COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A major winter storm is set to hit a large part of the eastern U.S., and parts of Ohio are in the bullseye.

The forecast from ABC 6 weather experts call for heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures. As conditions worsen, county sheriffs across Ohio may issue snow emergency declarations.

Origin of snow emergency levels

Major winter storms—most notably the Blizzard of 1978—highlighted the need for a clear, consistent system to warn the public about hazardous road conditions.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office confirmed that county sheriffs have the authority to temporarily close municipal, county, and state roads when conditions become dangerously hazardous due to snow, ice, low visibility, or drifting snow. Over time, counties adopted the three-tier snow emergency system still used today.

What the snow emergency levels mean

Level 1 — Advisory (drive with caution)

• Roads are hazardous due to blowing or drifting snow and/or ice.
• Travel is allowed but risky; motorists should slow down and watch for slick spots.

Level 2 — Travel discouraged (don’t go out unless necessary)

• Roads are more dangerous and difficult to navigate.
• Only necessary travel is recommended; unnecessary trips should be avoided.
• Employers and residents are advised to check conditions before commuting.
• Snowplows and maintenance crews continue working, but secondary roads may remain poor.

Level 3 — Travel restricted (stay home)

• Roads are closed to non-emergency travel.
• Only emergency personnel and essential travel are permitted.
• Violating a Level 3 snow emergency can result in criminal penalties under Ohio Revised Code 2917.13, “Misconduct at an emergency,” which may include fines or misdemeanor charges.

Snow emergency levels are not weather alerts. Instead, they are legal public-safety declarations issued by county sheriffs in response to real-time road conditions under Ohio law. The emergencies remain in effect until road conditions improve and the sheriff’s office lifts the declaration.

ASHVILLE, Ohio (WSYX) — With the potential for winter weather moving into central Ohio this weekend, residents are starting to prepare for possible snow, ice, and cold conditions.

At Ace Hardware in Ashville, employees say they’ve already seen an uptick in customers looking to stock up on winter essentials. Shelves are filled with salt, snow shovels, heaters, and generators as shoppers plan ahead for any impacts the system could bring.

Store employee Gavin Edwards says demand typically increases as forecasts begin to show accumulating snow or hazardous travel conditions.

“When a storm comes to town, the demand is usually pretty high,” Edwards said. “People come in for salt and shovels, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

Some longtime residents say they’re already prepared. Roger Legg, who has lived in Ashville his entire life, stopped by the store but said he wasn’t concerned about the upcoming weather.

“I’m already prepared,” Legg said. “I’ve been through the blizzard in 1977 or ’78. It’s been a while since we’ve had a good snow, but I’m not scared.”

Emergency management officials across Ohio are urging residents not to be complacent. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency says it is closely monitoring forecast models and coordinating with National Weather Service offices as the system approaches.

Scioto County EMA Director Larry Mullins encourages people to prepare now, especially for the possibility of power outages.

“Make sure you have plenty of food — food you don’t have to heat up,” Mullins said. “Think about what you’d need if you’re without power or water for a few days.”

Store managers in Ashville say business was steady earlier in the week, but they expect heavier crowds heading into Thursday and Friday as more people prepare for the weekend weather.

Officials recommend checking emergency kits, limiting travel during hazardous conditions, and staying up to date with the latest forecast as details on the storm continue to come into focus.