News
Update: Athens County Reduced to Level 2 Snow Emergency
By: Associated Press, Atish Baidya
Posted on:
Update 1/23/16 @ 2:00 p.m.
Athens County is now at a level 2 snow emergency.
Update 1/23/16 @ 12:40 p.m.
Athens County is still under a level 3 snow emergency. According to press release from the Athens County Emergency Management agency road crews are experiencing difficulties because of abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on county or township roads could be towed.
The snow emergency level in Vinton County has been lowered to a level 2.
Update 1/23/16 @ 10:00 a.m.
Athens County is under a level 3 snow emergency. All roads are closed to non-emergency personnel unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or if a personal emergency exists.
Much of the region is under a winter weather warning until 7 p.m. Saturday.
The level 3 snow emergency prompted the closure of Ohio University’s Athens campus this morning. All classes and activities are canceled for the day.
Update 3:19 p.m.
Athens County is under a level two snow emergency as a major winter storm move through the mid-Atlantic region Friday and Saturday.
The winter weather prompted Hocking College to cancel classes and events Saturday and Sunday. Ohio University Chillicothe canceled classes starting at 5 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – With a major winter storm possible in some areas this weekend, state officials are urging Ohioans to be prepared in case of potential power outages or snowed-in conditions.
Ohio’s Department of Aging is urging precautions for older people who could be at increased risk during winter storms. Authorities suggest having an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, food and water and other items. They advise having backup supplies of medications, too, and spare batteries or other backup power options for medical equipment and assistive devices.
They also ask people to check on elderly neighbors and relatives to be sure they’re safe, in a warm place and have emergency contact information.
The state fire marshal is reminding people to take safety precautions when using space heaters and generators.