Franklin County and others under Level 1 snow emergency Monday afternoon

Micah Walker, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
A person walks their dog across Oak Street in Olde Towne East Monday during a snowstorm. Franklin County was subject to a Level 1 snow emergency Monday afternoon.
A person walks their dog across Oak Street in Olde Towne East Monday during a snowstorm. Franklin County was subject to a Level 1 snow emergency Monday afternoon.

As Greater Columbus saw it’s second round of wintry weather Monday, roads are once again covered in snow and ice.

Due to the weather, the Franklin County Sheriff’s office has declared a Level 1 snow emergency for the area. On Twitter, the agency urged motorists to drive cautiously.

In addition, these Greater Columbus counties are under Level 1 snow emergencies:

  • Delaware

  • Fairfield

  • Hocking

  • Licking

  • Marion

  • Pickaway

  • Union

There are three levels of snow emergencies, according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather website. A Level 1 snow emergency means that roads are icy and there is some blowing or drifting snow into roadways.

In a Level 2 snow emergency, roads are very icy and only necessary travel is recommended. Drivers are urged to ask their employers if they should report to work.

Roads will close to non-emergency personnel during Level 3 snow emergencies, except for personal emergencies or "absolutely necessary" travel. Those out driving may be subject to arrest, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather website states.

Snow moves out, but frigid temps follow

James Gibson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Wilmington office, said the snow is expected to leave the Columbus area by 10 p.m. Monday. He said between the snow showers from Sunday and Monday, the total accumulation is expected to be around 1.9 inches.

"Then it starts getting cold," Gibson said.

Monday’s low will get down to 15, while Tuesday’s high temperature will only get up to 24. Tuesday night’s low will dip into the single digits at 5 degrees, with wind chills at -4, Gibson said.

Wednesday will see a high of 18 degrees and a low of 9. However, a warm up is coming on Thursday with a high of 34.

Ohio snow emergencies: What does it mean when Franklin County is under a snow emergency?

Micah Walker is the Dispatch trending reporter. Reach her at mwalker@dispatch.com or 740-251-7199. Follow her on Twitter @micah_walker701.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Level 1 snow emergency declared in Franklin, Delaware counties