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Another Winter Blast Hits The Ohio Valley

A winter storm warning is in effect for the entire area through 7 p.m. Wednesday, with Tyler County under the warning until 7 a.m. Thursday.

Total storm snow accumulations should generally be in the 4 inch to 10 inch range by Thursday morning, and snow showers will continue Thursday with a blustery wind and temperatures in the 20s.

The warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous and affect snow clearing and power restoration efforts. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, the NWS said.


Latest Snow Levels and Advisories

Road crews said they were ready for the battle, but this storm will require more manpower and effort than the weekend blast.

Snow on the ground had frozen by Tuesday afternoon, but 30 mph winds expected with this storm will blow the latest snow all over. In addition, with less snow falling over a longer stretch of time, road crews will use much salt and cinders.

Tom Corey with the Ohio Department of Transportation said the trucks are prepared, their drivers are rested and their treatment supply was looking good as of 6 p.m.

By 11 p.m., most roads across the Ohio Valley were either wet or slushy, but there were some slick spots. Officials said wet roads cold turn to ice if freezing temperatures linger.

Officials with the West Virginia Department of Highways said they had many salt trucks out treating roads Tuesday afternoon and turned their focus to secondary roads by Tuesday night.

Wheeling police said they responded to numerous crashes, but said they were mainly fender-benders with no serious injuries. Wheeling police said they had some extra officers out patrolling and they are using four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The latest blast of winter weather comes several days after the Ohio Valley was hit with about of 2 feet of snow, causing widespread power outages.


Latest Power Outage Updates

Some people like Sam Lapp, of Wheeling, said the power outage forced them out of their homes and into hotels.

Lapp, who just closed on a new home on Friday, said, "We got to go home and we spent 20 minutes in our house with electricity before the power went out."

His family -- including his dogs -- have been at the McClure hotel for the last five days.

AEP officials said they have crews working across the Valley around the clock to restore power. Spokeswoman Carmen Prati-Miller said snow weighing down the power lines and trees may be compacted by this next bought of snow.

While thousands remained without power Tuesday evening, many communities also set up emergency shelters.


Emergency Shelters Across The Ohio Valley

The entire state of West Virginia was still under a state of emergency as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. Gov. Joe Manchin visited the northern panhandle Monday to assess the damage. In Wheeling, Manchin met with emergency management officials from Hancock and Marshall counties and received a briefing from each area, hearing their main concerns with power outages, impassable roads and downed trees.

Manchin sent the National Guard out over the weekend and said he will keep those troops out through the week because of Tuesday's winter storm. Ohio County's 911 director said the National Guard has helped transport dialysis patients, haul fuel and make welfare checks.

For up-to-the-minute local weather coverage, interactive radar, school closings and more, visit our weather section.

You can also check out our Severe Weather Team 9 Blog, and don't forget to show off your weather photos in our community slideshow.

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