Ohio counties experience first Level 3 snow alert in years with 13 inches predicted

Significant portions of the United States have been immobilized this weekend due to heavy snowfall.

Meteorologists had cautioned that ‘catastrophic’ Storm Fern would cause widespread disruption, and Ohio has been particularly affected.

The storm delivered intense and sustained snowfall, with forecasts predicting six to 13 inches and reports of over nine inches in some locations, such as Franklin County in Columbus, as noted by the Hindustan Times.

Currently, 27 counties are experiencing an unprecedented Level 3 snow emergency warning. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has announced this weather alert due to ‘extremely hazardous conditions.’

“Roadways are closed to all non-emergency travel…. No one should be on the roadway unless it is absolutely essential…” the Office stated.

“Those operating vehicles on the roadway for non-emergency reasons may be subject to arrest.”

Images capturing the disorderly winter scenes have surfaced. In Franklin County, a photograph depicts what seems to be an abandoned lorry stranded on a snow-covered road.

In Granville, Licking County, some residents are taking advantage of the snow, as shown in a social media video of a person being pulled on a sleigh by a team of huskies.

In other parts of the United States, the winter storm has been connected to 14 fatalities across states including New York, Tennessee, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Kansas, and Texas, according to the BBC. The National Weather Service indicates that sub-zero temperatures will persist.

An Extreme Cold Warning is in place for large areas of Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania from 7 PM today until 11 AM Tuesday (January 27). Wind chills could plummet to minus 26 F (minus 32 C), making outdoor activities extremely risky.

Authorities caution that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes.

“Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside,” the service advised.

The frigid temperatures are the result of Arctic air that is expected to continue affecting the region throughout the week, keeping wind chills well below zero.

As of Monday morning (January 26), NBC4 reports the following counties are under a Level 2 snow warning, where drivers are advised to remain at home:

The publication also reports that the following counties remain under a Level 3 snow emergency: