Roads in the Columbus, Ohio area are currently being impacted by recent winter weather, and conditions may be slick or hazardous in spots. Major routes tend to be treated first, but side streets and ramps can remain icy or snow-covered longer, so extra caution is needed.
Current conditions
Recent snow and falling temperatures have produced icy conditions across central Ohio, with drivers reporting sliding, fender benders, and generally “treacherous” travel on many roads. Reports from local drivers indicate that while some main roads are passable after treatment, many neighborhood and secondary streets remain quite slippery, and conditions can worsen as more snow accumulates.
Treatment and emergencies
Columbus has deployed a large fleet of snow and treatment trucks (“Snow Warriors”) to salt and plow streets, but treatment becomes less effective as temperatures drop below about 20 degrees, so slick spots can persist even after trucks pass. Franklin County has recently moved into a lower-level snow emergency at times, and local law enforcement and residents are advising people to avoid driving unless necessary, especially if they lack snow or all‑wheel drive.
How to check specific roads
For block‑by‑block, real‑time information, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s OHGO site and app show live traffic speeds, incidents, and road conditions (including ice, snow, and closures) for highways and major routes around Columbus. Local guidance suggests also checking ODOT District 6 and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on social media, plus navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, which reflect closures, crashes, and slowdowns in near real time.
Safety tips if you must drive
If you do go out, local officials recommend driving slowly, increasing following distance, and planning extra time because congestion and delays are likely in treated work zones and on narrowed lanes. Residents are also encouraged to stock up at home and postpone non‑essential trips during the worst of the storm so plows and emergency vehicles can operate more safely and efficiently.