Franklin County Declares Level 2 Snow Emergency Amid 16‑Inch Storm and Subzero Temperatures
Updated Published Cached
Key Facts
- Franklin County placed under Level 2 snow emergency after Sunday’s heavy snowfall and lingering frigid temperatures made road clearing difficult, officials said [1]. The designation follows a county‑wide assessment of snow accumulation and road conditions. Level 2 limits travel to essential personnel and permits law‑enforcement to restrict non‑emergency movement. The emergency remains in effect as crews continue to work on icy, snow‑covered roads.
- Central Ohio recorded 10‑16 inches of snow on Sunday, ranking as the season’s biggest storm and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus [1]. The snowfall fell across central, southern and eastern United States during a major winter system. Accumulations varied by location, with some areas exceeding 16 inches. The depth contributed to hazardous driving conditions and prompted the emergency declaration.
- COTA maintains full bus service and waives fares through Tuesday to support residents needing to travel during the emergency [1]. All routes remain operational despite road hazards. The fare waiver applies to any rider using the system until the end of Tuesday. COTA’s decision aims to reduce private vehicle trips and aid essential travel.
- Non‑essential travel is prohibited; violators may face arrest as county sheriffs enforce the snow emergency [1]. Only essential workers—such as medical staff, traffic controllers, snow‑removal crews, and first responders—are permitted on the roads. Individuals with urgent medical appointments should confirm with their providers. Employers are urged to advise staff on whether reporting to work is necessary.
- County sheriffs coordinate with the County Engineer’s Office and ODOT to set emergency levels and may temporarily close state routes and municipal streets when conditions demand [1]. Deputies patrol to monitor road conditions and report findings. ODOT’s website notes that winter‑weather response is largely managed at the county level, with garage managers planning and preparing for snow events. This collaborative approach guides the Level 2 designation.
- Subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F are forecast for the next week, triggering a Weather Impact Alert for extreme cold [1]. The cold snap is expected to persist through the end of January. Wind‑chill values will be most severe Monday and Tuesday mornings. The alert advises residents to limit outdoor exposure and prepare for prolonged freezing conditions.
Who Said What
- COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) – announced that all bus lines remain in service and fares are waived through Tuesday to aid commuters during the emergency.
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) – indicated via its website that winter‑weather response is primarily managed at the county level, with each county garage overseeing plow and salt operations.
- County sheriffs – noted that they may declare snow emergencies, close roads, and enforce travel restrictions, relying on information from the County Engineer’s Office and ODOT.
Some Context
- Level 2 snow emergency – a county‑issued status that restricts travel to essential personnel and allows law‑enforcement to limit non‑emergency roadway use.
- COTA – the public transit agency serving the Columbus metropolitan area, responsible for bus operations and fare policies.
- ODOT – Ohio’s state transportation agency that oversees highway maintenance, including snow‑plow and de‑icing operations.
- Weather Impact Alert – a state‑issued warning indicating hazardous weather conditions, such as extreme cold, that may affect public safety.
- Essential workers – categories of employees (e.g., healthcare providers, emergency responders, snow‑removal crews) permitted to travel during a snow emergency despite travel bans.
Links
- [1] https://www.10tv.com/article/weather/weather-blog/franklin-county-snow-emergency-level-what-does-it-mean/530-1574d428-2a42-405e-a673-6ea5f82544c4
- [2] /article/weather/weather-blog/ohio-winter-storm-watches-warnings-snow-this-weekend/530-a5e308e7-72ee-421a-923c-7201e6bdfad7
- [3] https://www.10tv.com/article/syndication/list-current-snow-emergencies/530-310be063-9f36-45b1-90d0-eb761a9f9130
- [4] https://www.10tv.com/weather/