County sheriffs in Ohio have the authority to restrict and even close roads when snow and ice make driving treacherous.

They got this power in a 1986 opinion from Ohio Attorney General Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr.

Celebrezze wrote “the sheriff of a county may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close county and township roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace."

Level One means roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, roads are icy and drivers are warned to be cautious.

Level Two means roads are hazardous, only those who feel it is necessary to drive should do so, and drivers are encouraged to call their employers to verify that they need to report to work.

Level Three means all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.

Arrests don't happen very often, but it does tell you when your county sheriff starts talking about snow emergency levels, they’re seriously concerned about driver safety.

Eric Minor, NEWS9