Fairfield County Issues Level 2 Snow Emergency Amid Hazardous Conditions

LANCASTER — Fairfield County declared a level 2 snow emergency Sunday night as hazardous road conditions worsened due to blowing and drifting snow. The emergency, effective at 11:15 p.m., urges residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.

Roadways across the county are icy and treacherous, with officials warning motorists to exercise extreme caution. Employers are advised to contact their staff regarding work schedules, as travel remains dangerous. The National Weather Service predicts continued snowfall, with temperatures dropping to 17 degrees overnight and a low of 12 degrees expected Saturday.

Neighboring counties have also issued snow emergencies. Hocking County is under a level 3 emergency, the most severe, while Pickaway and Perry counties are at level 2. Licking and Franklin counties have declared level 1 emergencies, urging drivers to remain cautious.

Additional snowfall is expected Sunday, with a 50% chance of precipitation in the afternoon and a 100% chance at night. Forecasters predict 3 to 5 inches of snow, with temperatures remaining in the 20s throughout the day. Snow is likely to continue into Monday morning, with highs near 30 degrees and lows dropping to 12 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.