Ohio Braces for Prolonged Arctic Cold After Emergency‑Declared Winter Storm
Updated (2 articles)
Emergency proclamation enables rapid resource deployment The governor signed a state‑of‑emergency order before the storm hit, allowing the Department of Administrative Services to bypass normal purchasing rules and acquire shelters, road‑treatment supplies, and emergency equipment quickly [2]. The measure is intended to cut bureaucratic delays while first‑responders prepare for hazardous conditions [2]. DeWine also urged residents to remain indoors unless travel is essential, emphasizing personal safety during the storm [2].
Forecast calls for up to a foot of snow and subzero wind chills The National Weather Service predicts 8‑12 inches of snow across most of Ohio, with some southern counties exceeding a foot, and temperatures dropping below zero [2]. A Winter Storm Warning covers all 88 counties through Monday noon, and wind chills may reach –25 °F as the Arctic air mass settles [1]. Officials warn that the combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and extreme cold could rank among the season’s worst events [2].
Arctic air mass will dominate the week, prompting extreme‑cold alerts The Ohio Emergency Management Agency reports a deep Arctic air mass will keep temperatures well below normal for seven days, with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect overnight into Tuesday [1]. Temperatures are expected to stay below zero with wind chills as low as –25 °F, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite [1]. The cold spell follows the heavy‑snow event, extending hazardous conditions well beyond the storm’s passage [1].
Officials issue detailed safety guidance for motorists and homeowners State Highway Patrol advises drivers to check tire pressure, battery charge, and carry winter kits including ice scrapers, blankets, and food [1]. The fire marshal warns that space heaters caused 108 fires last winter, urging safe indoor heating practices [1]. Health officials stress limiting outdoor exposure, dressing warmly, and monitoring for heart‑attack symptoms while shoveling or clearing ice [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS: Ohio Gov. DeWine urges safety measures as Arctic cold grips state: Details DeWine’s health‑ and safety warnings, vehicle‑prep tips, indoor‑heating cautions, and the week‑long extreme‑cold warning .
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[2]
WBNS: Ohio Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm: Covers the emergency proclamation, procurement flexibilities, snowfall forecasts of up to a foot, and urges residents to stay home during the storm .
Timeline
Jan 24, 2026 – Gov. Mike DeWine signs a proclamation that declares a state of emergency across Ohio ahead of an approaching major winter storm, allowing agencies to bypass normal procurement rules and mobilize resources quickly [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – The National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning for all 88 Ohio counties, forecasting up to 12 inches of snow and subzero temperatures, setting the stage for hazardous travel and prolonged cold [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – DeWine urges Ohio residents to stay home unless travel is essential, warning that treacherous roads could impede first‑responder access during the weekend storm [2].
Jan 24‑25, 2026 – The storm is expected to begin Saturday evening and continue through Sunday night, delivering 8‑12 inches of snow in Columbus and more than a foot in southern counties, potentially becoming the season’s worst snowfall event [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – DeWine urges Ohioans to take precautions as an Arctic air mass moves through the state, emphasizing protection of health and safety while the heavy‑snow threat has passed but extreme cold persists [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – The Ohio Emergency Management Agency reports that the deep Arctic air mass will keep temperatures well below normal for the next seven days, with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect overnight into Tuesday and wind chills possibly reaching –25 °F [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol advises drivers to check tire pressure, battery charge, and windshield‑washer fluid, and to carry a winter travel kit that includes an ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell‑phone charger, water and food [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – The Ohio State Fire Marshal warns residents using space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves that 108 space‑heater fires last winter highlight the need for proper fire safety during the cold spell [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Emergency numbers #677 and 911 are publicized for stranded motorists, with instructions to activate hazard lights and call for assistance if a vehicle breaks down or becomes stuck in snow [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Health officials stress that exposure to the extreme cold can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and heart attacks, urging Ohioans to limit outdoor time, dress warmly, and monitor for symptoms [1].