Winter will present a significant challenge to drivers across the state this weekend and sheriff’s offices are again assessing snow emergency levels — decisions impacting school closures, business operations and whether residents should be on the roads at all.

Weather can vary from county to county but one thing remains the same for Richland, Ashland and Knox County — the decision-making process.

Officials don’t trigger snow emergencies based on snowfall totals alone. Instead, deputies stay in close contact with township road crews, county engineers and patrol officers to assess road conditions in real time.

Knox County

Chief Deputy Rich Miller of Knox County said he constantly communicates with road crews, deputies and the EMA to ensure they set snow emergency levels appropriately.

“Roads can definitely look different based on where they are at in the county,” Miller said. “With flat ground, you’re going to have more drifting than the areas with hills, trees and wooded areas.”

Once Knox County hits the higher levels, Miller said authorities advise only essential driving.

“We like drivers to postpone any non-essential trips,” he said.

First responders can be stretched thin of their resources when drivers go out in higher level emergencies and run into trouble.

Miller said the weather has been similar to a rollercoaster this year with the constant back and forth of snow and levels changing.

“We always draft media posts, be prepared for the information coming about the weather,” he added. “If you have plans maybe postpone them.”

Richland County

Major Jim Sweat of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office explained the three-tier system and what drivers can expect:

  • Level 1: Roads may be slippery or slightly hazardous due to sporadic ice or light snow coverage.
  • Level 2: Travel becomes more dangerous with significant snow accumulation or widespread ice. Only essential trips should be made.
  • Level 3: The most severe, rare level involves extreme conditions such as heavy ice, downed trees, power lines and excessive snowfall.

Although Richland County covers roughly 500 square miles, officials declare snow emergencies countywide, even if northern and southern areas experience different conditions.

“The northern part of the county is flat and more prone to drifting snow,” Sweat said. “That doesn’t always match what’s happening in the southern part, but it still applies countywide.”

Sweat emphasized unnecessary travel poses serious risks, particularly in rural areas.

“Accidents are obvious, but in the evening hours, especially in unincorporated areas, people may not be discovered right away,” he said.

Cold temperatures can turn a crash into a life-threatening situation if a vehicle won’t restart or if responders arrive late.

Officials urge residents to travel only when necessary, keep a full tank of gas, pack extra clothing and blankets, and carry a charged phone.

“We want people to be able to reach us if need be,” Sweat said. “We encourage our elderly residents, if they need supplies or medication, to reach out to us so we can help.”

The Richland County Emergency Management Agency is another resource Sweat said people can utilize.

“Sarah Potes does a tremendous job at making sure people are aware of the resources,” he said.

Ashland County

Sheriff Kurt Schneider noted Ashland has a unique geography by being such a long county.

“Ironically, the continental divide runs through U.S. 42 and weather can be different on each side of road,” he said.

“Ultimately, if the north end is fine and the south isn’t, a countywide declaration is still necessary because people travel across those areas,” Schneider said.

Along with keeping in contact with people on the roads, Schneider said he pays close attention to surrounding counties — from the west especially.

He urged residents to avoid unnecessary driving. Encountering another crash or dangerous conditions you aren’t prepared for can create scary situations.

“You never know what you might encounter. Don’t wait to get groceries or fuel — have a plan for necessities and only go out if absolutely necessary.”

Describing this winter so far, Schneider said “It’s Ohio.”

“Snow levels and weather are not typical compared to the previous five or so years. It’s Ohio — conditions can change fast.”

Schneider noted Level Three tends to be a very rare call. The impact of a Level Three can affect many people and businesses when shut down.

He advised residents to be proactive: check furnaces, keep extra blankets and take advantage of warming centers.