Updated County Listings Show Broad Level 3 Coverage The Jan 25 update lists Richland and Scioto counties at Level 2, while Level 3 now includes more than thirty central Ohio counties such as Athens, Franklin, and Washington, leaving Level 1 empty [1]. The expanded Level 3 designation mandates closure of non‑emergency roadways and permits arrests for non‑essential travel [1]. Officials warn that the list may change as the storm evolves, urging residents to monitor real‑time alerts [1].

Three‑Tier System Defines Travel Restrictions Across the State Level 1 warns of hazardous roadways with blowing snow and ice, advising cautious driving [1][2]. Level 2 limits travel to essential trips, recommending workers contact employers before reporting to work [1][2]. Level 3 orders complete closure of non‑emergency routes, requiring employees to verify work status and allowing law‑enforcement arrests for violations [1][2]. County sheriffs hold the authority to declare these emergencies, enabling rapid public‑safety responses [2].

Multi‑Agency Coordination Required for Emergency Declarations Maj. Jim Sweat explains that declaring a snow emergency involves coordination among local emergency‑management officials, elected leaders, deputies, road departments, the state highway department, and county engineers [2]. This unified approach ensures consistent messaging and resource allocation during hazardous conditions [2]. Officials stress that limiting travel preserves emergency‑service capacity for genuine crises [2].

Dry Snow Forecast Reduces Ice Risk and Grid Impact Meteorologists anticipate primarily dry snow, which should limit ice accumulation on roads and reduce the likelihood of sleet [2]. The dry snow scenario is viewed as beneficial for the power grid, decreasing the chance of widespread outages [2]. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and adjust emergency levels as needed [2].