At 9:45am this morning Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey canceled the LEVEL 1 snow advisory that was put into effect early this morning.  Sheriff Bailey stated main roads and highways are mostly clear but that some secondary roadways are still snow covered in places so caution should still be used when driving.  Crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Marion County Garage and the Marion City Garage are continuing to treat and clear roadways.

On March 6th, 2013 at 2:30am, The Marion County Sheriff’s Office issued a level one snow advisory for Marion County. Primary and secondary roadways are snow covered and hazardous because of heavy snow fall. While main roads and highways are being plowed, secondary roads are drifting and some roads have not been plowed. Road crews from ODOT, Marion County garage and the Marion City garage will continue to work on the roads throughout the night. Be alert for vehicles going into ditches and medians and vehicles traveling slowly. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and drive slow. If possible, limit travel and only be on the roadways only if necessary until the snowfall lessens and crews have more time to clear all of the roads.

The Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill will be conducted on Wednesday March 6^th, 2013 at 9:50am. The purpose of this drill is to test local emergency alert systems while at the same time practice tornado drills at local schools and businesses. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in this event and will be setting off tornado sirens in Marion County.

This initiative is being coordinated and promoted by the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA). During the weather safety campaign, OCSWA encourages Ohioans to take the following safety measures to weather future storms:

Know Your Risk – The first step in being weather-ready is to understand the different types of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Ohio’s springtime hazards are tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and even snowstorms through early spring. Visit the OCSWA website at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov to check Ohio’s weather and to learn about severe weather safety and preparedness.

Know the Weather Terms – Know the difference between storm watches and storm warnings. For example, a tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the area. During a tornado watch, review tornado safety plans and be prepared to move to a safe place if conditions worsen. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local television or radio newscasts for storm updates.

A tornado warning is issued by the NWS when a tornado has been detected by Doppler radar or sighted by storm spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take pictures or shoot video. Seek safe shelter immediately. Many Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound during storm warnings. Continue to listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or TV or radio newscasts for up-to-date weather information.

Pledge to Prepare and Take Action – You can prepare for severe weather and Be a Force of Nature by taking the Pledge to Prepare at either www.ready.gov/severe-weather or www.ready.ohio.gov. When you pledge to prepare, you’ll have the tools to complete a family communications plan, put an emergency kit together (including checklists), and ways to get involved.

All Marion County residents are encouraged to enroll in the NIXLE community notification system by going to NIXLE.com and get local alerts as they happen from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.