MANSFIELD — Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon has changed the county’s snow emergency to a Level Two as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.
The designation means, “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.”
The county had been at a Level One since Thursday morning, but a winter storm has continued to drop snow across the area. Ashland and Crawford sheriffs placed those counties at Level Two earlier today. Knox County recently moved to Level Two.
“If you do not need to be out on the roads, please stay home,” Richland County EMA Director Joe Petrycki said early Thursday afternoon.
“We are expecting the weather to deteriorate over the next several hours, which will create hazardous travel conditions,” he said.
Several counties to the northwest went to Level Three this afternoon, including Huron, Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca.
A winter storm warning, which began Wednesday night, remains in place until Friday at 7 a.m. Expected snow accumulations of six to 10 inches are expected with wind gusting as high as 35 mph.
Travel could be difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and especially the Thursday evening commute.
Snow showers across the area will increase in intensity and coverage this afternoon with the potential for one inch of snow per hour.
Strong north to northeast winds will allow for blowing and drifting of snow, which could especially impact east-west oriented roadways.
Low temperatures Thursday night will reach the lower teens and wind chill values as low as zero to five degrees below zero are expected.
This is a developing Richland Source story and will be updated.
