Severe Weather Alert and Major Highway Closures Impact Thursday Commute

Morning Overview and Weather Impact Alert

Columbus commuters are facing a challenging day on the roads this Thursday, February 19, 2026. While the morning started with unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s, a 10TV Weather Impact Alert Day has been issued for the afternoon and evening hours. A fast-moving cold front is expected to trigger strong to severe thunderstorms during the peak evening commute, bringing risks of damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing visibility and slick pavement as the storms move through between 4:00 p.m. and midnight.

Major Highway Incidents and Construction

Significant delays are reported on the west side due to a serious multi-vehicle accident. Real-time traffic data indicates that I-70 West is currently shut down starting from the I-270 interchange, with backups stretching nearly six miles. Additionally, the ramps from both I-70 West and I-70 East to I-270 North are closed as emergency crews respond to a crash involving multiple semi-trucks. Travelers are advised to use U.S. 40 or Broad Street as alternates to bypass the western loop.

The ongoing "Downtown Ramp Up" mega-project continues to reshape the central corridor with several permanent and long-term restrictions in effect:

• 3rd Street Ramp: The ramp from 3rd Street to I-70 West remains permanently closed. Drivers should utilize the detour via Mound Street to access I-70 West or I-71 South.
• High Street Bridge: High Street over I-70 is restricted to a single lane in each direction for bridge reconstruction. Expect heavy congestion near the German Village entrance.
• I-71 North Ramp: The ramp from I-71 North to I-70 West is closed for construction; motorists are being detoured through the I-670/SR 315 interchange.
• Livingston Avenue: The I-70 East ramp to Livingston Avenue is permanently closed. Access to this area is now directed through the Fulton Street exit.

Public Transit and Event Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) reports several service adjustments for today. While the recent Easton Transit Center reroutes concluded yesterday, a bay closure remains in effect for Line 24 at Easton through March. Long-term stop closures and reroutes continue for Line 75 on Tremont Road and Line 35 near Morse and Westerville Roads. Riders are encouraged to use the Transit app for real-time bus tracking as the evening storms may cause schedule fluctuations.

Commuters heading through the Arena District should also anticipate increased pedestrian traffic and local delays. Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party begins its run at Nationwide Arena with a 7:00 p.m. show, which will coincide with the height of the evening rush and the arrival of the predicted severe weather. If you are heading to the arena or the Southern Theatre for tonight's Zachariah Porter performance, allow an extra 30 minutes for travel and parking.