MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Sheriff Daniel J. Weckesser issued a Level Three snow emergency on Tuesday morning.
That means roads are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may be subject to arrest.
Level One snow emergencies were declared by sheriff’s offices in Richland, Ashland and Crawford counties Tuesday morning. Knox County went to a Level Two at 6:30 am.
A Level One means roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads also may be icy. Motorists are urged to drive with caution.
A Level Two means roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only travel if absolutely necessary. Contact your employer to confirm if you should report to work.
Many area school districts are closed on Tuesday.
Snow began falling, as predicted, on Monday evening and continued throughout the night. The National Weather Service office in Cleveland issued a winter weather advisory for Monday night that continues until Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Two to five inches of snow are expected across the region.
Sheriff’s offices and departments collaborate with county emergency managers to determine whether current conditions with the weather and roadways constitute issuing a snow emergency level.
Since 1994, county sheriffs have had the authority to issue snow emergencies, using guidelines given by the state.
SNOW EMERGENCY DEFINITIONS
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads also may be icy. Motorists are urged to drive with caution.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads also may be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may be subject to arrest.