About 5 to 7 inches of snow expected today

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

About 5 to 7 inches of snow could fall today in the Mahoning Valley, which is under a winter weather advisory that could be upgraded to a winter storm warning through the night, said Eric Wilhelm, chief meterologist at 21 WFMJ-TV.

Snow was expected to start about 4 a.m. today with about an inch on the ground for the morning commute, said Martin Thompson, a hydrometeorological technician with the National Weather Service in Cleveland.

The snow will fall steadily until the afternoon, he said.

Because of the ominous weather forecast, Krish Mohip, Youngstown City Schools CEO, canceled classes today. Other school districts were expected close or to have classes after delays.

The temperature will be in the 20s during the storm, Thompson said.

After the advisory or warning is lifted at 4 p.m., the temperature will drop, getting down to 10 degrees at night, he said.

There’s no snow in the forecast for Thursday. It is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high in the mid-20s and a low Thursday night around 15 degrees.

There’s a chance of snow Friday, but if it does occur, less than a half-inch accumulation is expected, Thompson said.

Snow and rain are likely for Saturday and Sunday, he said.

Wilhelm said temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s, causing some melting and slushy conditions.