Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snow and Hazardous Travel Conditions Expected in Columbus

Winter Storm Warning and Hazardous Travel

Columbus commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for a significant winter weather event starting today. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Franklin County and surrounding central Ohio areas, effective from 10:00 a.m. this morning, Saturday, January 24, through Monday afternoon. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches across the metro area, with the highest totals potentially falling south of the I-70 corridor.

Light snow is anticipated to begin as early as 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, with intensity increasing significantly overnight into Sunday. Wind chills this morning are reaching dangerous levels, ranging from -5 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Drivers are urged to complete essential travel this morning before conditions deteriorate. If you must be on the roads after the snow begins, allow for extra braking distance and maintain a slow, steady speed on bridges and overpasses, which will likely freeze first.

Major Roadwork and Construction Updates

Despite the incoming weather, several long-term infrastructure projects continue to affect traffic patterns in the downtown area. The ongoing I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp Up project remains the most significant factor for local motorists. Recent changes to be aware of include:

• I-70 West/I-71 South: The traffic pattern has shifted downtown. Drivers must stay in the right lanes to access the new I-71 southbound ramp.
• High Street Bridge: High Street over I-70 is restricted to a single lane in each direction. This configuration is expected to remain in place through 2028 for comprehensive bridge reconstruction.
• Permanent Ramp Closures: The 3rd Street ramp to I-70 West and the I-70 East ramp to Livingston Avenue are permanently closed. Access to Livingston Avenue is now available via the Fulton Street ramp.

In better news for northeast commuters, the City of Columbus has officially completed the new roundabout on Westerville Road across from Kilbourne Run Sports Park. The road is now fully open, relieving the neighborhood detours that had been in place since the fall.

COTA Service and Transit Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) continues to operate under the service changes that launched earlier this month. Riders should note that Lines 22 (OSU/Rickenbacker) and 24 (Hamilton) now terminate at the new Mobility Center at Rickenbacker (MCAR), rather than the previous Marathon stop. Additionally, Line 102 has seen alignment changes in the Crosswoods area to improve efficiency.

Transit users are encouraged to utilize the new "Tap to Pay" system, which allows for fare payment via contact-less credit cards and mobile devices. Given the extreme cold and the expected snow, COTA riders should check the Transit app for real-time bus locations and expect potential delays due to slower road speeds and heavy traffic once the storm arrives.