Ohio counties upgrade snow emergency levels. What it means for travel

Ohio counties upgrade snow emergency levels. What it means for travel

Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer

Sun, January 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC

4 min read

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Several local counties are under a level 2 snow emergencies, meaning only those who consider it necessary should be out on the roads as a winter storm is underway Sunday, Jan. 25.

In addition to snow on the roads, the fluffy nature of the snow means that it is easily blown about, reducing visibility. Icy conditions are also possible in parts of the region, according to the forecast.

Hamilton, Warren and Butler counties in Ohio and Boone County in Northern Kentucky are under level 2 snow emergencies. Other area counties are under level 1 emergencies but upgrades are likely.

Under a level 2, only drivers who consider it necessary to travel should be on the roads. Under level 1, no roads are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged.

In Indiana, Dearborn County is under a "yellow" travel advisory, signifying that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

Snow covers Interstate 75 at Sixth Street in downtown Cincinnati about 5:40 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.

Snow emergency levels in counties

Snow emergency levels in local counties as of 6:45 a.m.:

Butler County: Level 2
Clermont County: Level 1
Hamilton County: Level 2
Warren County: Level 2
Boone County: Level 2
Campbell County: Level 1
Kenton County: Level 1

Snow emergency level in cities

Bellevue: Level 1 snow emergency effective noon Saturday. Avoid parking on streets, especially cul-de-sacs. Park as close to the curb as possible.
Blue Ash: Snow emergency effective 9 p.m. Jan. 24, 2026, through Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. Vehicles will face fines or towing for parking on city streets and public right-of-ways.
Cincinnati: Snow emergency starting Saturday afternoon. Move vehicles parked in a “Snow Emergency Zone,” indicated on parking signs. Vehicles could be towed or ticketed if they are not moved. Here is a full list of the city’s snow emergency routes.
Crestview Hills: Snow emergency effective noon Saturday to 6 p.m. Monday All vehicles must be removed from city streets.
Falmouth: Snow emergency effective at 2 p.m. Saturday. Snow emergency routes may be enforced to allow for plowing and emergency access. Parking is prohibited on those routes. Residents are advised to travel only if necessary.
Florence: Level 1 snow emergency effective noon Saturday. Move vehicles off the streets whenever possible. Although parking restrictions are not mandatory at this level.
Fort Mitchell: Level 1 snow emergency beginning at noon Saturday until rescinded. The cities asks for all vehicles to be removed from city streets to make room for snowplows.
Ft. Wright : Snow emergency effective noon Saturday. All on-street parking is prohibited on all public streets.
Independence: Level 1 snow emergency beginning noon Saturday. Level 2 expected late Saturday evening. Parking is not permitted on city streets in Independence while the city is in a snow emergency.
Mount Healthy: Snow emergency from 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Monday. No level specified. Parking on snow emergency routes prohibited.
Oxford: Level 2 snow emergency. Parking is not allowed on city streets designated as snow routes until the emergency is canceled.
Southgate: Snow emergency effective 9 a.m. Saturday through noon Monday.
Springdale: Snow emergency for all roads in the city starting noon Saturday, according to a Facebook post. No level specified. No parking is permitted on city streets under an emergency.
Taylor Mill: Level 1 starting noon Saturday. Residents are urged not to park on the street to prepare for snowplows.

What do snow emergency levels mean?

Definitions for snow emergencies can vary by state and county, but here are the basics:

More: Cincinnati, NKY brace for winter storm. Snow emergency levels, explained

What is a level 1 snow emergency?

Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be icy.
Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged.

What is a level 2 snow emergency?

Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be very icy.
Only drive if it is necessary to do so.
Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

What is a level 3 snow emergency?

Ice, blowing and drifting snow has created extremely hazardous road conditions. Low visibility, extremely low temperatures and worsening road conditions are also factors.
Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons.
No one should be on roadways unless absolutely necessary and violators could be subject to arrest.
All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

This report will be updated. Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed.

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What are current snow emergency levels? Here's what we know

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