RICHLAND COUNTY — Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon declared a level one snow emergency Friday morning due to overnight snow that was continuing as the sun rose.
And it may just be the start of winter days ahead, according to the National Weather Service office in Cleveland.
The NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook for Richland County, forecasting a system that will cross the Ohio Valley on Sunday night and into Monday that could result in several inches of wet snow, especially along and south of the U.S. 30 corridor.
County sheriffs are responsible for making such snow declarations in each of Ohio’s 88 counties, often made after consulting with the county engineer, road deputies, county EMA office and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
There are three levels of snow emergencies:
Level 1 – A Level One Snow Emergency means that roads (township and county, mainly secondary) are hazardous with the possibility of blowing and drifting snow. Roads are icy and drivers should use caution, if they choose to drive.
Level 2 – A Level Two Snow Emergency means that roads are hazardous (including primary roads) with blowing and drifting snow a possibility. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on these roadways. Employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work.
Level 3 – A Level Three Snow Emergency means that roads are closed to all non-essential 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. Those traveling on any roadway in the county may subject themselves to citation or arrest.
