Ohio is grappling with dangerous winter conditions as multiple counties report hazardous icy roadways and school closures following the recent ice storm. Beginning Wednesday afternoon, residents faced slick conditions exacerbated by precipitation transitioning to ice, compelling local authorities to enact snow emergency levels.
Fremont experienced significant impacts as the storm arrived with rain turning to ice, prompting Sheriff Christopher Hilton to declare a Level 2 Snow Emergency. Following this declaration, schools initially set to delay their opening shifted to outright closures by Thursday morning. Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger stated, "Basically, we had a handful of crashes this morning, but no major crashes. There is an increase in accidents today." He advised caution when driving, noting icy conditions were particularly prevalent on county roads.
The National Weather Service's Cleveland Office, along with the Sandusky County Emergency Management Agency, issued winter weather advisories which lasted through Thursday morning. The storm brought total snow accumulations of about one inch, complemented by ice ranging from one-tenth to as high as a quarter of an inch, raising concerns for safety on the roadways.
Road conditions across the state have varied, with Erie and Huron Counties warning motorists early Thursday about dangerous icy roads as temperatures dropped. Schools came under similar advisories, with closures and delays reported throughout the region. According to Erie County Sheriff’s Office, "Roadways overnight were relatively clear of ice as the temperature remained above freezing, but within the last few minutes, the temperature dropped, and we are starting to see ice beginning to form again on the pavement." They urged caution until crews could sufficiently treat the roads.
Further north, Williams County also reported a Level 2 Snow Emergency, with multiple vehicles encountering difficulties on the roads. Authorities there similarly called for extreme caution amid reports of vehicles stranded off-road.
Ross County, following the trend, was under multiple levels of snow emergencies throughout the day as the area dealt with accumulating snow. Schools were reported closed as snow blanketed the area, and by noon on February 12, the county transitioned back to Level 1 emergency status, notifying the public about continuing road hazards but indicating some improvement.
Mark A. Warden, Sheriff of Washington County, provided updates on February 12 indicating the status of snow emergencies. He downgraded the existing Level 2 emergency to Level 1 by the afternoon, detailing conditions as hazardous with potential blowing and drifting snow.
This winter storm has left Ohioans and officials alike grappling with slippery roads, hazardous driving conditions, and interrupted school schedules across multiple counties. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and enforce safety measures as required, including snow removal efforts and clear communication on travel advisories.
With the storm's aftermath prompting emergency declarations across various localities, residents are urged to stay informed through local channels and heed any safety advisories issued as roads may remain treacherous even as weather conditions stabilize.