Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statewide emergency proclamation as Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring heavy snow, bitter cold, and dangerous travel conditions to parts of Ohio this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, some areas could see up to 12 inches of snow, with frigid temperatures before, during, and after the storm. Officials warn that roads may quickly become treacherous, especially in rural and less-traveled areas.
The emergency declaration allows state agencies to move quickly and provide additional support to local communities if needed. That includes the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which can deploy extra resources for road treatment, emergency response, and storm recovery.
The proclamation also gives the Ohio Department of Administrative Services flexibility to bypass normal state purchasing rules so equipment, supplies, or services can be obtained quickly to protect public safety.
Governor DeWine urged Ohioans to limit travel during the storm. “I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out,” DeWine said. “We’re expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly.”
What This Doesn’t Mean
State officials emphasized that the emergency declaration does not affect county snow emergency levels, which are still determined locally by county sheriffs. Drivers should continue to watch for Level 1, 2, or 3 snow emergency declarations in their own counties.
The declaration also does not automatically close businesses, schools, or government offices, nor does it determine whether employees are required to report to work. Decisions about reporting to work, offering paid snow days, or allowing work-from-home options are up to individual employers.
Bottom Line
The emergency proclamation is primarily about preparing state resources and speeding up response efforts, not imposing new restrictions on residents. Officials urge people to use common sense, monitor local weather and road conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.