To help keep you safe, we have complied helpful information from the Lucas County Health Department and the Weather Forecast Office. We want you and your family to stay safe. Please read the information below to help understand this winter storm and what you can do to stay safe!
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Lucas County from Wednesday Morning through Friday Morning.
• Rain will transition to snow on Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snow accumulations and greatest impacts Wednesday night through Thursday night. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulations in excess of 10 inches possible.
• Wind gusts up to 30 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, especially Thursday and Thursday night. Travel could be difficult to impossible
• Wind chills likely fall to near or below zero degrees Thursday night
• Snow will be heavy with high water content. Damage to trees and power lines possible
Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Extreme Cold Warming Centers
United Way/2-1-1 maintains a database of Extreme Cold Warming Centers. At the time of this report the following locations are listed:
• Chester J Zablocki Senior Center, 3015 LaGrange Street, Toledo, OH 43608
• Mayores Senior Center, 2 Aurora Gonzalez Drive, Toledo, OH 43609
• Maumee Seniors, 2430 South Detroit Ave, Maumee, OH 43537
Tips To Help Get Through The Winter Storm
- Limit your time outside.
- Stay off the roads.
- Use generators outside only.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Look sign of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on your neighbors.
REMEMBER: Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion.
How To Recognize Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Sources:
https://lucascountysheriff.org/resources/snow-emergencies
https://www.weather.gov/cle/winter
https://lucascountyhealth.com/