Snow Emergency: Central Ohio Braces for Winter Storm – Feb 6, 2026 Updates

Snow Emergency Declared for Central Ohio as Winter Weather Moves In

Central Ohio is bracing for hazardous road conditions as a snow squall pushes through the region, prompting several counties to declare snow emergencies. Franklin County issued a Level 1 snow emergency at 9:30 a.m. On Friday, February 6, 2026, warning of drifting and blowing snow, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

The forecast for Columbus calls for 2-4 inches of snow on Friday, February 6, 2026. The accumulating snow is already impacting travel, as evidenced by images showing snow-covered roads and commuters navigating the conditions.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been preparing for the winter weather. In December 2025, ODOT deployed 150 crews to salt and brine roads in anticipation of snowfall, emphasizing the importance of keeping roads safe for morning commuters. “That’s what we’re really focused on is keeping folks safe during that morning commute,” said Hannah Salem, ODOT Public Information Officer, at the time.

While the current snowfall is significant, it follows a period of severe winter weather earlier in the year. On January 29, 2026, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office lifted a Level 3 snow emergency that had been in effect since January 25, 2026, following Winter Storm Fern, which blanketed central Ohio in approximately a foot of snow.

Looking ahead, central Ohio is under a Winter Storm Warning until noon on Monday. Following the storm, dangerously cold air is expected to move in, with a Cold Weather Advisory running from midnight Sunday night to 6 p.m. Monday. An Extreme Cold Watch is then in effect from 6 p.m. Monday through noon Tuesday, with wind chills potentially dropping as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

The broader forecast indicates continued frigid temperatures throughout the week. Monday will be partly cloudy with flurries and a high of 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Tuesday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow and a high of 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Wednesday and Thursday are also expected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow and highs of 15 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Friday is forecast to be partly cloudy and frigid, with a high of 17 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by mostly cloudy conditions and potential snow showers on Saturday with a high of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

Earlier this week, on January 24, 2026, central Ohio was warned to expect 8-12+ inches of snow by Sunday evening. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther held a press conference on Saturday, January 24, 2026, warning the city to prepare for a potential “Level 3” snow emergency, under which only official vehicles are permitted on the roads. Mayor Ginther recommended residents purchase essential supplies and return home “before dinner.”

On January 25, 2026, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine officially declared a state of emergency for central Ohio and the entire state.