Weather
Classifications
PLEASE DO NOT CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR WEATHER INFORMATION
Legal Authority
A county sheriff may, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 311.07 and 311.08, declare a snow emergency and temporarily close the state roads and municipal streets within his/her jurisdiction when such action is reasonably necessary for the preservation of the public peace. Ohio Attorney General Opinion 86-023 states that a Sheriff of a County may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close County and Township roads; Ohio Attorney General’s Opinion 97-015 (pdf), issued April 1, 1997, concluded that this authority includes state roads, county and township roads and municipal streets.
Any person who knowingly hampers or fails to obey a lawful order of the sheriff declaring a snow emergency and temporarily closing highways, roads and/or streets within his/her jurisdiction may be subject to criminal prosecution under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.13, “Misconduct at an emergency” or other applicable law or ordinance.
Please do not private message our Facebook page or contact the Sheriff’s Office for the most current level, advice, or permission to travel. Snow levels exist for a reason and are issued by Sheriff Stevens for your protection. As a rule, you should try to avoid traveling on any roadways that haven’t been plowed and/or salted as you are at risk for an accident. The fewer drivers on the road, the safer it will be for emergency personnel and transportation employees responsible for clearing snow and ice. The volume of emergency calls drastically increases during inclement weather. Please do not call 911 or the Sheriff’s Office for the most recent level or specific road conditions. It is impossible to know the condition of every roadway in the county; however, Sheriff Stevens works diligently to communicate with deputies, ODOT, the Seneca County Engineer, City Mayors, Chief’s of Police, County Commissioners, and Plow Supervisor. during inclement weather. Use your own judgment based on your driving skills, vehicle, roadway conditions and necessity to travel in order to determine if you should drive during a level. Our most recent Facebook post will reflect the current level (if the post has not been changed, the level has not been changed).
For push notifications, please download the “Seneca County Sheriff, Ohio” APP.
Snow Emergency Classifications
Level | Description |
|---|---|
1 Alert | Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. |
2 Advisory | Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution. |
3 Emergency | This level is issued by the Seneca County Sheriff in collaboration with ODOT, the Seneca County Engineer, City Mayors, Chief’s of Police, County Commissioners, and Plow Supervisor. All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest. |
Tornado Classifications
Watch Be Prepared | Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! |
Warning Take Action | A tornado has been sighted or indicated by a weather radio. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid Windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. |
Thunderstorm Classifications
Watch Be Prepared | Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. |
Warning Take Action | Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. |
Flood Classifications
Watch Be Prepared | A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible |
Warning Take Action | A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. |
