Morning Snowfall and a Bitter Freeze: Navigating Today’s Winter Impact Alert

A Slushy and Snowy Start to the Day

Columbus residents waking up this Friday, February 6, 2026, will find a winter landscape as a significant weather system moves through Central Ohio. Local meteorologists have issued a 10 Weather Impact Alert Day specifically for the morning hours, warning of widespread snow that is expected to become heaviest during the morning commute. A Winter Weather Advisory is officially in effect for Columbus and the surrounding areas from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. tonight.

Commuters should prepare for slow and slippery travel conditions. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 1 and 2 inches in most neighborhoods, though some isolated areas could see up to 3 inches by the time the system begins to pull away. Because temperatures are hovering near the freezing mark, the snow may be heavy and wet, creating slushy conditions on major thoroughfares like I-71 and I-270. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for their travels and maintain safe following distances.

Afternoon Relief but Lingering Clouds

By the early afternoon, the steady snowfall is expected to taper off. Most of the accumulation should conclude by 2 p.m., though a few scattered snow bands or light flurries may remain until 4 p.m. As the mercury reaches a daytime high of approximately 34°F to 36°F, some of the morning’s fresh snow will likely begin to melt. However, the relief will be short-lived as the sky remains overcast and the wind begins to pick up.

Winds are forecast to shift to the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 25 mph. These breezy conditions will make the mid-30s temperatures feel significantly colder, keeping the "real feel" temperature in the low 20s throughout the afternoon hours.

Frigid Temperatures Sweep In Tonight

The real story for the evening is the arrival of much colder, arctic air. Once the sun sets, temperatures are predicted to plummet rapidly. We are looking at a frigid night with a low dropping between 5°F and 7°F. When combined with the sustained winds, wind chill values will likely dip well below zero.

Furthermore, the wind will bring the risk of blowing and drifting snow, potentially reducing visibility on rural roads and causing patches of black ice to form on previously wet surfaces. Residents are advised to bundle up heavily if they must be outside and to ensure that pets are brought indoors to escape the bitter overnight chill.

Daily Weather Summary for Friday, February 6

• Morning: Heavy snow showers with a Winter Weather Advisory; temperatures near 30°F.
• Afternoon: Snow tapering off by 2 p.m.; mostly cloudy and breezy with a high of 36°F.
• Evening/Night: Sharp temperature drop to a low of 5°F; windy with blowing snow.
• Total Accumulation: 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
• Wind: WSW at 10-15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph.