News from Ohio State University

Ohio State News Alert: Snowfall expected Wednesday morning across Ohio

The Ohio State University is preparing for additional snowfall this week, and the university community should plan to allow extra time for traveling to class and work. According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin to accumulate throughout Ohio early Wednesday morning and will continue through the morning commute.

As of Tuesday afternoon, forecast totals were projected to be approximately 4 inches in Columbus and between 3 to 5 inches in Mansfield, Marion, Newark and Wooster, with up to 5 to 6 inches expected in Lima. Temperatures are forecast to rise by late Wednesday morning and should rise into the upper 30s by 10 a.m., when snow is expected to turn to rain.

For the Columbus campus, travelers should anticipate a slow commute. Plan ahead, leave early and allow extra time to arrive at your destination. The university is asking instructors and managers to provide flexibility and understanding to students, staff and faculty impacted by the storm, particularly early in the morning. Students requesting special accommodations necessitated by weather will be accountable for any material and assignments missed during an absence from class.

Safety is the university’s top priority, and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), CampusParc, Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM) and the Department of Public Safety work together to offer services during the winter months to keep the community safe. As snow and ice start to collect, FOD teams are dispatched to treat campus roadways and sidewalks. They remain on campus throughout the day and night, treating and plowing as needed. CampusParc crews will also be on campus treating parking lots and garages, with garage rooftops remaining open when possible. Learn more on the CampusParc website.

While community members may still see snow in some areas, particularly during periods of heavy snow accumulation, the facilities crew will do its best to keep pathways clear. TTM’s paratransit service provides curb-to-curb transportation to all students, faculty and staff with a permanent or temporary disability. Riders need to be registered prior to receiving service. Service is available on and off campus within university boundaries. TTM transit and paratransit vehicles are all ADA-accessible. Learn more on the Transportation and Traffic Management website.

TTM will continue to offer bus service, but users are encouraged to utilize the Ohio State app for real-time CABS tracking to stay updated on CABS service offerings. 

Please exercise caution during inclement weather and be prepared. When traveling, plan ahead, allow extra time and dress appropriately for the weather. If travelers see a potentially unsafe condition on campus due to ice or snow, they should not try to rectify the situation; instead, report it to Service2Facilities at 614-292-4357 (report unsafe ice or snow conditions in the Wexner Medical Center to 614-293-8645).

Off-campus locations, including roads and sidewalks east of High Street, are not cleared by Ohio State and are the responsibility of the city of Columbus and residents.

Winter Travel Tips

  • Know your route and pay special attention to changing and/or declining weather conditions.
  • Take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding and remain alert as you move on and around campus.
  • Allow additional distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you during snowy and icy conditions.
  • Be sure to keep your vehicle windows and head, tail and brake lights clear of ice and snow.
  • Keep your gas tank filled.
  • Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle. Be sure to include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, hats and gloves, first aid kit, emergency flares and shovel, cell phone charger as well as water and nonperishable food items. Additional ideas can be found on the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website.
  • Wear sensible shoes and dress in layers for travel between destinations.

The City of Ohio State podcast took a deep dive on how the university handles winter storms and a January 2023 Ohio State News story outlined when, why and how Ohio State cancels classes due to winter weather.