Beat the Winter Rush

Understanding Winter Weather Alerts: What They Mean for Clinton County

While kids may cheer for snow days and the chance to play outside, not everyone shares their enthusiasm for what winter brings — especially when it has to be shoveled. As winter storms approach, it’s essential to understand how alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington Forecast Office work — and what you can do now to prepare in Clinton County.

Alert Criteria (NWS Wilmington)

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues several types of winter weather alerts to help the public understand what to expect and when to take action. While the alert categories are standardized nationwide — such as Winter Storm Warnings or Blizzard Warnings — the specific criteria used to issue them are set by each local NWS Forecast Office. This allows the thresholds to reflect local climate, terrain, and typical winter impacts. For example, the amount of snow that disrupts travel in southern Ohio might be routine farther north. The Wilmington Forecast Office tailors its criteria to conditions most likely to affect communities across southwestern Ohio, southeast Indiana, and northern Kentucky. Understanding these alerts helps residents know when to prepare, when to stay off the roads, and when conditions could become dangerous.

• Winter Storm Watch/Warning: Event total snow/sleet ≥ 4 inches

• Winter Weather Advisory:

  • Snow/sleet ≥ 2 inches, or

  • Ice < ¼ inch, or

  • Other winter weather expected to impact travel

• Snow Squall Warning: Short, intense snowfall + gusty winds → rapid whiteouts, slick roads

• Ice Storm Warning: Ice ≥ ¼ inch

• Blizzard Warning (≥ 3 hours): Winds/gusts ≥ 35 mph, falling/blowing snow, visibility ≤ ¼ mile

• Extreme Cold Watch/Warning: Air temp and/or wind chill ≤ −20°F

• Cold Weather Advisory: Air temp and/or wind chill ≤ −10°F

Know the Snow Emergency Levels (Clinton County)

• Level 1: Roads hazardous — use caution

• Level 2: Roads hazardous/drifting — essential travel only

• Level 3: Roads closed to non-emergency traffic

Full details: https://www.cc-ema.org/post/level-snow-emergency

Get Snow Emergency Alerts from the Sheriff

If you’re not already receiving Sheriff-issued Snow Emergency status updates, text CCSNOW to 69310 to enroll.

Prepare Now to Beat the Rush

When the forecast calls for winter weather, the best time to prepare isn’t when the snow starts falling — it’s before. Taking simple steps now can save you time, frustration, and even money later. From stocking supplies to readying your vehicle, here are practical ways to get ahead of the season and beat the rush before the next storm hits.

Emergency plan

• Decide where you’ll go if you lose heat/power; confirm contacts; check backup communication.

Home readiness

• Weather-strip, caulk, and insulate key areas.

• Check snow gear (shovels, ice melt, snow blower) and fuel.

• Prevent frozen pipes; have water on hand (≥1 gallon per person/pet per day).

• Test smoke/CO alarms; have extra batteries.

Supplies & meds

• Stock several days of ready-to-eat food, water, batteries, flashlights.

• Refill prescriptions; ensure pet food and essentials are on hand.

Vehicle prep

• Keep tank ≥ half full; top off before storms.

• Lift wipers before icing; verify tires and battery.

• Car kit: blankets, flashlight, batteries, scraper, traction aid (sand/kitty litter), jumper cables, water, snacks.

During storms

• Stay off roads when possible.

• Use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.

• Dress in layers; know frostbite/hypothermia signs and act quickly.

Stay Informed

• NWS Wilmington forecast: weather.gov/iln

• Clinton County Emergency Alerts (CCEA) and resources: www.cc-ema.org

• Snow Emergency SMS: Text CCSNOW to 69310 to get Sheriff status changes directly.