With snow in Monday night’s forecast, communities in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will likely issue travel advisories and snow emergencies.
Under Ohio law, county sheriffs monitor snow conditions. Sheriffs can declare snow emergencies when it has been determined that use of highways and roadways by motorists is a threat to maintaining public peace.
In Kentucky, the county government makes the call, but cities can also declare emergencies.
Public works crews in Boone County will begin monitoring road conditions and applying salt before the snow begins Monday night, according to officials.
“Crews plan to be out in full force overnight to help address conditions well before the morning commute,” shares Rob Franxman, Boone County Engineer.
Regardless of what level is declared Dec. 1 and 2, officials urge citizens to remember that road conditions can vary throughout the county.
What do the snow emergency levels mean?
Definitions for snow emergencies can vary by state and county, but here are the basics:
Level 1 snow emergency
Level 2 snow emergency
Level 3 snow emergency
A Level 3 declaration will rarely be issued, except under extreme circumstances that exist countywide, according to the Clermont County Sheriff’s website.
What about parking restrictions?
Depending on how much snow is falling, residents should move their cars off city streets before major snowfall.
In Kenton County, during snow emergencies where snowfall accumulation is two inches or greater, no vehicle may be parked on a public road right of way.
In Cincinnati, during severe snowstorms, the city may issue a Parking Snow Emergency, which initiates parking restrictions on signed routes. Cars not moved are subject to ticketing and towing.
How much will it snow on Tuesday?
Accumulating snow is expected to cover the region overnight Monday into Tuesday. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Wilmington expect snow totals in the 2-4 inch range for most of the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the region starting at 7 p.m. Monday.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What do the snow emergency levels mean in Ohio and Kentucky?
Reporting by Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
