Communities ready to combat winter storm

SANDUSKY — They're hoping for the best but preparing for the worst as it pertains to this weekend's arctic-like snowstorm. On Friday, pertaining to this weekend, the National Weather Service's Cleveland office issued winter storm watches and warnings for areas of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky counties along with neighboring areas. "A major winter storm will impact a large portion of the country this weekend, including northern Ohio," the service reported, noting anywhere from 6 to 10 inches of snowfall could blanket the region Saturday night into Sunday. This pairs with temperatures, when factoring in wind chill, dropping to as low as minus 26 degrees. "Areawide hazardous travel conditions are expected," the service noted. "Greatest impacts are expected on Sunday when travel conditions could be treacherous. People should consider delaying travel." In response, leaders of local and state governments overseeing snowplow and street maintenance operations have been anticipating this storm. They've spent the past few days stockpiling materials, souping up vehicles and strategizing with their crews to best deploy all resources available in hopes of providing safe roads. Here's a look at the blueprint for how the area's biggest communities and major entities overseeing area roads plan to combat the snowstorm mixed with brutal cold weather: Sandusky Sandusky's government issued several items of public importance as it relates to the snowstorm. For starters, the local government issued a citywide on-street parking ban going into effect at 6 p.m. Saturday and lasting through at least Monday morning. Officials then clued residents in on its snow removal process and why a parking ban is necessary. "The goal is to keep roads safe and passable for emergency services and residents," the statement read, noting crews first clear designated emergency snow streets and major corridors, followed by residential and side streets once main routes are under control or the storm ends. "When weather conditions allow, crews pre-treat streets with brine ahead of a storm to reduce the buildup of snow and ice," the statement read. "During heavy snowfall or blowing snow, streets may still become snow-covered." Cars not clogging up the streets greatly helps achieve this process, officials said. With a parking ban, "The city's goal is voluntary compliance, and residents are encouraged to move vehicles ahead of the storm," the statement read. "Vehicles left on emergency snow streets during the parking ban may be ticketed or towed so crews can safely clear snow." People can receive updates on the parking ban by visiting cityofsandusky.com/snow or following its Facebook page. "The city will announce when the parking ban has been lifted." Among some other notes of interest: • Salt supply: "While some communities are currently experiencing salt shortages, the city of Sandusky is not experiencing a salt shortage at this time. Crews have adequate salt on hand and will continue to monitor usage throughout the storm." • How to help: "Residents can help crews work more safely and efficiently by following these guidelines: — Keep trash and recycling carts out of the street — Remove parked vehicles from emergency snow streets ahead of storms — Give plow trucks room to work and avoid following too closely — Limit travel during heavy snowfall when possible — Do not shovel, blow or plow snow into the street — Keep fire hydrants clear if one is near your property — Allow extra time for plows to reach residential streets during long or heavy storms" • Residents' responsibilities: "Property owners are reminded that sidewalks and curb ramps must be cleared within four hours after daylight following a snowfall. Ice must also be removed or treated. Many residents rely on walking and transit, and clear sidewalks are essential for safe travel. Residents are encouraged to help neighbors who may not be able to clear their sidewalks." • Public transit: "Sandusky Transit service will shut down if conditions reach a Level 3 snow emergency. Riders should follow Sandusky Transit on social media or visit sanduskytransit.com for service updates." • Water system status: After the city's water plant, known as Big Island Water Works, experienced major issues with receiving water this past week — which has since been addressed and fixed — officials stressed how the "system is currently operating normally." Crews are still monitoring the situation and overseeing extra efforts, which include installing more pipes and pumps to help maintain a constant water flow during difficult winter conditions. If any issues arise, the city will communicate updates promptly. • Protect pipes: "During extreme cold, water lines inside and outside homes can freeze quickly. Frozen pipes can burst and cause costly damage. Residents are encouraged to take the following steps: — Keep thermostats set to at least 55 degrees even when away — Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages and unheated areas — Let a cold-water faucet drip during extreme cold, especially for pipes along exterior walls — Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to reach plumbing — Know where the main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts" • Warming center welcomes all: The city's warming center will be open at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1920 Eddy Henry Way, through Monday morning. The warming center opens nightly at 7 p.m., letting people stay there through 7 a.m. the next day. Additional winter weather information, including snow removal details, parking bans, sidewalk requirements, and safety tips, is available at cityofsandusky.com/snow. Erie County All this week, ahead of this weekend's snowstorm, those reporting to the Erie County engineer's office have worked around the clock to prep for what's coming. "Mechanics have our equipment ready, and our snow crews are prepared," said county engineer Eric Dodrill, adding that his office has "a sufficient salt supply on hand." Salt, however, has much less effect below 15 degrees, and with expected temperatures over the next several days, drivers need to remain aware of road conditions, allow extra time for travel and reduce speeds, Dodrill said. "We are asking travelers for cooperation and patience as crews work to maintain our county roadways by staying off the roads, if possible, allowing our plow drivers to work safely and efficiently," Dodrill said. People can receive updates by searching for "Erie County Engineer's Office" on Facebook. Perkins Township Brad Link, the township's public works director, provided the following updates on Friday as it relates to operating snowplows and keeping local roads safe for drivers: • "The township has a stockpile of approximately 800 tons of salt." • "Our public works crew and mechanic pre-trip all our trucks that includes making sure all fluids and fuel are full and that the trucks are set to operate safely and efficiently." • Public works staff "will apply brine to the main roads and intersections — and neighborhoods, as time allows — that will help with the snow and ice control once the weather event begins. Brine is a salt and water solution that helps prevent snow and ice from sticking to the roads. This makes plowing more effective and saves on rock salt usage." • "Public works staff will also begin working in 12-hour shifts at the beginning of the weather event and continue that schedule until the roads are cleared." Link then made a plea with people passing through the township this weekend. "We ask that anyone traveling on township roads during any winter weather event to please use caution and allow the plow truck drivers plenty of space to work safely," Link said. The police department is also asking residents, including those who live in a cul-de-sac, to remove all cars from the street by late Saturday. People can visit facebook.com/perkinstownship for updates. Huron Huron's government emphasized how its staff "will be working hard to keep the city streets and roadways as clear as possible." "As many know, there is a road salt shortage in northeast Ohio, so staff will be dropping salt conservatively until salt supplies are available again," the city wrote. "Road salt is not effective at the expected temperatures moving into next week." Additionally, a snow parking ban will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday and will likely remain in place through Monday morning. "Enforcing a snow parking ban enables the snowplows to plow and clean the streets efficiently and safely as well as providing access for emergency services if needed," the post read. "Please allow extra travel time and use caution when driving," the post read, noting people can receive updates at facebook.com/cityofhuronohio. Vermilion Vermilion Mayor Russ Owens declared a snow emergency to begin at 6 a.m. Sunday. This triggers a parking ban, which will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. "The snow emergency prohibits the parking of any vehicle upon any or all of the city," according to a statement from the police department. "During such emergency, no person shall park or cause or permit to be parked or abandon or leave unattended any vehicle of any kind upon such public streets." People can visit facebook.com/vermilionpolice for updates. Norwalk Norwalk officials made several announcements pertaining to the impending snowstorm: • Norwalk City Hall will be closed until noon Monday. It's normally closed on the weekends. • Norwalk's parks and recreation department will close on Sunday and won't reopen until noon on Monday. • There will be no trash or recyclable collection on Monday. "To accommodate this change, both Monday's and Tuesday's collection routes will be collected on Tuesday as a double route." "These adjustments are being made to ensure the safety of city employees and residents as crews respond to winter weather conditions," according to a city statement. "Residents are encouraged to monitor city communications for updates and to use caution while traveling during the storm." And, in preparation of the snowstorm, a citywide parking ban will go into effect at 7 p.m. on Saturday. "Municipal parking lots will remain open," the statement read."Those needing to park in the uptown district are encouraged to use the municipal parking lots so city crews can safely and efficiently keep main roadways clear." The parking ban will remain in effect until snowplowing operations end. People can visit facebook.com/norwalkoh for updates. Huron County The Huron County Emergency Management Agency announced that Huron County offices will open later than normal on Monday. They'll be on a four-hour delay. "If an incident arises during this time warranting emergency management notification and/or response, please contact the Huron County Sheriff's Office at 419-663-2828," the release states. Port Clinton This past week, Port Clinton's government issued a public service reminder about how to prevent freezing pipes. "Run your water a pencil lead width at your faucets," the statement read. "This may prevent broken pipes and loss of water. This will not affect your water bill." People can visit facebook.com/portclintonoh for updates. Fremont Ken Frost, the city's safety service director, noted how Fremont's crews "will be out before, during and after the storm, working to keep roads as safe and passable as conditions allow." It's likely the city will declare a snow emergency "to ensure safe travel and give our plows the space they need to operate," Frost said. "When a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on designated snow emergency streets." What does this mean exactly? "We're asking residents to avoid parking on any city street during the storm if possible," Frost said. "It makes a big difference for our plow crews, and it helps everyone get moving again sooner. We also understand that some households rely on street parking. If that's your situation, please make alternative arrangements where you can." The city's goal centers on cooperation, not citations, Frost said. "Enforcement on snow emergency streets would only occur if absolutely necessary for safety or access," Frost said. "We'd much rather work together than write tickets. Your help allows our crews to work more efficiently and safely. The sooner we can clear the streets, the sooner we can all get back to normal — or at least as normal as Ohio weather allows this time of year." People can visit facebook.com/fremontoh for updates. Ohio Department of Transportation State transportation officials warned people that traveling will get difficult beginning Saturday night, so drivers should "plan accordingly." Beginning midday Friday, the state dispatched "crews out across the state, pretreating and ensuring our equipment is prepared," the department noted. "You can stay prepared by planning ahead and giving us room to work. Let us do the driving this weekend. Be safe and smart out there, snow should not be a surprise for Ohio drivers." People can visit facebook.com/ohiodepartmentoftransportation for updates. Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission The turnpike advises people to avoid travel if adverse weather conditions persist as predicted. "If you must drive on the Ohio Turnpike or elsewhere, please adjust for the conditions to allow for extra time to reach your destination safely," according to the turnpike, which works with the Ohio Department of Transportation to ensure plowed roads. People can visit facebook.com/ohioturnpike for updates.