Weather
Ohio Winter 2026/27 Safety Alert: 2 Cold-Weather Dangers to Watch For
Columbus, OH – As Ohio moves closer to winter, residents across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and communities throughout the Buckeye State are being reminded of two potentially life threaten
By Grant Holloway · 2026-11-04T16:38:03.844Z
Columbus, OH – As Ohio moves closer to winter, residents across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and communities throughout the Buckeye State are being reminded of two potentially life threatening cold weather conditions: frostbite and hypothermia. While both result from exposure to cold, they affect the body differently and require prompt attention when symptoms develop.
According to the National Weather Service, dressing in layers, covering exposed skin and limiting time outdoors can help prevent cold related injuries. Wind, moisture and prolonged exposure increase the risk, especially for people working outdoors, commuting or attending winter activities.
Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What's the Difference?
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, noses and other exposed areas.
Early warning signs include numbness, tingling, unusual skin discoloration and skin that feels hard or waxy. Severe cases can cause permanent tissue damage.
Hypothermia, meanwhile, develops when the body's core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, extreme fatigue and poor coordination. In severe cases, shivering may stop as the condition becomes life threatening.
What Should Ohio Residents Do?
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia needs immediate medical attention. Call 911, move the person indoors, remove wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets while awaiting emergency assistance.
For suspected frostbite, avoid rubbing affected skin or applying direct heat. Seek medical attention promptly.
The National Weather Service also encourages residents to protect pets, insulate exposed pipes, prepare for possible power outages and check on older adults and vulnerable neighbors.
Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline, exposed rural areas and inland communities can experience dangerous winter wind chills, increasing the importance of proper clothing and limiting prolonged outdoor exposure.
The critical difference: Frostbite freezes and damages body tissue, while hypothermia dangerously lowers the body's internal temperature. Both conditions can occur simultaneously.