OHIO — We’re getting closer to the start of the impending winter storm and, while officials have urged Ohioans to stay home if at all possible, some people will need to brave the roads even in unsafe conditions.
If you do so, you’ll want to be sure you have the most relevant details on conditions for your area. Make sure you’re checking in with your local sheriff’s office to determine what snow emergency level your county is under before hitting the roads.
What You Need To Know
- Local sheriff’s issue snow emergency levels during winter weather events
- Be sure to check your local level before hitting the roads this weekend
- This winter storm is expected to bring a lot of snow to the Buckeye State
Here’s a look at how some counties in the state differentiate between the three levels.
Cuyahoga County
The City of Cleveland describes the snow emergency levels as follows:
- Level one — “Use caution”
- Level two — “Hazardous roads – necessary travel only”
- Level three — “Emergency vehicles only – travel advisory strictly enforced”
They recommend people working in the city know their workplace’s snow emergency policies.
Hamilton County
The County Sheriff describes their snow emergency levels as follows:
- Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. Unnecessary travel is discouraged.”
- Level two — “Roadways are hazardous and may be very icy. Only drive if it is necessary to do so. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”
- Level three — “Extremely hazardous road conditions. All of certain County roads are closed. No one should be on the roadways unless absolutely necessary. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”
Montgomery County
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:
- Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.”
- Level two — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.”
- Level three — “All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. However, those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to prosecution.”
Lucas County
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:
- Level one — “A Level I Snow Advisory is due to conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow, which can make county roadways hazardous. Residents should drive cautiously. This advisory can be upgraded or discontinued.”
- Level two — “In addition to elements detailed in a Level 1 Advisory. A Level II Snow Advisory includes ice, blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility on county roadways. Only persons with a real and important need to be out on roads and streets should do so. This advisory can be upgraded, downgraded, or discontinued.”
- Level three — “A Level III Emergency is for all roads and streets in Lucas County. This declaration does not apply to traffic on the Ohio Turnpike but does apply to all other roads and streets in Lucas County. Travel on these roadways is limited to emergency and essential personnel only. No one should be on these roadways during the duration of this Snow Emergency unless absolutely necessary. All employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report for work. All non-emergency and nonessential personnel traveling the roadways during this Snow Emergency may be subject to arrest and prosecution under section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code for ‘misconduct at an emergency.’ The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions or duties constitute essential or nonessential employees.”
Before traveling on the roads during this winter storm, be sure to check the emergency snow level issued by your county sheriff. You can find their contact information and website here.
