High winds, subzero cold sock Valley and nation
Trending
The first major winter storm of the season struck the Mahoning Valley early Friday morning as rain showers turned into blowing snow about 4 a.m.
Snow accumulations were minimal, but the high winds and falling temperatures pose a danger to those traveling on area roads.
The National Weather Service had issued a wind chill warning and winter storm warning for both Mahoning and Trumbull counties that will remain in effect until 10 a.m. today. The weather service in Cleveland issued a blizzard warning Friday morning for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties until 4 a.m. today.
The forecast calls for blowing and drifting snow to continue today, with a 40 percent chance of accumulation with high temperatures reaching 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chill values are expected to be as low as minus 26. A southwest wind will be blowing at 22 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
The snow should taper off by tonight with a low expected to be around 5 degrees. Total accumulation for the day should be less than 2 inches.
Although no major crashes or incidents had been reported as of Friday night, authorities have urged residents to use caution when traveling and to stay at home if the0y do not have to leave.
Nationwide, tens of millions of Americans endured bone-chilling temperatures, blizzard conditions, power outages and canceled holiday gatherings Friday from a winter storm that forecasters said was nearly unprecedented in its scope, exposing about 60 percent of the U.S. population to some sort of winter weather advisory or warning.
More than 200 million people were under an advisory or warning on Friday, the National Weather Service said.
A Weather Channel report said the blowing and drifting snow made it difficult driving on a stretch of the Ohio Turnpike in northwest Ohio, causing a 50-vehicle pileup Friday afternoon. A Toledo television station, in quoting the Ohio State Highway Patrol, reported that one person died in the multiple-vehicle crash.
The Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency reported on its website that crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Trumbull County Engineer's Office and local road departments were out treating the roads as soon as the snow started falling.
A social media post noted that a tree had fallen across Warren Avenue in Niles about 7 a.m. Friday. About a half hour later, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that a utility pole had fallen across state Route 46 near Leffingwell Road south of Canfield, closing that road to traffic.
Other Friday morning reports had poles falling across Glenwood Avenue and Boston Avenue on Youngstown's South Side, with a tree falling across a drive in Mill Creek Park.
The temperature dropped about 40 degrees in four hours between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday with winds picking up speed. Gusts were expected to reach 50 to 55 mph. Wind chills were well below zero throughout the day.
The Salvation Army on Franklin Street SE in Warren opened a "warming center" for the homeless and others until 3 p.m. Friday, but said hours may be extended based on need. For more information, call 330-392-1573.
By 4:30 p.m., Ohio Edison's website noted about 35,000 customers were still without power statewide, including 59 in Mahoning County, 371 in Columbiana County and 15 in Trumbull. Some of the areas that had earlier lost power included homes in Warren, Howland Township, Bristolville, Hubbard, Masury, Youngstown, Coitsville, Struthers, Poland and Boardman.
Residents experiencing a power outage, should report it to Ohio Edison by calling 888-544-4877 or logging onto www.firstenergycorp.com and clicking on "Report Power Outages."
Trumbull County Emergency Management officials say they have continued to monitor the reported power outages in the area with most of the outages occurring in the south end of the county.
Republic Services of Youngstown announced Friday morning it suspended curbside trash pickup operations because of the current weather conditions. The announcement, which was sent as a text to all customers, stated Republic Services will resume pickup serviceMonday.
The Trumbull County Sheriff's office warns those who become trapped in their vehicle or those without power:
∫ Stay inside and call or signal for help;
∫ Limit time outside. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Wear a coat, hat and gloves. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia;
∫ Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use generators or grills indoors, in garages or near windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven;
∫ If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors.
Reporters Bob Coupland, Allie Vugrincic, Emily Scott and Chris McBride contributed to this report, as did The Associated Press.