Snow falls across region; few issues reported

If the old adage proves true of March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb, the region hopefully has seen its last significant snowfall of the winter.

Light rain fell across the area early this evening with more snow possible later, per the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. The NWS had predicted 4 to 6 inches of snow total from the latest storm system that moved Sunday across central and southeastern Ohio.

As of 7 p.m., Coshocton, Muskingum, Morgan and Perry counties were under level 1 snow emergencies. A level 1 means roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Motorists are asked to exercise caution if they have to be out. Morgan County was under a level 2 emergency for a few hours Sunday.

Local highway patrol posts and sheriff offices reported several minor slide-offs and fender benders, but no major weather related traffic crashes as of early evening Sunday.

The Ohio Department of Transportation said all available crews reported for duty at midnight Sunday. Plow drivers will work 12-hour shifts clearing snow and salting roadways until the latest storm has subsided, ODOT reported. ODOT warned that clear roads now wet with rain could become slick overnight as temperatures go back down.

American Electric Power and Frontier Power Co. were reporting no electric outages for the local area as of early Sunday evening.

A winter weather advisory by the NWS is in effect for the region until 7 a.m. Monday. The next several hours should be fairly clear with a chance of snow possible between 4 and 7 a.m. Monday. The NWS said a half inch of snow is possible during that period.