Level 2 snow emergency issued in Portage County

PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — Heads up!

A level 2 Snow Emergency was activated in Portage County at around 12:20 p.m. on Friday. 

RELATED: FORECAST | Winter Storm Watch for Part of NE Ohio

Drivers are encouraged to travel only as necessary in Portage County. 

SUBSCRIBE: Get the day's top local and national headlines sent to your email inbox each weekday morning with the 3News to GO! newsletter 

Talking to Facebook, the Portage County Sheriff's Office noted the icy road conditions: "This Advisory has been issued as a result of VERY ICY road conditions. Numerous accidents and dangerous situations are occurring county wide."

Earlier on Friday, I-76 West in Portage County was closed for nearly two hours after a crash. 

RELATED: I-76 West in Portage County reopens after crash

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.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Nov. 17, 2022.