Pursuant to Attorney General Opinion 86-023 the Sheriff of a County may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close County and Township roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace.  Attorney General Opinion 97-015 also allows the Sheriff to close State and Municipal roads.

In order to clarify the definition of the snow emergency, Ohio Sheriff's adopted guidelines to be followed when closing highways due to severe weather.  The policy is as follows:

Level I SNOW ALERT

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.

Level II SNOW ADVISORY

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.  Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways.  Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.

Level III SNOW EMERGENCY

All Municipal, Township, County, and State roadways are closed to Non-emergency personnel.  No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.  Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.