Level 3 to remain overnight
Sheriffs in multiple counties, including Marion, Franklin, Clark, Champaign, Crawford and Fairfield, have issued Level 3 Snow Emergencies, the state’s highest travel restriction, as blowing and drifting snow created extremely hazardous roads and low visibility Sunday. Under Level 3, all roadways are closed to non-emergency and non-essential traffic, and travel is only permitted for emergency or absolutely necessary purposes.
Many departments plan to keep Level 3 in place through the night and reassess conditions around daybreak. Officials say plow crews will continue working, but bitter cold and drifting snow will slow progress on both main routes and secondary roads.
Monday morning re-evaluation
Sheriff’s offices are telling residents they will review conditions Monday morning and announce any changes, often aiming for decisions by around 8 a.m. to give schools, businesses and commuters time to adjust. This mirrors guidance from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, which said its Level 3 Snow Emergency “will remain in effect overnight” and that roadways will be evaluated in the morning before a decision is made.
Franklin County, which is under a rare Level 3 for Columbus and surrounding suburbs, is using a snow and ice committee that includes ODOT, the county engineer and local emergency management officials to help determine when it is safe to downgrade. Other counties are coordinating with local road crews and EMA offices to gauge whether primary routes are passable and secondary streets are safe for regular traffic.
What Level 3 means for drivers
Under Ohio’s three-tier snow emergency system, Level 3 is reserved for the most dangerous conditions, when ice, deep or drifting snow, and low visibility make many roads impassable. During a Level 3, sheriffs warn that non-emergency drivers may be subject to citation or arrest for being on the roads without an acceptable reason, particularly if they cause crashes or block emergency vehicles.
Authorities are urging residents to stay home, check with employers about reporting to work, and avoid all non-essential travel until levels are reduced. They also stress that keeping vehicles off the roads helps plow drivers clear lanes more efficiently so conditions can improve more quickly.
Historic storm and ongoing impact
The current storm, which prompted a local state of emergency in parts of the Dayton region and led to widespread Level 2 and Level 3 declarations, has been described by officials and forecasters as one of the most significant snow events in recent years for Ohio. Franklin County’s sheriff noted this is the first time a Level 3 has been sustained there under the modern county-by-county snow level system, underscoring the severity of the storm.
With wind chills well below zero in some areas and snow totals topping a foot in spots, emergency managers say the risk from exposure, stranded vehicles and delayed response times remains high into Monday. Residents are encouraged to monitor local sheriff’s office websites and social media pages, as well as local news outlets, for the latest snow emergency levels and reopening information.