OHIO — Widespread winter weather continues to impact Ohio, prompting multiple county sheriffs to declare snow emergencies across the state as road conditions deteriorate and travel becomes increasingly dangerous.
As of Monday, several counties have been placed under Level 3 snow emergencies, the most serious designation under Ohio’s snow emergency system. Counties currently at Level 3 include Franklin, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Belmont, and Jefferson counties.
A Level 3 snow emergency means all roadways are closed to non-emergency travel. Only essential travel is permitted, such as trips by emergency responders, healthcare workers, or individuals facing a true emergency. Under Ohio law, motorists who choose to drive without a valid emergency reason can be arrested or charged with a misdemeanor, particularly if their driving creates a hazard or interferes with emergency operations. Sheriffs emphasize that these restrictions are enforced to protect both the public and first responders…