ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio — A level 3 snow emergency that was activated in Ashtabula County around 6:30 a.m. Thursday as lake effect snow impacted the area has now been downgraded to a level 1.
"A level 1 snow emergency means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow," according to an update from the sheriff's office at 12:45 p.m. "Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously."
Despite lowering the snow emergency level, Sheriff William Niemi was still urging drivers to stay off area roadways until further notice.
"The roads are still bad," Sheriff Niemi said in a statement. "We're asking people to avoid these problem areas and travel with extreme caution."
Sheriff Niemi had previously modified the county-wide level 3 snow emergency at 7:45 a.m. to only pertain to areas north of I-90.
What does each snow emergency level actually mean? Here's how each level is described by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office:
- Level 1: Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated snow or ice. Drive cautiously.
- Level 2: Roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow and/or ice cover. Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be on the roadways. Contact your employer to determine if you should report to work.
- Level 3 (as posted earlier in the story): Roadways are closed to all non-emergency travel due to extremely hazardous conditions. No one should be on the roadway unless it is absolutely essential to travel. Those operating vehicles on the roadway for non-emergency reasons may be subject to arrest.