Columbus, OH – The Ohio Valley is preparing for a disruptive stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook signaling above-normal precipitation across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Temperatures ranging from near-normal north to slightly above-normal south create a setup for snow, freezing rain, sleet, and cold rain, with significant travel impacts expected ahead of Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, northern portions of the region—including Cleveland, Fort Wayne, and northern Indianapolis suburbs—sit closest to the colder temperature anomalies. These areas are most likely to see accumulating snow, with potential moderate totals between December 20–23.
Central sections—including Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, and Louisville—fall within the corridor with the highest freezing-rain potential. Storms may begin with sleet or light glaze ice from December 19–21, especially overnight and early morning when surface temperatures dip below freezing. Even light ice may cause hazardous driving.
Southern Kentucky, including Bowling Green, Lexington, and areas near the Tennessee line, trends warmer. Much of the early precipitation may fall as cold rain, though colder air pushing northward by December 22–24 could allow rain to end as wet snow or brief wintry mix just before Christmas Eve.
Major Ohio Valley travel routes—including I-70, I-71, I-75, I-65, I-64, and I-74—may experience slick roads, icy bridges, and reduced visibility, especially December 21–24, when winter impacts appear strongest.
