Snow Emergency Guidelines

As this snow storm approaches our region, it will impact travel Tuesday Night and Wednesday, so now is a good time to brush up on snow emergencies and what each level means.

They are issued by the sheriff of each county and there are three options. A level one emergency is issued the most often.

“The roads are starting to get slippery, we have adverse weather and basically, just telling them that the roads are getting a little bit worse and to be careful if you are going out,” explained Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz. “One of the things we try to stress with that is give yourself plenty of time."

A level one snow emergency also means that roads are hazardous and there will be blowing and drifting snow. With a level two – only people who feel it necessary to drive should be on the roads and you should contact your employer to see if you should report to work. A level three snow emergency is the highest level.

"The roads are basically closed, to anybody, except for emergency personnel."

Sheriff Lutz says when he issues snow emergencies, there will be notices on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.ohiomuskingumsheriff.org and if you call there be an automated message. The phone number is (740) 452-3637. He urges you to not call the dispatcher, because during snow events, they are often busy with emergency calls such as car accidents.