Winter Storm Fern sets new Columbus daily snowfall record as 11.9 inches fall on January 25

Record snowfall confirmed in Columbus

Columbus set a new daily snowfall record on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after Winter Storm Fern produced 11.9 inches of snow measured in the city. The total surpassed the previous January 25 record of 4.7 inches set in 1988. The 11.9-inch figure also matched Columbus’ highest single-day snowfall total ever recorded in January, previously reached on January 6, 1910.

The city’s all-time highest daily snowfall remains higher: 15.5 inches recorded on March 8, 2008, during a major late-winter storm.

Snow totals varied across neighborhoods

Measured snowfall across the Columbus metro area varied by location and timing, with many neighborhood-level reports clustering in the 9- to 12-inch range while snow was still falling. Several suburbs and city neighborhoods reported totals close to or above a foot during the day.

• Upper Arlington: 11.9 inches (evening report)
• Hilliard: 12 inches (late evening report)
• Gahanna: 12 inches and 11 inches (separate reports during the day)
• New Albany: 13 inches (early afternoon report)
• Whitehall: 9 inches (late afternoon report)

Because some reports were logged before snowfall ended, localized totals may differ from final storm totals compiled after the event.

Road restrictions and service disruptions across central Ohio

Franklin County entered a Level 3 snow emergency during the storm, a designation that restricts travel to essential trips and requires most drivers to stay off roads. The level reflects both the depth of snow and hazardous travel conditions created by snow-covered and drifting roadways.

Health care operations were also affected. OhioHealth reported cancellations for elective surgeries and multiple outpatient services at its hospitals in counties under Level 3 snow emergencies through noon on Monday, January 26, with the possibility that some sites could extend cancellations further based on conditions. OhioHealth physician offices in Level 3 counties were also scheduled to remain closed until noon Monday.

Fern’s broader footprint across the eastern United States

Winter Storm Fern impacted a wide corridor of the eastern United States, contributing to major transportation disruptions including widespread flight cancellations and delays. While central Ohio experienced heavy snow, the storm’s most severe effects in other regions included significant power outages and life-threatening cold.

In Columbus, the storm’s defining statistic is now part of the city’s climate record: 11.9 inches in a single day on January 25, 2026.

Cleanup operations and the return to normal schedules across schools, employers and health systems depended on road conditions and the pace of snow removal through Monday.