Winter Outlook: Near normal weather for Ohio

WASHINGTON -- The latest winter weather outlook calls for near normal or slightly above normal temperatures and near normal amounts of precipitation for the Buckeye State.

In announcing the 2008-2009 U.S. Winter Outlook for meteorological winter from December through February, forecasters at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are calling for warmer-than-normal temperatures for much of the central part of the nation, and a continuation of drier-than-normal conditions across the Southeast.

With the absence of La Niña and El Niño in the equatorial Pacific Ocean this season (climate patterns that give forecasters clues about potential weather events months in advance), predicting weather patterns on seasonal timescales becomes increasingly challenging. Instead, other climate patterns over the Arctic and North Atlantic regions may play a significant role in influencing U.S. winter weather.

"These patterns are only predictable a week or two in advance and could persist for weeks at a time," said Michael Halpert, deputy director, Climate Prediction Center. "Therefore, we expect variability, or substantial changes in temperature and precipitation across much of the country."

Regional Outlooks

Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic: Equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation.

Southeast: Increased chance of above normal temperatures in the central and western parts, along with below-normal precipitation.

Central Region: Increased chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures, with above- normal precipitation anticipated in parts of the central Plains.

Western Region: Equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures, and an enhanced likelihood of below-normal precipitation across parts of the Southwest.

Alaska: Milder-than-normal temperatures except along the southern coast. Equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation.

Hawaii: Above- normal temperatures for eastern Hawaii and below-normal temperatures for western Hawaii. There are equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation throughout the state.

The U.S. Winter Outlook does not include a snowfall forecast. Snow forecasts are heavily dependent upon winter storms and are generally not predictable more than several days in advance.

RELATED LINKS:
U.S. Winter Outlook Map
NOAA's Winter Weather Safety

News: With Winter Weather Comes Salt Battle

By WKYC Reporter Lydia Esparra

LAKEWOOD -- Which kind of salt is the best for your home during the winter months?

The closer we get to the real winter, the more folks are going to want salt.

We found a hardware store in Lakewood that has a wide selection. They also carry a variety of them too.

Glenn Palmer of Lakewood Hardware said he ordered his stock back in August. He carries rock salt, the cheapest. It works fast but is very corrosive and does not work well in freezing temperature.

"Calcuim flakes are a less corrosive ice melter," Palmer said. "It works at a lower temperature and sticks to the ground."

Than he said, "Calcuim pellets are going to be long-lasting than a flake.

"Pellets will last longer on the surface".

Potassium crystals work at very low temper but it is the most expensive, Palmer said.

He stores most of it on his property and does the same for small plow businesses who have no storage.

"You know if the snow plower paid for it, I store it here and when he shows up here, I load it in his car for him," Palmer said. "That's the least I could do since he is supporting my business."

News: Preparing for winter driving

By WKYC Reporter Dave Summers

CLEVELAND -- Salt shortages in local communities mean, slicker roads for many of us this year.

This week's storm caused a crash that killed a local teen as well as many fender benders. There are things you can do to avoid an accident this winter. There are even classes to teach you.

You might say Ken Stout's career is on thin ice. Stout and his team make a living teaching emergency services like police and fire how to drive when lives are on the line.

"Driving is a cycle motor skill -- the ability to handle a vehicle in a dynamic situation," Stout said. "If you're not practicing snow and you're not practicing skid avoidance and skid recovery it's just not there."

Drive Team also teaches winter driving. Stout says to get smart and understand you're driving under different conditions. "That first snow we kind of test our brakes a little bit. We test our steering. That's very helpful," Stout said.

It's important to understand what's going on under your car.

"When your front end is sliding like that, you want to come back and straighten your wheel so you feel your tire gain traction," Stout said. You should know the most slippery driving surface may not be what you think.

"Thirty one degrees can be the most dangerous. It's when water is starting to freeze or ice starting to melt that can be the most slick time," Stout said.Ken said if motorists would just slow down they may not need to know all the tactics he teaches.

Although, knowing how to steer out of an accident does take a certain chill out of winter driving. Car control clinics are starting this weekend. We have more information on drive-team at wkyc.com by clicking on "Teen Driving."

Lake Effect 101: Where are the Primary & Secondary Snowbelts?

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- Whether you have lived in Northeast Ohio your whole live or are new to the area, you know winter is here. But do you really know where the primary and second snowbelts are?

In the fall and spring, northeast Ohio sees ripe conditions for lake effects snow that can dump feet of snow in one area and leave others with very little, if anything.

In Northeast Ohio, the primary snowbelt is east of Cleveland in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties. Eastern Cuyahoga County is also included in this area when the conditions are just right.

So what do you need for lake effect snows? An ice free lake, north to northwest winds and higher terrain which provides lift to the air that forces the moisture to fall in the form of heavy snow.

The secondary snowbelt is generally Trumbull, northern Portage and Summit, Medina and eastern Lorain County. Although this area usually doesn't receive a lot of lake effect, it can when the winds are more northerly. This wind direction can also tap the huge reserves of moisture over Lake Huron as well and deposit plentiful snow at times.

WKYC Meteorologist Bruce Kalinowski takes a look at lake effect in more detail.

Lake County: No answer to landing of mysterious object

MADISON TWP. -- Was it some kind of aircraft that fell from the sky Thursday afternoon, or was it a meteorite?

Whatever it was left no trace in a field north of Route 20, though several apparently credible people saw it.

"As I saw it go lower toward the tree level I pulled over in my car and rolled the window down expecting to hear a crash or see flames," said local businessman Carl Fency.

"It may have been a meteorite. It had the glow of molten metal."

Sgt. Rick Barson of the Madison Township Police Department led the search for what was believed at the time to be some kind of small plane, perhaps an ultralight.

"Today we're thinking this was an atmospheric anomaly, a meteorite of some sort," he said.

Police are continuing their investigation.

News: Hire a plow or clear your own driveway: What's the cost?

By WKYC Reporter Mike O'Mara

NEWBURY -- In the heart of the snowbelt, H&M Snow Pros are ready for plowing season. The phones are ringing with customer inquiries from Geauga and Cuyahoga counties.

In the shop, sparks fly from a welding torch as the mechanics make sure every rig is ready to roll when the snow falls. Owner Mark Mazzurco prefers the title, "Snow Director" and says that many of his clients like to pay a flat fee for the entire winter snow plow season.

"We look at the average snow events over the last 12 years", said Mazzurco, "and figure that we'll have to plow somebody's driveway about 22 times a winter and we price the contract that way".

Last year's heavy snow had Mazzurco's drivers busy on 28 days, which meant the contract clients got a good deal. "Well, it all seems to average out over a couple years", added Mazzurco. "The bottom line is that most people would rather get up and have clear and safe passage to go to work than get up an hour early to go do their own driveway."

On the westside, Joshua Rice, the owner of Essential Lawn Care & Snowplowing said his clients prefer a contract that only requires them to pay if the snow accumulates two inches or more and their driveway gets plowed.

"We get about 15 snow push days on average here on the west side," said Rice. "Our clients only pay if we do their driveway. The benefit of a contract is that you stay at the top of our list when you need service. Some people say they want us to plow them only when they call us."

"And I say that's fine, but there is no guarantee when we are going to get to you. Our clients always come first."

Of course, firing up the trusty snowblower and doing it yourself will always be the cheapest solution. However, getting up early, slogging through bone chilling cold is also part of that cost savings.

At the Chagrin Pet, Garden & Equipment Supply Company in Chagrin Falls, they offer the entire range of do-it-yourself snow removal equipment. The smaller units sell for just under $600 dollars. The big powerful snowblowers can cost about $2,400.

"If you want to control your own destiny and get the job done right, do it yourself," counsels store owner Ted Kruse. Kruse said he still clears his own driveways and parking areas. "If you've got the time and the willingness to do it, it's great to be outside and do things yourself," he said.

Shirley and Dale Bienkers have a seasonal contract for their driveway in Avon. "And when there is two inches on the ground, they come out and do it."

Across Northeast Ohio, the price companies charge "per push" or for each plow ranges from a low of $20 to a high of $45 bucks depending on location and length of driveway.

On the eastside, attorney Craig Brown said that he prefers more control over his snow removal options and avoids the flat rate contract. He even consults the Farmer's Almanac to check the winter forecast before committing to a specific deal.

"When deciding between a flat rate contract or paying per push, I figure the break even mark is 20 pushes," said Brown. "This year I went with the per push option."

"We don't care which option our clients choose", said Mazzurco. "We want to keep them happy and try to make sure their driveway gets done before they go to work".

"Let it snow", he added, "we're ready!".

Tips on finding a snow plow service

CLEVELAND -- As the snow starts to fall, you may be scrambling to find a snow plow service.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips so you don't get stuck digging yourself out if your snow plow company doesn't show up or goes out of business.

BBB Snow Removal Service Tips:

Get Written Estimates - Don't just pick the first company that leaves a flyer at your door. Compare the services offered by several companies as well as the prices - the lowest price is not always the best deal. Ask what back up plan the company has if a truck breaks down during a heavy snowfall. Get customer references and call them to see if the company was reliable.

Choose a Reputable Company - Check the company's BBB Reliability Report? by clicking here or by phone at (216) 241-7678.

Get a Written Contract - When you've selected a company, be sure your contract includes the company's address and, preferably, two telephone numbers to reach them. The contract should define the length of the service. It should be more specific than just "winter". Beginning and ending dates should be clearly stated. Some contracts may be for a certain number of snow removals or "pushes". The contract should also specify when removal will occur (e.g. accumulations of 2 inches or more). Find out what happens if we get a late season snowfall after your contract has ended - what will you be charged for additional pushes?

Insurance - Is the company fully insured in case of damage to property? Be sure to get it in writing on your contract.

Spring Clean up - Don't assume the company will return in the spring to repair any damage to your lawn or other property - get it in writing.

Payment Terms - If you pay the full price of the contract and the plowing service doesn't show, you'll be out of luck. Check to see if you can pay monthly, by the "push" or other terms.

Remember to put stakes or other markers around the boundaries of your driveway to minimize damage to your yard or landscape decorations.

Source: Better Business Bureau

News: Warm, but not a record in Cleveland Thursday afternoon

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- Temperatures were well above normal across the area on Thursday, but more seasonable temperatures are on the way.

According to WKYC Meteorologist Betsy Kling, Cleveland was in the lower 70s this afternoon. But the warm temperatures weren't record setting. Cleveland did reach 72 degrees - but that was four degrees short of the record high of 76 degrees set in 1977.

Our normal high is 53 degrees on November 6th.

Youngstown tied a record high of 74 degrees, first set in 1975.

Elsewhere, preliminary National Weather Service readings show Mansfield reached 69 degrees this afternoon, while Akron/Canton hit 71.

The warm weather will come to end tonight as a cold front sweeps through the area bringing a chilly and damp Friday ahead.

New Feature: The "Fair Weather Fans Blog" Goes Mobile

We are pleased to offer you a new way to keep in touch with the latest weather news happening at WKYC with a brand new service called "Fair Weather Fans Mobile."

You can sign up with your mobile phone number to access our blog right on your cell phone's mobile browser.

It's just another way we can get you the weather faster - where and when you want it.

To start using this feature, click on the widget on the right hand side of the blog.

News: October Winds Up Near Normal

By Frank Macek

According to the National Weather Service office at Hopkins International, the month of October was only .7 degrees cooler than normal giving us an average daily high of 60.9 degrees and an average night time low of 42.1 degrees.

Our highest temperature occurred on October 12th when it reached 82 degrees at the airport. October 30th saw the coldest reading at 28 degrees.

On the precipitation side, Cleveland was slightly drier than normal with 2.60 inches of rainfall, just below the 30 year average of 2.73 inches that October normally sees.

The greatest 24 hour total occured between October 15th and 16th with .99 inches of rain.

At Hopkins, the weather service recorded its first snowfall with .3 inches of snow in October. The area can expect to see .4 inches of snow on average.

For a complete look at the montly climate reports for selected northern Ohio cities, click on any of the following:

- AKRON/CANTON

- CLEVELAND

- YOUNGSTOWN

- MANSFIELD

- TOLEDO

Video: Best of October 2008 Viewer Photos

Northeast Ohio saw a beautiful autumn with vibrant leaves and our first snowfall in many areas, mainly east of the city of Cleveland. Take a look back at some of the sights of October 2008.