Multiple counties across Greater Cincinnati have declared snow emergencies or travel advisories ahead of the storm.

Within the span of two hours Friday morning, eight different counties issued a snow emergency, the first as winter weather begins to make its way through central Ohio ahead of the holiday weekend.

According to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, the three classifications of snow emergencies include

A Level 1 snow emergency or travel advisory is defined as motorists being advised to use caution due to hazardous road conditions resulting from accumulations of snow/and or ice.

A Level 2 snow emergency or travel advisory means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and roadways may be icy. Only motorists whose travel is necessary should be on the roadways.

“All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning from 1 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday; Wind chills will drop to -35 at times.

A Winter Storm Warning has also been issued across much of the Tri-State from 7 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday. The combination of heavy snow and high winds could lead to very low visibility, if not white-out conditions.