Lorain County Sheriff Jack M. Hall issued a winter storm warning Friday following a meeting with more than 50 community leaders to prepare for an anticipated winter storm expected this weekend.
The meeting, held January 23, resulted in the creation of a virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate response efforts across Lorain County. As part of the preparation, the sheriff announced a parking ban for all township highways, roads and streets. The ban is scheduled to go into effect at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 24, and will remain in place until further notice.
According to the sheriff’s office, government officials throughout the county will manage a coordinated response addressing road conditions, emergency shelter operations and critical communications for residents and motorists affected by the storm. Updates and official information will be centralized through the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and shared through individual community websites and social media outlets.
Officials also noted that Lorain County is experiencing a road salt shortage affecting most townships, villages and cities. While road crews will continue plowing operations, limited salt supplies will be mixed with brine and cinders and applied primarily to intersections, rail crossings and other critical areas. The sheriff’s office advised that road salt is not very effective in temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
If a Level 2 snow emergency is declared, Sheriff Hall recommends residents stay home and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. The sheriff stated the goal is to allow road crews to maintain roadways without unnecessary interference from motorists. The parking ban, according to the release, is intended to assist crews in clearing secondary roadways in townships.
In situations where extreme weather conditions require individual roadway closures, those closures will be coordinated through the virtual EOC by the sheriff and the Lorain County Emergency Management Agency. Information regarding road closures, power outages and public safety emergencies will be posted on the sheriff’s Facebook page.
If a Level 3 snow emergency is declared, all roadways in Lorain County, including those within municipalities, would be closed to non-emergency traffic. Only first responders and essential personnel would be permitted to travel roadways at their own risk. The sheriff’s office identified essential personnel as medical professionals, tow operators and individuals affiliated with critical businesses and government entities, including hospitals, urgent care facilities, gas stations, HVAC businesses, maintenance and service personnel, tree services, drug stores, grocery stores and air traffic control. A Level 3 snow emergency would also affect mail and delivery services.
The sheriff’s office warned that motorists who park on roadways during the parking ban or non-essential personnel who travel during a Level 3 snow emergency may be subject to citation or arrest. Violators could be charged with misconduct during an emergency by law enforcement officers. Municipal police officers may also issue citations under local ordinances for prohibited parking during an emergency snow parking ban.
Additional information regarding emergency snow levels and parking bans is available on the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office website.
About the Author
