MARION COUNTY, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for a broad swath of North Central and Northwest Ohio, forecasting heavy snow and dangerous wind chills that could paralyze regional travel through early Monday morning.

The warning, effective from 7 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday, covers Erie, Seneca, Huron, Wyandot, Crawford, Richland, Marion, Morrow, and Knox counties. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches.

The impact is expected to be widespread, affecting major municipal hubs including Mansfield, Marion, Mount Vernon, Tiffin, and Sandusky, as well as surrounding communities such as Bucyrus, Fostoria, Carey, Willard, Crestline, Norwalk, Mount Gilead, Upper Sandusky, Huron, and Galion.

According to meteorologists, snowfall will begin Saturday evening and reach peak intensity during the day Sunday. While the snow is expected to taper off late Sunday night, the lingering effects will likely create a “very difficult” Monday morning commute for the region.

Adding to the hazard, sub-zero wind chills are forecast for Saturday night and will persist through Monday morning.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are urging residents to delay unnecessary travel. Officials recommend that those who must be on the roads carry emergency kits including flashlights, food, and water.

Real-time road conditions and travel restrictions can be monitored via the state’s transportation portal at ohgo.com.

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