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Lebanon, Ohio (Saturday, January 24, 2026) - With an all-hands on deck approach, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews are ready for the winter storm that is moving into today, January 24.
Approximately 140 crews will hit the roads in southwest Ohio's District 8 beginning at noon and continuing throughout the weekend to plow and treat interstate routes, as well as state and federal routes outside municipalities.
Although crews are scheduled to be working around the clock throughout the storm and until roadways are cleared, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions and reminders for anyone who must travel this weekend.
8 TIPS FROM DISTRICT 8
Take it easy: People are advised to stay home and avoid all unnecessary travel, but IF you MUST be out, remember that in ice and snow, take it slow. Really slow. Really, really slow.
I can't drive 55! Of course you can't, and you won't be able to drive the posted speed limit until the roads are cleared, so plan accordingly, have your car winter ready, allow a lot of additional travel time, and keep plenty of distance between your car and the other vehicles on the road.
22? 34+35? 19-2000? Actually, the number of plow trucks in District 8 is 143, and whether it's four or 14 inches of snow, this number doesn't change. Even with all available trucks on the roadways this weekend, it's going to take longer to clear the roads if we get as much snow as predicted.
On the road again: And again, and again, and again! Crews will be working in 12-hour shifts from the onset of the storm until it's over, and yes, they will get to your road. However, motorists should not expect to see crews everywhere all at once or roads to be anything other than snow covered through the duration.
Baby, it's cold outside: When the temperature drops into the low teens and single digits, salt and other de-icing materials aren't as effective, making snow and ice removal even more difficult. Keep in mind that the amount of snow combined with the extreme cold means that it will take longer to clear the pavement.
To the right (to the right, to the right!): Typically, snowplow operators on multi-lane routes will concentrate efforts in the driving (far right) lane. Likewise, drivers should follow the lane that is most heavily traveled and avoid changing lanes. Of course, if you find yourself wanting to pass a plow truck, be sure to do it on the left as they are usually pushing snow to the right.
Stay off of my cloud: More like stay out of the snow cloud. Motorists should avoid passing snowplows because the operator has limited visibility and may not see you. The plows also create snow clouds as they push snow off roadways, creating limited visibility for motorists. For this reason, we remind drivers to give crews room to work and don't crowd the plow.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow: Mother Nature isn't giving us any other choice, so stay home if you are able and be patient while the men and women of ODOT do what they do best! Of course, if you must go out, Know Before You Go and visit us on OHGO.
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Know Before You Go!
For more detailed traffic information, and to get personalized traffic alerts for your commute, download the OHGO app or visit OHGO.com.
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