Central Ohio School Districts Shut Tuesday Amid Record Snow and Arctic Wind Chill
Updated (2 articles)
Widespread Tuesday School Closures Across Central Ohio More than a dozen districts, including Columbus City, Dublin City, Hilliard City, Pickerington Local, and Westerville City, announced they will not hold classes on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, after the storm dumped heavy snow and temperatures plunged [1][2]. The closures affect students from kindergarten through high school and were coordinated through a continuously updated online list. District officials urged parents to check the 10TV closures page before making travel plans.
Snowfall Accumulations Reached Up to Sixteen Inches The winter system delivered between eight and sixteen inches of snow across central Ohio on Jan. 26, with some locations reporting more than 16 inches, making it the season’s largest event and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus [1][2]. Snow‑laden roads slowed emergency response and delayed plow crews, prompting officials to prioritize safety over travel. Accumulation maps and hourly updates remain available on the station’s weather portal.
Arctic Air Drives Wind Chills to Minus Twenty Degrees After the snowfall, arctic air will settle over the region, pushing wind‑chill values to –20 °F on Tuesday morning and keeping subzero readings through the rest of the week [1][2]. Meteorologists warned that exposure to such conditions can cause frostbite within minutes, especially for outdoor workers and commuters. Schools and businesses are advised to limit outdoor activities until temperatures rise.
Weather Impact Alert Remains Active for the Week State and local agencies have placed the entire central Ohio area under a Weather Impact Alert that will stay in effect for the seven‑day forecast [1][2]. The alert signals heightened risk from prolonged extreme cold, icy surfaces, and potential power outages. Residents are encouraged to monitor official communications and follow recommended precautions.
10TV Provides Real‑Time Tracking Tools and Updated Closure Lists The broadcaster offers an interactive radar, watch/warning feeds, and a mobile app that push real‑time updates on snowfall, road conditions, and school status [1][2]. A free 10TV+ streaming service is also available on major platforms. The dedicated closures page lists each district’s status and is refreshed continuously as new information arrives.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Central Ohio school districts close Tuesday amid heavy snow and arctic wind chills: details Tuesday closures for 13 districts, reports 8‑16 inches of snow, forecasts –20 °F wind chills, describes a week‑long cold snap, and highlights 10TV’s weather tools and online closure list .
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[2]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Central Ohio schools close Monday as historic snowstorm brings extreme cold: outlines Monday closures for 17 districts, notes over 16 inches of snow—the season’s biggest and fifth‑largest for Columbus—projects subzero wind chills through the week, explains the Weather Impact Alert, and points to 10TV’s tracking resources and closure page .
Timeline
Jan 24‑25, 2026 – A major winter storm sweeps across the central, southern and eastern United States, dumping more than 16 inches of snow on central Ohio; the event ranks as the biggest of the season and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus, prompting officials to prepare for widespread disruptions[2].
Jan 25, 2026 – Central Ohio school districts, including Bexley City Schools, Dublin City Schools and Olentangy Schools, announce closures or delays for Monday, Jan 26, citing the recent snowfall and anticipating hazardous travel conditions[2].
Jan 26, 2026 – Snowfall totals reach 8‑16 inches across central Ohio as the storm lingers, leading additional districts—Columbus City Schools, Dublin City Schools, Hilliard City Schools, Pickerington Local Schools, and others—to declare closures for Tuesday, Jan 27[1].
Jan 26, 2026 – 10TV issues a Weather Impact Alert for extreme cold, forecasting subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F through the week and urging residents to limit outdoor exposure[2].
Jan 26‑27, 2026 (Mon night‑Tue) – Arctic air drives wind‑chill values down to –20 °F across central Ohio; sub‑zero mornings are expected each day through the following Sunday, keeping the Weather Impact Alert active for the full seven‑day period[1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Multiple Columbus‑area districts—Columbus City Schools, Dublin City Schools, Hilliard City Schools, Pickerington Local Schools, Gahanna‑Jefferson City Schools, Groveport Madison Local Schools, Whitehall City Schools, Worthington Schools, New Albany‑Plain Local Schools, Westerville City Schools, South Western City Schools, Hamilton Local Schools, and Delaware City Schools—officially close schools for Tuesday, Jan 27, due to heavy snow and dangerous wind chills, while 10TV continues real‑time updates and provides weather‑tracking tools[1].
Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2026 – Forecasts project continued sub‑zero mornings and wind chills between –10 °F and –20 °F, posing ongoing health and infrastructure risks; authorities advise the public to monitor 10TV alerts, use the mobile app for push notifications, and follow safety precautions throughout the week[1][2].