Columbus, OH – A brief window of freezing rain early Tuesday may lead to slick surfaces across portions of central and southern Ohio, creating potential hazards during the morning commute, according to early guidance from the National Weather Service in Wilmington. While the icy period is expected to last only a short time, even light glaze formation could make travel difficult before temperatures rise above freezing.
Freezing Rain Risk During Early Morning Arrival of Precipitation
Forecasters say a band of rain will move into the region late Monday night into early Tuesday morning. At the moment precipitation begins, temperatures across several counties may sit right at or slightly below 32 degrees, allowing freezing rain to develop briefly before warmer air takes over. The counties at highest risk include Franklin, Union, Delaware, Madison, Licking, Fayette, Pickaway, Fairfield, Ross, Hocking, Pike, and Scioto, as noted in early NWS discussions.
Between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., surface conditions may be cold enough for a thin glaze of ice to form on exposed and elevated locations.
Travel Impacts on Bridges, Overpasses, and Secondary Roads
Even very small amounts of ice can quickly make travel dangerous. Early-morning drivers could encounter icy spots on:
- Bridges and overpasses
- Elevated decks and untreated walkways
These hazards are most likely along major corridors through Downtown Columbus, Delaware, London, Lancaster, Chillicothe, Logan, Waverly, and Portsmouth, where temperatures and precipitation timing may overlap.
What NWS Meteorologists Are Saying About the Timing
The National Weather Service, in its latest early-morning update referenced within its Wilmington forecast discussion, notes that freezing rain should be short-lived. Meteorologists expect temperatures to climb above freezing shortly after sunrise as steadier rain moves in.
“Even a light glaze can cause hazardous travel before temperatures warm,” forecasters cautioned within the discussion.
Once temperatures reach the mid-30s, the risk of icing will rapidly diminish.
Expected Warm-Up and Rain Through the Remainder of the Day
After the brief icing threat ends, widespread rain will continue into Tuesday afternoon. The transition to plain rain should progress quickly, bringing more stable roadway conditions. Drivers commuting later in the morning are expected to face only wet roads rather than icy surfaces.
Why a One-Degree Difference Matters for This Event
Forecasters highlight that a small shift in temperature—just one or two degrees colder—could expand the area affected by freezing rain. This makes early-morning monitoring especially important for residents who travel before sunrise. Moisture arriving a bit earlier than expected could also increase the potential footprint of icy spots.
What Drivers Should Do Before Heading Out
Motorists traveling between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. should take extra caution:
- Slow down, especially on bridges and ramps
- Allow additional travel time
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Check NWS Wilmington’s latest updates before commuting
Even if icing is limited, brief glazing can create sudden slippery conditions on untreated surfaces.
Monitoring Conditions Across Central and Southern Ohio
Residents in areas from Columbus to Portsmouth should keep a close eye on overnight weather statements in case temperatures trend slightly colder. Localized icing may occur earlier than expected if terrain or elevation keeps road surfaces colder for longer.
Forecasters will refine timing and temperature forecasts overnight, and updated details can be found through the National Weather Service Wilmington’s forecast discussion integrated in regional updates.
Conclusion
A short-lived period of freezing rain is possible early Tuesday morning across multiple Ohio counties. The most significant hazards include slippery bridges and untreated elevated surfaces during the peak commute window. Conditions are expected to improve quickly as temperatures rise above freezing, but residents traveling early should remain cautious and monitor overnight updates.
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