Ohio snow emergencies, explained

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.