Snow-slicked roadways across Lawrence County sent ambulance, fire and police personnel to numerous accidents this morning.

Thursday, February 22, 2001

Snow-slicked roadways across Lawrence County sent ambulance, fire and police personnel to numerous accidents this morning.

Early this morning, Lawrence County 911 reported at least two Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Service runs as a result of accidents.

Accident calls for law enforcement agencies, including four for fire department assistance, totaled about 12 as of 8:30 a.m., 911 officials said.

Dispatchers at the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Ironton post said the number of slick road and accident calls were difficult to count overnight.

The post reported a multiple car accident about 8:30 a.m. at Ironton’s twin bridges on U.S. 52 near the cement plant. Early reports indicated several vehicles skidded and traffic was blocked in U.S. 52’s eastbound lane. Injuries were unknown as of presstime.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department reported several calls, including some from motorists having trouble on hills on county roads.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reported its road crews began salting and plowing at 5 a.m. this morning, with roads snow covered and partly snow covered throughout the county.

About 10 crews were working, the most in the department’s southern district, officials said.

Snow accumulations of 1-2 inches were expected across much of Ohio by tonight before an approaching high pressure system pushes the storm clouds out of the state.

Dry and warmer conditions will return on Friday with highs around 40 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

However, more precipitation is expected on Saturday as a strong storm system moves into the region. With temperatures in the 40s and 50s, the precipitation will be limited to rain.