OHIO — Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are holding a news conference Thursday morning to discuss preparations for a severe winter storm expected to impact Ohio this weekend.
State officials said the briefing will outline steps being taken to keep roadways as safe as possible and to prepare emergency response resources ahead of the storm’s arrival.
According to data released by ODOT, winter driving conditions have had serious consequences in recent months. During last winter season in Ohio, there were 15,647 crashes on roads covered with snow, ice, or slush. Those crashes resulted in 17 fatalities statewide.
ODOT said the number of winter weather-related deaths was nearly double the total from the previous winter and represents the highest number recorded over the past five years.
Officials continue to urge drivers to use caution during winter storms, slow down, and allow extra travel time when roads are impacted by snow and ice.
