A local state of emergency has been declared in Montgomery County as at least a foot of snow has blanketed Southwest Ohio on Sunday, Jan. 25, prompting widespread closures of roads, institutions and businesses.
The emergency status allows local officials to use “resources necessary to safeguard life, property and critical infrastructure as hazardous winter conditions continue,” according to a statement from the county.
Important things to know:
- A person died while working with a private plow company. The snow plow backed over the worker while clearing a lot in the 600 block of St. Paul Avenue in Dayton about 11:35 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. The employee was taken to a hospital, where they died. Dayton Police is investigating.
- The Clark, Champaign and Montgomery County sheriffs have declared Level 3 snow emergencies. That means all roadways are closed except for emergency vehicles.
- The Butler, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Miami, Preble and Warren county sheriffs have declared a Level 2 snow emergency. A Level 2 means that roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow. Motorists should use extreme caution and only drive if necessary.
- The snow has lessened this afternoon, but steadier/heavier snow will move back in locally between 4 and 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snow is still likely through this evening.
- The weather service has issued An extreme cold warning for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, until noon Tuesday, Jan. 27. Dangerously cold wind chills will hit 20 below zero, causing frostbite in as little as a half hour.
- Most local schools across the region will be closed on Monday.
“Thank you to the men and women who are working to clear the snow and keep critical operations going,” Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert said in a statement. “Issuing this emergency declaration allows us to be proactive, align resources and keep our residents safe as this storm continues to unfold.”…