Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announces preparations ahead of winter storm

CINCINNATI (WXIX) -Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke Thursday with state officials from the Ohio Emergency Operations Center to discuss preparations and safety information ahead of the winter storm, which is expected to arrive Thursday evening.

Gov. DeWine says he is working with the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Emergency Management Agency, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to keep Ohioans safe.

Although Gov. DeWine did not declare a state of emergency, he and the state officials recommended that Ohioans stay home if possible.

“I encourage Ohioans to take this winter storm seriously, and update your emergency preparedness kit with food, water, medicine, and other essential items,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “I also encourage Ohioans to make a list of people to check in on, especially during the Christmas holiday weekend.”

Those who need to drive must drive with caution.

The Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks says that ODOT will send about 3,000 crew members to help clear the roads. Crew members will be salting and re-salting the streets.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a winter storm warning will go into effect Thursday from 7 p.m. through 5 p.m. Friday. Rain is expected to turn to snow after 11 p.m. A wind chill warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday.

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The drop in temperatures and wet roads could cause icy road conditions.

In the Cincinnati area, there will be a combination of snow, blowing snow, and wind. Total snow accumulations will be between two to four inches.

City of Cincinnati makes preparations ahead of winter storm

NWS says that wind gusts will be as high as 50 mph, with wind chills as low as 35 degrees below zero.

Several counties in the Tri-State have already announced travel advisories and/or snow emergencies.

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