Freezing Rain Threatens Toledo Area with Icy Roads and Slick Conditions

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) — The 13 First Alert Weather Team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for late Wednesday evening through Thursday morning as freezing rain and sleet threaten to create hazardous conditions across the region.

The freezing rain is expected to begin around 9 p.m. Wednesday and continue until 9 a.m. Thursday. Even after the precipitation ends, temperatures will take several hours to rise above freezing, delaying the melting of ice on roads and sidewalks.

Most areas are forecast to receive around 0.1 inches of ice, with localized amounts up to 0.2 inches possible, particularly south of Toledo. A minor accumulation of sleet is also expected, mainly north of the Maumee River.

“Icy roads and sidewalks will be the primary concern,” said the 13 First Alert Weather Team. “There’s a high likelihood of slick conditions Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”

The risk of tree damage and power outages remains low, as these issues typically arise when ice accumulation exceeds 0.25 inches. However, if freezing rain amounts exceed expectations, the potential for such impacts could increase.

Conditions are expected to improve by late Thursday morning as temperatures rise above freezing and the freezing rain transitions to regular rain. The weather team also warned of more active weather patterns in the first half of February, with another system potentially bringing additional ice Saturday into Saturday night. Further systems next week could bring snow, though specifics remain uncertain.

Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on the latest forecasts from the 13 Action News weather team.