Historic Storm Dumps Up to 16 Inches of Snow Across Central Ohio The weekend winter storm delivered 10‑16 inches of snow, ranking as the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus and prompting Level 1 and Level 2 snow emergencies in multiple counties [2][3]. Subzero morning wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F are forecast for at least a week, extending the cold‑weather advisory that triggered emergency measures [3]. The deep, drifting snow hampered road clearing and forced authorities to restrict non‑essential travel while maintaining essential‑worker exemptions [3].

COTA Keeps Buses Running While Waiving Fares Despite the emergency, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) maintained full bus service and suspended all fares, initially through Tuesday and later extended through Thursday under the agency’s weather‑alert policy [3][2]. Buses resumed their regular weekday schedule at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, following the storm’s disruption [2]. The fare‑waiver policy automatically activates when the National Weather Service issues heat or cold advisories, reflecting COTA’s strategy to preserve mobility during extreme conditions [2].

Snow Accumulates at Bus Stops, Creating Hazardous Boarding Conditions Snow piled high on sidewalks and inside transit shelters, blocking clear pathways for riders and forcing some to step into traffic or jump onto buses to avoid standing on the roadway [1]. Rider Susan Dickerson slipped while alighting a bus, and another rider reported having to leap onto a bus to stay off the street [1]. These conditions have raised immediate safety concerns for the city’s transit‑dependent population.

COTA Deploys Intensive Labor to Clear Stops Amid Plow Re‑Deposition Facilities crews and contractors logged 1,560 labor hours over three days, working 12‑hour shifts to clear roughly 200 transit stops multiple times, achieving an estimated 400‑500 cleanings focused on downtown and high‑ridership locations [1]. Municipal snowplows repeatedly pushed snow back into already‑cleared shelters, necessitating additional clearing efforts and further labor hours for COTA facilities and parking lots [1]. The repeated cycle underscores the difficulty of maintaining clear boarding areas in subzero conditions.

Safety Advisories Issued to Riders as Cleanup Continues COTA urges riders to expect delays, dress warmly, wear bright clothing, avoid running toward buses, and stand back from curbs while monitoring arrivals via the Transit App or the agency’s hotline [1]. Despite these precautions, the agency acknowledges that safety remains a concern as snow continues to accumulate on stops [1]. Ongoing communication aims to mitigate accidents until full clearance is achieved.