Ohio Snow Emergencies: Latest Updates & County-by-County Levels
Is winter weather wreaking havoc on your commute and daily life in central Ohio? Understanding the different levels of snow emergencies and the implications for your safety is paramount during a winter storm.
As a large winter storm swept across the state, bringing heavy snow showers, several Ohio counties found themselves grappling with varying degrees of snow emergencies. The situation, which began to unfold on Sunday afternoon and persisted into Monday afternoon, prompted urgent advisories and required residents to adapt their routines to prioritize safety. Several counties, including Franklin, found themselves under different levels of snow emergencies, reflecting the severity of the weather conditions and the potential hazards on the roadways. It's crucial to stay informed about these levels and adhere to the guidelines to navigate the challenges of winter weather.
The definitions for each snow emergency level can change county by county, so here are the definitions for Franklin County. There are three snow emergency levels in Ohio, according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. Each one requires a different response from drivers.
| Snow Emergency Level | Description | Impact on Residents |
|---|---|---|
| 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 due to blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. | Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be on the roads. Motorists should contact their employers to determine if they need to report to work and should exercise extreme caution. |
| Level 3 | Not specified in the provided text. | Not specified in the provided text. |
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office plays a critical role in monitoring and managing snow emergencies. The sheriff can declare a snow emergency and close roads for public safety. Their office issues advisories, updates the public on the current snow level, and provides essential information to help residents stay safe. Staying in touch with the Sheriff's Office is highly encouraged.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin downgraded the snow emergency to a Level 1 as of 7:00 p.m. Earlier, on the same day, Sheriff Baldwin declared a Level 2 snow emergency for Franklin County at 1:25 a.m. The county had been under a Level 1 snow emergency for about 16 hours. Snow began blanketing Columbus around 6 p.m. The snow emergency came as Franklin County and most other central Ohio counties faced the brunt of the winter storm.
A Level 1 snow emergency means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. When a Level 2 snow emergency is declared, roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be on the roads, motorists should contact their employers to determine if they need to report to work and should exercise extreme caution.
The situation in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding areas highlighted the need for preparedness and adaptability during winter weather events. The central Ohio transit authority announced all fares would be suspended on Monday as Franklin County entered a Level 2 snow emergency. Information on schedule changes or delays can be found at the transit authority's official channels.
Other counties in the region also found themselves under snow emergencies. Licking, Madison, Marion, and Union counties were also under a Level 1 snow emergency. Ross County remained at a Level 2 emergency. Clermont County was under a Level 2 snow emergency, effective at 12:32 a.m. on Monday. Brown County was under a Level 2 snow emergency, effective at 9 p.m.
The consistent snow plowing, facilitated by the combined efforts of the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Engineer, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, is crucial in managing the roadways during these conditions, even when a Level 2 emergency is in effect, according to Baldwin. The coordinated response of these entities helps to keep roads as clear as possible, but motorists must still exercise caution and adjust their driving behavior to the conditions.
The public is encouraged to stay informed by following the local news outlets and social media pages for the latest updates. Winter weather advisories are issued frequently for central Ohio, and it's essential to know the current snow level and how to get in touch with the sheriff's office for more details. This includes checking local news websites and official social media accounts for information about travel restrictions, road closures, and other important announcements.
In situations like this, it's crucial to assess the necessity of travel. "No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency," officials have repeatedly emphasized. This is especially true when a Level 2 emergency is in effect.
The swift action by authorities, like the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, in downgrading or lifting snow emergencies highlights the dynamic nature of these events. The decision to change the advisory level is based on real-time conditions, taking into account factors like snow accumulation, wind speeds, and visibility. By staying informed and heeding these advisories, residents can significantly improve their safety during challenging weather.
