01/28/2026
Lawrence County, Ohio has been reduced to a Level 1 Snow Emergency.
There are a lot of roads and streets that are still ice and snow covered, and will remain so for several more days until the temperature rises above freezing for long periods of time. So, if you must be out driving, please use extreme caution.
The guidelines are as follows:
Level 1 – Roadway Advisory: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roadways are also icy. Drive very cautiously.
Level 2 – Roadway Warning: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3 – Roadway Emergency: All Township, County, State and Municipal roadways are CLOSED to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.
There were some people who complained about not being on a Level 3. Well, the storm never produced what it was first predicted to do. On Sunday we had mostly rain and the State and County Road officials were able to keep the main roads in decent shape and travelable. Certainly, once the temperatures dropped, the slush froze on the roads that were not treated. However, by this time, even untreated roads could be managed if YOU used caution and felt comfortable doing so. Some people want a Level 3 to be called so they do not have to go to work. Well, that is not what Snow Emergency Levels are for. They are used for citizens and businesses to make educated decisions on whether YOU feel safe to drive. A Level 3 should only be used when conditions are at an extreme, and State and local officials cannot maintain the roads to a safe level.
Snowplow drivers, firemen, doctors, nurses, utility workers, dispatchers, corrections officers, law enforcement officers, and many others must go to work regardless of the weather. If they can travel to work, then others can as well if they choose to do so. It is not my job to get you a day off of work; it is up to the business to decide whether they want to close or not. Calling a Level 3 could cost businesses and employees significant financial losses that affect commerce in our area. Now, that is not a deciding factor, but it must be taken into consideration by any Sheriff. I believe we are free Americans and should be able to choose, whenever possible, when to travel without the threat of arrest.
Please continue to use extreme caution if you must get out. Even walking to your car could pose a risk with our icy conditions. Drive slow and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any vehicle around you. Intersections could be very slick so give yourself plenty of stopping distance.
Stay Safe!
Sheriff Jeff Lawless
