Officials advise staying off dangerous, icy roads in Tuscarawas County

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Feb. 3, 2022) – County officials have been encouraging people to stay at home if at all possible, today.

State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia Post Sgt. Bill Bower was describing a treacherous commute to work just before 6 a.m.

“The roads are extremely icy this morning. We need to allow ODOT to get out there and get some salt on the roadways.”

Bower says the post was getting calls from drivers off the roads from all areas of the county, especially in the northern and eastern parts. He says if you become stranded, the best thing to do is stay in your vehicle as you wait for help.

“Have a cell phone that’s fully charged today. Have your winter weather clothing on, your hats, your gloves, ice scraper. Be prepared because it may be a while before the highway patrol can get to you to even render assistance.”

Plow trucks have been out in full force trying to clear the roads.  Tuscarawas County Engineer Joe Bachman says he has 17 drivers out on their routes.

“It is extremely slippery in spots there and we expect it’s going to be a long day.”

Bachman says his drivers have been using salt and grit on the black ice.

“It’s about 30 degrees. Fortunately, some of our material will be able to melt it. But as it keeps coming, we’re just not sure we can get ahead of it, but we’ll do our best.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation says it has 71 trucks out across eastern Ohio. They have been seeing ice buildup, especially on the rural routes.

The National Weather Service this morning was expecting 0.13” of ice accumulation for most of Tuscarawas County from this storm.  A winter storm warning is in effect for Tuscarawas County until 10 a.m. Friday.

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