Winter Storm Warning Issued for Central Ohio: Heavy Snowfall and Dangerous Conditions Expected
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A major winter storm is poised to impact central and southern Ohio this weekend, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Monday. Residents are bracing for significant snowfall, dangerously low wind chills, and hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has extended a Winter Storm Watch across multiple states, from New Mexico and Texas to the Carolinas and into the Northeast, signaling the widespread nature of this weather event. Central Ohio is forecast to receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow, with some areas, particularly south of Interstate 70, potentially exceeding a foot.
Dangerous Cold and Snowfall Timeline
The heaviest snowfall is anticipated to begin Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m., intensifying through the evening and overnight into Sunday night. According to the 10 Weather Impact team, the Columbus metro area is likely to accumulate 8-12 inches of snow by Monday morning. The further south you travel within Ohio, the more substantial the snowfall is expected to be.
Wind chills will add to the danger, plummeting to between -5 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit from Friday night into early Saturday. These frigid temperatures, combined with the accumulating snow, will create treacherous conditions.
Closures and Travel Advisories
Several businesses and institutions in central Ohio have already announced closures or delayed openings. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be closed from Friday, January 23, through Monday, January 26, while the National Veterans Memorial and Museum will remain closed on Sunday, January 25. A comprehensive list of closings and delays can be found [here](link to list of closings).
Local authorities are urging extreme caution on the roads. Counties under a Level 2 snow emergency should restrict driving to essential travel only, while those under a Level 3 emergency face road closures for all non-emergency personnel. Residents can find a full list of snow emergencies [here](link to snow emergency list).
Preparing for a Significant Snow Event
One analyst noted that this storm has the “potential to be one of, if not the biggest, snowfall we get this season.” Officials are continuing to analyze data to refine the forecast and provide the most accurate information possible.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by downloading the 10TV mobile app for winter weather updates. Additionally, 10TV+ offers a 24/7 live stream and on-demand content available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
This winter storm demands preparation and caution. Stay safe, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.
