NOTE: We request that citizens get snow advisory information from Radio/TV broadcasts rather than calling the Sheriff’s Office or Communications Center.
Under Ohio law County Sheriffs may declare “Snow Advisories” as appropriate. When the condition of roads and highways within Clermont County has become impaired as the result of snow or ice, a snow advisory may be declared and conveyed to all electronic and print media within the Greater Cincinnati area.
In Clermont County snow emergencies are used sparringly, and only when roadway conditions are treacherous throughout the entire county.
Level One: “ROADWAYS ARE HAZARDOUS WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. ROADS ARE ALSO ICY. DRIVE VERY CAUTIOUSLY.”
This level of snow emergency is merely advisory in nature, cautioning motorists to drive carefully on snow covered and icy roadways. Since this states the obvious, this level will rarely be used in Clermont County.
Level Two: “ROADWAYS ARE HAZARDOUS WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. ONLY THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE SHOULD BE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS. CONTACT YOUR EMPLOYER TO SEE IF YOU SHOULD REPORT FOR WORK.”
This level of snow advisory is more severe than Level One and recommends that only necessary vehicular travel be undertaken. There are NO legal restrictions or penalties for driving under a Level Two advisory. Offices and businesses have the discretion to establish “Work or No-Work” policies for their staff and employees under this level.
Level Three: “ALL ROADWAYS ARE CLOSED TO NON-EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. NO ONE SHOULD BE OUT DURING THESE CONDITIONS UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO TRAVEL. ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD CONTACT THEIR EMPLOYER TO SEE IF THEY SHOULD REPORT TO WORK. THOSE TRAVELING ON THE ROADWAYS MAY SUBJECT THEMSELVES TO ARREST.”
This level prohibits driving except for emergencies or absolute necessities. Because this level is so restrictive and raises questions/confusion about what is or what is not ‘Absolutely Necessary’ and disrupts businesses and other activities, a level 3 will rarely be used in Clermont County except under extreme circumstances that exist countywide.