Top Headlines

Feeds

Central Ohio Snow Emergencies Escalate on Feb. 4, 2026 with Level 2 Alert in Pike County

Updated (6 articles)
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: Adobe Stock/WBNS-10TV Source Full size

Real‑Time Update Timestamp Confirms Conditions at 03:05 UTC The 10TV web staff refreshed the snow‑emergency page at 03:05 UTC on February 4, 2026, establishing the latest verification point for all alerts [1]. The timestamp indicates that the information reflects current roadway and weather conditions as they develop. Continuous updates will be posted through the article and the station’s mobile app throughout the day.

Four Counties Designated Level 1 Snow Emergencies Athens, Coshocton, Noble and Ross counties are each classified as Level 1 emergencies, meaning hazardous roadways with blowing, drifting snow and icy surfaces [1]. Drivers in these counties are urged to travel carefully and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Local authorities recommend using chains or winter tires where possible.

Pike County Receives Level 2 Emergency, Restricts Travel Pike County is listed as a Level 2 snow emergency, allowing only essential travel and advising residents to check with employers before reporting to work [1]. This designation signals hazardous roadways that are not yet closed but require heightened caution. The county’s status is the highest level currently active in central Ohio.

No Level 3 Emergencies Declared, Full Road Closures Unnecessary As of the latest update, no central Ohio county has been assigned a Level 3 emergency, which would mandate closure of all non‑emergency roadways and could result in arrests for unnecessary travel [1]. The absence of Level 3 indicates that while conditions are severe, they have not reached the threshold for total shutdown. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for any escalation.

10TV Provides Radar, Warnings, and Streaming Platforms for Public The article links to an interactive radar, a dedicated weather‑warnings page, and a school‑closing schedule to keep residents informed [1]. Viewers can stream 10TV via its app or on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV platforms, ensuring broad access to real‑time information. These resources aim to enhance public safety during the snow event.

Sources

Timeline

Dec 2, 2025 – A winter storm deposits 3‑6 inches of snow across central Ohio, with Columbus receiving over 4 inches, prompting Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies that restrict travel and close roads to non‑essential traffic; temperatures stay at or below freezing for the week, and forecasters warn that a new system is moving toward the Ohio Valley later in the week [6].

Jan 3, 2026 – 10TV lists Coshocton and Washington counties at Level 1 snow emergency, meaning hazardous roadways from blowing and drifting snow, while confirming that no counties are under Level 2 or Level 3 alerts; the outlet pledges ongoing updates via its article and mobile app [5].

Jan 22, 2026 – Ohio sheriffs receive authority to declare snow emergencies and use a three‑level system to guide travel, with Maj. Jim Sweat explaining that “travel during dangerous weather can lead to accidents that tie up responders,” emphasizing multi‑agency coordination among deputies, road departments, ODOT, and county engineers to preserve emergency capacity [4].

Jan 25, 2026 – Overnight snowfall brings 8‑14 inches of snow to the Columbus metro, leading Franklin County to adopt a Level 2 snow emergency that advises only essential travel; ODOT deploys more than 1,200 plow crews statewide, and press secretary Matt Bruning posts real‑time road conditions on X, warning drivers to allow extra time and noting the storm could rank among the top five historic snow events if totals exceed 12 inches [3].

Jan 27, 2026 – After 10‑16 inches of snow fall Sunday, Franklin County escalates to a Level 1 snow emergency, restricting non‑essential road use and authorizing arrests for violations; subzero wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F persist, COTA keeps all bus routes operating while waiving fares through Tuesday, and county sheriffs coordinate closures with ODOT to prioritize essential workers and snow‑removal crews [2].

Feb 4, 2026 – 10TV refreshes its snow‑emergency map, placing Athens, Coshocton, Noble and Ross counties at Level 1 and Pike County at Level 2, while confirming no Level 3 emergencies; the station continues to provide interactive radar, warning pages, and streaming options to keep central Ohio residents informed of evolving conditions [1].

All related articles (6 articles)

External resources (9 links)