Official Public Notice: Winter Service Adjustments and Health Advisories

Weather Advisory: Post-Storm Recovery and Ice Warning

Following the significant accumulation from Winter Storm Fern, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded travel restrictions; however, a lingering Ice Warning remains in effect for Friday, January 30, 2026. While the Level 1 Snow Emergency was officially canceled as of Thursday morning, authorities caution that secondary roads, parking lots, and shaded areas remain hazardous due to extremely cold temperatures and icy patches. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution during the morning and evening commutes.

Public School Closures

Due to the ongoing impacts of the winter storm and dangerously low temperatures, several major school districts have issued closures for Friday, January 30:

• Columbus City Schools (CCS): All classes and extracurricular activities are canceled. This marks the fifth consecutive day of storm-related closures for the district.
• South Western City Schools (SWCS): All buildings and campuses are closed today. District officials expect students to return on Monday, February 2, following a cleanup by the local “Snow Warriors” maintenance crews.
• Regional Closures: Pickerington, Groveport-Madison, Hamilton Local, Olentangy Local, and Canal Winchester have also confirmed class cancellations for today.

Public Health: Flu and Measles Monitoring

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) continues to urge residents to receive their annual influenza vaccination as flu cases rise across the state. While the vaccine may not prevent all infections, health officials emphasize its effectiveness in reducing severe complications and hospitalizations. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health is monitoring a measles outbreak initially identified in Cuyahoga County earlier this month. Parents are encouraged to ensure children are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations to prevent further community spread.

City Council: Utility Rate Resolution and Growth Strategy

Columbus City Council has officially introduced a resolution urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject a proposed settlement that would increase electricity rates for American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio customers. Council members have categorized the proposed increases as misleading, asserting they would place an undue burden on residents during a regional energy affordability crisis. Concurrently, the Columbus Growth Strategy has been advanced as an amendment to Citywide Planning Policies, aiming to prioritize housing access and economic opportunity through a unified land-use vision.

Public Safety and Transportation

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in coordination with the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, is announcing new 2026 highway safety initiatives today at the Toledo Auto Show. These measures are designed to reduce traffic violations and promote safer driving behaviors across the state’s major corridors, including I-80 and I-76. Locally, the City of Columbus reports that while main thoroughfares are clear, the Department of Public Service continues to treat residential streets impacted by ice accumulation.