The Lawrence County Sheriff has upgraded the county to a level 2 snow emergency for the second time in a week.

Sheriff Jeff Lawless made the announcement at about 8 a.m. today.

“ODOT and county work crews are out working on the roads but the roads have become hazardous due to the freezing rain along with the snow,” Lawless said in a release. “Hopefully the temperature will rise enough for the salt treatments to work and road conditions will improve as the day goes on.”

A level 2 snow emergency means that, roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Residents are urged to contact their employers to see if they should report to work.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation District 9, which covers Lawrence County, crews will be working throughout the storm, roadways will be snow covered and slick, and unnecessary travel should be avoided if at all possible. Those who must travel are advised to use extreme caution, be prepared and be patient. Snowplow trucks travel at speeds well below the posted speed limit, and plowed and treated roadways will re-cover quickly as the snow persists. In addition, pavement will be especially slick in the event of freezing rain or sleet.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until 5 p.m. this evening and is calling for snow accumulations of five to eight inches, and light ice accumulation is also forecast. Periods of snow will be heavy at times, and snow may mix with sleet and freezing rain at times throughout the day, especially along the Ohio River corridor and in the southern part of the region.