Central Ohio Begins To Dig Out After Winter Storm

CENTRAL OHIO -- Central Ohioans began digging out Friday, but the wind and frigid temperatures could add to the mess with blowing and drifting snow and refreeze.

NBC 4 and Storm Team 4 reported with the latest forecast and information on road conditions.

ROAD CONDITIONS & ROAD CREWS
Columbus' freeways were clear of snow at noon. Freeway entrances and exits still could be tricky or snow-covered.

Most of the city's main streets and roads were clear, safe and passable. Most side streets remain snow-covered.

ODOT told NBC 4 it has 77 crews throughout Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties that will be plowing back shoulders, ramps and bridges. After 11:30 p.m., the number of crews in the eight-county region will be 44. The number could be even less depending on clean-up and blowing snow in Marion, Morrow and Delaware counties.

Saturday, ODOT will bring in crews if necessary depending on the work effort overnight and blowing snow.

ODOT reminded drivers, "don’t crowd the plow" and pass with caution when you see a snow plow.

City of Columbus road crews made a second pass on the city's arterials Friday morning.

Falling snow may require a third pass, according to Rick Tilton with the Department of Public Service.

The city has between 64 to 74 plows and vehicles operating on the city's streets.

The department's next move was dependent on whether there is more snowfall.

Tilton said the blowing snow led to plowing problems.

He suggested drivers stay 100 feet behind the plows.

Brockman said city of Columbus crews likely would not be concentrating on side streets immediately. The policy for side-street plowing includes four inches of snow and completion of the plowing of main streets.

FROM STORM TEAM 4's BEN GELBER

Storm Team 4's Ben Gelber reported from counties to the north Friday.

Gelber said about three to four inches blanketed the city, but the snow was more than five inches to the north.

The powdery snow is blowing and drifting in the gusty winds that dropped the wind chills below zero.

In Logan and Union counties, heavy drifting complicated the road crews' jobs.

Plows revisited country roads in an attempt to clear the snow.

Gelber said main roads were in fairly good shape, but secondary and rural roadways were snow-covered and slippery.

He said motorists generally are driving at normal speeds, and that's not ideal.

He said although crews have done a good job, looks can be deceiving.

The slush the liquid calcium chloride is creating can refreeze quickly at these low temperatures.

He said roads generally are passable but there is blowing snow.

GELBER ON FROSTBITE
Gelber said frostbite also is an issue today.

Even a 10- to 15-minute period outside can result in frostnip or full-blown frostbite with uncovered extremities.

“If a patient or a person becomes confused when they’re in the cold, that is an emergency and you need to call 911," Dr. Diane Gorgas, of The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Early signs of frostnip include numbness or tingling, which is when doctors advise going inside immediately and running cold hands under warm, but not hot water.

“What I would be concerned about is if the fingertips actually turned white or pale and there is not good blood flow when I press down on them, they don’t pink up immediately after I release just a gentle squeeze on them," Gorgas said. “Wetness is the enemy as well as just the cold.“
“Layers of clothing (are) very important. The more layers, the more insulation, the dead air spaces you have, the warmer you’ll be," Thompson said.

Gelber suggest throwing an extra blanket in your vehicle before starting on any road trip.

UPDATED FORECAST FROM STORM TEAM 4

Blowing/drifting snow is going to be a problem outside of the city, on rural roads and unincorporated roads and especially north-south roads.

Columbus had about 4.1 inches of snow Friday morning. There was 4.5 inches in Westerville, 5.5 inches in Chillicothe and 5.5 inches in Coshocton.

The light snow and flurries will taper off overnight.

Friday night's forecast includes cloudy skies, cold winds, a few flurries and a low of 8 degrees.

Saturday's forecast includes mostly cloudy skies, scattered flurries and a high of 23 degrees.

He also forecasted scattered snow flurries and frigid winds through the weekend.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS FROM COLUMBUS POLICE

The Columbus Division of Police reminded drivers of the following safety tips:

Before You Go:
- Wake up early when indications of bad weather are predicted.
- 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.

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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