Columbus and Cincinnati shatter snowfall records as winter storm hits Ohio
A winter storm dumped record snowfall in Columbus and Cincinnati, prompting road closures, school shutdowns and a Level 3 snow emergency across multiple counties.
Key points
- Columbus recorded 11.9 inches of snow on Jan. 25, a new daily record.
- Cincinnati logged 9.2 inches, breaking its previous record.
- Franklin and Hamilton counties issued Level 3 snow emergencies, restricting travel.
- Schools and many businesses closed as roads became impassable.
- National Weather Service provided real‑time updates throughout the storm.
The winter storm of 2026 has brought significant changes to the weather in Columbus, Ohio. This article will explore the recent weather conditions, including the amount of snow Columbus and Cincinnati received, and the impact on driving conditions.
January 27, 2026, marks a day of record-breaking snowfall for Columbus. The city experienced a whopping 11.9 inches of snow on January 25, setting a new daily snowfall record, surpassing the previous record of 9.7 inches set in February 2010. This marks a significant event for the region, as such heavy snowfall is relatively rare. The last time Columbus saw close to 10 inches of snow was in February 2010, when 9.7 inches fell on the city, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to the record-breaking snowfall, the winter storm has also had a significant impact on driving conditions in the Columbus metro area. Much of the region picked up around a foot of snow, leading to road closures, and snow emergency travel warnings being issued by Franklin County. The heavy snowfall has caused significant disruptions, with schools closing and emergency services working overtime to clear the roads and keep residents safe.
Cincinnati, located in Hamilton County, has also been significantly affected by the winter storm. The city saw a record amount of snowfall, with 9.2 inches recorded on January 25, breaking the previous record of 5.8 inches set in 2004. This marks the third time this winter season that a record has been set for snowfall in the city, highlighting the severity of this year's winter storms.
Hamilton County, along with several other counties in Ohio and Northern Kentucky, is under a Level 3 snow emergency. This means that only emergency vehicles are allowed on the roads, and all non-essential travel is prohibited. The severe weather conditions have made driving treacherous, with many roads impassable due to the heavy snowfall. The snow emergency in the region has also led to the closure of many businesses and schools, as residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
As the winter storm continues to impact the region, residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and road conditions. The National Weather Service is providing real-time updates throughout the storm, helping residents to navigate the challenging weather conditions and stay safe.
Your questions, answered
What snowfall records were broken in Columbus and Cincinnati during the storm?
Columbus set a new daily record of 11.9 inches, and Cincinnati recorded a new high of 9.2 inches.
What travel restrictions were imposed during the storm?
Level 3 snow emergencies limited roads to emergency vehicles only, prohibiting non‑essential travel.
How did the storm affect schools and businesses?
Schools closed and many businesses shut down as authorities urged residents to stay indoors.
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