Several counties declare snow emergencies
Weather service says 9.1 inches has fallen since start of new year
1/2/2014
Imagination Station facility worker Robert Rising snow blows the entrance of the science center during a snow storm in downtown Toledo. Because of the heavy snowfall, Imagination Station closed for the day.
The Blade/Lori King
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Robert Russian, left, and Joe Luna, right, make their way to Toledo-Lucas County Library's main library by walking down the middle of Madison Street.
Imagination Station facility worker Robert Rising snow blows the entrance of the science center during a snow storm in downtown Toledo. Because of the heavy snowfall, Imagination Station closed for the day.
Numerous traffic accidents were reported today on slick roadways across the Toledo area as snow continues to fall for the second day in a row.
According to the National Weather Service, 9.1 inches of snow has fallen at Toledo Express Airport since the start of the new year. The snow is expected to taper off this afternoon but will bring below zero temperatures overnight.
Ohio Highway Patrol said one person was injured today in an accident on I-280 south of State Rt. 795. A pickup truck and a box truck collided in a northbound lane of I-280 about 2 p.m. The injured person was transported to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for treatment. The accident backed-up traffic in the area for about 45 minutes but police said it should be cleared soon.
By mid-afternoon. at least four different accidents were reported at roughly the same time on I-475 between Airport Highway and Central Avenue.Ohio Department of Transportation officials were warning motorists today to be careful on area roadways, even on streets that appeared to be cleared. Pavement without snow covering it also can be slick, officials said.
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In Toledo, one wreck that is believed to have involved a tractor-trailer rig and a car about 12:30 p.m. initially backed up traffic on I-75 northbound near Stickney Avenue. No injuries were reported but traffic was moving slow in that area.
On many area roadways, motorists were driving in single lanes as additional lanes were impassable as they were snow covered.
Several major attractions — the Toledo Zoo, Herzig University, and Imagination Station — are closed for the day. The Lucas County Courthouse and the Lucas County Clerk of Courts will close at 3 p.m. today, while the Toledo Museum of Art will close at 4 p.m.
LEVEL ONE: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy and motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL TWO: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Residents should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
LEVEL THREE: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
At 1 p.m. Fulton County bumped up its snow emergency status from a level one to a level two, meaning roads are hazardous, may be icy, and only those who must travel should be traveling.
Henry, Seneca, Williams, and Wood counties remained at a level one status just after 1 p.m., while Defiance, Lucas, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties maintained level two status from earlier in the day.
The snowy conditions continued to cause other cancelations throughout the day. Bowling Green State University’s Firelands campus near Huron closed today because of the weather and canceled all events.
The Bowsher vs. Cardinal Stritch prep basketball game, scheduled for today, has been canceled.
All athletic practices scheduled for today for Springfield High School have been canceled.
The weather even caused the postponement of the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency’s executive board meeting today. It has been rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Courthouse Plaza Conference room in Wauseon.
Overnight, the Ohio Department of Transportation deployed more than 100 plow drivers in northwest Ohio. Because of the heavy snowfall, crews are working in 12-hour shifts.
In addition to the county weather advisories, several area towns, including Dundee, Oregon, Woodville. and Bowling Green, have declared snow emergencies that mean vehicles must be removed from roadways.