Snow Emergencies: What They Mean for You
12/01/2025
When conditions warrant, the City of Florence and Emergency Management may issue a snow emergency. There are three levels – Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Each is associated with different (more hazardous) conditions and provide different recommendations to the traveling public.
Here’s a brief breakdown of each snow emergency level:
Level 1 Snow Emergency
- Roads are hazardous with blowing or drifting snow.
- Roads may be icy.
- Parked vehicles should be moved off roads to allow plows to clear snow.
- Motorists should use caution when driving.
Level 2 Snow Emergency
- Roadways are extremely hazardous.
- Accumulated or blowing snow is on roadways.
- Roadways may be icy.
- Only essential travel is advised.
- Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3 Snow Emergency
- Conditions are extremely dangerous.
- Travel is restricted to only those required to report to work.
- Contact your employer to see if you need to report to work.
Help Crews Out
During inclement weather, snow crews, emergency responders and essential workers will have to travel on hazardous roadways. Here’s how you can help keep everyone safe, regardless of the snow emergency declared.
- Avoid crowding snowplows.
- Move parked cars off the street.
- Stay home if you can.
Reporting to Work
It is important to keep in mind that any level of snow emergency does not directly prohibit travel. Check with your employer to see if you need to report to work. A declared snow emergency does not preempt business openings or closures.