Snow covered Seneca County and prompted weather advisories Wednesday.
Seneca County Sheriff Bill Eckelberry issued a Level 1 roadway advisory at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday and increased it to a Level 2 roadway warning at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The Level 2 roadway warning remained in effect Wednesday night.
A blizzard warning for the area was canceled around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, and a winter weather advisory was issued until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
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PHOTO BY STEVE WILLIAMS
Griffin Ringle and his aunt, Natalie Ringle, clear the sidewalk along South Washington Street Wednesday.
Eckelberry said the five accidents reported to his office as of Wednesday afternoon all were weather-related. None was serious, he said.
Eckelberry encouraged drivers to have blankets, a shovel and a small bag of salt in their vehicles to help if they get stuck. He also encouraged motorists to turn on their vehicles' headlights so they are more visible.
"Make sure your cell phone's charged," he said.
Fact Box
Snow emergencies
Level 1 roadway advisory - Roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads also are icy.
Level 2 roadway warning - Roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roads.
Level 3 roadway emergency - Roads are closed to non-emergency personnel, and no one should be out during the conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Employees should follow their employers' guidelines. Those traveling may subject themselves to arrest.
Visit The Advertiser-Tribune's homepage at www.advertiser-tribune.com and its Facebook page to stay updated about the weather, closings and cancellations, and snow emergencies.
According to a release from Ohio Department of Transportation, District Two was treating and plowing state and federal highways in northwest Ohio Wednesday. About 100 ODOT snow plow operators from Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams and Wood counties were working 12-hour shifts until the snow and ice were clear from ODOT routes, a release states.
In the release, ODOT encouraged motorists traveling in winter conditions to brake early and slowly, give the vehicle plenty of room to stop and never slam on the brakes. The release states motorists should not crowd a snow plow.
People can check road conditions and view live cameras at www.buckeyetraffic.org before they leave home, it states.
Today's forecast from National Weather Service predicted a chance of flurries before 10 a.m. It is to be mostly cloudy, with a high near 32.
