Kroger and Giant Eagle Shut Hundreds of Ohio Stores Early as Snowstorm Rages
Updated (2 articles)
Early Store Closures Ordered by Major Grocers Kroger announced that all 115 stores in Ohio and West Virginia will close at 6 p.m. Sunday to protect employees and shoppers, while Giant Eagle confirmed a 4 p.m. shutdown for every Ohio location; both chains plan to reopen normal hours on Monday, reflecting coordinated action amid hazardous conditions [1][2].
Snow Accumulations Reach Six Inches to Near a Foot Central Ohio recorded a minimum of six inches of snow by early afternoon, with isolated spots approaching a foot, creating dangerous travel conditions and prompting hundreds of churches to cancel services; snowfall continued throughout the day across Columbus, Toledo, and surrounding areas [1][2].
State Declares Level‑2 and Level‑3 Snow Emergencies Every central Ohio county received a Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency designation, activating specific response protocols and mobilizing snowplows and emergency shelters; officials posted the full emergency list online and urged residents to limit travel [1][2].
Forecast Calls for Ongoing Snow and Bitter Cold Meteorologists expect snowfall to persist into late Sunday night or early Monday morning before tapering off, after which temperatures will plunge well below freezing for the rest of the week; authorities advise staying indoors, monitoring the online weather portal, and preparing for potential power outages [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Kroger and Giant Eagle close stores early Sunday as Ohio winter storm intensifies: details Kroger’s 6 p.m. closure of 115 stores, Giant Eagle’s 4 p.m. shutdown, snow totals, emergency levels, and a forecast of continued snow and bitter cold
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[2]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Giant Eagle Closes All Ohio Stores Early Amid Snowstorm: focuses on Giant Eagle’s 4 p.m. closure, six‑inch to near‑foot snowfall, statewide emergency declarations, and gratitude to staff for serving communities
Timeline
Jan 25, 2026 – Ohio state officials declare every central Ohio county a Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency, activating response protocols and resource allocation for the incoming storm [1][2].
Jan 25, 2026 – Giant Eagle issues a statement just before 11 a.m., announcing that all its Ohio stores and Market District locations will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday, citing safety for employees and customers and thanking staff for helping shoppers stock up [2].
Jan 25, 2026 – Kroger announces that all 115 Columbus Division stores across Ohio and West Virginia will shut down early at 6 p.m. Sunday, aiming to protect workers and shoppers as snowfall intensifies [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – By early afternoon, central Ohio records at least six inches of snow, with isolated pockets approaching a foot, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting hundreds of churches to cancel services [1][2].
Jan 25, 2026 – At 4 p.m., Giant Eagle doors close across the state, and at 6 p.m., Kroger stores follow suit, both set to resume normal hours on Monday, demonstrating coordinated industry response to the storm [1][2].
Jan 25, 2026 – Meteorologists warn that heavy snowfall will persist through Sunday night, then give way to bitterly cold temperatures that will dominate the rest of the week, urging residents to limit travel and stay informed [1][2].
Jan 25, 2026 – A dedicated online portal provides live weather updates, watches, warnings, and the full snow‑emergency list, keeping the public aware of evolving conditions throughout the storm [1][2].