Sheriff’s offices and departments collaborate with county emergency managers to determine whether current conditions with the weather and roadways constitute issuing a snow emergency level. Since 1994, county sheriffs have had the authority to issue snow emergencies, using guidelines given by the state.

With the impacts of the winter storm, officials have issued snow and travel advisories around Greater Cincinnati.LIVE RADAR // LATEST WEATHER ALERTS // LATEST FORECAST Ohio and Kentucky use a system of snow emergencies that range between levels one and three.

Ohio counties have issued snow emergencies Sunday as a large winter storm brings heavy snow showers to the state throughout the afternoon and overnight. A snowstorm that developed in southern Ohio arrived in central Ohio Sunday afternoon and is expected to bring between 4 and 6 inches in the greater Columbus

Under Ohio Law, sheriffs monitor snow conditions and declare snow emergencies when it has been determined that the use of highways and roadways by motorists is a threat to maintaining public peace. Cities, villages and townships can also declare snow emergencies, requiring cars to be moved off streets.

There are three levels and each one requires different responses from drivers. Parking restrictions can also be put in place.

Ross County is under a level 3 snow emergency which means that roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel and that no travel should be happening unless absolutely necessary. Moving the county to level 3 is not something Sheriff George Lavender takes lightly.