List of Counties Under Snow Emergencies

By Amanda Greenwood

Associate News Editor

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Several counties, including across Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, have been issued snow emergency warnings as a severe snowstorm hits the nation on Tuesday, December 2.

Why It Matters

The multistate snowstorm is likely to impact daily life, as schools close, commutes become dangerous, and emergency response systems come under increased pressure and strain.

What To Know

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At the time of publishing, the following five states have been affected: Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin, and below is a list of the counties within those states that have been particularly affected:

OhioHamilton and Warren counties are under Level 2 Snow Emergencies, meaning roads are hazardous and only essential travel is advised, according to The Cincinnati Inquirer. Several school districts, including Cincinnati public schools and Lakota local schools, are closed on Tuesday, and all University of Cincinnati campuses have been closed. Erie and Logan counties have received a Level 1 Snow Emergency warning, which means roadways are hazardous due to accumulated snow or ice.

Kentucky Kentin and Boone counties are also under a Level 1 emergency as of Tuesday morning.

IndianaWayne county was under a Level 1 Snow Emergency, with hazardous travel conditions reported, meteorologist Nick Dunn said on Monday.

New JerseyGovernor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties ahead of of the snowfall that was expected Tuesday

New YorkSnow emergencies were declared in Albany, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Berkshire counties, with parking bans and emergency rules in effect.

WisconsinOver the weekend, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Rock, Racine, and Kenosha counties had all declared snow emergencies from Saturday. Some were to help facilitate plowing operations.

Although snow emergency levels vary across different states, they are a way to communicate changing road hazards, and can be generalized as follows:

Level 1: Usually means that roads are hazardous due to snow and ice, and that drivers should exercise caution, but unnecessary travel is discouraged.
Level 2: Normally means that roads are hazardous, and drivers are warned to only travel if necessary. Workers are also advised to contact employers about reporting to work.
Level 3: This is generally considered to be the highest level of emergency, and means that roads are extremely hazardous, some roads may be closed (except to emergency vehicles and staff), and no one should be on the roads, unless absolutely necessary.

What People Are Saying

New Jersey Governor Murphy issued the following statement: “With snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain expected to impact travel and safety on our roads, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties. I urge all drivers in these areas to exercise caution, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”