There are few situations where the phrase “abundance of caution” is more fitting than where the Ohio Valley stands now with its weather.

The winter storm of the past weekend dumped several inches of snow –up to 13 inches in places like Cameron– on the ground. Residents have been digging themselves out ever since. State, county and city crews have been working around the clock to make the streets as safe as they can.

This isn’t going to be an easy, or quick, fix.

The biggest fly in the ointment will be the frigid temperatures the region will see for the next several days. The National Weather Service said it the Ohio Valley might not see temperatures above freezing until early February, and there will be some nights this week that lows will plummet into the negative numbers.

That reduces the efficacy of road salt — colder temperatures make it harder for the salt to melt the ice — and that means the snow that has piled up around the area won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. For folks who live in more rural areas in the region, that also could mean a longer wait to have their roads plowed and salted.

With all that in mind, residents need to be extra careful of the next week or so. Roadways in some areas could still be treacherous for days. Don’t speed, keep a safe distance from other motorists and plan for some extra travel time. You don’t want to crash your car to shave a couple minutes off your trip to the grocery store.

Be patient. Emergency management and operations officials have said recovery from this storm will take several days, and they weren’t wrong. As frustrating as it is that snow plows could be taking a few days to get to some areas, they’ll be there when they can.

And keep an eye out for your neighbors, especially seniors, in this dangerously cold weather.

We want everyone in the Ohio Valley to stay safe as we clear out and warm up.