As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday Athens County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 Snow Advisory. Stay up to date on Facebook.
ATHENS, Ohio — The winter storm and temperature plunge that began last weekend is causing headaches for the City of Athens and those who need shelter from the cold.
Facing snowy conditions at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, a city vehicle hauling a trailer crashed into Good Works’ Sign of Hope house, at 100 Central Ave. According to the fire department’s incident report, obtained via public records request, no injuries were reported.
Athens City-Service Director Andy Stone told the Independent that the collision was the result of a city truck hauling an excavator that could not make it up Second Street in the snow. The police report for the incident, obtained via public records request, states, “This crash happened solely due to weather conditions.”
Then on Monday evening, the Athens Police Department reported via social media a large water main break near Old Peach Ridge Road.
“The water is draining down Terrace Dr and into Columbus Rd,” the Facebook post stated. “Please use caution in the area as the Water Department works on the break.”
A city vehicle hauling heavy machinery on a trailer collided with Good Works’ Sign of Hope, at 100 Central Ave. in Athens. Photos provided by Anna Findley. Jan. 25, 2026.
Sign of Hope is one of several Good Works facilities serving people experiencing houselessness; the Second Street property is an accessible space for people who require disability accommodations. It is located at the bottom of a steep hill at the intersection of Central Avenue and Second Street, on Athens’ Westside.
A trailer attached to the city truck slid into the building, knocking a hole in the structure and hitting a gas line, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
The driver was en route to a water main break on Elliot Street, Stone said.
“While they had a vehicle go in front of them and salt the Second Street hill area, it just wasn’t sufficient,” Stone said. “The driver who was hauling the excavator basically lost traction on the hill, and it slipped backwards. They slipped into the house.”
Stone praised Curtis Towing for safely navigating the truck and trailer’s removal. He said the city has placed tarps over the hole left in the building. Stone said he believes the damage is not structural.
The city will work with its insurance carrier on the accident, he said.
Athens Fire Department Chief Robert Rymer told the Independent that the fire department responded to the accident “because the truck had slipped into the gas line.” No gas leak was reported.
The fire department “turned off power to the area of the house affected by the strike, as well as turned off the power to both heat pumps that were hit during the crash.” Rymer said, and the report states, that Columbia Gas also disconnected the gas meter to ensure safety during the removal of the vehicle and trailer.
The Independent could not get comment from Good Works Founder and Executive Director Keith Wasserman prior to publication.
Water main break in North side
At about 7 p.m. Monday, The Athens Police Department reported a large water main break near Old Peach Ridge Road. The city later issued a boil advisory early Tuesday morning through 9 a.m. Thursday for Cable Lane, Columbia Avenue, North Peach Road, North Point Drive, North Wood Drive, Old Peach Road, Orchard Lane, and Strouds Run Road.
Stone said there was another break in the area Monday night, on Columbia Avenue.
“We’ve been having a rash of breaks over the last six months,” Stone said. “Really, we’re trying to sort through what’s causing it.”
Stone said a potential cause is malfunctioning pumps, though Monday’s issues were likely due to cold temperatures.
Stone said the city salted Terrace Avenue on Tuesday, though he advised drivers to “go around” if they can.
Ice covering Terrace Drive in Athens. Photos provided by Emily Hill Guseman. Jan. 27, 2026.
Staying warm
As of Tuesday afternoon, Athens County remained under a Level 2 Snow Advisory, per the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. That means folks should continue to avoid roadways due to dangerous conditions, and should only drive if necessary.
The National Weather Service has also issued a cold weather advisory through 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Ohio University Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis reported Tuesday that temperatures are expected to stay low through the week, not rising out of the low 20s.
Prolonged exposure to low temperatures is dangerous, and increases the risk for hypothermia and frostbite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend dressing in warm, loose layers, wearing water-resistant boots and outerwear, wearing mittens or gloves and facial coverings to safeguard against the cold. People should also take extra caution when shoveling snow.
The Gathering Place said on its Facebook page Monday that it is open for regular business hours, not as an emergency warming shelter. It noted, however, that if anyone needs access to the emergency warming shelter, to call or text 740-517-0043. The Gathering Place also shared on Facebook a list of local warming centers across the county.
Update: This story was modified around 11:30 a.m. Feb. 3 to include information obtained from a public records request after initial publication.
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