. Ahead of the frontal passage, winds will maintain southerly flow, keeping temperatures pleasant for much of the morning and afternoon. Rain ahead of the front will begin to impact the region by the afternoon on Wednesday and will continue through the overnight hours. Thursday morning introduces the first uncertainties surrounding this system, as the switch between precipitation types will be dependent on temperatures across the region.

The first potential outcome, although unlikely, has warm air from the south prevailing and the precipitation maintaining as rain throughout most of the frontal passage, possibly switching to light ice/sleet/snow on the back end. This outcome does still pose travel hazards, as frigid air from the north will take over by Thursday night and will cause a flash freeze on most surfaces, creating slick roads and sidewalks. There is also a flood risk associated with this potential outcome.

As model guidance becomes more clear, the more likely outcome is coming into focus and could become a damaging ice storm for SE Ohio. Winds will shift to northerly flow as the front passes and will usher in frigid air Thursday morning into Thursday afternoon. The high temperature will likely be achieved overnight and will continue to fall throughout the day. Once the temperature falls near freezing, the switch from rain to freezing rain will occur. This will likely happen Thursday morning, although warm temperatures may hang on into the afternoon. Ahead of this, rainfall will amount to about an inch, so road crews cannot pretreat roads, meaning road conditions will deteriorate much quicker. Once the transition to freezing rain occurs, it will likely continue for much of the day, potentially into the overnight hours. Since the duration of the freezing rain period is so long, ice accumulation will be between .25″ and .50″. On the back end (by Friday morning), there will be a transition to a brief period of sleet, then eventually snow as temperatures continue to plummet, with accumulation from 1″-3″. Behind the system, cold air will take over and make for a frigid start to the weekend.

With ice accumulations of this magnitude, there will likely be a widespread threat of power outages, damage to trees and travel will become very difficult to impossible. Prepare for prolonged power outages by charging electronics and stocking up on non-perishables and water. Stay weather aware as this system progresses and know that it could still shift and vary slightly.

Detailed Forecast

Today it will be cloudy with a 90% chance of afternoon rain showers. Winds from the S at 0 to 5 mph. High 45°F

Tonight it will be cloudy with a 100% chance of rain showers. Winds from the SE at 0 to 5 mph. Low 35°F

Thursday it will be cloudy with a 100% chance of freezing rain. Winds from the N at 5 to 10 mph. High 35°F

Thursday Night it will be cloudy with an 80% chance of freezing rain. Winds from the N at 0 to 5 mph. Low 19°F

Extended Forecast

Friday it will be cloudy with a 70% chance of snow showers. High near 26°F with a low near 0°F

Saturday it will be mostly clear with no precipitation. High near 29°F with a low near 9°F

Sunday it will be partly cloudy with no precipitation. High near 39°F with a low near 17°F