SOUTHERN OHIO — A major winter storm has brought a treacherous combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain across the Scioto Valley.
Rain in southeast Ohio started to fall late-Wednesday that gradually turned to sleet and freezing rain. Nearly a half inch of ice coated roadways, downed tree limbs, and caused widespread power outages. The storm is expected to turn to snow overnight and linger Friday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect statewide, and an Ice Storm Warning has been issued through early Friday for a portion of south-central and southeast Ohio.
Many counties declared snow emergencies, with the majority going to LEVEL TWO. That means roads are dangerous and law enforcement strongly advised that motorists stay home. If conditions do not improve by late-Thursday, many local Sheriffs said they would consider closing down travel altogether.
AEP of Ohio reported 12,000 customers without electric due to fallen lines. 300 of those were in Ross County.
South Central Power said they have 11,000 customers without power, which included 2,500 in Ross County, 1,100 in Highland County, and 300 each in Pickaway and Pike counties.
AES — also known as DP&L — said there were no outages locally.
Power crews said they expected to have power restored as quickly as possible, but could not give a definitive time frame. It’s highly likely additional outages will occur and officials said homeowners should prepare.
Officials offered tips to those in the storm’s path.
First and foremost, it was recommended that people fill their bathtubs with water to use to flush toilets with a bucket.
On top of dressing in layers and huddling under extra blankets, hang darker ones on the windows to draw in heat. It is advised to keep doors and windows closed, and use towels to block drafts around them. If necessary, move to the basement, which may be more insulated by the ground.
Food can stay frozen 24 to 36 hours if the refrigerator/freezer door stays closed. Add snow and ice from outside if it starts to thaw.
If you believe you need emergency assistance, officials said don’t hesitate to call for help.