CINCINNATI, OH – Department of Public Services (DPS) crews continue to plow and treat local roadways in dangerously cold temperatures. The Cincinnati area saw a record-breaking 6-hour temperature drop overnight of 39 degrees causing a “flash freeze”. Heavy bands of snow fell overnight as well with accumulations ranging from 2 – 5 inches.
The extremely low temperatures and compacted ice underneath the layer of snow has required continuous treatment of most main thoroughfares which will cause delays to residential routes. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are also causing challenges with blowing snow on treated roadways. As of 7 a.m., crews have driven over 4,000 lane miles. Crews will work 12-hour shifts throughout the duration of the winter event to monitor street conditions and work to prevent refreezing on major and vulnerable roadways.
If you are able to, stay home – for the safety of our essential workers and our emergency responders. If you must travel, motorists are reminded to exercise caution while on the road during winter weather events. Be aware of the potential for late-night and early-morning re-freezing on treated streets in isolated areas due to frigid temperatures.
The City of Cincinnati will use social media to post operational updates related to this winter weather event. Residents are able to track real-time winter operations data via the City of Cincinnati’s CincyInsights Snow Plow Tracker. The interactive website shows where snow vehicles have already been, when a vehicle was on a particular street, and the distance covered by snow vehicles since the start of the winter weather event.
Residents may report urgent matters and customer service requests to the City by calling 311, www.311Cincy.com, or by utilizing the 311Cincy mobile app.
Helpful Reminders to Drivers:
- Give Crews Space to Work. Please provide ample space between vehicles and crews, allowing them to do its job.
- Utilize Off-Street Parking. Parked vehicles along roadways are a major deterrent for crews when clearing snow and ice.
- Keep an Emergency Kit Ready. Pack an emergency vehicle kit, including a blanket, socks, cell phone, batteries, flashlights, and snacks while driving in winter conditions. It’s always better to be overly prepared while traveling in uncertain weather.
- Extend Caution While Traveling. Even at temperatures above freezing, if weather conditions are wet, you might encounter ice on exposed roadways like bridges, underpasses, or hills. Allow more room to brake when traveling during the winter season.
- Slow Down!
For more information on Cincinnati’s Winter Operations, please visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov/winter and follow DPS on Twitter and Facebook.