Level 3 snow emergencies — the highest designation issued under Ohio law — are rare in Logan County, according to Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds.
The most recent Level 3 snow emergency was in effect from about 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, until 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26. It marked the first countywide Level 3 since December 2016.
Sheriff Dodds said the last time Logan County experienced a Level 3 snow emergency, to the best of his knowledge, was during a winter storm on Dec. 17, 2016, when then-Sheriff Andrew Smith issued the declaration.
Sheriff Dodds was chief deputy when then-Sheriff Andrew Smith issued a Level 3, he said.
The December 2016 storm brought a combination of snow, freezing rain and sleet to the region. National Weather Service data from the period indicate Logan County recorded several inches of snow over Dec. 16–17, 2016, along with measurable ice accumulation, reported at approximately 0.12 inches — about the thickness of two stacked nickels — in parts of the area. The combination of snow, ice and cold temperatures created hazardous travel conditions and prompted the Level 3 declaration late that Saturday afternoon.
Under a Level 3 snow emergency, all roadways are considered closed to non-essential travel. Only emergency personnel and individuals who must travel for work are permitted on the roads, and violations may result in a citation.
Sheriff Dodds acknowledged that determining the precise timing of a Level 3 declaration will not please everyone and can cause confusion, including questions about enforcement and concerns that some residents may delay seeking emergency assistance.
He said conditions during the most recent Level 3 period remained relatively calm.
“It has been pretty quiet,” Dodds said, adding that he was not aware of any serious accidents or incidents during the Level 3 period.
As conditions improved and road crews made progress clearing routes, the Level 3 snow emergency was downgraded to a Level 2 Monday morning.
Officials continue to urge motorists to take snow emergency levels seriously, and, if they must drive, to continue to use extreme caution.
The county’s rural roads, open farmland and higher elevations can lead to rapid drifting and dangerous travel even after snowfall ends.
