COLUMBUS, Ohio — With snow continuing to fall in the central Ohio area, the accumulation and frigid temperatures make for some slick roads.
While drivers are warned by first responders and the Ohio Department of Transportation to drive safely in the snow and ice, there are occasions where roads could be too bad and visibility too poor for safe driving. These are instances when the local sheriff's offices, under Ohio law, could issue a snow emergency.
County sheriffs may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close state routes and municipal streets within their jurisdiction when action is reasonably necessary for the prevention of the public peace.
Deputies travel around their counties to monitor roadways and report on road conditions during winter weather events. Sheriffs also gather information from several different sources, including the County Engineer’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation, before making a decision about snow emergency levels.
Residents in any given county are usually notified of snow emergencies by either the sheriff's office social media pages, news stations or by text alerts.
Here are the different snow emergency levels and what they mean:
Level 1 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy; drive carefully.
Level 2 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3 Snow Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one else should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may be subject to arrest.
It's important to note that while plows and salt trucks could help improve roads for driving, sometimes it won't matter, especially when the snow is continuing to fall. According to ODOT's website, winter weather response is largely managed at a county level. Managers in each of ODOT's county garages take steps to adequately plan and prepare for winter.
