Ohio Valley – A prolonged winter storm brought widespread snow and ice across the Ohio Valley from January 23 through January 26, producing double-digit snowfall totals in several cities and creating hazardous travel conditions across the region.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, the storm delivered significant snowfall across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Kentucky, with snow falling steadily over multiple days rather than as a single short-lived system.
Among the highest reported totals, Dayton, Ohio recorded 11.5 inches of snow, while Pittsburgh measured 12.0 inches. Indianapolis reported 10.6 inches, and North Little Rock, Arkansas, on the southwest edge of the Ohio Valley storm system, recorded 11.0 inches. Snowfall totals across much of the region generally ranged from 8 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts in heavier snow bands.
The storm also featured periods of sleet and freezing rain, particularly across southern portions of the Ohio Valley, compounding travel impacts. Ice accumulation led to slick roads, reduced visibility, and slower emergency response times in several areas.
Travel conditions deteriorated across major corridors including Interstates 70, 71, 75, and 79, especially during the weekend and early Monday morning commute. Plowing and treatment operations continued into Monday as cold temperatures prevented melting and allowed snow and ice to persist.
The Weather Prediction Center said snowfall ended across most of the Ohio Valley by Monday morning, though lingering cold air is expected to keep snowpack in place for several days, prolonging impacts on roads, parking, and pedestrian travel.
The January 23–26 storm ranks among the more significant winter weather events of the season for the Ohio Valley, contributing to above-normal snowfall totals in several cities as winter continues.
