TOLEDO, Ohio — Below is a live blog with information regarding an approaching winter storm that is forecasted to reach northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan early Friday and last through part of Saturday, bringing with it dangerously cold temperatures, high-speed winds and snow accumulation.
This blog includes important information and updates about weather conditions, road closures, power outages, safety tips and more in your community. It will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
For a list of closings and delays, click here. These will also be displayed on-air.
Check out the most recent live winter storm update from the WTOL 11 team of meteorologists below.
Friday, Dec. 23
Ohio Turnpike lane closures in Sandusky County
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, turnpike personnel and first responders from several agencies are responding to a multi-vehicle crash on the Ohio Turnpike eastbound between State Route 53 and State Route 4 in Sandusky County Friday afternoon. Authorities are diverting traffic in both directions.
According to OSHP, 46 vehicles were involved in the crash and four fatalities have been reported alongside several injuries. Buses are taking people from their vehicles to a local facility to keep them warm.
UPDATE: ProMedica hospitals open, some non-essential facilities closed
In a press release issued Friday morning, ProMedica said some of their healthcare facilities would be closed Friday due to hazardous weather conditions. All ProMedica hospitals remain open.
- ProMedica Physicians offices in Ohio – Counties under a Level 1 or Level 2 Snow Emergency, some ProMedica physician offices may be closed, please call ahead to confirm appointments. In counties under a Level 3 Snow Emergency, ProMedica physician offices are closed.
- ProMedica Physicians offices in Michigan – Some ProMedica physician offices may be closed, please call ahead to confirm appointments.
- All other ProMedica outpatient services and programs – call ahead to confirm an appointment.
OHIO FACILITIES
Center for Health Services Women’s Services, 2150 W. Central Ave. Suite E & D, Toledo – CLOSED
ProMedica Total Rehab - Fostoria, 455 W. 4th St., Suite 010, Fostoria – CLOSED
ProMedica Total Rehab - Fremont, 710 Cleveland St., Fremont – CLOSED
ProMedica 360Health – Toledo, 2150 W. Central Ave, Toledo – CLOSED
ProMedica Dorothy L. Kern Cancer Center 2390 Enterprise St., Fremont – CLOSED *NEW*
ProMedica Fostoria Cancer and Infusion Center – CLOSED
Blood Drive at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital – CANCELED
Blood Drive at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital – CANCELED
MICHIGAN FACILITIES
ProMedica Hudson Health Center, 331 W. Main St., Hudson – CLOSED
GenoaBank branches closed Friday
UPDATE: All branches of GenoaBank are closed on Friday
Sun Federal Bank branches delay opening until 10 a.m.
Due to ongoing severe weather and hazardous conditions, Sun Federal Bank has delayed opening the lobbies of their branches until 10 a.m. on Friday. This extends their previous delay issued Thursday.
Representatives from Sun Federal said bank drive-throughs/ATMs would be accessible beginning at 8 a.m.
Widespread closures caused by winter storm
Many businesses, churches and public institutions are closed or have alternate hours Friday as a result of dangerous conditions. For a full list of closures, click here. These will also be displayed on-air.
Snow emergencies issued across northwest Ohio
County sheriffs have issued snow emergencies from level 1 to level 3 across northwest Ohio. To see a full list of snow emergencies, click here. The list will be updated as new information becomes available.
ODOT road conditions update
The Ohio Department of Transportation said conditions remain hazardous despite the approximately 1,200 crews working to improve roadway safety. As salt is less effective at melting ice and snow below 20 degrees, ODOT officials said they are adding "other materials in with the salt or brine."
Thursday, Dec. 22
Snow emergency in Oak Harbor beginning Friday morning
The Village of Oak Harbor declared a snow emergency for parking along village streets beginning Friday at 8 a.m. until further notice. All parked cars must be off the streets within one hour of the declared emergency or they will be towed, the Oak Harbor Police Department said.
Imagination Station to close Friday
The Imagination Station in downtown Toledo will be closed Friday due to inclement weather. The science center will also be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday per its holiday hours.
Wood County Park District, Health Department closed Friday
The Wood County Health Department and Community Health center building and all Wood County Park District properties and facilities will be closed Friday due to inclement weather.
Sun Federal Credit Union Ohio branch lobbies to open an hour late Friday
Per a press release, all of Sun Federal Credit Union's Ohio branches will open their lobbies an hour late at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. on Friday due to the severe weather forecasted. All drive-throughs, however, will open at 8 a.m.
Warming shelters
With wind chills forecasted to reach as low as -25 degrees, unhoused populations are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Some locations may provide food and clothing, in addition to shelter.
To see an interactive map of warming shelters in the Toledo area, click here. Shelters include Cherry Street Mission and the Salvation Army, among others.
If your organization would like to apply to be a warming shelter, click here.
Other northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan warming shelters:
The City Mission of Findlay at 510 W. Main Cross St. is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day and will be open all day on Dec. 25. The mission offers a warm place to sleep, a hot bowl of soup and a supervised safe environment, Guests are required follow the rules of the center, not be under the influence of alcohol and take a breathalyzer, the mission said.
The mission "also offers services to those in need of more long-term shelter.
Information is available at the warming center, in the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by reaching out to our intake department at (419) 423-9151 ext. 113."
Trinity Episcopal Church at 128 W. Hardin St. will operate a warming center providing lunch and dinner on Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Republic collection services canceled for Friday
Republic Services announced they are cancelling waste collection services on Friday, Dec. 23 in Toledo, Sandusky and surrounding areas. Republic will collect all Friday customers the following week on Friday, Dec. 30.
How to track power outages
Toledo Edison customers can track outages, estimated power restoration times and track crew status using the real-time outage page.
To sign up for automated text or email updates from Toledo Edison regarding outages and other information, click here.
Ohio Turnpike bans high-profile vehicles ahead of winter storm
For the safety of all drivers, the Ohio Turnpike has issued a travel ban for specific high-profile vehicles beginning Friday, Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. and is expected to expire Sunday, Dec. 25 at 8 a.m.
For further information on the travel ban, click here.
What to do if you see fallen trees, other debris
Toledo's Department of Public Services will be clearing broken trees branches and other debris obstructing roadways throughout the storm. If you see fallen electrical wires or poles, do not approach it. To report a concern regarding debris, contact Engage Toledo 24/7 by clicking here or calling 419-936-2020.
Preventing frozen pipes
The city of Toledo reminds residents that they are responsible for protecting both water pipes and water meters from damage. For tips on preventing pipes from freezing, click here. If you have a water emergency or suspect damage to the water meter, call Engage Toledo 24/7 at 419-936-2020.
More from the WTOL 11 Weather Team
Stay up-to-date on the latest weather updates with the full forecast and the WTOL 11 Weather app.