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Area braces for first big blast of winter

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Becky Strong and Emili Strong, 16, push a snow shovel and scraper in their cart to deal with the expected snowfall as they shop at Meijer Wednesday, Jan. 6, in Middletown.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Becky Strong and Emili Strong, 16, push a snow shovel and scraper in their cart to deal with the expected snowfall as they shop at Meijer Wednesday, Jan. 6, in Middletown.

Up to 5 inches of snow expected by tonight

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 7:03 AM Thursday, January 7, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — If the forecast is accurate, ice scrapers, shovels and bags of salt will all be valued commodities by the end of today, Jan. 7.

Although a winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 a.m.  Friday, a “Meet the Candidates” event tonight for the three Middletown City School District superintendent finalists will go on as planned.

“Candidates are traveling to get here and plane tickets have already been bought,” said board member Greg Tyus. “We hope people will come, but the expectation is that the three candidates will make their presentations as scheduled.”

Temperatures are expected to reach only the mid-20s today and snow was expected to begin falling around 5 a.m.; total accumulation by tonight is predicted at 3 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Some shoppers at Walmart on Princeton Road in Fairfield Twp. were preparing for the worst Wednesday night, stocking up on food and other essentials.

After carting out with pop, soups, bread and a bag of road salt, Deb Shilcoat, a Liberty Twp. grandmother, said she’d “rather be in Florida.”

For those who have to go out, traveling the roads may be hazardous and being prepared might help you avoid a call to your auto insurance company.

To drive safely and effectively on snow and ice, motorists should get back to basics, using the steering wheel, gas and brake pedals one at a time, according to Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where 100 inches of snow already has fallen this season.

Cox offers these tips for traveling in limited tractions conditions:

• Slow down in a straight line;

• Do all braking before a turn.

• Let off the gas or brake before turning the steering wheel.

• Accelerate only when the steering wheel is straight or turning back to straight.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recommends that if your vehicle breaks down, turn on hazard warning lights, park as far off the road as possible and open the hood; then place a “help” sign in the rear window and remain inside the vehicle.

Staff Writer Marie Rossiter contributed to this report

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