Winter storm Elliott dishes up second day of extreme weather
UPDATED 11:00 P.M. DECEMBER 24
On the second day of winter storm Elliott, being out of doors continues to be dangerous due to extreme cold, wind, snow and ice.
For the Bluffton area, the National Weather Service a Winter Storm Warning until 1:00 p.m. and predicts "Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 9. Wind chill values as low as -25. Breezy, with a west wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph."
Very poor visibility and drifting snow are reported throughout the area.
Across the state, four deaths have been attributed to the storm.
ALLEN COUNTY - LEVEL 1 ROADWAY WARNING
At 7:00 a.m. on December 24, Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia has issued a Level 1 “roadway warning” for all of Allen County.
***Level 2 Roadway Warning CANCELED***
*** Level 1 Roadway Advisory Issued ***
A Level 1 “ROADWAY ADVISORY” means that Allen County and municipal roadways are snow and/or ice covered with possible blowing and drifting snow. Driving conditions are hazardous in many areas. Caution is advised.
HANCOCK COUNTY - LEVEL 1 ROAD ADVISORY
Sheriff Michael E. Heldman has downgraded to Level 1 Weather Alert for all of Hancock County, effective at 10:00 a.m. on December 24 until further notice.
PUTNAM COUNTY - LEVEL 2 ROAD ADVISORY
Sheriff Siefker lowered the road advisory to a level 2 at 8:05 a.m. on December 24. The sheriff's office reported: "Some roadways have sections of slippery conditions please use caution if travel is necessary."
HARDIN COUNTY - LEVEL 1 ROAD ADVISORY
As of about 3:00 p.m. on December 24, Hardin County is under a Level 1 snow emergency.
"Level 1 - Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
"A wind chill advisory issued by the National eather Service extends until noon on Sunday."
OTHER RESOURCES
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Winter Storm Warning until December 24, 07:00 AM EST
OHGO.COM
Map with incidents, cameras and travel delays
AEP POWER OUTAGES
Map with electricity outages and warming shelters
Blanchard Valley Health System Inclement Weather Plan
If a county which Blanchard Valley Health System serves reaches a Level 3 snow emergency status, BVHS will be closing or limiting hours for specific locations.
Services that would be canceled, under a Level 3 snow emergency, include outpatient services (outpatient laboratory, outpatient radiology, endoscopy, outpatient rehabilitation and cardiology) and all elective surgeries. These offices will contact patients to reschedule.
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