MONROE COUNTY, Ohio – Sheriff Derek Norman has placed Monroe County under a Level 1 snow emergency, according to the department’s Facebook page.
A Level 1 snow emergency means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
Any non-emergency calls can be made to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 740-472-1612, ext. 2. DIAL 911 for all emergency situations.
What do Ohio’s snow emergency levels mean?
Level 1
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and roads could be icy. Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously.
Level 2
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and they could be covered in ice. Drivers should try to stay off of roads, unless they feel as though it is absolutely necessary to drive. Officials encourage drivers to contact their employers to see if they should come into work.
Level 3
Roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. This means nobody should be driving in the current conditions, unless there is an emergency. Drivers should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those who decide to travel in a Level 3 county are putting themselves at risk of being arrested.
County sheriffs in Ohio issue snow level warnings.
While the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) does not issue snow level information, they offer the following winter driving tips:
Leave Early
Monitor weather conditions before you plan to leave and expect any trip to take double the normal amount of time. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
Use OHGO, ODOT’s real-time traffic information website and mobile application, to see current traffic speeds, live traffic cameras, and current weather conditions.
Plan Your Route
Avoid steep upgrades and lightly traveled roads where deep snow drifts may form.
Clear Your Vehicle
Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights, and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen while on the road.
Inspect Your Car
Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts, and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day – and dangerous on a bad weather day.
Proceed with Caution
Slow Down
When snow and ice are present, the posted speed limit is NOT a safe speed. Drive an appropriate speed for the conditions you encounter.
Increase Following Distance
It can take 3 to 10 times farther to stop on slick pavement than on a dry road. The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. Allow a large space between yourself and the car ahead of you.
Accelerate and Stop Gradually
Never slam on your brakes or begin accelerating quickly in ice or snow. Slick pavement conditions can cause reduced traction and loss of control.
If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.
Maintain Control of Your Vehicle
When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. When merging into traffic, take it slow. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.
Remain Vigilant of Your Surroundings
Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.
Don’t Crowd the Plow
Watch Out for Blind Spots
The plow driver’s field of vision is limited. As a general rule: If you can’t see the plow truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you. Always stay two to three car lengths behind the plow.
Ice and Snow, Take it Slow
Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. Be patient and provide plow drivers the room they need to complete their work. Try not to pass the plow. Watch for sudden stops or turns.
Beware of Snow Clouds
Additional, plow trucks have a tendency to leave snow clouds as the push snow accumulations off the roadways, creating a limited visibility for drivers around them.
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