Governor DeWine declares State of Emergency in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties
Dec. 5—Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation Tuesday afternoon declaring a state of emergency in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties in response to heavy accumulations of lake effect snow and forecasts of additional severe weather this week.
State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur and State Senator Sandra O'Brien sent letters to DeWine Monday, requesting a state declaration of emergency.
In addition to dangerous road conditions, multiple hazards are anticipated in the coming days, including snow squalls and wind gusts of more than 40 miles an hour with potential gales across Lake Erie, according to a press release.
"In addition to the support the state has already provided, we anticipate that more state resources will be necessary as the week progresses," DeWine said in the release. "This proclamation readies our state agencies to assist the impacted counties without delay."
Since heavy snowfall began last week, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been working to remove snow on state and local roadways throughout the region.
ODOT staff and heavy equipment from nearby counties that did not experience heavy snowfall were relocated to hardest hit areas to supplement local crews in clearing major streets and access to hospitals.
"[The] Ohio Department of Transportation has done a tremendous job responding to the immediate needs and requests from our Ashtabula EMA, county commissioners and local officials," Fowler Arthur said. "Thank you, Chief Bill Strubbe for your dedication to getting our northern Ashtabula communities through this snow emergency."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol also dedicated additional staff to respond to crashes on state roads, as well as to support local law enforcement with traffic crashes on local roads as needed.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency will continue to engage with the impacted counties to assess needs and offer assistance.
