Storm to dump up to a foot
By Nick Dutro, ndutro@advertiser-tribune.comFact Box
Be prepared
As weather conditions get worse, residents should:
n Proceed with caution on the road.
n Stay indoors during in the event of a snow emergency, especially levels two and three.
n Help neighbors clear sidewalks, especially the elderly and disabled.
n Clear snow from around fire hydrants.
n Consult local media sources and the National Weather Service in Cleveland Web site, www.erh.noaa.gov/cle/, for updates and warnings.
Heavy snow is on its way for Tiffin and Seneca County.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Seneca County is under a winter storm warning from 7 a.m. today until 7 a.m Wednesday, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected to start around 1 p.m. today.
Emergency Management Agency Director Dan Stahl said the early morning should be fairly clear, but residents should "proceed with caution" in the afternoon and evening.
Total storm accumulations through early Wednesday evening are to range from 8 to 12 inches.
Windy conditions from tonight into Wednesday is to cause considerable blowing and drifting. North to northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph this evening will become northwest winds early Wednesday and increase to 15 to 25 mph with occasional higher gusts.
Seneca County Engineer Mark Zimmerman said county vehicles and equipment were on the county roads Sunday and Monday preparing for the coming snow. In addition, he said snowplows are ready and the county has adequate salt for the roads.
In Tiffin, City Administrator Wayne Stephens said Public Works has been plowing streets, causing snow to pile up on boulevards and sidewalks and blocking driveways.
"I wish there was something we could do about that, but the snowplows need to go a certain speed," Stephens said.
Stephens said city vehicles may need to move excess snow throughout the city, including to a dump site at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
He said residents should expect to see dump trucks and front end loaders on the streets throughtout the week clearing piles left after heavy snowfall.
Stephens said the city does not plan to dump snow on the Sandusky River wall or any flood wall, as this may have been the cause for deterioration in the past.
Stephens said residents are encouraged to stay indoors as weather conditions get worse over the next two days.
"We are telling people that unless travel is essential, you should stay home," Stephens said.
In addition, Stephens asks residents to consider helping clean sidewalks and walkways for neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.
Tiffin Fire Chief Bill Ennis asks that residents clear snow from around fire hydrants in front of their homes. City employees are cleaning around hydrants throughout the city, but Ennis said a few minutes of residents' time could aid in the process.
Zimmerman suggests people stay off the roads in the event of a Level 2 or 3 snow emergency, as it is unsafe and can disrupt county snowplows and salt trucks.
"The levels are there for a reason," Zimmerman said. "Unless you are in public service or need to be out there, don't."
