In 17 Ohio counties, 'storms' must be snowier

COLUMBUS (AP) — The National Weather Service is raising the bar for what it will consider a snow “storm” in 17 central and western counties.

The forecasters will now post a winter storm warning for an area that includes Dayton, Columbus only if 6 inches or more are likely to fall within a 12-hour period. The zone’s previous snowstorm threshold was 4 inches.

Weather service meteorologist Mary Jo Parker in Wilmington says the agency wants to save the storm designation for winter weather that could produce life-threatening conditions.

Areas across northern Ohio, including Toledo and Cleveland, already had the heavier snow requirement for a winter storm. Warnings for southern Ohio will still be made at the 4-inch level.