Snowfall Disrupts Travel in Central Ohio

Columbus crews work to clear roads as drivers struggle with hazardous conditions

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Columbus, Ohio residents faced challenging travel conditions on Friday, February 6, 2026, as heavy snowfall impacted roadways throughout the city and state. Drivers reported significant difficulties navigating the roads, with some avoiding freeways altogether due to the treacherous conditions. The city deployed 40 'snow warrior' plows to clear main streets, while the Ohio Department of Transportation mobilized 1,150 crews statewide to assist with snow removal efforts.

Why it matters

The snowstorm in Columbus highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in maintaining safe and accessible transportation networks during extreme weather events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the ability of local governments and residents to respond effectively to disruptive storms will be crucial for ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions to daily life.

The details

DoorDash driver Amy Raycher reported staying away from freeways due to the heavy snowfall, stating, 'It was hard getting in and out, because the snow was coming down so hard.' Truck driver Eric Ebner described the conditions as 'a little sketch,' and emphasized the importance of driver awareness, stating the need to 'focus on everyone' for safety. Plow driver Sean Rogers assisted 15 stranded drivers in less than 20 minutes on both side streets and highways.

  • The snowfall occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Amy Raycher

A DoorDash driver who reported significant difficulties navigating the roads due to the heavy snowfall.

Eric Ebner

A truck driver who described the road conditions as 'a little sketch' and emphasized the importance of driver awareness.

Sean Rogers

A plow driver who spent hours clearing streets and helping stranded drivers, continuing a family tradition of assisting the community during inclement weather.

Ohio Department of Transportation

The state agency that deployed 1,150 crews statewide to clear roadways during the snowstorm.

City of Columbus

The local government that deployed 40 'snow warrior' plows to clear main streets in the city.

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What they’re saying

“It was hard getting in and out, because the snow was coming down so hard.”

— Amy Raycher, DoorDash driver (newsy-today.com)

“It was a little sketch, and you just have to focus on everyone for safety.”

— Eric Ebner, Truck driver (newsy-today.com)

“Me and my father, we just been doing this for so many years. We just come out and help people who need help around the community.”

— Sean Rogers, Plow driver (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Officials are monitoring a fluctuating forecast of temperatures, and drivers have been alerted to the possibility of blowing and drifting snow, which, according to Ohio Department of Transportation press secretary Matt Bruning, 'tends to be things that happen in spots.' If temperatures remain unstable, conditions could continue to be hazardous. Further snowfall could exacerbate existing challenges, and road crews may need to adjust their strategies based on changing conditions.

The takeaway

The snowstorm in Columbus highlights the importance of local resilience and community support in mitigating the impact of disruptive weather events. As climate change continues to shape weather patterns, the ability of cities and states to respond effectively to extreme conditions will be crucial for ensuring public safety and maintaining essential services.