WILMINGTON, Ohio — Much of the Scioto Valley continued digging out Monday after one of the most significant winter storms to hit the region in several years, leaving multiple counties under the highest level of snow emergency and ushering in dangerously cold temperatures.
Snowfall totals across Ohio ranged from about 5 inches to nearly 17 inches, with the highest accumulation reported in Zanesville, according to the National Weather Service.
As of Monday, Ross, Pike, and Scioto counties remained under a Level 3 snow emergency, meaning roads are closed to all non-emergency personnel. Numerous businesses and government offices across the region remained closed as hazardous travel conditions persisted.
Behind the storm system, bitterly cold air settled across the state. Nearly all of Ohio was under either an Extreme Cold Warning or a Cold Weather Advisory.
The National Weather Service warned that wind chills could drop as low as 15 degrees below zero in areas under the advisory, with wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero expected in regions under the Extreme Cold Warning.
The warnings and advisories extend across portions of east-central and southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and much of central, southern, and western Ohio. The Cold Weather Advisory was set to remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, while the Extreme Cold Warning was expected to last from 6 p.m. Monday through noon Tuesday.
Forecasters warned that the dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, dress in layers, and limit time outdoors until conditions improve.