ERIE COUNTY, OHIO, Ohio — As heavy snow moved throughout the region Thursday, multiple counties in Northwest Ohio were placed under a Level 3 Snow Emergency.
So what does this mean for you? Here’s how the Erie County Sheriff’s Office describes a Level 3 Snow Emergency: “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.”
The following counties had issued a Level 3 Emergency on Thursday:
- Ashland: Downgraded to a Level 2 at 12:40 p.m. Friday
- Erie: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Holmes: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Huron: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Ottawa: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Richland: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Sandusky: Downgraded to a Level 2 Friday morning.
- Seneca: Downgraded to a Level 2 at noon Friday.
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“While, yes, you COULD be subject to arrest during a Level 3...we are very busy with accidents and other emergencies,” the Sandusky County Sheriff posted on Facebook. “Please, don't make us have to do that. And, technically, you are subject to arrest no matter what the weather conditions are if you are unsafe or acting in a criminal manner. SO BE GOOD!”
Here’s how the other Snow Emergency levels are defined, according to 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.
RELATED: Level 2 Snow Emergency issued for multiple Northeast Ohio counties: Here's what that means for you