Central Ohio Faces Up to 14 Inches of Snow, Sub‑Zero Temperatures, and Widespread Emergencies
Updated (2 articles)
Heavy Snowfall Blankets Central Ohio With Uneven Accumulations Snow began late Saturday night, intensified Sunday morning, and is expected to continue through Sunday night or early Monday, delivering 8‑14 inches across the region with isolated spots possibly exceeding 14 inches [1]. Measured totals show Bexley at 7 inches, Columbus at 7.5 inches, Fallsburg and Frazeysburg each at 13 inches, London at 11 inches, New Albany at 13 inches, and Whitehall at 10.2 inches, illustrating a patchy distribution [1]. The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning now covers all 88 Ohio counties, extending from the Southwest to the Northeast [1].
Multiple Counties Declare Level 3 Snow Emergencies Franklin County leads with a Level 3 Snow Emergency, and several neighboring counties have issued similar declarations, triggering heightened response protocols [1]. The emergency listings and level definitions are posted on the WBNS snow‑emergency page, guiding residents on shelter, road closures, and essential services [1]. Authorities advise residents to avoid non‑essential travel as conditions deteriorate [1].
Forecast Adjustments Push Heavier Snow Northward The 10 Weather Impact team revised the forecast, moving the heaviest snowfall farther north while still projecting 8‑14 inches for the Columbus metro and central Ohio [1]. Isolated areas could see more than 14 inches, especially where early measurements already top 13 inches [1]. Temperatures are set to plunge into single digits and subzero, with wind chills ranging from –10 °F to –20 °F through early next week [1].
Travel Disruptions and Business Closures Expected Snow, wind, and extreme cold will create hazardous travel conditions; traffic updates are provided online and many roads are expected to become impassable [1]. Several businesses and public buildings have already closed, and a Weather Impact Alert for extreme cold remains in effect for the next seven days [1]. Residents are urged to stock up on essentials and limit outings until conditions improve [1].
Timeline
Dec 13, 2025 – A winter storm drops 1–9 inches of snow across central Ohio, with Waverly reporting 9 inches and John Glenn Columbus International Airport logging a new record of 5.4 inches; the accumulation triggers Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies and forecasts single‑digit temperatures and wind chills below zero. [2]
Dec 14, 2025 – State officials release snow‑emergency guidance, defining Level 2 as “drive only if absolutely necessary” and Level 3 as “close roads to non‑emergency personnel,” highlighting the storm’s disruption to travel and public safety. [2]
Jan 25, 2026 – A fresh winter storm blankets central Ohio, delivering 8–14 inches of snow; Bexley records 7 inches, Fallsburg and Frazeysburg each receive 13 inches, and temperatures plunge into single digits with wind chills of –10 to –20 °F, raising concerns about cumulative snow loads and power reliability after the December event. [1]
Jan 25, 2026 – Franklin County declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency and the National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning for all 88 Ohio counties, keeping the alert active until noon Monday; travel bans and business closures follow as “Snow began late Saturday night, intensified Sunday morning, and is expected to continue through Sunday night or early Monday.” [1]