Weather service issues freezing rain adivisory

1/28/2013

Freezing rain could turn roadways into ribbons of ice later today and into early Monday, according to the National Weather Service which has issued hazardous weather advisories for several counties in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

A freezing rain advisory is in effect for Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Henry, Fulton, Putnam, and Van Wert in Ohio and in Hillsdale County, Michigan, from 6 p.m. today until 3 a.m. Monday.

A mix of freezing rain and some sleet will spread across that area later today with precipitation turning to rain overnight as the temperature rises above freezing. Light ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Freezing rain could cause travel difficulties, including icy roads. 

A freezing rain advisory means that periods of freezing rain or drizzle will cause slippery roads and caution should be used while driving. Caution is advised as well for anyone walking on icy surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.

A winter weather advisory for freezing rain and sleet has been issued for Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Hancock, and Seneca counties in northwest Ohio from 7 p.m. today until 3 a.m. Monday.

Accumulations of less than a tenth of an inch of ice and less than an inch of sleet are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

In counties covered by the winter weather advisory, temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s to about 30 degrees later today. Warmer air moving into the area should allow wintry precipitation to change to rain between  9 p.m. and midnight across western counties and by 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. closer to the I-71 corridor.

Some ice accumulation is likely on trees, power lines, and untreated surfaces.

A winter weather advisory is usually issued for a variety of conditions, such as light snow, blowing snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind chills. Although the weather conditions will be signficant, the word advisory implies severe weather is not anticipated, according to the weather service.

In southeast Michigan, Lenawee and Monroe counties are among areas where the weather service has issued a hazardous weather outlook. An inch or less of snow is expected in those counties between 7 and 9 p.m. today before transitioning to light freezing rain overnight. Rain is expected in the area early Monday morning.