Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

SENECA COUNTY- When heavy snow or ice hits, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office can declare a snow emergency level for county roads. The level tells you how dangerous the roads are and, at the top level, whether you are allowed to be on them at all. Here is what each level means, according to the sheriff’s weather classifications page.

Level 1: Snow Alert

The sheriff’s office describes Level 1 as roadways that are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and roads that may also be icy. Drivers are told to use caution.

Level 2: Snow Advisory

At Level 2, roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Drivers are asked to contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

Level 3: Snow Emergency

Level 3 is the one that matters most. The sheriff’s office says that under a Level 3, all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should drive during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work, and those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.

The office says a Level 3 is issued in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation, the county engineer, local mayors, police chiefs, county commissioners and the plow supervisor.

Where the sheriff’s authority comes from

The sheriff’s office cites Ohio Revised Code sections 311.07 and 311.08, along with Ohio Attorney General opinions 86-023 and 97-015, as the basis for declaring snow emergencies on state, county and township roads and municipal streets. It says drivers who ignore a Level 3 may face charges under ORC 2917.13, misconduct at an emergency.

How to find the current level

• The sheriff’s office says its most recent Facebook post about the snow level reflects the current level.
• Push notifications are available through the “Seneca County Sheriff, Ohio” mobile app.
• Do not call 911 or the sheriff’s office to ask about the current level, and do not send private messages on Facebook asking about it.

What it means in Fostoria

The county levels are set by the sheriff for the county. Inside city limits, Fostoria’s codified ordinances include a separate section, 351.14, Declaration of Snow Emergency, in the parking chapter. We were not able to retrieve the text of that section this week, so we cannot tell you what parking rules apply when the city declares one. If you have questions about city snow parking rules, call the Fostoria Police Division at 419-435-8573 (non-emergency) or check with the city.

City snow removal is handled by the Fostoria Street Department, 1235 Perrysburg Road, 419-435-4115. Also note that the same parking chapter already bars leaving a vehicle on a public street or alley for longer than 72 hours (section 351.22).

Neighboring counties

Each county’s sheriff sets levels for that county. If you commute to Findlay, Bowling Green or Fremont, check the Hancock, Wood or Sandusky County sheriff’s announcements before you leave, because a level in Seneca County does not apply across the county line.

Quick tips before you go

• Check the level before leaving, not after you are on the road.
• At Level 2, ask yourself if the trip can wait. At Level 3, stay home unless it is a true emergency.
• In a real emergency, call 911.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Weather Classifications page (senecacountyso.org)
Ohio Revised Code sections 311.07, 311.08 and 2917.13 (codes.ohio.gov)
Codified Ordinances of Fostoria, Chapter 351 Parking Generally, sections 351.14 (title only) and 351.22 (codelibrary.amlegal.com)
City of Fostoria, Street Department page (fostoriaohio.gov)