ODOT Urges Caution as Crews Clear Overnight Storm Damage

High winds cause power outages, downed lines, and tipped semis across Miami Valley region

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:34am

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The Ohio Department of Transportation is warning drivers to obey road closures and be extra vigilant for hazards like dark stoplights and debris as crews work overnight to clear damage from high winds that swept through the Miami Valley region. ODOT is urging motorists to give repair crews space to work safely and avoid trying to drive around any road closure signs or barricades.

Why it matters

Severe weather events can create dangerous driving conditions and obstacles that put both motorists and repair crews at risk. ODOT is proactively informing the public about the ongoing cleanup efforts to promote safety and avoid further incidents or delays.

The details

Earlier on Friday, the Mercer County Sheriff requested that Celina Local Schools cancel afternoon bus routes due to the high winds. ODOT crews, along with local law enforcement and power companies, are working through the night to clear downed power lines, tipped semi-trucks, and other debris from the roads. Drivers may encounter flashing or dark stoplights, which require different responses - flashing yellow means caution, while a completely dark signal means all directions must come to a full stop.

  • The wind advisories for the Miami Valley region expired on Friday evening.
  • ODOT crews and local partners will continue working overnight to clear hazards from the roads.

The players

ODOT

The Ohio Department of Transportation, responsible for maintaining state roads and highways.

Mercer County Sheriff

The law enforcement agency that requested Celina Local Schools cancel afternoon bus routes due to high winds.

Celina Local Schools

A school district in the Miami Valley region that canceled afternoon bus routes on Friday due to the severe weather.

Matt Bruning

The press secretary for ODOT, providing guidance and information to the public.

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What they’re saying

“The biggie is if you come up any road closed signs or barricades, please make sure you are obeying those and not trying to drive around them. Those are there for a reason.”

— Matt Bruning, ODOT Press Secretary

“In those cases, a flashing yellow is a caution and a flashing red means you have to come to a full stop. So, that would be the difference between a flashing signal and a signal that's completely dark, where all four directions are required to stop, as you”

— Matt Bruning, ODOT Press Secretary

“It's going to be a busy night tonight, I think, for a lot of parts of the state, as we continue to clean up after these high winds. All of these folks deserve your attention and your respect and you giving them the room to get the job done safely so they can go home safe to their families at the end of the day.”

— Matt Bruning, ODOT Press Secretary

What’s next

ODOT crews and local partners will continue working through the night to clear hazards and restore normal traffic flow. Drivers should continue to check for updates on road closures and obey all traffic signals and barricades.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of heeding weather warnings, obeying road closures, and giving repair crews the space and respect they need to safely restore order after severe weather events. Motorists play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both themselves and the workers tasked with clearing the roads.