Steady snow and sleet began falling heavily by 9 a.m. Friday, creating some travel issues for motorists and prompting most Lawrence County schools to close early.

Symmes Valley, Rock Hill and South Point schools are planning to dismiss at noon; Fairland at 12:30 p.m. and Dawson-Bryant at 1 p.m.

As of 10:45 a.m., Ironton City and the Ironton Catholic schools were planning to continue on a normal schedule in order to allow time for city and state salt trucks to treat the roads. Chesapeake schools hadn’t made a decision.

Motorists were reporting that primary and secondary roads were slick. Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation – District 9 were on the highways patroling.

With the forecast calling for the region to receive between one and three inches of snow today, ODOT crews will be working throughout the storm to treat and clear the state highways.

However, whether it’s ice or snow, motorists need to drive with additional caution during inclement weather and remember that pavement conditions can change from mile to mile and minute to minute, according to ODOT. While expecting snowy and slick conditions, all drivers need to be prepared, stay alert and pay heed to other motorists.

For more statewide road condition information, visit ODOT’s newly launched web site at www.Ohgo.com, a multi-use platform for mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers that provides real-time travel information.

The weather is also impacting area high school basketball games. The Symmes Valley at Green boys game has been cancelled. It has been rescheduled to 6 p.m. Feb. 2.