Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno is facing backlash on social media after refusing to issue a snow emergency during this weekend’s storm.
LAKE COUNTY , Ohio - Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno is facing backlash on social media after refusing to issue a snow emergency during this weekend’s storm. “Anywhere between November and March, that’s our life here,” Leonbruno said.
“Lake effect snow, sometimes dumps up to 24 inches.” Sheriff Leonbruno said he doesn’t use the state’s 1-to-3 level snow emergency system. Instead, he puts out specific warnings for roads that aren’t safe. “People were upset because I said when we close roads, we close businesses,” Leonbruno said. “I don’t think it’s the job of a sheriff’s office to impede those aspects of our economy if there’s not sufficient reason.” Lake County isn’t alone. Geauga and Stark counties have also not issued snow emergencies. It’s been about 25 years since Stark County issued one. According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, they don’t issue countywide snow emergency levels because conditions can vary dramatically. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office does not issue countywide snow emergency levels because weather and road conditions can vary dramatically from one part of the county to another. Snowplow crews also prioritize the most heavily traveled interstates and state routes to keep major traffic corridors open. Township and rural roads—many of which are less traveled—may not be cleared until later in the storm response. As a result, road conditions across Stark County often differ significantly at any given time. Because of these variations, issuing a single countywide snow emergency level does not accurately reflect conditions for all residents. Instead, we provide general weather advisories, travel warnings, and road condition updates from our deputies in the field. This approach allows employers, schools, and residents to make informed decisions based on the conditions affecting their specific area. We also encourage residents to contact their employers directly to determine whether they should report to work based on the conditions in their part of the county. During the most recent winter storm, the Sheriff’s Office shared six public updates, including information from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service, to help keep the community informed and safe.“If we had 3 feet of snow and no ability to clear it I might declare a Level 3 snow emergency,” said Leonbruno. “But in the 36 years I’ve been with the sheriff’s office we haven’t faced that here in Lake County.” Residents in counties that don’t use snow emergency levels should monitor social media pages and apps to get alerts needed to stay safe. LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution. LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.Ohio drivers warned about ‘puffing’ law ahead of winter stormGuy Fieri debuts shocking ‘new look’ while celebrating 58th birthday
Emergency Level Stark LAKE COUNTY FRANK LEONBRUNO
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