Snow Emergency Reality

Understanding Snow Emergency Levels: Why Each Step Matters

When winter weather hits, snow emergency levels are not just labels. They represent a growing level of difficulty and risk across the entire county.

The jump from No Snow Emergency to Level 1 is not a simple step up. It is exponential. Road conditions compound. Visibility worsens. Response times increase. A single crash can ripple into dozens of other problems.

Understanding what each level truly means can help you make better decisions before turning the key.

No Snow Emergency: Use Caution

When a snow emergency is not in effect, roadways are generally open; however, normal winter driving conditions may still exist. Motorists should remain alert for isolated slick spots, shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses that may freeze first. Use caution and adjust speed to conditions.

Winter conditions may be present, but roads are generally passable. Crews are treating primary routes. Travel is manageable for most drivers who slow down and adjust to conditions.

This does not mean “summer driving.” It means:

• Increase following distance

• Reduce speed

• Expect slick spots

• Watch bridges and shaded areas

Even during this stage, morning hours can be the most dangerous. Refreeze and black ice often develop overnight. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. If it looks wet early in the morning, it may be black ice. A road that looked fine at 4 PM can be slick at 6 AM.

Level 1 Snow Emergency: Hazardous Conditions Exist

Level 1 Snow Emergency: Roads are hazardous—even if they don’t look it. Non-essential trips increase crash risk, strain first responders, and can leave entire neighborhoods without power from one preventable slide. If it can wait, let it.

Level 1 means roads are hazardous. Drivers should use caution. Travel should be limited to essential needs.

This includes:

• Reporting to work if required

• Returning home

• Picking up groceries

• Obtaining prescriptions

But here’s where problems begin.

Many people treat Level 1 as “drive as usual.” That mindset creates preventable crashes. Level 1 should feel more serious than most people treat it. It is not the time for convenience trips. Coffee runs, casual shopping, and non-urgent errands can wait.

Snow emergency declarations often reflect rural road conditions across the county—not just what you see outside your driveway.

In rural areas:

• Roads drift shut faster.

• Secondary routes may not be pre-treated.

• Open farmland increases wind exposure.

• Response times are longer.

• Plow coverage takes more time.

Just because streets are clear in town does not mean conditions are safe across the county.

Level 2 Snow Emergency: Only If Absolutely Necessary

Level 2 Snow Emergency: Roads are extremely hazardous. Drifting snow, reduced visibility, and poor traction mean travel should only occur if absolutely necessary. Every additional vehicle increases the chance of crashes, blocked roads, and delayed emergency response.

Level 2 indicates very hazardous conditions. Roads are extremely slick. Drifting and reduced visibility may be occurring.

Travel should occur only if absolutely necessary.

Examples include:

• Critical work functions

• Emergency refill of a life-sustaining prescription

• Essential medical appointments (call before you go to confirmed they are still open)

• Returning home if already out

At this stage, small mistakes create big consequences.

Tow services become overwhelmed. Law enforcement and EMS response times increase. Fire apparatus move slower. A single slide-off can block a narrow rural road for hours.

Level 2 is where exponential risk becomes obvious. One crash can trigger a chain of secondary impacts.

Level 3 Snow Emergency: Roads Closed

Level 3 Snow Emergency: Roads are closed and conditions are life-threatening. Deep drifts, near-zero visibility, and impassable routes mean travel puts you—and first responders—at serious risk. Stay off the roads unless you are authorized emergency personnel.

Level 3 means roads are closed to non-emergency travel. Conditions are dangerous to the point that travel itself creates risk to life.

Only emergency responders and authorized personnel should be on the road.

This level is not about inconvenience. It is about preventing further emergencies when conditions are already stretched to the limit.

The Hidden Impact: Power Outages

Many winter power outages are not caused by falling trees.

They are caused by vehicles striking utility poles.

During snow emergencies, crashes into power poles can:

• Knock out power to dozens or several hundred residents

• Bring down live lines

• Block roadways

• Delay restoration due to unsafe driving conditions

A single preventable crash can leave an entire neighborhood without heat in the middle of winter.

That ripple effect matters.

Why Morning Driving Is Often the Worst

Even after snowfall stops, mornings bring high risk:

• Refreeze from melting the previous day

• Invisible black ice

• Frozen bridges and overpasses

• Low light conditions

• Packed snow turning to polished ice

The most dangerous time to drive is often after the storm appears to be over.

A Note for Employees and Employers

Winter weather expectations should be discussed before storms arrive.

Employees are encouraged to:

• Review workplace winter reporting policies in advance

• Communicate early with supervisors about expectations

• Consider school delays or cancellations as a reference point when appropriate

• Factor personal safety into travel decisions

This is not about criticizing employers. It is about ensuring safety is part of the conversation. Open communication helps everyone make better decisions when conditions deteriorate.

How to Decide If You Should Be On the Road

Before leaving home, ask yourself:

1. Is this trip essential or convenient?

2. Would I feel comfortable if road conditions worsen halfway there?

3. Am I prepared for a delay or slide-off?

4. Could this wait until conditions improve?

5. Do I have enough money in my emergency fund to cover my insurance deductible if I get into an accident?

If you hesitate, that hesitation is worth listening to.

The Exponential Reality

Snow emergency levels are issued to protect lives across the entire county—not just the roads visible from your neighborhood.

Each level represents a significant increase in risk. As conditions worsen, the margin for error shrinks. Individual driving decisions affect more than the driver. They impact first responders, utility crews, road departments, and neighbors.

The goal is simple: reduce crashes, reduce strain on emergency services, and prevent avoidable outages and injuries.

Snow emergencies are not meant to inconvenience you.

They are meant to keep you alive.