STORM TEAM 4: Snow Continues To Fall

CENTRAL OHIO -- Central Ohio is in the midst of its third winter storm in less than a week's time.

Click here for information on Central Ohio counties under snow emergencies and what those emergencies mean.

STORM TEAM 4 FORECAST
Almost all of Central Ohio remains under a winter storm warning until 6 or 10 a.m. Tuesday, depending on your area.

Storm Team 4's Jym Ganahl said Central Ohio is reporting totals in the 7 to 9 inch range.

As of 10:15 p.m., Ganahl said snow is lightening up in Central Ohio.

Snow picks up again tomorrow, with another 1 to 3 inches of snow expected with windy conditions and low visibility.

He said Columbus residents should expect 10 inches total and as much as 12 inches in a few outlying areas.

The snow continues to be light and fluffy -- with less water content.

Winds start to increase tonight as the low near Portsmouth tracks toward Pittsburgh.

Motorists should expect ZERO visibilities tonight.

There will be blowing and drifting with lows around 15 degrees.

Tuesday’s snow actually picks up again in the afternoon; there will be a period of lighter snow in the morning.

Ganahl said the coming weekend storm looks to be a little lighter – 1- to 4-inch event.

Ganahl said he has had more than 50 inches of snow at his home this winter.

He also said this was the month's eighth day in a winter storm warning.

TRAFFIC UPDATE
Authorities closed southbound lanes of Interstate 71 because of multiple crashes. The closing is at S.R. 61. Authorities said there are multiple crashes between U.S. 36 and S.R. 61. One lane of traffic was reopened at about 9 p.m.

Previous reports indicated the roadway was not closed but restricted because vehicles were not able to move due to traffic.

The southbound lanes of U.S. 23 were closed Monday morning after a three-vehicle crash at mile marker 14 in front of the Ohio State Highway Patrol CPD scales.

COTA UPDATE
Many buses with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) are running an average of 20-25 minutes behind schedule Monday because of the severe weather, according to COTA.

COTA customers should expect delays and plan accordingly.

A reminder to Franklin County residents: when the county is under a level 2 or level 3 snow emergency, COTA provides free service.

ODOT UPDATE
A new shift of ODOT crews went on duty Monday afternoon. Crews are plowing interstates, U.S. and state routes, ramps and bridges.

Since snow fall is heavy in many counties, roadways remained snow-covered.

ODOT said 128 plow operators will work 12-hour shifts in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties.

While the snow continues to fall, ODOT's efforts will be focused on plowing more so than salting.

COLUMBUS SNOW WARRIORS UPDATE
Rick Tilton, Columbus assistant director of public service, said the city currently has 56 trucks and three tractors out plowing and salting freeways such as state Route 315 as well as arterials such as High Street.

Plows will be working in tandem, meaning crews are plowing side-by-side, Tilton said.

Tilton said residents should park in driveways. Crews have to put the snow somewhere, and drivers parked on the street may be plowed in.

Tilton gave these snow-route priorities:
- Priority 1 - Freeway system (Portions of state routes 315, 33 and 104. ODOT is responsible for I-71, I-70, I-670 and I-270)
- Priority 2 - Arterial streets (Examples: High Street, Broad Street, Morse Road)
- Priority 3 - Collector residential streets (Examples: Oakland Park Avenue, Courtright Road, Hague Avenue, Weber Road)
- Priority 4 - Residential streets (Plowed only after 4 inches of snow are on the ground and after freeways, arterials and collector residential streets have been plowed and treated)

When the city does plow residential streets:
- The goal is to make residential streets passable.
- Plow trucks do not plow down to bare pavement on residential streets.
- Residential streets typically are not plowed the entire curb-to-curb width.
- On cul-de-sacs, plow trucks plow enough of the cul-de-sac “bulb” allow vehicles to turn around, rather than go right to the cul-de-sac bulb curb.

Residents can call 311 or 614-645-3111 to find out where their street falls in the below priorities.

Tilton said the snow warriors use different treatments for streets depending on the conditions:
- Salt, calcium chloride: Melts snow and ice under most conditions. Salt loses its effectiveness in extremely low temperatures, especially on lightly traveled streets.
- Brine (a mix of salt and water): Pavement is pre-treated with brine prior to a storm. Brine helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement.
- Rock salt or salt mixed with calcium chloride: Applied to road with highest traffic volumes and highest speeds during and after snow falls.

Tilton said you can help by, when possible, parking vehicles in driveways or parking lots and off streets to give plow trucks room to plow; checking on senior citizens, shut-ins and other neighbors with mobility impairments; whether a home or business, shovel your sidewalk, driveway apron and any wheelchair ramps in front of your home or business; pile snow in yards; never shovel snow into the street or sidewalks; and apply salt, sand or cat litter to icy steps and paths.

COLD-WEATHER TIPS FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY DOG SHELTER
Franklin County Animal Care and Control recommended taking extra precautions to protect your pet in frigid weather:

- Keep your pets inside. Whenever temperatures dip below freezing, pets should be kept indoors except for brief trips outside when nature calls. This is particularly true with older dogs, puppies or animals that are sick.
- Wipe your pet’s paws to remove ice from the pads and any salt or chemicals used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways. If you do plan to walk your dog, or spend time exercising him outside, consider buying him a sweater or doggie coat to help retain body heat and boots to protect his feet from the ice and snow.
- Even with special insulation, doghouses provide little protection from sub-zero temperatures or wind chills.
- Bring outside pets inside to a garage or basement if possible. Keep outside pets safely confined in a crate or kennel to avoid them getting into dangerous chemicals used to melt snow, ice or antifreeze, which can be fatal.
- Provide extra bedding and insulation. Any pets that do stay outside in extremely cold weather need extra insulation. Raise the doghouse off the ground, and face the door away from the wind. Add straw and blankets inside and a door flap to keep the inside warmer. Local groups make doghouses and straw available to those who need them.

COLUMBUS POLICE HAZARDOUS WEATHER REMINDERS
Before you leave:
- Wake up early.
- Listen to the radio and television for updates on the weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Advise someone of your travel plans so they know when to expect your return.
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended while it is warming up. Thieves are always looking for an easy target, not to mention you could be issued a ticket.
- Leave early, and don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Think about alternate routes to avoid traffic problems.
- Pack a blanket and extra clothes in case you become stranded.
- Carry a cell phone and make sure it is charged.
- Pack a shovel, sand or kitty litter to aid in getting out of snow drifts or ice patches.

Ensure your vehicle is safe to drive:
- Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, and make sure your windshield is clear of frost and snow.
- Travel with at least a half of a tank of gas in case you become stranded or stuck in traffic.
- Make sure your tires have adequate tread to drive through heavy snow and ice.
- Check your windshield-washer fluid levels and carry extra in your vehicle.
- Have a qualified mechanic check your brakes and exhaust system.
- Make sure headlights, taillights and turn signals work so other drivers can see you.

While you are out:
- Allow for extra stopping distance between you and other vehicles.
- Don’t make sudden stops or erratic turns.
- If you become involved in an accident check for injuries. Call medical personnel and the police if anyone is injured.
- If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be safely driven from the roadway, move to a safe area, off of the traveled part of the roadway, and call police. (Columbus Police 614-645-4545)
- Exchange information with the other driver and file a police report as soon as practical if accident response restrictions are in place.

Pedestrians:
- Avoid walking in the street.
- Wear reflective tape or clothing so approaching vehicles can see you from a distance.
- Cross the roadway at marked crosswalks and intersections.

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE RED CROSS
The Red Cross recommends that people follow these safety tips during the storm:
- Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
- Use generators correctly. Never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
- Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm, and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
- If you must go outside: Wear layered, lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
- After the storm, be careful if you have to shovel snow. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering, or you have symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.

Get more information at http://www.redcross.org.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video