If residents can just make it to Sunday. That’s when the National Weather Service expects a break in the snowy, arctic weather that has overwhelmed the Tri-State, canceling school events and emptying grocery store shelves.

But until then it is possible that the region will get another one to three inches accumulation, the weather service says.

Heavy snowfall blanketed the county and the Tri-State starting Thursday afternoon through the early evening, causing slow travel, slick roads and forcing school cancellations.

At 4:45 p.m. Thursday Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency Advisory that translates to roads, mainly secondary, in a hazardous condition.

However, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported no major accidents, only fender benders, throughout the night and early Friday morning.

“There are no roads closed. They are passable,” a patrol dispatcher said. “There is some light snow in areas, but nothing extreme.”

The winter weather advisory is to expire at 6 a.m. Saturday with a 75 percent chance of more snow today and Saturday.

Snow showers will be through the evening with total accumulation for the afternoon and evening of 1 to 3 inches.

Chance of snow tapers to 50 percent Saturday afternoon and only 20 percent Saturday evening.

ODOT is reminding drivers of the best advice for driving in winter weather: in “Ice and Snow: Take it Slow” — slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.

“Throughout this storm, our drivers will be doing their best to clear the roads so they are safe and passable; however, motorists must remember to give the crews room to work and to share the road responsibly with others,” said ODOT District 9 Deputy Director James Brushart.

However, motorists are reminded to practice safe driving winter skills, to proceed with caution and to heed the following:

Speed & Distance – The faster you’re going, the longer it will take you to stop; excessive speed continues to be one of the leading factors for crashes in ice and snow.

Brake – Brake early, brake slowly and brake correctly; never slam on your brakes.

Vision – Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you; actions by other drivers will alert you to problems more quickly.

Motorists are also advised to be especially cautious when traveling over bridges and overpasses, which are likely to freeze more quickly than the roadway.

It also important to note that visibility can be reduced significantly during inclement weather, and travel conditions can change from mile to mile and minute to minute.

Being a careful and informed driver is the best way for motorists to travel safely, ODOT said.

Driver safety tips can be found online at www.dot.state.oh.us by clicking on the “Ice and Snow” logo, and motorists can also learn about crew activity and travel information before leaving home or work by logging on to www.buckeyetraffic.org.