Another blast of wintry weather dropped more snow on the tri-county area Thursday with more expected today.

The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for Mason, Gallia and Meigs counties. The advisory for Mason County is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday, while the advisory for Gallia and Meigs counties will expire at 6 p.m. today.

Snow began falling in earnest around 2:30 p.m. Thursday and roadways around the area became snow covered and slick in short fashion, prompting local officials in each county to mobilize salt trucks and plows.

Icy conditions contributed to several traffic accidents around the region Thursday evening.

Forecasters were calling for three inches of snow Thursday with an additional two inches expected today in the tri-county area. High temperatures today are forecast to reach 25 degrees, but winds out of the west between 11 and 14 mph will drive temperatures lower.

Old Man Winter’s touch on the tri-county this week forced schools to close on Tuesday and all schools in Meigs County were closed on Thursday. Schools in Gallia and Mason counties dismissed students earlier than usual on Thursday ahead of the impending storm.

All schools in the tri-county area are closed today.

NWS meteorologists are predicting a chance of snow for Saturday with high temperatures in the lower 20s. Sunday’s forecast is calling for sunshine with highs in the mid 20s.

A slight warm-up is predicted for Monday and Tuesday of next week with highs in the lower 30s. Wednesday’s forecast is calling for highs in the upper 30s locally.

According to The Weather Channel Web site’s 10-day forecast, tri-county residents can expect afternoon highs in the lower 40s next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.