PARKERSBURG - Impending snowfall has officials on high alert for clearing the roadways before this morning's commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, two to four inches of snow are expected for the Mid-Ohio Valley overnight. Thursday's rain was expected to turn to snow after midnight, said meteorologist Andrew Beavers.
"It should continue snowing (today)," he said Thursday. "About an inch or so."
Rick Lemley, public works director for Parkersburg, said city officials are prepared for the possibility of snowfall.
"We have our trucks loaded up with salt," he said. "And crews on standby."
Lemley said he planned to go out early this morning to monitor the conditions and inform crews if needed. Officials are guessing the weather threat will arrive between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. today.
Winds are expected to increase, up to 40 miles per hour, Beavers said. He said overnight conditions should drop temperatures into the mid 20s and bring more snow in the early evening.
Belpre safety-service director Dave Ferguson said crews are on standby for an impending storm.
"We've been prepared for a couple weeks now," he said of any threats of a snowstorm. "It's just a matter of if it does hit."
Ferguson said the city will make sure the roadways are as safe as possible, given the conditions.
Beavers said with the amount of snow expected to fall, the possibility of snow accumulating increases.
"The first bath (may experience) melting," he said. "(It should be) heavy enough to pile on top of each other."
With Saturday's temperatures expected to be in the mid-30s, Beavers said the air and ground will be cool enough for accumulation.
