Columbus, Ohio – Ohio remains under an elevated winter weather threat as lingering cold across the Midwest keeps the risk for additional snowstorms high through mid-February, following one of the largest and most disruptive winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Ohio are expected to remain below normal for an extended stretch, allowing cold air to stay firmly in place. With that setup, any storm system tracking through the Midwest or Great Lakes region would likely produce snow, and longer-range precipitation outlooks continue to support an active pattern capable of delivering heavy accumulations.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, a sprawling system that moved from Texas to Maine and affected more than two dozen states. Fern dropped more than a foot of snow across parts of Ohio, particularly in northern and central counties, while lake-enhanced snowfall intensified impacts near Lake Erie. Travel conditions deteriorated quickly along Interstates 70, 71, 75, and 90, leading to widespread delays, school closures, and numerous crashes during the height of the storm.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Columbus and Cleveland to Toledo, Akron, and Cincinnati could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. Ohio Department of Transportation crews warn that repeated snow events can quickly overwhelm treatment efforts, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures remain well below freezing and snow compacts into ice.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, ensuring vehicles are equipped for winter driving, and keeping emergency kits stocked with food, water, and batteries. Limiting non-essential travel during snow events can also reduce risk.
While the exact timing of any individual storm remains uncertain, forecasters say the overall pattern supports continued winter impacts. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the threat of heavy snow likely remaining a regular concern across Ohio through mid-February.
