FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — A significant winter storm has led to snow emergencies across Central Ohio, affecting travel and safety for residents throughout the region. Starting Sunday, January 2025, multiple counties have declared snow emergencies ranging from Level 1 to Level 3 due to dangerous driving conditions caused by heavy snowfall.
The storm, which developed over southern Ohio, has brought between 4 to 6 inches of snow to the greater Columbus area, with some regions projected to receive up to 10 inches. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) suspended fares on Monday to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads. Under the current conditions, roads are considered hazardous, and officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
According to COTA officials, "This will reduce traffic accidents in difficult driving conditions and assist the efforts of countywide snow removal and salting." The fare suspension will remain effective the entire day, complementing the closing of COTA’s Customer Experience Center, though the Customer Care Call Center remains operational.
Local city officials have emphasized the importance of staying home, advising those who must travel to dress warmly and stay visible for safety at transit stops. COTA recommends checking their social media platforms for real-time updates on service delays and road conditions.
On Sunday, emergency declarations began to roll out. The classifications are as follows: Level 1 indicates hazardous road conditions with blowing and drifting snow, where motorists are urged to drive cautiously. Level 2 ramps up the warnings, declaring roadways hazardous and advising only necessary travel, and Level 3 effectively closes roadways to non-emergency personnel, allowing only those with urgent needs to be on the road.
Counties like Franklin, Fairfield, and Licking have issued Level 2 snow emergencies, indicating the seriousness of the travel conditions. Per the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, as of the latest reports from Sunday evening, there are several counties under different emergency levels and warnings.
A winter storm warning is now in place for several counties—including Franklin, Athens, and Fairfield—predicting potential ice accumulation alongside heavy snow over the following couple of days, which may disrupt daily life, including possible school closings and significant traffic delays.
Forecasters from Storm Team 4 have also issued alerts about the freezing rain expected to develop on Monday, especially affecting areas south of Columbus. This accumulation of ice atop already significant snowfall could pose additional hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The winter storm’s impacts have prompted responses not only from transit authorities but also from sheriff's offices working collaboratively with county emergency managers to assess road conditions. Since 1994, sheriffs have been authorized to declare snow emergencies as per state guidelines, which help inform local residents about how to safely navigate hazardous conditions.
Authorities are keeping communities informed with up-to-the-minute forecasts and advisories across various media platforms. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news updates to monitor the storm’s progression and the resulting advisories.
With the likelihood of continued severe weather, it is imperative for all community members to prioritize safety and adhere to official guidelines. The situation remains fluid, and authorities will adjust their recommendations as the storm evolves.
Residents should remain aware of their surroundings and stay informed about the latest weather updates as the region braces for extensive winter weather challenges.