Cities Say Roads are Being Kept Clear of Snow

Winds are causing some problems for snow plow crews, but they've been able to keep the roads passable, said Thom Evans, Highland Heights service director.

Snow is expected to taper off by noon, Evans said.

"We're doing fine. We're trying to keep the main streets open and getting to the side streets as we can," he said. "We've been able to get to all of the side streets at least once."

Mayfield Heights Mayor Gregory Costabile said plows were out early and have been able to stay on top of things.

"I haven't heard of any issues," he said. "It helps that they closed all the schools and there are less people out."

He said snow plows were out at 4 a.m.

"We're prepared for situations like this," he said. "It's nice to have a night crew, it cuts back on overtime."

One problem crews have had today is with winds blowing snow back into the street.

"With the wind blowing and all the drifting, it's hard to tell (the street had been plowed). You plow a street and 30 minutes later, you wouldn't know you were there," Evans said.

However, it could have been worse – a period of freezing rain was originally expected before the snow started piling, he noted.

Also, the recent thaw meant that plows had somewhere to put all of the snow.

"Once the snow is piled so high on tree lawns, you don't have anywhere else to put it," Evans said. "Having that thaw really helped."