Summary (tl;dr)

Franklin County, Ohio, and numerous other Central Ohio counties are currently under Level 3 snow emergencies, with several additional counties under Level 2, as a major winter storm, "Winter Storm Fern," delivers heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions across the state.

Essential Background

Ohio's snow emergency levels are a system implemented by county sheriffs to inform the public about road conditions during severe winter weather and to impose travel restrictions for public safety. There are three classifications: Level 1 advises motorists to drive cautiously due to hazardous roads; Level 2 restricts travel to only those who deem it necessary; and Level 3 closes all roadways to non-emergency personnel, with violators subject to arrest. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) does not issue these levels; rather, they are determined by local sheriff's offices.

The Full Story

On January 25, 2026, Winter Storm Fern brought significant snowfall and treacherous conditions to Ohio, prompting the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to declare a Level 3 snow emergency, effectively closing all roadways to non-emergency travel. This declaration means that individuals should not be on the roads unless absolutely necessary for travel or a personal emergency, and non-compliance could lead to arrest.

Beyond Franklin County, at least a dozen other Central Ohio counties, including Athens, Crawford, Fairfield, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Morrow, Muskingum, Pike, Ross, and Vinton, also escalated to Level 3 snow emergencies by late morning. Many of these areas are expected to receive between 8 to 14 inches of snow, with some parts of the Columbus metro area potentially seeing 12-16 inches.

Furthermore, numerous other counties across Ohio, such as Auglaize, Butler, Clinton, Darke, Delaware, Greene, Hamilton, Logan, Lucas, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren, have declared Level 2 snow emergencies, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all 88 counties in Ohio, indicating widespread severe weather impacts.

Why It Matters

The current snow emergencies significantly impact daily life and safety across Ohio. With Level 3 declarations, non-essential travel is prohibited, leading to widespread school closures, disruptions for businesses, and potential legal consequences for those on the roads without critical need. Even in Level 2 areas, hazardous road conditions, including blowing and drifting snow and ice, make travel extremely dangerous and are strongly discouraged. The combination of heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures also raises concerns about health risks, particularly for cardiovascular emergencies associated with strenuous activities like snow removal.

Geographic Location

• Franklin County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency due to heavy snowfall)
• Delaware County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow/ice emergency)
• Hamilton County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Lucas County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Licking County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Butler County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Fairfield County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Athens County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Crawford County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Hocking County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Jackson County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Knox County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Morrow County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Muskingum County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Pike County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Ross County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Vinton County, Ohio, United States (Level 3 snow emergency)
• Auglaize County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Clinton County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Darke County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Greene County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Miami County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Montgomery County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Preble County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Warren County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)
• Logan County, Ohio, United States (Level 2 snow emergency)