Ohio & Mahoning Valley - The frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall are expected to be hitting the valley over the weekend.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is recommending to avoid travel as much as possible. But if you have to drive on the roads, there are crews working around the clock to keep you safe.

“This weather is a serious danger for Ohioans all over the state,” said DeWine.

To fight back against the expected slick conditions, The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making sure all their equipment is stocked and ready.

This includes filling the trucks with salt, and making sure every truck is up and running.

Once on the roads, crews will focus on interstate routes first.

 “1500 trucks across, 12-hour shifts. That equates to about 3,000 employees working this event across 43,000 lane miles. And I want to emphasize the 43,000 lane miles, that's a lot, that's a lot of ground to cover out there. So again, be patient,” said Mitch Blackford, assistant director for ODOT.

If there is still snow left on the roads because of the heavy snowfall, Blackford said they will continue plowing the roads until the snow stops.

Another battle comes with the temperatures in the coming days. State agencies, such as the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, said people should avoid going outside for long periods of time. If there is a need to go outside, it’s important that you dress warmly.

“Also the extreme cold that we're looking at. It's cold today. It'll remain cold throughout the snow, and then beyond that, we're cold for the next foreseeable days after the snow exits the state of Ohio,” said Sima Merick, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

 The weather also becomes problematic for treating the roads. Once the temperatures reach a certain point, the salt on the ground stops working as efficiently.

“Especially at night when the temperatures drop, the salt doesn't work as good, so it's a little bit slower to work out there. So we'll continue to plow the roads overnight, salt, maybe some intersections that need attention as well, some lanes in the interstate out there,” said Blackford.

While treating the roads, Blackford said it's important for drivers to be aware of crews and to be mindful. He’s also asking everyone on the roads to slow down and drive cautiously.

Agencies also ask that before driving, to make sure you are carrying essentials in your vehicle. Having a clear windshield, working wipers and wiper fluid is also important.

In the event of a road emergency, drivers should dial 9-1-1 for emergency services or #-6-7-7 to reach OSP.

 

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