Cincinnati woke to a true winter jolt. A fast, early season snowstorm dropped 2 to 5 inches across the metro, with pockets up to 5.5 inches. Roads turned slick before sunrise. In response, Cincinnati Public Schools called a full-day closure, with no staff required to report. Dozens of nearby districts followed with closures or delays. Safety came first, and today, that is the right call.
What’s closed and why
The storm hit Tuesday with perfect timing for maximum disruption. Snow fell quickly during the morning commute. Crews struggled to keep up as temperatures hovered near freezing, which turned slush to ice. Hamilton County declared a Level 2 snow emergency, which means travel is hazardous and only essential trips are advised. Hills and untreated side streets are the main problem, and Cincinnati has many of both.
This was not just another December dusting. The snowfall surpassed the previous record for this date, which was 2.2 inches set in 1929. Buses cannot clear steep streets when ice forms under packed snow. Crosswalks get buried, and curb cuts freeze. That is why districts moved fast to close. The risk to students and staff was too high.
Level 2 means dangerous conditions. If you must drive, slow down, increase distance, and watch bridges and ramps.
How this storm formed, and the climate signal
This was a compact but efficient winter system. A stripe of moisture surged along the Ohio Valley and met a shallow pocket of cold air. Snow ratios were near average, so every burst of snow stuck. Air near freezing made roads worse, since partial melting created a thin glaze beneath new snow.
A warming climate loads the atmosphere with more moisture. When a cold shot lines up with that moisture, snowfall can be intense. That is why we can break daily snow records even as winters trend milder overall. Cincinnati now sees more winter whiplash, quick swings from rain to wet, heavy snow, then back to thaw. That pattern stresses plow operations, school plans, and budgets.
Today’s total set a new daily snowfall record for this date in Cincinnati.
Impact on families, staff, and classrooms
Closures ripple through every home. Parents scramble for child care. Staff members avoid risky commutes and focus on clearing steps, sidewalks, and bus lots. For many students, school is a warm, stable place, so districts will push to reopen as soon as it is safe. Food service teams are watching conditions too, since meal access matters in winter.
District communications will come in waves today. Expect robocalls, texts, app alerts, and website banners. Most districts in Ohio track instructional hours. Many can absorb one closed day without a makeup change. If extra time is needed later, leaders will adjust calendars or use targeted remote days. Plan for updates this afternoon once road conditions and power checks are complete.
Parents, confirm your contact details in your district portal. Set alerts to push to your phone and email.
Here are smart steps you can take now:
- Clear sidewalks and steps to bare pavement to prevent refreeze.
- Set a simple learning plan at home, read for 20 minutes and review notes.
- Keep devices charged in case remote learning is called later this week.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults, after sundown when ice returns.
What to expect next
Cold air lingers through the week, which means anything that melts today can refreeze tonight. Expect black ice near dawn on shaded streets, bridges, and neighborhood hills. Another snow system is likely late Sunday, with timing and totals still developing. Even a few inches on top of a frozen base can cause fresh hazards.
Use road salt wisely. A little goes a long way and excess runs into streams. Sand can add traction on walks without adding chloride to waterways. Clear storm drains so meltwater has a place to go. That small step reduces street ice and protects fish and pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cincinnati Public Schools closed today?
A: Yes. CPS is closed today, and staff are not required to report.
Q: What does a Level 2 snow emergency mean?
A: Roads are dangerous with blowing and drifting snow or ice. Only essential travel is advised.
Q: Will there be remote learning?
A: Districts will decide after safety and power checks. Watch for official alerts later today.
Q: Will students need a makeup day?
A: Many districts can absorb this closure with existing instructional hours. Calendar changes will be announced if needed.
Q: When could the next storm hit?
A: Another system is expected Sunday. Forecast details will be updated as it approaches.
Cincinnati knows how to ride out winter, but today’s closure is a clear reminder. Our changing climate can turn a routine system into record snow when cold and moisture align. Stay patient, stay safe, and stay tuned. We will keep you ahead of the next wave ❄️.
