Central Ohio Faces Sub‑Zero Wind Chills, School Closures, and Service Suspensions

Updated 2026-01-21 00:06:24+00:00 (24 articles)

Extreme Arctic Blast Drives Temperatures Below Zero Temperatures plunge into the single digits Friday night and early Saturday, with wind chills forecast between –5 °F and –15 °F across central Ohio [1][2][3][4][5]. The coldest window is expected Friday night into early Saturday, when wind chills dip far below zero for the longest duration [1]. Forecasts call for lows near 3 °F early Tuesday, while daytime highs remain in the 20s or colder through the weekend [2][4][5].

Impact Alerts and Advisories Highlight Public Safety Risks The 10TV Weather Impact Team issued Impact Alert Days for Friday‑Saturday and again for Sunday‑Monday mornings, signaling elevated travel and safety hazards [1][2][3]. A National Weather Service Cold Weather Advisory and a local Cold Weather Advisory cover the same period, reinforcing the threat of frostbite and hypothermia [2][3]. Officials stress that the arctic pattern is unlikely to shift significantly before the weekend [1].

School Districts Across Central Ohio Cancel or Delay Classes Dozens of districts, including Big Walnut, Coshocton City, Delaware City, Franklin Local, Johnstown‑Monroe, Newark, Olentangy, Reynoldsburg, Southwest Licking, Whitehall, Marysville, and Zanesville, either closed or delayed school on Tuesday [2]. Columbus City Schools already had a scheduled Professional Development Day, and Records Day cancels Wednesday classes, compounding the disruption [2]. An online list provides real‑time updates for families navigating the closures [2].

Transit Authority Waives Fares and Adjusts Schedules The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) eliminated fares on fixed‑route buses, Mainstream, and COTA/Plus for Monday and Tuesday, citing the Cold Weather Advisory [3]. Monday’s service runs on a Sunday schedule because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with COTA/Plus limited to south Columbus [3]. The fare‑free policy aims to protect riders facing sub‑zero wind chills and limited heating [3].

Community Shelters Open as Temperatures Hit Record Lows The Columbus Metropolitan Library opened its main branch as a warming shelter from noon to 9 p.m. Monday, offering seating, Wi‑Fi, and restrooms while suspending regular library services [4]. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium closed on Monday to safeguard guests, staff, and animals amid the freezing temperatures [5]. Both actions reflect coordinated efforts to provide safe refuge during the extreme cold spell [4][5].