Several Inches of Snow Dumped On Southern Ohio in First 2025 Fall/Winter Storm

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UPDATED 5pm 12/14/25*
(Southern Ohio) – Most area counties applied Level 3 Snow Emergencies for Saturday night into Sunday morning after several inches of snow fell over southern Ohio.

Dozens of community events, church services and school sporting events were postponed or cancelled Saturday and Sunday in order to keep people off the roads for safely and allowing road crews to clear snow from the roadways.

Most area schools are closing for Monday as well, due to extremely cold temperatures in the single digits in the morning, which could cause refreezing of area roads.

*ORIGINAL STORY*
(Chillicothe)- Ross County officials, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT-District 9) and local county and township authorities, have issued a severe winter weather alert due to the impending forecast of significant snow and ice accumulation.

Current forecasts from the National Weather Service Wilmington OH office indicate that life-threatening, severe winter conditions will begin within the next 24 hours, making travel dangerous. Four to six inches of snow is expected for Ross County Saturday and Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning by NWS has been issued for 1pm Saturday 12/13/25 through 7am Sunday 12/14/25.

The primary goal of all road crews is to ensure roads are passable, not perfect, and drivers must adjust their behavior to match the conditions.

Road Crew Preparations and Operations

State, county, and township road crews are prepared and will be fully mobilized when needed for the incoming weather event.

• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT): Statewide, ODOT will deploy crews to treat and plow all state and U.S. routes, as well as interstates. Mechanics have performed 150-point checks on nearly 1,700 trucks, ensuring readiness. Crews have over 800,000 tons of salt on hand. The target is to have primary routes up to speed within two hours of a snow event ending, and secondary routes within four hours. Real-time traffic information is available on the OHGO website and mobile application.
• Ross County Engineer’s Office: County crews will utilize heavy-duty dump trucks equipped with plows, salt spreaders, and liquid de-icing units to tackle snow and ice on county roads.
• Township Road Departments: Local township crews are also preparing their equipment. They advise that snowfalls of less than two inches will primarily be treated with de-icing salt or cinders, while larger accumulations will require plowing.
• Motorists are reminded to “Don’t Crowd the Plow”; give snowplows at least 200 feet of space to work effectively and be aware of “snow clouds” that can temporarily limit visibility.
• Snow Emergency Levels
• The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has the authority to declare a snow emergency level based on road conditions:
• Level 1 Snow Alert: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. Motorists should use caution.
• Level 2 Snow Advisory: Roadways are very hazardous. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
• Level 3 Snow Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving unless absolutely necessary, and violators may be subject to arrest.
• Check the current snow emergency level on the Ross County Sheriff’s Office website or stay tuned to local media for updates.
• Safe Driving Tips
• Ross County law enforcement officials and the Emergency Management Agency urge all drivers to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions. If travel is unavoidable, please follow these essential safety tips:
• Slow Down: The posted speed limit is for ideal conditions, not snowy or icy roads.
• Increase Following Distance: It takes significantly longer to stop on slick pavement. Maintain a distance of five to eight seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to maintain traction. Do not slam on your brakes; if you have anti-lock brakes, press down firmly and hold.
• Do Not Use Cruise Control: Avoid using cruise control in slippery conditions, as it can cause loss of control if your vehicle starts to skid.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winterized with proper tire pressure, good tread, full fluids (especially washer fluid and antifreeze), and working lights/wipers. Keep your gas tank close to full.
• Pack a Winter Emergency Kit: Stock your vehicle with items such as an ice scraper, blankets, jumper cables, flares, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a phone charger, and sand or cat litter for traction.
• Plan Ahead: Check weather and road conditions using the OHGO map before leaving. Leave early and allow plenty of extra time for your commute.

Safety is a shared responsibility. By taking precautions, preparing vehicles, and adjusting driving habits, residents can help ensure a safer winter season for everyone on the road.