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Winter Weather Causing Accidents In Northern Ohio, Southern Part Of The State Bracing For Snow
By: Associated Press
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Authorities in northern Ohio say two people have been killed and a trooper seriously injured in crashes involving at least 50 vehicles on the Ohio Turnpike.
Pileups in the snow stretched across a two-mile section in the eastbound lanes of the toll road Wednesday afternoon midway between Toledo and Cleveland.
The State Highway Patrol says a trooper responding to one accident suffered serious injuries when he was pinned between two vehicles.
Another series of pileups about 10 miles to the east shut down the turnpike's westbound lanes near Sandusky.
Authorities are warning drivers to stay off the turnpike in Erie and Sandusky counties because of crashes brought on by heavy and blowing snow.
The patrol says emergency workers are having a difficult time responding because of the conditions and backups.
In the southeastern part of the state, rain has caused flooding on several roadways, shutting down parts of State Routes 56 and 356 around the New Marshfield area.
Officials are bracing for the rain to turn over to snow Wednesday evening.
According to a spokesman from Ohio Department of Transportation District 10, 116 snowplows are out plowing and treating the roads in that district. ODOT advises motorists to slow down and use caution on the roads. Crews will continue to work 12 hour shifts until the storm passes.