April brings showers, May brings flowers, and January and February bring winter weather.

   From arctic blasts and extreme cold, to snow and ice, these months can bring about dangerous weather conditions. 

   Just last month, Ohio experienced one of the most significant winter storms in recent history. The storm prompted school closures for an entire week (Jan. 26-30), and created dangerous road conditions throughout the Olentangy community.

   With events like these, it is important to keep in mind weather policies throughout the Berlin area and Delaware County. 

   Snow/Ice Emergencies

   The state of Ohio operates under different levels of snow/ice emergencies. These emergencies are declared by the sheriff’s department in each respective county. 

   Level 1 Snow/Ice Emergency

   A Level 1 Snow/Ice Emergency is declared when highways and roadways are covered with snow and ice, according to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. Those on the roads should exercise caution.

   Level 2 Snow/Ice Emergency

   The sheriff’s department will declare a Level 2 Snow/Ice Emergency when roadways are covered in snow and ice, and when wind causes drifting snow onto roadways. 

   Unnecessary travel is discouraged and should be avoided. 

   Level 3 Snow/Ice Emergency

   This level marks the most dangerous road conditions. It closes all roadways to non-emergency personnel. Nobody should be out on the roads unless absolutely necessary.

   Those out on the roads for non-emergency purposes are subject to arrest at the discretion of deputies. 

   School closures

   In Olentangy, decisions on delays, cancelations, and early dismissals depend on a variety of factors, according to the district website. These factors include road conditions, both at the beginning and throughout the school day, and temperatures. 

   If a decision is not made the night before, the process of checking roads and the weather forecast resumes at around 4 a.m. the following morning. 

   Decisions are made to close/delay school by 5:30 a.m. and, if a delay moves to a closure, those decisions are made by 7:30 a.m. 

   Olentangy may also collaborate with law enforcement and other school districts in Delaware County (Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, and Delaware City) to make a decision. 

   With regards to temperatures, the district considers canceling or delaying school if temperatures reach or drop below -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit (windchill values are included). 

   In the end, conditions are reported back to the superintendent who makes the final decision.