A Miami County plow truck rests on its side on Fenner Road after overturning on the ice-covered roadway around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday. The driver was not injured.
Mike Ullery | Miami Valley Today
By Sam Wildow
MIAMI COUNTY — A Miami County snow plow tipped on its side early Thursday morning due to the icy road conditions from the projected winter storm.
Chief Deputy Steve Lord with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office said the driver was not injured. The Miami County Engineering Department took the snow plow back to the county garage.
The crash occurred between Wilson and Forest Hill Roads around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday. The accident was caused by the icy roads. As of Thursday morning, the Sheriff’s Office has not seen a large jump in slide-offs or accidents caused by the winter weather.
“The public seems to be managing it very well,” Lord said. Lord said Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak is continuing to monitor the weather and road conditions.
As of Thursday afternoon, Duchak issued a level 2 weather advistory for Miami County.
“Snow is accumulating at a rapid pace, and with the increased wind, drifting is starting to occur in areas,” Duchak said in a press release. “I expect road conditions to continue to deteriorate and would urge residents to stay home if they do not have to be out. Less traffic on roadways assists our snow crews in getting the roadways plowed safely. Conditions will continue to be monitored going forward.”
A level 2 advisory means roadways are hazardous with blowing and/or drifting snow and possible icy conditions. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Employees should contact their employers with regards to questions about reporting to work.
The National Weather Service’s winter storm warning continues to remain in effect for the area until 7 a.m. on Friday. As of Thursday morning, additional snow and sleet accumulations of 5 to 8 inches were expected. A light glaze of ice is possible. Winds are gusting as high as 40 mph. Wind chills will likely fall to near or below zero degrees Friday through Saturday morning.
The city of Piqua offices closed on Thursday due to the inclement weather. Throughout Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, the city of Piqua Public Works Department salted every main and secondary streets. Seven trucks were on the streets on Thursday beginning to plow the main streets, and two trucks are under repair. For the remainder of Thursday, the city of Piqua maintained the main streets for emergency services. After the snow stops and the mains are cleaned and salted, the city of Piqua will begin working on secondary streets. For more information, visit piquaoh.org.
In Troy, city of Troy Mayor Robin Oda directed that all of the city’s public works crews be activated to address the predicted snow and ice storm. Crews were divided into three shifts, each reporting at 2 a.m., 6 a.m., and 10 a.m. on Thursday morning. Crews salted and plowed the main, secondary, and local roads (including cul-de-sacs) as necessary. With nearly 30 vehicles, including 5-ton and 1-ton dump trucks, pick ups, rear and front loaders, and other equipment, city officials said they “will attack the event with everything we have” in a statement posted on Facebook.
The city states residents should only drive and park on city streets if absolutely necessary. The city also recommended watching for crews and driving slowly and safely. For more information about the city of Troy’s Winter Weather Treatment Policy, visit its website at troyohio.gov.
