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Snow, Ice To Impact Both Morning and Afternoon Commutes, Close Schools UPDATED

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Updated 5 p.m.

A severe storm warning is still in effect through 1 a.m. Saturday. Brian Koniglio with the National Weather Service says storms this big are rare. 

"You wouldn’t have a storm like this more than like a couple times a year," he said. "Some years you don’t even have any like this."

It’s already snowed several inches, and Koniglio says snowfall will pick up after sunset.
Another four to six inches of accumulation are expected overnight. Travelers are advised to stay off the roads if possible.

The forecast for Saturday is clear skies but cold, with highs in the 20s. On Sunday the highs will be at about freezing with more snow turning into a wintry mix.

 

Updated 7:58 a.m.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is now closed today. Employees are excused from duty today, except those personnel who are designated base essential.

Updated 6:26 a.m.

Ice and snow have already been falling across the Miami Valley, causing traffic problems and school closings.

The National Weather Service increased the amount of accumulation expected, with most of the region to see 4-8 inches possible, with heavier amounts possible in isolated areas.

Meteorologist Mike Kurz says the snow is expected to be steady throughout the day.

"We're not expected a complete shut-off in the precipitation during the day but there could be some moments that it's just lighter precipitation," says Kurz. "As we get into the afternoon hours, that's when we expect to see the greatest push of snow and the heaviest rates coming down in the Dayton area. "

Hazardous travel is expected due to snow accumulations, reduced visibility due to blowing snow, and icy roadways .

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employees are on a three hour delay from normal reporting time this morning, except those personnel who are designated base essential. Base essential personnel who are still required to report to duty must use Gate 1A, 12A, or 19B.

There are a number of accidents and slide-offs being reported. Tune into 91.3 FM where will are providing updates on the traffic every 10 minutes.

Cold weather will follow the snow, with temperatures in the lower 20s for Saturday. Another round of winter weather is forecast for Sunday, with accumulating snow and ice likely.

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3:30 pm. Thursday

After unseasonably warm weather, a winter storm is on the way for the Miami Valley, likely affecting both morning and afternoon rush hour traffic Friday.

Temperatures were in lower 60s Thursday morning, but a cold front is sweeping across the region, and with it a chance for some icy conditions overnight  and some heavy snowfall throughout the day Friday. The entire region is under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 10 p.m., with rain turning to freezing rain, meaning ice on the roadways for the morning commute. Just how much will depend on the timing of the storm, according to meteorologist Mike Kurz.

"But the greater concern would be for the snowfall amounts coming during the day tomorrow," says Kurz. "And with some significant accumulation possible, especially by tomorrow afternoon for the rush hour period, that could lead to some treacherous roadways."

Kurz says the Interstate 70 and 71 corridors between Cincinnati and Columbus will see the greatest amount of snow, anywhere from 4 to 7 inches. By Saturday, much colder weather will settle in and another round of ice and snow is in the forecast on Sunday.