WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION

The City of Obetz follows Franklin County Snow Emergency Levels. However, regardless of the County’s declared level, Obetz Codified Ordinance 351.13 (Emergency Snow Parking) goes into effect whenever at least two (2) inches of snow accumulate within the City of Obetz.

Once this threshold is met:

• On-street parking is prohibited.

• Vehicles parked on city streets with two (2) or more inches of snow accumulation are subject to ticketing and/or towing.

During a snow emergency, residents may temporarily park vehicles in their yards to keep streets clear for plowing and emergency access. All vehicles must be removed from yards and returned to legal parking locations within 24 hours after the snow emergency is lifted.

If you don’t have room at home to move your vehicle, you may park at the Obetz Athletic Club, Obetz Community Center, Junction Park, or the additional Junction Park lot across from Obetz Hardware

Notice of when a snow emergency has been lifted will be communicated through the City of Obetz website and official social media channels.

What to Expect

• Several rounds of snow are expected, with the heaviest period late Saturday night into Sunday morning.
• Temperatures will be in the teens Saturday, around the low 20s Sunday, then dropping back near ~10°F by early Monday.
• Breezy at times Sunday, with dangerous wind chills near/under 0°F, especially late Sunday into Monday morning.

What Residents Should Do Now

• Plan ahead: groceries/medications, charge devices, fuel up before conditions worsen.
• Avoid unnecessary travel—especially late Saturday night through Sunday morning.
• Move vehicles off the street early and use approved parking locations if needed.
• Move trashcans and other miscellaneous items off the street.
• Protect people & pets: limit time outside, dress in layers, bring pets indoors, and check on neighbors.
• Prevent frozen pipes: take precautions if you’ve had freezing issues in the past.
• Heating safety: use safe heating practices and ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working.

SNOW EMERGENCY LEVELS

• • Level 1: Roads are hazardous. Drive with caution. All buildings will remain open and be open on time.

  • Level 2: Roads are very hazardous. Travel only if necessary. Expect shortened building hours and possible closures.

  • Level 3: Roads closed to non-emergency travel. All buildings within the City of Obetz will be closed.

SNOW REMOVAL PROCESS

During a snow emergency, the primary focus is on clearing roads to ensure safety. Here’s what to expect:

• • Initial Pass: Plows will clear a path down the middle of the streets to make them safe. Curb-to-curb cleanup typically occurs only after all roads have been addressed and the snow emergency is over.

  • Snow on curbs and driveways: Clearing curbs may result in snow being pushed to the ends of driveways and into easements. While this is unavoidable, our Service Department works quickly and efficiently to minimize the inconvenience.

TORNADO PROTOCOL

• Tornado Watch: All buildings will remain open.

• Tornado Warning: Buildings will close until the warning is lifted. If we are currently open when a warning goes into effect, everyone in our facilities will be required to shelter in place