A person dusts snow off of a car during a winter storm, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Ohio Valley residents were expected to wake up to a blanket of snow this morning with more in the forecast throughout the day.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from as far north as Tiltonsville to as far south as Antioch and past Zanesville headed west.

Belmont and Guernsey counties, especially, were expected to receive heavy snow, according to the NWS. Forecasts called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall in those areas between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. today.

In West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, the warning extended as far north as West Liberty to as far south as Smithfield. Snow accumulation of 4-6 inches was expected around Wheeling and Moundsville, with 6-9 inches expected in Wetzel County.

A winter weather advisory was issued north of those areas, with 1-3 inches of snow expected. The warning and advisory remain in effect until 7 p.m. today.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office shared warnings and advisories on social media and reminded residents to bring pets indoors during the storm and anticipated sub-freezing temperatures to follow.

The Belmont County Emergency Management Agency reminded residents that there is a possibility for ice accumulation beneath the expected snow. It also pointed out that the rate of snowfall at any given time will impact crews’ abilities to keep roads clear.

“Unfortunately, heavy/moderate snow is expected before/during the AM commute (Monday) and light/moderate snow is expected during the PM commute,” the agency wrote. “… Even though chances are highest to the south, the highest probability of moderate rates could creep in the Monday 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. window.”

Several local schools announced by Sunday afternoon that classes would be canceled today. At least one community planned to make the most of a snow day, with a social media post urging people in the Centerville/Jacobsburg area to come to Toothman’s Funeral Home in Jacobsburg at noon today for sled riding with hot cocoa available.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Sunday issued a state of emergency for all of West Virginia ahead of the storm. The state of emergency allows state agencies to coordinate ahead of a possible weather event, including pre-positioning personnel, vehicles, equipment and other assets.

Starting Sunday, according to Justice’s office, the West Virginia National Guard had started staging personnel and equipment at armories across the state in preparation for the storm. The West Virginia Division of Highways was proactively addressing weather-related challenges to ensure roadways remain passable, and emergency management officials were closely monitoring developments and coordinating efforts.

“All West Virginians should absolutely be prepared for the potential impact this storm may bring,” Justice said in a press release.

“Our top priority is safety, and we’re doing everything we can to stay ahead of the storm. State agencies are on high alert, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. I ask all West Virginians to stay alert, follow any instructions from emergency officials, and take necessary precautions. The next few days may bring challenges, so let’s all take care of each other.”

Marshall County Emergency Management Director Tom Hart echoed Justice’s sentiments, saying that helping others was important, especially those who are elderly, those that use home medical equipment and others with special needs. In addition, those that rely on home medical equipment or home medical treatments should make sure to have emergency contact information for their home medical suppliers in the event of a power outage. Hart said that heavy snow and high winds can lead to a greater risk of power outages.