Cincinnati Prepared for Forecasted Winter Weather

CINCINNATI – Department of Public Services (DPS) crews are preparing to respond to the wintry mix forecasted to hit the Cincinnati area overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

Per the National Weather Service, snow and sleet is forecasted before 3 a.m., then freezing rain and sleet between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., then rain after 4 a.m.

In response to the forecast, DPS crews will begin reporting at 7 p.m. Tuesday to monitor weather conditions and treat roadways as necessary.  Crews will work to ensure local roadways remain safe and passable for Wednesday’s morning commute.

Residents are reminded to exercise caution while driving during winter events. With low temperatures, slick spots are possible in areas prone to black ice – including bridges, tunnels, hills and underpasses.

Quick Facts:

The City of Cincinnati has the following resources on hand:

• 17,300 tons of salt
• 17,000 gallons of calcium chloride
• 10,000 gallons of beet juice
• 55,500 gallons of brine
• 81 pieces of equipment

Residents are able to track real-time winter operations data via the City of Cincinnati’s CincyInsights Snow Plow Tracker. Residents may report urgent matters and customer service requests to the City via 5916000.com or by utilizing the 311Cincy mobile app.

Detailed Forecast:

Tonight

Snow and sleet before 3am, then freezing rain and sleet between 3am and 4am, then rain after 4am. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 32. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Wednesday

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 47. East wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Helpful Reminders to Drivers:

• Give Crews Space to Work. Please provide ample space between vehicles and crews, allowing them to do its job.
• Utilize Off-Street Parking. Parked vehicles along roadways are a major deterrent for crews when clearing snow and ice.
• Keep an Emergency Kit Ready. Pack an emergency vehicle kit, including a blanket, socks, cell phone, batteries, flash lights, and snacks while driving in winter conditions. It’s always better to be overly prepared while traveling in uncertain weather.
• Extend Caution While Traveling. Even at temperatures above freezing, if weather conditions are wet, you might encounter ice on exposed roadways like bridges, underpasses or hills. Allow more room to brake, when traveling during the winter season.
• Slow Down!

For more information on Cincinnati’s winter operations program, please visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov/winter and follow DPS on Twitter and Facebook. To schedule an interview, please contact (513) 352-NEWS.