Columbus, OH – Snowflakes swirl across the Ohio Valley this morning as winter tightens its grip on the region. With two systems lining up to hit before the weekend ends, residents should prepare now for slick roads, frigid air, and difficult travel from Friday night through early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, light snow showers will linger through the morning before another system drops into the state tonight. A dusting to an inch of accumulation is possible by Friday morning, enough to make bridges and side roads slick for commuters. The real concern, however, arrives Saturday — when a stronger disturbance is expected to deliver heavier snow and a sharp temperature plunge.
Snow will likely begin by late afternoon Saturday and continue through the night, with an 80% chance of accumulation around an inch or two. Roads across I-70, I-71, and Route 33 could turn snow-covered or icy by evening, especially in rural and elevated areas.
Behind the snow, Arctic air crashes into the region. By Sunday morning, lows will dip near 7°F, with wind chills flirting with zero or below. Highs may not reach 20°F, marking Ohio’s coldest stretch so far this December.
Meteorologists say the bitter cold pattern will linger into early next week, signaling the start of a true winter setup across the Midwest and Great Lakes. Plan now for icy travel and dangerous cold — and check in on neighbors or loved ones without heat.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 11–15):
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 35°F.
- Saturday: Snow likely, high 29°F.
- Saturday Night: Snow, low 7°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 18°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 32°F.
