Winter storm approaches

This weekend’s possible trouble

Maxwell Martin ’26, Staff Writer • January 23, 2026

As we all have heard, there is a winter storm on its way to Cincinnati. Although we all may know this information, we all have different details on the severity of the storm.

From other students at Elder, I have heard 14″, 2″, 20″, and nothing at all. With these contradictions flying around, it is hard to know what the reality of the weekend situation is.

The upcoming storm is, named by the Weather Channel Winter Strom Fern, has the possibility of bringing ice, cold air, and snow to parts of the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Although the National Weather Service predicted the storm will start Friday, January 22nd, across the south-central U.S., the Weather Channel is constantly updating their website with the most up-to-date and changing information about the storm’s arrival and severity.

This shows the possible severity of heavy snow within the South and Northeast U.S.

When will the storm hit Ohio? Although everybody is hoping for a snow day on Friday, the Weather Channel predicts that the storm will hit Ohio on Saturday. It will then continue to advance Northeastward across Ohio.

When will the storm hit Cincinnati? Although the first predictions of heavy snow in Ohio are early Saturday, the predicted first chance of snow in Cincinnati is Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.

What is the Winter Storm Fern bringing to Cincinnati? As of right now, Cincinnati is supposed to certainly meet a heavy snowfall, but the idea of dangerous ice and a mix between snow and ice (slush) is certain for states south of Ohio.

Columbus and most of the surrounding counties could see at least 6 to 10″ of snow from Saturday evening into Monday morning, but as you look further South, Cincinnati and other surrounding counties might see at least 12″ of snow.

This image shows that the more Southern you go, the more severe the conditions are, and the Winter Storm Fern’s potential.

Along with the expected heavy snow and the possible dangerous ice, the temperatures will be plunged into the single digits, causing possible prolonged and subzero wind chills to Ohio. With these conditions, will schools be closed for Friday or any day next week? “Travel could be difficult,” according to the National Weather Service. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.” Although it seems like Friday will still hold classes, there is a possibility of difficult travel early next week.

With all these harsh conditions, make sure to continue watching the Weather Channel for local updates on the conditions of this weekend’s Winter Storm Fern.