As of 1:02 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026, a Level 3 snow emergency is in effect for the Columbus, Ohio area, meaning all roads are closed to non-emergency personnel. Images from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and city of Columbus traffic cameras reveal roadways completely covered in snow.
Widespread Road Closures Reported
The emergency declaration impacts major transportation arteries including I-70 east of I-270, I-71 at Stringtown Road, and I-270 at Alum Creek Drive. Other affected areas include I-71 at Dublin Granville Road, I-71 at North Broadway, State Route 315 at I-670, and several city streets such as Fourth Street and Long Street. Images show similar conditions on State Route 750 at Sawmill Parkway, Alkire and Holt Road, and I-670.
What Does a Level 3 Snow Emergency Mean?
According to images provided by ODOT and the city of Columbus, a Level 3 snow emergency means that all roads are officially closed to anyone whose travel is not essential for safety or emergency purposes. This includes commutes to work, errands, and other non-critical travel.
The images depict a significant accumulation of snow, rendering roadways impassable. Visibility is likely severely limited, further increasing the danger to anyone attempting to travel.
While the duration of the emergency is not specified, conditions are expected to remain hazardous until roadways can be cleared. It is likely that crews will begin snow removal operations once the snowfall subsides, but significant delays are anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What roads are closed?
All roads within the affected area are closed to non-emergency personnel, including I-70, I-71, I-270, State Route 315, and numerous city streets as documented in images from ODOT and Columbus traffic cameras.
What constitutes “non-emergency personnel”?
Non-emergency personnel includes anyone whose travel is not essential for safety, emergency response, or critical infrastructure support.
What time was this emergency declared?
The images documenting the Level 3 snow emergency are time-stamped as of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and the information was updated at 1:02 p.m. ET.
As conditions remain hazardous, how will residents prioritize essential travel and ensure their safety during this Level 3 snow emergency?
