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UPDATE: As of 1:07 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office has cancelled all snow levels.

UPDATE: As of 5:07 this morning Crawford County was on a Level 1 Snow Emergency. Stay tuned to WQEL and WBCO for the latest cancellations and delays, or go online to www.crawfordcountynow.com.

With the forecast predicting several inches of snowfall over the next couple of days, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists to pre-plan for winter driving. Sheriff Scott Kent offers the following winter driving tips:

  • Clear snow and ice from your windows, headlights and tail lights prior to driving.
  • Check the weather and road conditions and allow plenty of time, so you don’t have to rush to your destination.
  • Keep your vehicle equipped with a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares or battery operated markers.
  • Make sure your cell phone is charged.
  • Make sure you have blankets and thick outwear in the vehicle in case, you would get stranded or have to walk to find assistance, and never leave your child unattended in the vehicle.
  • Drive slowly and increase your distance to traffic in front of you. It takes longer to stop on snow covered surfaces.

For additional tips for safe winter driving, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov.

The Sheriff’s Office will monitor roadways during snow storms and issue snow emergencies appropriately. These levels refer to Crawford County rural roads unless otherwise indicated on the release.

Snow Emergency Levels

Level 1 Snow Alert – Rural roadways are hazardous, drive cautiously.

Level 2 Snow Advisory – Rural roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, roadways are also icy. 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 Snow Emergency – All rural 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 rural roadways without just cause may subject themselves to arrest. (Excludes employees reporting to and from work or for emergency situations.)