Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Valley is entering an extended period of elevated winter weather risk as lingering cold across the region keeps the threat for additional snowstorms high through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across the Ohio Valley are expected to remain below normal through the Feb. 7–20 period. With cold air firmly entrenched, any storm system tracking through the Midwest, Tennessee Valley, or Mid-South would likely produce snow or mixed winter precipitation, and longer-range outlooks continue to support an active pattern capable of delivering heavy accumulations.
The renewed concern comes on the heels of Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern delivered widespread snowfall across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, with many areas reporting accumulations exceeding a foot. Travel conditions deteriorated rapidly along Interstates 64, 65, 70, 71, 75, and 77, while school closures, supply disruptions, and scattered power outages were reported as snow and gusty winds moved through the region.
As cold conditions persist, communities from central Ohio and Indiana through northern Kentucky, West Virginia, and parts of Tennessee could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. Transportation officials across the Ohio Valley warn that repeated snow events may strain plowing operations, while persistent cold increases the risk of ice buildup on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Emergency management agencies are urging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, restocking winter emergency supplies, and planning for possible travel delays. Drivers are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during snow events and to monitor local and state DOT updates closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the overall pattern supports continued winter threats. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the threat of heavy snow likely remaining a recurring concern across the Ohio Valley through mid-February.
