Snow emergency declared in 10 counties

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN/ODOT) - The latest winter storm warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect through Wednesday at 6 p.m.

County Snow Emergencies:

Level 2

• Champaign
• Clark
• Clinton
• Darke
• Greene
• Logan
• Miami

Level 1

• Butler
• Montgomery
• Warren

Snow Emergency Levels:

The Ohio Attorney General Opinion 86-023 allows a county sheriff to declare a snow emergency and temporarily close county and township roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace.

• LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.
• LEVEL 2: 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 3: 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.

With less than 48 hours between major winter storms – which have brought as much as 18-24 inches of snow to some parts of the state – the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has crews in every county working around-the-clock to keep Ohio’s highways and bridges safe.

ODOT’s safety experts continue to see a number of crashes involving motorists striking state snowplows, often hitting the snowplow from behind. Across the state this winter season, there have at least 49 crashes with ODOT snowplows, including four fatalities. ODOT appeals to motorists to drive with caution and “Don’t Crowd the Plow.”

Being a careful and informed driver is the best way motorists can travel safely . ODOT’s website BuckeyeTraffic.org provides up-to-the-minute information on road and weather conditions, road closures, and highway patrol accident updates – all available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The best advice for motorists is to remember that travel conditions can change from mile to mile, minute to minute.

Miami Valley area county road conditions as of 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9:

• Auglaize County is dealing with blowing and drifting snow. They have 4 additional inches of snow since midnight totaling 13 inches on the ground. The snow is still falling in this area. Roads are snow covered and slick. They have 16 crews out in that area.
• Champaign County roads are partly snow covered and slick in spots. The snow has stopped for now, so crews are able to gain some ground in treating the roads. There are 4 inches of additional snow since midnight. There are 10 crews out now and 12 will be on starting at midnight. This area is at a level 2 snow emergency.
• Clark County roads are partly snow covered, slick in spots and there is some blowing in that area. They have 4 to 5 inches of new snow. There will be 13 crews out throughout the night clearing the roads.
• Darke County roads are wet and slushy. They have 4 inches of new snow. There will be 14 crews out throughout the night clearing the roads.
• Logan County is at a level 2 snow emergency. Drivers should stay off the roads as much as possible. ODOT has 12 crews out in this area. Crews are dealing with drifting and blowing conditions. They have 3-4 inches of additional snow since midnight. More snow is expected.
• Mercer County roads are mostly wet with some snow. They have 3 inches of additional snow since midnight. There are 10 trucks out in that area.
• Miami County is at a level 2 snow emergency. They are seeing snow flurries. The interstate is wet and other roads are slushy. They have 4 inches of additional snow since midnight totaling 13 inches on the ground. There are 15 trucks out in that area.
• Montgomery County roads are clearing up nicely right now. They have 5 inches of additional snow since midnight totaling 15 inches on the ground. There are 16 crews out on the roads.
• Shelby County has 1-2 inches of additional snow since midnight. Roads are starting to clear. The interstate is wet. ODOT has 12 trucks out in that area.