Snowstorm closes schools, causes travel problems

The Highland County Press

Several area schools closed once again Monday, Feb. 3 as parts of Highland County received up to six inches of new snow overnight.

All public schools in Highland County were closed Monday, as was Southern State Community College.

With at least six inches of snow already on the ground in some areas, crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation - District 9 were continuing their efforts to combat snow and ice.

While the hardest hit areas have been in Adams, Brown, Jackson, Pike and Scioto counties, routes throughout the entire District 9 area are snow covered and may be icy in spots. In addition. Additional accumulation is expected, particularly in the southern corridor of the district.

Although snowplow operators from the eight-county region will be plowing and treating the state and federal routes, motorists need to use additional caution. Drivers are reminded to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and allow additional travel time. They are also reminded to give snowplow drivers room to work, as they drive at reduced speeds and their field of vision is limited.

For safe driving tips and statewide road condition information, visit ODOT on the web at www.Ohgo.com, and follow ODOT District 9 on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/ODOT_SouthOhioand Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ODOTDistrict9.

District 9 includes Adams, Brown, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross and Scioto counties.

• More snow, mixed with freezing rain, is in the forecast for Feb. 4-5. The National Weather Service predicts freezing rain and sleet after 5 p.m. Tuesday. This is expected to change to mostly freezing rain after 1 a.m. Wednesday, as temperatures dip to 29 degrees.

"A small shift in the path of the Feb. 4-5 storm system could bring drastically different precipitation types to any given location," the National Weather Service said.

Extended forecast

Wednesday – A chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of snow between 11 a.m. and 1 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 31.

Wednesday Night – Cloudy, with a low around 10.

Thursday – Partly sunny, with a high near 22.

Thursday Night – Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8.

Friday – Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28.

Friday Night – A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday – A chance of rain, snow, and sleet. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night – A chance of snow and sleet. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday – A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Chance of precipitation is 30%.