Winter Storm Coverage Live Blog
Franklin County has been downgraded to a Level 1 Snow Emergency after the region received a record-breaking snowfall on Sunday.
Columbus City Schools cancels all Friday classes and extracurricular activities
Columbus City Schools has cancelled all classes and extracurricular activities for Friday, Jan. 30.
The cancellation is due to the ongoing inclement weather related to this week's winter storm.
This marks the fifth consecutive day that CCS has cancelled classes.
Several other area districts have also cancelled Friday classes, including Pickerington, Groveport-Madison, Hamilton Local, Olentangy Local and Canal Winchester.
Level 1 snow emergency canceled in Franklin County
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has canceled its Level 1 snow emergency.
The sheriff's office canceled the snow emergency Thursday at 11 a.m.
County officials say most of the area roads are in "good shape" after being treated by road crews.
Authorities do caution that there may still be some icy areas as Franklin County continues to be impacted by freezing and extremely cold temperatures.
Drivers are cautioned to stay alert while traveling.
School closings for Thursday, January 29
The cold temperatures and winter storm continue to cause Central Ohio school districts to close on Thursday.
Districts that have closed for Thursday include:
- Bexley City Schools
- Big Walnut Local Schools
- Canal Winchester Local Schools
- Columbus City Schools
- Delaware City Schools
- Dublin City Schools
- Gahanna-Jefferson Local Schools
- Grandview Heights City School District
- Groveport Madison Local Schools
- Hamilton Local Schools
- Hilliard City Schools
- New Albany-Plain Local Schools - two hour delay
- Pickerington City Schools
- Olentangy Local Schools
- Reynoldsburg City Schools
- Upper Arlington Schools
- Westerville City Schools
- Whitehall City Schools
- Worthington City Schools
Franklin County's snow emergency to remain at Level 1 through Wednesday
Franklin County's Level 1 snow emergency will remain in place through Wednesday.
The sheriff's office is reminding motorists to drive on area roads with caution, and to keep a safe distance from crews who are still working to clear snow from area roads.
Area residents are also being asked to limit travel in order to allow crews to continue to clear streets.
Central Ohio School districts announce closures for Wednesday
School districts around Columbus and Central Ohio have started to announce they will be closed for a third straight day on Wednesday due to the weekend winter storm and low temperatures.
Some of the districts that have announced they will be closed on Wednesday include:
- Big Walnut Local Schools
- Canal Winchester Local Schools
- Columbus City Schools
- Delaware City Schools
- Dublin City Schools
- Gahanna-Jefferson Local Schools
- Groveport Madison Local Schools
- Hamilton Local Schools
- Hilliard City Schools
- New-Albany Plain Local Schools
- Olentangy Local Schools
- Pickerington City Schools
- South Western City Schools
- Whitehall City Schools
- Wortington City Schools
In-person classes, regular operations will resume Wednesday at Ohio State's Columbus campus
In-person classes at Ohio State's Columbus campus will resume on Wednesday.
Online classes will also happen as scheduled.
In-person classes are resuming after Franklin County downgraded its Snow Emergency Tuesday morning to a Level 1.
The Columbus will also resume all of its regular operations on Wednesday.
The university is encouraging flexibility, where possible, for anyone who requests special accommodations due to the weather.
Franklin County snow emergency downgraded to Level 1
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has downgraded the snow emergency from this weekend's storm to Level 1.
The downgrade reflects that crews continue to make progress clearing primary roads. However, the sheriff's office says road conditions remain inconsistent throughout the county.
Some roads, specifically side streets and less-traveled roads, may still be snow covered and hazardous.
Motorists are still urged to drive cautiously.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office downgraded the emergency to Level 1 at 6 p.m. Monday.
Columbus City Schools cancels Tuesday classes
Because of the continuing inclement weather, Columbus City Schools have canceled classes and extracurricular activities for Tuesday.
The Columbus Board of Education meeting is postponed to Feb. 3.
Check ccsoh.us for up-to-date details.
Blue Jackets postpone tonight's game
The Columbus Blue Jackets have postponed tonight's game against the Los Angeles Kings because of the weather.
The game will be played on Monday, March 9. The start time has yet to be determined. Tickets for tonight's game will be honored on that date.
Franklin, Delaware counties now at Level 2 alert, Columbus State classes canceled for Tuesday, Columbus Zoo will be closed through Friday
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has downgraded the Level 3 Snow Emergency to a Level 2.
That means road crews have made progress in clearing snow from main roadways, with more roads now safely passable, so they are reopened to the general public.
But this does not mean all roads are clear. Many roads, especially side streets, will still be covered with snow and travel remains hazardous.
The sheriff's office still urges people to stay at home so crews can clear roads.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office downgraded its snow emergency to a Level 2 on Monday morning.
Columbus State Community College will remain closed on Tuesday.
Hilliard City Schools have canceled classes for Tuesday.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will remain closed through Friday.
Winter Storm Roundup: Columbus received a record snowfall on Sunday
The National Weather Service in Wilmington said a record amount of snow fell in Columbus on Sunday with 11.9 inches. That almost tripled the previous record of 4.7 inches for January 25 back in 1988.
Trash and Recycling Collection
The Columbus Division of Refuse Collection will make trash pickups as scheduled today. Set out your container with snow cleared around it if Monday is your collection day.
Trash trucks may work slower than usual. If your container is set out and missed, contact the 311 Service Center so pickup can be attempted the next day.
Rumpke will be one day behind this week on its scheduled recycling and yard waste collection in Columbus.
ODOT Working To Clear Highways
Ohio Department of Transportation crews are still working around the clock to clear roads after yesterday's record snowfall.
Spokesman Matt Bruning said in the last 24 hours, ODOT plows across the state drove 180,000 miles, which is the equivalent of seven trips around the globe.
Several snow plows have been struck by other drivers, Bruning said. He asks people who do not need to drive today to stay home.
Bruning will appear on All Sides with Amy Juravich on Monday at 10 a.m.
Some flights in and out of Columbus cancelled
As of early Monday, about two dozen flights are cancelled at Columbus John Glenn International Airport – though many others remain on time.
COTA is offering free fares on Monday
COTA buses are running. They’re set to operate on a regular Monday schedule with free fares today due to the cold.
Ohio Health Cancels some elective surgeries, appointments
Elective surgeries, outpatient imaging, outpatient infusion, outpatient radiation and all other outpatient services at Ohio Health hospitals are cancelled until noon on Monday, January 26.
Some sites may extend cancellations for the entire day.
Patients will be contacted about cancellations and rescheduling their procedure.
How much snow did you get? The National Weather Service wants to know
The National Weather Service wants to know how much snow is near your home.
To send in snow information,
- Grab your ruler
- Find somewhere that's flat, unobstructed and not affected by drifting
- Measure and record to the closest 10th of an inch
You can send it in by tagging your local office of the National Weather Service on Facebook, Twitter, or submitting under "Submit your storm report" on weather.gov.
For the Dayton region, tag the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio.
Level 3 Snow Emergency declared in Delaware County
A Level 3 Snow Emergency has been declared in Delaware County.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office issued the Level 3 Snow Emergency on Sunday just after 6:20 p.m.
A Level 3 Snow Emergency means all roads in the county are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be traveling unless it is essential.
Anyone found traveling during the emergency may be arrested.
Columbus City Council to hold Monday meeting virtually, courts announce closures due to winter storm
Columbus City Council announced on social media it would hold its Monday meeting virtually while the Franklin County Municipal Court, Franklin County Prosecutor's Office and the Ohio Supreme Court will close Monday due to extreme weather.
The council said members of the public who wish to speak or testify can sign up using an online form that will be made available Monday at a link provided online. Livestreams of the meeting are available on YouTube and Facebook Live.
The council is expected to vote on the Columbus Growth Strategy Monday, which would create a standard land-use map for the entire city. Several of the city's area commissions are opposing the legislation since creating these maps, which help determine zoning districts, currently falls under the responsibilities of the area commissions.
Council is also expected to vote on a resolution urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to not let American Electric Power of Ohio raise electricity rates on residential customers.
Monday's Columbus City Council meetings will be moved virtual due to extreme weather. Members of the public who wish to speak or testify, can sign up using the standard online form that becomes available on Mondays at this link: https://t.co/fKLbdojR7X pic.twitter.com/EkeRNwJCON
— Columbus City Council (@cbuscitycouncil) January 25, 2026
The Ohio Supreme Court said on its website the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center will close Monday and resume operations on Tuesday. The court announced any documents due to be filed Monday, can now be filed on Tuesday.
The Franklin County Municipal Court and Prosecutor's Office announced the offices would close in email statements sent to WOSU.
Photo Gallery: Weathering the Winter Storm in Columbus
Columbus residents faced snow‑covered roads and frigid temperatures as a winter storm moved through the area.
Columbus City Schools, several other area districts cancel classes for Monday
Columbus City Schools is one of several central Ohio school districts that are canceling classes on Monday.
The state's largest school district announced classes are canceled Monday shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday. The district's website says extracurricular activities are also canceled.
As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, school districts in central Ohio that have announced class cancellations for Monday, January 26 include:
- Columbus City School District
- Olentangy Local School District
- South-Western City School District
- New Albany-Plain Local School District
- Delaware City School District
- Westerville City School District
- Dublin City School District
- Upper Arlington City School District
- Grandview Heights City School District
- Bexley City School District
- Whitehall City School District
- Pickerington Local School District
- Groveport Madison Local School District
- Madison-Plains Local School District
- Hamilton Local School District
- Canal Winchester Local School District
- Reynoldsburg City School District
- Worthington City School District
All Columbus-area Kroger stores closing Sunday at 6 p.m., Giant Eagle stores closing at 4 p.m.
All Columbus-area Kroger stores will close Sunday at 6 p.m. due to the winter storm.
Mark Bruce, a spokesperson for Kroger, said in a release, "Due to the winter weather, and with the safety of our associates and customers in mind, Kroger’s Columbus Division will close all stores at 6:00 p.m."
All of the stores are scheduled to reopen on Monday at their regularly scheduled times. Depending on the store location, the opening time will be either 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.
All Columbus-area Giant Eagle stores will close Sunday at 4 p.m. Those locations are expected to re-open on Monday at their regularly scheduled times.
Franklin County and several surrounding counties are under a Level 3 Snow Emergency, which means all roads are closed and no one should be traveling unless it is essential.
Ohio State cancels in-person classes on Monday and Tuesday at its main campus
All in-person classes have been canceled for Monday and Tuesday at Ohio State's main campus in Columbus due to the winter storm.
Instructors are encouraged to hold classes virtually where possible. All online classes will happen as scheduled.
The campus will remain open with limited essential services. All non-essential activities should be canceled.
Ohio State staff members who are able to work remotely are encouraged to do so in consultation with their supervisors.
Dining and recreation will be limited on Sunday, as all university libraries are closed.
The Wexner Medical Center and clinical services will remain open.
All classes and activities at Columbus State Community College have been canceled for Monday.
Franklin County Sheriff declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency
Franklin County joined many surrounding counties in central Ohio in declaring a level 3 snow emergency.
Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin issued the new alert before noon on Sunday after declaring a level 2 snow emergency in the early morning hours of Sunday. As of noon, the National Weather Service is reporting snowfall totals between 6 and 10 inches in Franklin County.
A level 3 snow emergency means all roads are closed except for emergency personnel.
A Level 3 Snow Emergency means:
- All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel
- No one should be driving during these conditions unless travel is absolutely necessary or a personal emergency exists
- Employees should contact their employer to determine whether they are required to report to work
- Individuals who travel on roadways during a Level 3 Snow Emergency may be subject to arrest
Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking, Knox, Madison, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties are also under level 3 snow emergencies.
Delaware and Union counties are still under a level 2 snow emergency as of noon, Sunday. That means there are hazardous conditions with blowing and drifting snow, and only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads.
NWS has central Ohio under a Winter Storm Warning until noon Monday. NWS also issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Sunday evening through Monday with tempuratures forecasted to drop to 8 degrees with winds gusting up to 22 miles per hour.
Several more inches of snowfall are expected through Monday morning.
National Weather Service predicts 10 to 13 inches of snow for the Columbus area
The National Weather Service in Wilmington is forecasting between 10 and 13 inches of snow for the Columbus area from the winter storm.
Meteorologist Ashley Novak tells WOSU the snow’s intensity will decrease early Sunday night and taper off overnight.
Novak says five to eight inches have fallen in the Columbus area so far, with the west side of Columbus and Franklin County receiving the highest totals.
Novak also said John Glenn Columbus International Airport received 5.3 inches by 7 a.m. Sunday.
Franklin and Delaware counties have declared Level 2 snow emergencies. That means there are hazardous conditions with blowing and drifting snow, and only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads.
Ross, Pike and Vinton counties have declared Level 3 snow emergencies. That means all roads are closed except for emergency personnel.
Columbus State College is closed Sunday. Several flights at John Glenn Columbus International Airport have also been canceled. Travelers should check with their airlines for updates on flight statuses.
Snowstorm reaches Ohio
Snow has reached Ohio, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
The radar image shows the storm has reached western Ohio and as far east as the Dayton area.
[5:40 pm] Wilmington radar and public mPING (download the app to help!) reports are beginning to show snow reaching the surface across portions of the area. Dry and fluffy snow is expected this evening and tonight with 2-5" accumulating by Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/NdWmQPk9Ds
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) January 24, 2026
The weather service expects between two and five inches of dry and fluffy snow to fall by Sunday morning.
The heaviest snow is expected during the pre-dawn hours Sunday through Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Their forecast predicts between eight inches and a foot of snow for central Ohio.
Heavier snow is possible north of Columbus, while freezing rain could potentially fall south of Columbus around Chillicothe.
[3:40 PM 1/24] Snow won't begin to accumulate until later this evening, with accumulations ramping up after midnight. Heaviest snow expected during the pre-dawn hours Sunday through Sunday afternoon. Snow totals nudged lower in our south where a prolonged wintry-mix will occur. pic.twitter.com/zlthZfKXYj
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) January 24, 2026
Gov. Mike DeWine declares 'State of Emergency' ahead of winter snow storm
Gov. Mike DeWine declared a "State of Emergency" for the state of Ohio shortly after 12 p.m. Saturday ahead of the expected winter storm that could leave up to a foot of snow in parts of the state.
All areas of the state are also dealing with extremely cold temperatures.
"I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it's absolutely necessary to be out," DeWine said. "We're expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly."
Columbus officials urge people to stay home, expecting 'Super Bowl of storms' to drop 10-14 inches of snow
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and other city leaders spoke to reporters ahead of the impending winter storm on Saturday, which is expected drop several inches to over a foot of snow in central Ohio.
Ginther said it is very possible that the Franklin County Sheriff may issue a Level 3 Snow Emergency, which he said means only emergency vehicles will be allowed on the roads.
Ginther called the major winter storm the “Super Bowl of storms.” He said the city anticipates 10-14 inches of snow or more to fall for 24-36 straight hours starting Saturday night.
“This is a once in decades event and I need everyone in the community to take action now to help us all stay safe,” Ginther said.
Ginther said the city’s Snow Warrior snow plow team will focus on main roads and state routes first. Because the snow will be falling continuously, he said the city will likely not get to neighborhood and secondary “feeder” streets until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Ginther said before the storm hits, residents should pick up some groceries, cancel any plans and stay home.
“Please also prepare for the extreme cold. After this major winter storm, we will have several days of extremely cold weather. In sub-freezing temperatures, we don’t want anyone out on the streets,” Ginther said.
Community Shelter Board President and CEO Shannon Isom said the city’s shelter system for the homeless population has flexed its space so that no one will be turned away. She said the cold tempurates that are expected to last after the storm is the most risky.
“It is the cold that Community Shelter Board and our nonprofit partners think about. It is the cold that is the most risky,” Isom said.
Isom said to get connected to CSB’s shelter or any resources, people should go to the agency’s website, call its homeless hotline at (614) 274-7000 or just walk into a shelter.
Franklin County Emergency Management officials say county is prepared for storm, offers tips
Franklin County's emergency management teams are preparing resources to respond to the impending winter storm.
As of Friday afternoon, central Ohio is expected to see anywhere from 8 inches to over a foot of snow, but forecasts are still changing. Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Director Jeff Young says the agency is prepared for the upcoming storm.
Young told WOSU the county works with cities on snow plowing, the county sheriff on declaring a snow emergency and utility providers on potential power outages.
"This is not the kind of storm where you need to go to the store and buy a month's worth of supplies or bottled water. It's you just need to go earlier for what you would normally need on a weekly basis," Young said.
That being said, Young said it is always a good idea to have some sort of emergency preparedness kit at home. He said this could include non-perishable food and bottled water.
Young said the storm is likely to bring a dry snow with little wind, meaning the main thing to worry about is travel.
"The more we can stay off the roadways, the more effective and efficient the plows are and our snow warriors, it keeps them safer, allows them to do their job much quicker, which gets us all back into our normal operation," Young said.
Columbus preps for winter storm
Columbus city officials say they're preparing to remove the heavy snowfall expected over the weekend, with National Weather Service forecasting up to 14 inches of snow Saturday night through Sunday.
The city will have about 100 snowplow trucks available. Major roadways like Broad Street, Morse Road, High Street, and Polaris Parkway and sections of State Route 161 and State Route 3 will be plowed first, said
Scott Tourville, an administrator with the Columbus Department of Public Service.
"While it's snowing and for a period of 12 to 16 or more hours after it's done snowing, we will be servicing primarily priority one streets,” Tourville said. “We fully anticipate road conditions to be poor through Monday. We fully anticipated the sheriff calling snow emergencies that are appropriate for the conditions throughout the day Monday and even into Tuesday or longer."
Tourville said he hopes neighbors will help each other to shovel sidewalks and driveways.