Snow, ice catch MOV off guard

The Belpre side of the Memorial Bridge after it was shut down due to ice on Wednesday. The shutdown happened around 5 p.m., and the bridge was reopened within an hour. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
BELPRE — Area residents were faced with icy road conditions Wednesday as a storm brought snow and cold temperatures.
As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Washington County was listed at a level one snow emergency, said Sheriff Larry Mincks. Roadways were hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and icy conditions.
“There have been many fender benders so far,” he said.
Mincks said the county, state and city police were working to get the roads salted.
Mincks said he did not recommend traveling local roads Wednesday evening.
The Memorial Bridge was shut down because of ice at about 5 p.m., and was reopened within an hour.
Multiple traffic accidents also occurred on icy roads in Wood County.
Officials shut down the southbound exit of Interstate 77 at Emerson Avenue at 9 p.m. because of icy conditions.
Wood County Sheriff Steve Stephens said Grand Central Avenue was a sheet of ice on Wednesday.
“A woman spun out in front of me, and when I got out to check on her I noticed the road was slippery to walk on,” Stephens said.
Stephens also reported U.S. 50 and Interstate 77 were icy.
There were reports of vehicles sliding off Rosemar Road into a ditch.