More than an inch of snow blanketed Columbus early Friday, prompting city snow plows to hit the roads as early as 4 a.m.
The city's fleet of 55 snow plows treated major arterial streets before turning their attention to more residential roads. While the snow storm didn't produce as much accumulation as expected and wasn't extremely harrowing, Columbus officials want to ensure residents are staying safe both at home and on the roads.
Columbus Department of Public Service Director Kelly Scocco told reporters at a press conference Friday that residents should still take caution driving around the city.
Scocco said the snowfall did make the jobs of the Columbus Snow Warriors plow team challenging because of the time of day the snowfall hit.
"I think it's important to note that, while we didn't get the three to five inches today that we were expecting, it was when the snow hit that was so detrimental to the morning commute. Mother Nature really didn't help us out with that," Scocco said.
Scocco and other city officials said residents should park close to the curb and not shovel snow into the street.
Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said people should take the opportunity to check on their neighbors who may be elderly or have mobility issues to make sure their utilities are running and make sure they have basic needs like water, medicine and groceries. She also urged residents to drive safe on the roads.
"Put distance between you and a plow. If you don't put that distance, they can't see you. That's how crashes happen. When you're coming up to a stop sign or when you're coming up to a light, please, please slow down, because that's how we prevent crashes," Barroso de Padilla said.
