Snowflakes are predicted to fall Sunday night, and local hardware companies such as South Hills Hardware have seen an increase in customers seeking assistance and various winter items.
“A lot of people are bringing in their snowblowers today, wanting to get them fixed by Monday. I had somebody buy a bag of grass seed earlier today, and I’ve also been selling a lot of snow shovels because people are worried about the weather,” said store manager, Adam Cook.
As temperatures drop on Sunday, rain will turn to snow in the evening, but accumulations will be minor at first. The warm, damp earth will make it difficult for anything to stick unless the snowfall is strong enough.
“We don’t anticipate a lot of snow sticking and remaining on the pavement. However, in those lake effect corridors like Ashtabula, Lake Geauga, Eastern Cuyahoga County are expecting several inches of snow from Sunday to Tuesday,” said ODOT Public Information Officer, Amanda McFarland.
According to McFarland, ODOT has 230,000 tons of salt accessible in northeast Ohio, and there are plenty of drivers who are prepared for the winter.
“We really want folks to remember their winter driving habits. So, making sure that you give yourself that extra time, making sure that you’ve got your window scraper in your car because if you park outside during the day or overnight, you’re going to want to make sure you can clear off your windows so you can see and be seen,” said McFarland.
AAA says it saves many individuals on the roadside during the winter months and wants to urge drivers to have their cars serviced, particularly their batteries.
“They want to make sure they check several things, like tire tread. If you need new tires, you don’t want to be driving on icy roads with tires that don’t have enough tread. As well as windshield wiper blades, which are often forgotten but very important,” said AAA spokesperson Lynda Lambert.
In addition to preparing your home and vehicles for the winter, local non-profit I’m In Ministry wants to assist families in staying warm with their annual winter clothing drive.
“The demand has increased exponentially, and it’s important to share. It’s from inner city to suburbia, it’s from young to old, it’s every ethnic group, every age group. People are hurting, and people are scared,” said Founder, Deacon Luke Ramosek.
According to Ramosek, children account for 60% of the 15,000 people they serve.
“We’ve had drop-offs all week, and the drop-offs will continue all next week, so we will receive thousands of pieces of winter wear, which is great because people need to stay warm,” said Ramosek.
The nonprofit will take donations until December. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the I’m In Ministry warehouse. You do not need to schedule an appointment.