Franklin County Issues Historic Level 3 Snow Emergency Restricting Non-Essential Travel
Columbus, Monday, 26 January 2026.
On January 25, 2026, Franklin County declared its first-ever legitimate Level 3 snow emergency, restricting non-essential travel under threat of arrest across the Columbus metropolitan logistics hub.
A Precedent-Setting Mandate
In a move without procedural precedent in the region’s modern history, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin issued a Level 3 snow emergency at 11:37 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026 [1][4]. This declaration marks the first intentional implementation of the county’s highest restriction tier since the statewide classification system was established following the Blizzard of 1978 [2]. While a Level 3 status was briefly triggered in 2004 under former Sheriff Jim Karnes, officials have clarified that the previous instance was the result of a miscommunication and was quickly rescinded, making the current order the first legitimate operational shutdown of its kind for the Columbus metropolitan area [1][2]. The directive explicitly closes all roadways to non-emergency personnel, instructing the public that no one should be driving unless absolutely necessary or facing a personal emergency [5].
Meteorological Pressures and Logistics
The decision to halt travel stems from a convergence of heavy accumulation and plunging temperatures that threaten to cripple regional infrastructure. As of Monday morning, January 26, forecasts predicted a total snowfall of 30 to 40 centimeters for the Columbus metro area [3]. Compounding the logistical challenge is the onset of extreme cold; wind chill values are projected to drop between -23°C and -29°C on Monday and Tuesday mornings [3]. Sheriff Baldwin indicated that the emergency order might extend into Monday because these subzero temperatures significantly reduce the effectiveness of road treatment chemicals, complicating efforts to clear the main arteries [1]. Operational plans dictate that the emergency status will only be lifted once the Ohio Department of Transportation and city officials confirm that roadways are safe for general transit [4].