Central Ohio is bracing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures this weekend. A winter storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service from 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 to 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, covering central, southern, and eastern Ohio.
Impacts and Forecast
The National Weather Service anticipates 4-8 inches of snow accumulation are possible, which could make travel very difficult. Adding to the challenge, the region is forecast to experience sub-zero wind chills from Friday night through Tuesday. This cold is being driven by Arctic air expanding from the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, and is expected to spread across the region overnight.
NBC4 Chief Meteorologist Dave Mazza described the approaching weather as “the biggest arctic wave of the season,” warning that wind chills will feel below zero throughout the weekend. While Ohio is not expected to see temperatures as low as those in Minnesota, the wind chills pose a risk of frostbite and could significantly disrupt travel plans. Mazza cautioned that the combination of cold temperatures and snow will likely reduce the effectiveness of road treatments, leading to slick conditions.
Meteorologist Andy Hatzos of the National Weather Service in Wilmington advised Ohioans to prepare for accumulating snow, hazardous travel, and prolonged extreme cold stretching into next week. He specifically noted highs near zero on Saturday and only reaching the teens on Sunday.
Columbus-Area Forecast
Here is the detailed forecast for Columbus:
- Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 31 degrees.
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 18 degrees. Wind chill values as low as -1.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2 degrees. Wind chill values as low as -8 degrees.
- Saturday: A 40% chance of snow after 1 p.m. High near 15 degrees.
- Saturday Night: A 90% chance of snow and a low around 12 degrees. 3 to 5 inches of new snow possible.
- Sunday: Snow, mainly before 1 p.m., with an 80% chance of precipitation and a high near 23 degrees.
- Sunday Night: A 30% chance of snow before 1 a.m. Low around 6.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 15 degrees.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 3 degrees.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 23 degrees.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low near 13 degrees.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26 degrees.
The system has been named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel, a practice begun in 2012 to raise awareness of potentially high-impact winter storms, though these names are not official designations. Fern is expected to impact a large portion of the country, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and ice to the Midwest, Southern Rockies, Mid-South, East Coast, and Plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of Ohio are under a winter storm watch?
The winter storm watch covers all of central, southern, and eastern Ohio, according to the National Weather Service.
How much snow is possible with this storm?
The National Weather Service says 4-8 inches of accumulated snow are possible in central Ohio.
What are the expected high temperatures for Saturday and Sunday?
The forecast indicates a high near 15 degrees on Saturday and a high near 23 degrees on Sunday.
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, how will you and your family prepare for potentially hazardous conditions?
