Snow covers the road and vehicles on 11th Street in Parkersburg Sunday morning. (Photo by Terry Estep)

The National Weather Service reported hazardous winter weather conditions for the Parkersburg area as the storm began late Saturday night and greeted residents with a layer of snow and ice this morning.

Today, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office authorized a level three snow emergency due to hazardous driving conditions as snow and ice continued to fall throughout the day. A level three snow emergency advises for residents to contact employers about coming in to work and only driving on roads if necessary.

The Wood County 911 Center and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Marietta Post reported no weather-related accidents as of noon today as roads were continually being cleared off.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation said in a news release that engineers know how to prepare when it comes to frigid temperatures and salting the roadways.

“When we experience ice instead of snow, we use similar means and materials to remove it,” said West Virginia Division of Highways State Highway Engineer Jake Bumgarner.

WVDOT said as temperatures drop the salt becomes less effective and it takes longer to melt the ice. Bumgarner said they were concerned about the refreeze tonight and how that would impact the effectiveness of the salt.

“What makes treating ice harder than snow is that the ice itself accumulates quicker,” said Bumgarner. “Ice also doesn’t leave as many visual cues. A road may look clear and wet, but be very slick from ice.”

WVDOT warned residents to be cautious because roadways could remain hazardous into Monday morning. Residents are urged to avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.