Mayor Joe Hurlburt urges St. Marys residents to prepare for possible weekend winter storm

St. Marys Mayor Joe Hurlburt says the city, along with the Auglaize County EMA, is closely monitoring a winter storm that could impact the area this weekend.

Hurlburt says forecasts show the potential for snow, ice, and strong winds, which could create hazardous travel conditions and lead to possible power outages. He says city crews are preparing now and will work around the clock if conditions worsen.

Snow removal teams and utility crews will be dispatched as needed, but Hurlburt notes response times could be slower during peak storm conditions, especially if multiple issues happen at once. He’s asking residents to be patient and understanding as crews work in difficult and dangerous conditions to keep roads passable and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Hurlburt also asked residents not to call the police department to ask when power will be restored, saying those lines need to remain open for emergencies.

He encouraged people to plan ahead by moving vehicles off streets so plows can get as close to the curb as possible, limiting travel during the storm if they can, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.