Ice storm expected in Cincinnati: Here's how to prepare

There's a huge winter storm headed toward the Cincinnati area, and it's a good idea to be prepared for what could come this way.

Here's what to know ahead of the storm.

Winter storm warning in Cincinnati: What the storm will bring

A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Landon will begin as widespread rain Wednesday morning and afternoon. It will transition into a wintry mix and snow Wednesday afternoon in parts of West Central Ohio, before crawling southeast for the next 36 hours.

More: Why do winter storms have names?

Much of the area, including Cincinnati, should expect combinations of snow, sleet and freezing rain, and ice.

Winds could gust as high as 35 mph and wind chills will likely fall below zero degrees Friday night into Saturday morning.

Cincinnati could get between 2-3 inches of snow and 0.25-0.5 inches of ice.

How to prepare for power outages

Past ice storms have caused power outages before, so here's what the Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommend to do.

From the Red Cross:

• Use flashlights in the dark, not candles.

• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.

• Understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely.

• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.

• Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.

• Leave one light turned on so you'll know when the power comes back on.

More: Cincinnati weather: What to do if your power is out

From Ready.gov, part of Homeland Security:

• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

• Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme.

What will the roads look like?

There's the possibility of weather impacting the morning and evening commutes Thursday, as well as the morning commute Friday.

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice, and the National Weather Service is warning that travel could be "nearly impossible."

Crews cannot pre-treat the roads as the rain would wash away any materials that are laid down.

'Worst type of storm:' Why Winter Storm Landon could be challenging for road crews

More:Winter driving dos and dont's

Your car in ice: What to do if you're parked outside

If ice completely covers your car, the AAA Motor Club has some tips on how to safely remove it without hurting yourself or your vehicle.

To begin, turn on your vehicle and allow the defroster to begin to work. To help melt the ice faster, turn up your heat as high as it can go.

Tips: How to get ice off your windshield quickly and safely

Before you begin scraping at the windshield, try these household chemicals to weaken the ice:

• Mix one part isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and two parts water and apply it to the ice with a spray bottle. Be sure to store the solution indoors and not in your car to make it more effective.

• Commercial glass deicer sprays can also be purchased in stores.

• Do not dump hot or room temperature water! This can cause thermal shock, and crack the glass.

Always use a plastic scraper, windshield wipers, a rubber squeegee or a soft bristle brush to remove ice. Never use metal scrapers, which can scratch glass and damage wiper blades.

More:Here's what to do about that ice-damaged tree

When were the last ice storms around Cincinnati?

Cincinnati's most recent ice storm was in November 2018. Up to 100,000 were left without power around the Cincinnati region at one point, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport reported 0.22 inches of ice accumulation due to freezing rain.

In February 2007, an intense winter storm moved across the Ohio Valley, dropping snow, freezing temperatures and rain and causing ice to accumulate between half an inch to an inch. Around Cincinnati, the ice caused downed tree limbs and power lines.

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Winter storm in Cincinnati: How to prepare for ice, snow, rain