Franklin County Snow Emergency Today: Level 2 Alert, Road Closures & Live Weather Updates

Franklin County residents woke Sunday morning to an unprecedented Level 3 snow emergency—the first time the county has reached the highest alert since Ohio adopted its three-tier system. Sheriff Dallas Baldwin’s order effectively closes all public roadways to non-emergency traffic until further notice, as Winter Storm Fern blankets Central Ohio with wind-driven snow and ice. What a Level 3 Snow Emergency Means • All roadways are closed to the public. Only emergency vehicles, first responders and essential personnel may travel. • Motorists who venture out risk citations for non-essential travel. • Businesses not deemed critical are urged to suspend on-site operations until the alert is downgraded. Snow Totals and Forecast The National Weather Service measured 13–15 inches across Columbus, Grove City and Westerville by 6 a.m., with lake-enhanced bands expected to drop another 2–4 inches before tapering this evening. Wind chills near –15 °F could refreeze slush, prolonging treacherous conditions. Road & Transit Impact • ODOT reports more than 400 plows working I-71, I-70 and outerbelt I-270, but whiteout gusts repeatedly cover cleared lanes. • COTA suspended bus service system-wide; riders should check the Transit app for push notifications. • John Glenn Columbus International Airport remains open but more than 130 departures were canceled overnight; travelers should confirm flight status with airlines. School and University Closures Ohio State University canceled all in-person and online classes on its Columbus campus, citing continued Level 3 restrictions. Columbus City Schools and most suburban districts have announced remote learning days through Tuesday. Power and Utility Updates AEP Ohio’s outage map showed roughly 27,000 customers without service at midday, primarily in Worthington, Clintonville and Reynoldsburg. Crews indicate restoration may take 24–36 hours where downed limbs have snapped distribution lines. Safety Tips During the Emergency 1. Stay indoors and conserve heat—close blinds and gather in interior rooms. 2. Charge phones and keep flashlights handy in case of outages. 3. If you must shovel, take frequent breaks to avoid hypothermia and cardiac stress. 4. Never run generators indoors; carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly. When Will Restrictions Lift? County officials plan to reassess road conditions hourly. A downgrade to Level 2 could occur once main thoroughfares are consistently passable, but blowing snow may delay improvement until early Tuesday. Stay tuned to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office social channels and local media for real-time updates. For non-life-threatening assistance, dial 614-525-3333; reserve 911 for emergencies only. Search-friendly keywords: Franklin County snow emergency, Level 3 travel ban, Columbus Ohio winter storm, road closures, Ohio State University cancelations, COTA bus service suspended, AEP Ohio power outages, Winter Storm Fern.