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Ohio Winter Storm Dumps Up to 20 Inches, Triggers County Emergencies and School Closures

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  • Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026. (Credit: Aaron White) Source Full size

Snowfall Totals Reach 20 Inches in Dover, 17 Inches Near Zanesville The storm produced a peak of 20 inches in Dover, Tuscarawas County, while Zanesville recorded nearly 17 inches within 24 hours [2][1]. Columbus‑area suburbs saw up to 13 inches and the metro core about a foot of snow [1]. Accumulations of 6‑14 inches were reported across central Ohio during the event [3][4].

Statewide Snow Emergencies Declared, Franklin County at Level 2 Franklin County and many surrounding jurisdictions were placed under Level 2 Snow Emergency, limiting road use to essential travel [1][2][5]. Several southern counties entered Level 3, shutting all non‑emergency traffic [1][5]. Ohio Department of Transportation mobilized more than 1,200 plow crews, 1,500 trucks and roughly 3,000 workers to treat 43,000 lane‑miles [5][6][3].

Schools and Businesses Shut Down as Temperatures Plunge Tuesday classes were cancelled throughout the region, adding to earlier school closures announced on Sunday [1][2]. Numerous businesses and public buildings closed as the storm lingered [2][4]. A Weather Impact Alert warned of wind chills between –10 °F and –20 °F lasting through the week [1][4][5].

Road Conditions Remain Hazardous, Plows Working Around Clock Six vehicles became stranded on I‑70 West near US 33, prompting a brief lane closure that reopened within two hours [4]. ODOT press secretary Matt Bruning posted real‑time updates on I‑71 and I‑75, urging drivers to give crews space [3][6]. Municipal snow‑service maps in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard and Westerville displayed live clearing status for motorists [3].

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Home Amid Extreme Cold Governor Mike DeWine publicly advised Ohioans to avoid non‑essential travel as the cold snap intensified [6]. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther briefed the public on city shelters and Snow Warrior deployment [5]. Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Brice Nihiser warned that speeding is the leading cause of weather‑related crashes and recommended staying home whenever possible [5][6].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 2, 2025 – Snowfall of 3‑6 inches blankets central Ohio, with Columbus recording over 4 inches; Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies restrict travel and subfreezing temperatures persist as a new system moves toward the Ohio Valley [8].

Dec 2, 2025 – Additional snowfall of 3‑5 inches pushes Worthington past 6 inches, worsens road conditions, lifts winter‑weather advisories, and a further system approaches the region [9].

Dec 13, 2025 – A winter storm drops 1‑9 inches across central Ohio, setting a record 5.4 inches at Columbus airport and up to 9 inches in Waverly; snow emergencies (Level 2/3) are declared and temperatures fall to single digits with wind chills below 0 °F [7].

Jan 23, 2026 – Governor DeWine urges Ohioans to stay home as a major storm approaches; ODOT readies 1,500 trucks, 3,000 workers and ample salt, while central Ohio expects 6‑12 inches of snow, subzero temps and reduced salt effectiveness, and Lt. Nihiser warns drivers to slow down [6].

Jan 24, 2026 – Mayor Ginther briefs residents on the impending storm, announces Snow Warriors will clear 8‑12 inches, and notes a Winter Storm Warning for central Ohio with wind chills of –5 °F to –15 °F; ODOT deploys 1,500 trucks and 3,000 drivers on 12‑hour shifts, and OSHP Lt. Nihiser repeats safety advice [5].

Jan 25, 2026 – Six vehicles become stuck on I‑70 west of US 33, prompting a brief closure of westbound lanes that reopens within two hours; no injuries occur [4].

Jan 25, 2026 – Franklin County enters a Level 2 Snow Emergency and Pike County a Level 3; ODOT activates over 1,200 plow crews (1,230) on interstates, and press secretary Matt Bruning posts real‑time updates on X, urging motorists to give crews space [3].

Jan 25, 2026 – A statewide Winter Storm Warning covers all 88 Ohio counties, forecasting up to 16 inches of snow; subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F trigger a Weather Impact Alert for extreme cold [4].

Jan 25, 2026 – More than 100 churches cancel Sunday services, schools and many businesses close, and forecasts of 8‑14 inches in the Columbus metro raise the possibility of a historic top‑five snowfall event if totals exceed 12 inches [3][4].

Jan 27, 2026 – Snow peaks at 20 inches in Dover, with 6‑16 inches across most of central Ohio; snow emergencies remain active, subzero temps and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F persist through the week, and schools, businesses and travel face widespread disruptions [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – All statewide winter‑storm warnings expire after delivering over 16 inches in many areas, Zanesville records near 17 inches and Columbus suburbs up to 13 inches; Level 2 and Level 3 emergencies continue, Arctic air maintains subzero temps and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F, and Tuesday school classes are cancelled [2].

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