New Snow Emergency Process

The Lorain County Sheriff is updating how snow emergencies are declared to better reflect the size of our county and the reality that winter weather does not impact all areas the same. Snow emergencies will now be area-specific, not countywide. The traditional three snow emergency levels will be replaced with two clearly defined winter weather notifications: Snow Emergency Advisory and Travel Ban.

Moving forward, the Sheriff will no longer declare “Level” Snow Emergencies which affect the entire county as one. Instead, snow emergencies and roadway closures will be issued when conditions only affect certain locations with the collaboration of County Commissioners, Township Trustees, Mayors and Managers. During significant winter weather events, the Sheriff will activate a Virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinate directly with local leaders, road crews, law enforcement, and weather data.

If winter weather begins impacting a specific city, township, or area, the Sheriff will work directly with that area’s Mayor, Manager, or Trustee to assess conditions and determine appropriate action.

This approach ensures:

  • Decisions are localized

  • Road conditions are accurately assessed

  • Public safety actions are timely and appropriate

  • Residents receive clear, accurate guidance

Lorain County Snow Emergency Advisory

What This Means

A Snow Emergency Advisory is issued when winter weather is beginning to significantly impact a specific area of Lorain County.

At this stage:

  • Snow and road conditions are deteriorating
  • Local leadership and the Sheriff are actively coordinating
  • Residents should use caution, limit travel when possible, and monitor updates
  • Emergency services and road crews are preparing for worsening conditions

This advisory serves as an early warning to help residents make safe decisions before conditions become dangerous.

Lorain County Travel Ban

What This Means

A Travel Ban is issued when road conditions in a specific area have become dangerous or unsafe for travel.

At this stage:

  • All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel in specific areas or the county
  • Travel is strongly discouraged and should only occur for true personal emergencies
  • Individuals traveling during a Travel Ban may be subject to arrest
  • The restriction remains in effect until conditions improve and it is lifted by the Sheriff

Travel Bans are used only when necessary to protect lives and allow emergency responders and road crews to operate safely.