What you need to know before winter storm hits Stark, Tuscarawas

Benjamin Duer, The Repository
·6 min read
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A winter storm approaching northern Ohio is expected to bring dangerously low temperatures.

"In a matter of hours," the Akron-Canton area will go from 40 degrees to single digits with wind chills as low as 25 below, said Patrick Saunder, a meteorologist for the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service.

The storm begins Thursday night and ends Christmas Day. The worst of it will be Friday and Saturday.

A graphic from the National Weather Service in Cleveland that shows the area under a winter storm watch from Thursday night through Sunday morning when temperatures are expected to be dangerously cold.
A graphic from the National Weather Service in Cleveland that shows the area under a winter storm watch from Thursday night through Sunday morning when temperatures are expected to be dangerously cold.
Travelers wait for their flight at Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.
Travelers wait for their flight at Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.

Warming centers offered

In preparation for hazardous conditions, several warming centers have been established in the Stark County area.

Do you need a hat or gloves?Stark Job and Family Services' Warming Wall provides free hats, gloves to people in need

In Canton, Refuge of Hope and the Edward "Peel" Coleman Community Center will be open for those in need from 6 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Monday, during specific times.

According to a press release, the times were:

  • Coleman Center − 1400 Sherrick Road NE. Will be open 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday; 6 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. Saturday through 8 am. Monday. Cots and blankets will be available.

  • Refuge of Hope − 715 Second St. NE. Will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday; and 4 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Monday. No overnight stay. Hot beverages and food will be available.

SARTA will offer transportation, and the American Red Cross will provide cots and blankets. COVID-19 precautions, including masks, will be enforced, a press release said.

In western Stark County, Massillon Salvation Army, at 315 Sixth St. NE, will welcome those in need from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Saturday, city officials said in an email.

Additionally, Central Presbyterian Church, at 47 Second St. NE in Massillon, will provide blankets, coats, socks and hand warmers Thursday. SARTA buses also will provide warmth.

In Alliance, Clothed in Righteousness at 55 E. Main St. will be open Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. to provide a warm space and a hot meal. Blankets, hand warmers, thermal gloves, socks, hats and sleeping bags will be available to those who need them. "We won't send them out without protection," said Eva Slagle, who co-runs the ministry.

Slagle also said if a person needs assistance outside these times contact her at 330-501-8262.

Patricia Tender carries her daughter Isabelle, 15 months, along with her dog Zoe as they head toward their gate at the Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.

And, in Tuscarawas County, Mineral City Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-County Joint Ambulance District in Newcomerstown and Friends of the Homeless in New Philadelphia will offer 24-hour warming centers Friday through Sunday. If you plan to stay overnight, make sure to bring any medications you might need.

Multiple library branches, senior centers and the Dennison Railroad Room also will be available Friday at certain times in Tuscarawas County.

Warming centers in Tuscarawas County
Warming centers in Tuscarawas County

"With wind chills near -20 degrees, I am concerned about exposure-related injuries this weekend," Alex McCarthy, director of the Tuscarawas County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, said in an email.

Snow is the least of the concerns

Saunder from the National Weather Service said the storm will blanket the region with a moderate snowfall, mostly on Friday, of 2 to 4 inches, and there is potential for a "flash freeze" after warmer weather and rain dramatically switches to frigid temperatures and snow late Thursday into Friday.

He said the high winds and "cold behind that front" are what have meteorologists, government officials and first responders most concerned.

A graphic from the National Weather Service outlines the winter storm for northern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania for Thursday night through Sunday morning.
A graphic from the National Weather Service outlines the winter storm for northern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania for Thursday night through Sunday morning.

He said Akron-Canton will experience wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, with the strongest winds Friday afternoon and into Friday night, combined with dangerous wind chills. He said the high winds will diminish Saturday, but single-digit temperatures will remain until early on Christmas Day.

"We expect some areas will have power outages," Saunder said.

Travelers wait for their flights at Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.
Travelers wait for their flights at Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.

Utility companies monitoring the storm

American Electric Power and Dominion Energy Ohio issued news releases Wednesday ahead of the storm. Both said they are monitoring the forecast and the storm's potential impact on services.

AEP Ohio warned the storm could cause multi-day outages, and restoration efforts could be delayed by poor road conditions, high winds and extreme wind chill.

"We know customers are anxious about whether or not their power will be impacted by the storm, especially as many are gathering to celebrate the holidays," Marc Reitter, president and CEO of AEP Ohio, said in the release.

Continuing, he said: "In the event of power outages, please know our crews will restore power as quickly and safely as possible. It's important for customers to be prepared too."

If you experience a power outage during the winter storm, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers these safety tips for staying warm.
If you experience a power outage during the winter storm, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers these safety tips for staying warm.

Dominion Energy Ohio, with 1.2 million natural gas customers, offered tips for staying safe during the storm:

  • Keep metering equipment and appliance exhaust vents clear.

  • Use caution with space heaters and generators. For example, generators should remain outside.

  • Turn off natural gas logs and extinguish fireplace flames before bedtime.

  • Have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, and within 10 feet of any sleeping area.

  • Call Dominion Energy (877-542-2630) and 911 from a safe place if you smell a natural gas order.

Parking bans and highway travel impact

In Plain Township, a parking ban has been issued from 12 a.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday. Residents should park in driveways. Any vehicles that violate the ban might be ticketed or towed.

Canal Fulton also issued a similar ban from 11:59 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Sunday or until streets are cleared and storm has passed.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Transportation has prepared snow plows and scheduled drivers for 12-hour shifts throughout the storm. A press release said ODOT officials expect snow could impact travel on Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday.

A graphic illustrating the vehicles prohibited on the Ohio Turnpike during a travel ban. Most of them are tractor-trailers and other larger vehicles.
A graphic illustrating the vehicles prohibited on the Ohio Turnpike during a travel ban. Most of them are tractor-trailers and other larger vehicles.

"If you plan to travel this holiday weekend, allow plenty of extra travel time, check the forecast and plan ahead by checking out OHGO.com to view hundreds of live traffic cameras, traffic speeds, and be informed of any crashes or incidents," the release stated.

Airport is ready for the storm

Liz Elden carries her dog Gilligan as she waits for her flight to depart at the Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.
Liz Elden carries her dog Gilligan as she waits for her flight to depart at the Akron-Canton Airport in Green on Thursday. Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.

Storm concerns have already closed the MAPS Museum near the Akron-Canton Airport in Green. The museum will be closed Friday and Saturday due to the weather.

However, the airport will remain operational throughout the storm.

Lisa Dalpiaz, airport spokeswoman, said airport crews are prepared to keep the runways clear for flights. However, she said passengers should check with airlines before they come to the airport for any delays or cancellations.

Akron-Canton Airport is not expecting to close during a winter storm that will blanket northern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania during the Christmas weekend. Passengers are recommended to check with airlines before coming to the airport to see if flights have been canceled or delayed.
Akron-Canton Airport is not expecting to close during a winter storm that will blanket northern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania during the Christmas weekend. Passengers are recommended to check with airlines before coming to the airport to see if flights have been canceled or delayed.

She said the Akron-Canton airport might be fine, but the passenger's destination spot might not be.

Saunder said temperatures will improve slightly on Christmas Day, and get even higher Monday.

"But the forecast can change from now until then," he said.

This story will be updated online if more warming centers are established or there are more notable cancellations.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter @bduerREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark, Tuscarawas open warming centers ahead of winter storm