The city of Columbus is currently looking like a giant ice box. After a massive winter storm hit over the weekend, Mayor Andrew Ginther stepped forward on Monday, January 26, 2026, to give a big update. The city has been hit by 8 to 14 inches of snow, with some areas seeing a whopping 16 inches!
The Mayor held a special press briefing to talk about the road conditions and the hard work of the local “Snow Warriors.” For the residents, the message is clear: the storm was huge, and the danger is not over yet.
The Real Heroes: Who are the Columbus Snow Warriors?
When the rest of the city is hiding under blankets, the Columbus Snow Warriors are out on the freezing streets. These are the brave snowplow drivers who have been working non-stop since Saturday night.
Mayor Ginther and Infrastructure Administrator Scott Tourville highlighted that these drivers are tackling almost a foot of snow in many neighborhoods. Their job is extremely difficult because the snow didn’t just fall and stop—it intensified throughout Sunday, making it a “cat and mouse” game to keep the roads clear.
A State-Level Battle Against the Ice
It is not just a Columbus problem; the entire state of Ohio is fighting back. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has launched a massive operation. They have put 1,500 trucks on the road with 3,000 drivers working 12-hour shifts.
Imagine working for 12 hours straight in a heavy truck while the wind is howling and you can barely see the road! This shows how serious the administration is about getting life back to normal. However, even with thousands of drivers, nature is currently winning the battle.
Level 3 Emergency: Do Not Drive!
Franklin County is currently under a Level 3 Snow Emergency. In simple words, this means the roads are officially closed to everyone except emergency workers (like doctors, police, and firemen).
Lt. Brice Nihiser from the Ohio State Highway Patrol warned that most accidents happen because people drive too fast for the conditions. He has a very simple piece of advice for everyone: “Stay home.” If you are caught driving for no reason, you are not just risking a fine, you are risking your life and the lives of the rescuers.
How to Track Progress and Report Problems
The city is using modern technology to help people. If you are sitting at home wondering when your street will be cleaned, you can actually track the snowplows online. This helps residents see which areas have been salted and cleared.
Also, if there is a very dangerous situation—like a fallen tree or a completely blocked main road—the city wants you to call 311. This is the official helpline to report road issues. The authorities are asking for patience because they have to clear the main highways first before they can get into the small residential streets.
Our Opinion: A Huge Test for City Management
In our view, this storm is a massive test for Mayor Ginther’s team. Handling 16 inches of snow is no joke. While the “Snow Warriors” are doing a great job, the decision to keep the city under a Level 3 emergency is the right one.
It is better to have people angry at home for one day than to have hundreds of car crashes on the highway. The city’s focus on 12-hour shifts shows they were well-prepared. However, the real challenge will be the “Deep Freeze” expected tonight, which will turn all this melted snow into dangerous black ice.
Conclusion
As of Monday morning, Columbus remains a “Winter Wonderland,” but a dangerous one. With the Mayor’s update, it is clear that the government is working hard, but they need the public to cooperate by staying off the roads. The Snow Warriors are the champions of the hour, but until the Level 3 emergency is lifted, the best thing you can do is stay inside and keep warm.
FAQs
What is a Level 3 Snow Emergency?
A Level 3 emergency means roads are closed to all non-emergency travel. Only people like hospital staff or emergency responders should be driving. You could face legal trouble if you drive for non-essential reasons.
Can I see when my street will be plowed?
Yes, the city of Columbus has an online “Snow Tracker” where residents can see the real-time progress of the Snow Warrior trucks in different neighborhoods.
How many people are working to clear the snow?
Across the state, there are about 3,000 drivers working in shifts, using 1,500 specialized trucks to clear the ice and snow.
What should I do if I see a dangerous road?
The Mayor’s office recommends calling 311. This is the official city service line for reporting non-emergency but dangerous road conditions.
Are the highways safe now?
Even though plows are working, the Highway Patrol warns of “unsafe speeds.” The roads are still slippery, and black ice is a major risk, so even highways are not 100% safe yet.
Would you like me to find the link for the Columbus Snow Tracker or help you with the latest weather forecast for tomorrow?