OHIO — With a major storm on its way, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is encouraging drivers to avoid going out.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) said it’s preparing for a storm that could bring over a foot of snow. The department blowing and drifting snow could be an issue, particularly in northern Ohio.
In central Ohio, ODOT said freezing rain could be a challenge, especially given that the department cannot pretreat roads ahead of the storm.
“We are encouraging Ohioans to avoid any unnecessary trips during the storm to help give all of our road crews room to work,” said DeWine. “For those who must travel, please be safe and take it slow, giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.”
Although ODOT said it’s ready to deploy 1,698 plows, the department said that its goal is to maintain passable, not perfect, road conditions during the storm. ODOT plows all Ohio interstates except for the Turnpike. ODOT also plows state and U.S. routes that are not within municipalities.
“During winter storms, ODOT strives to keep roads passable to help ensure that emergency services and essential workers can safely reach their destinations,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “But even with our crews out in full force, roads will likely be snow and ice-covered, and it will take much longer to travel. Once the storm moves out, our crews will be able to make progress toward getting traffic moving at regular speed.”
ODOT also said that it’s prepared for possible flooding in southern Ohio. Officials are reminding motorists not to drive around high water barricades.
