SOUTHERN OHIO — Several counties issued snow emergencies Sunday evening as roads became skating rinks due to freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
Most of Ohio was under a winter storm advisory until Monday.
A snow emergency is issued by the elected county Sheriff, who is empowered under Ohio law to arrest motorists if he or she deems it necessary. Most Sheriffs will start at the lowest level — a level one — and advance to the most serious one, which is a level three. Under the latter, drivers can be arrested and jailed if they’re on the roadways.
⚠️SNOW EMERGENCY LEVELS: 1/17/2022 3:30AM⚠️
(List is updated as new information comes in. Regularly check back for the latest updates.)
Level 1:
Fayette County
Licking County
Madison County
Marion County
Union County
Level 2:
Delaware County
Athens County
Coshocton County
Crawford County
Fairfield County
Franklin County
Guernsey County
Jackson County
Lawrence County
Meigs County
Morgan County
Muskingum County
Noble County
Pickaway County
Perry County
Pike County
Ross County
Scioto County
Washington County
Level 3:
Vinton County
Hocking County
Here are the guidelines for each level:
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.