A serious winter storm is on its way, and it’s about to make life a lot more complicated. If you’ve been enjoying the relatively calm winter so far, that’s about to change. Forecasters are warning that a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain is set to hit the area this weekend, bringing dangerous road conditions, possible power outages, and brutally cold temperatures.
If you haven’t already started preparing, now’s the time. This storm has the potential to create real problems, and the more you do now, the easier it will be to ride it out.
What’s Happening With the Weather?
Right now, Columbus is seeing fairly typical winter conditions—cold, but nothing too extreme. The temperature is sitting at around 33°F, and the skies are mostly clear. But this calm won’t last much longer.
Saturday, February 8 will bring the first signs of change. The day will start off cloudy, with temperatures rising to about 37°F. Light rain will begin to fall throughout the afternoon, but the real concern comes later in the evening. As temperatures drop below freezing, that rain could turn into ice, creating hazardous road conditions overnight.
Then comes Sunday, February 9—the day Columbus could get hit the hardest. A strong winter storm will move in, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, freezing rain, and high winds. Temperatures will struggle to rise above 35°F, and by nighttime, they’ll plunge to around 23°F.
The biggest concern? Ice accumulation. Freezing rain could coat roads, sidewalks, trees, and power lines, turning Columbus into a slippery, hazardous mess. If enough ice builds up, we could see power outages across the region.
How Bad Could It Get?
While it’s still too early to say exactly how much snow and ice Columbus will get, the potential for dangerous conditions is high.
Here’s what we could be looking at:
- Treacherous roads – Ice is expected to form on highways, bridges, and side streets, making travel extremely risky. Black ice, which is nearly impossible to see, will be a major concern.
- Power outages – If ice accumulates on power lines and tree branches, expect power failures in some areas. If you lose heat, temperatures inside homes could drop quickly.
- Fallen trees and debris – Strong winds combined with ice-covered tree limbs could lead to branches snapping and blocking roads. If you park outside, avoid leaving your car under trees.
- Bitter cold – Even after the storm moves out, temperatures will stay dangerously low. Anyone stranded outside for too long could be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
This storm isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a real danger.
How to Prepare Now
You still have time to get ready, but don’t wait until the last minute. Here’s what you should do before the worst of the storm arrives:
- Stay Off the Roads if You Can – If the roads ice over, driving will be extremely dangerous. If you don’t absolutely have to go out, stay home. If you do have to drive, slow down, leave plenty of space between cars, and watch for black ice.
- Stock Up on Essentials – If power outages happen, you’ll want to be ready. Make sure you have:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, snacks, etc.)
- Bottled water (in case pipes freeze)
- Warm blankets and extra layers
- A backup heat source (if possible)
- Charge Your Devices – Keep your phone, laptop, and power banks fully charged in case you lose power.
- Check on Elderly Family & Neighbors – If you have older relatives or neighbors who might need help preparing, check in with them now. Make sure they have enough supplies to stay warm and safe.
- Keep an Eye on the Forecast – Storms can shift at the last minute. Keep checking weather updates so you know exactly what to expect.
What to Do If You Lose Power
If your power goes out, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Dress in warm layers – Even inside, temperatures can drop quickly. Wear multiple layers and use blankets to stay warm.
- Avoid opening the fridge/freezer – Keeping the doors shut will help your food stay cold longer.
- Use generators safely – If you have a generator, never run it inside the house or garage—it produces deadly carbon monoxide.
- Be careful with candles – If you use candles for light, keep them away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
Final Thoughts
This storm isn’t just a typical winter snowfall—it’s a serious event that could bring dangerous ice, travel disruptions, and power outages. The best thing you can do is prepare now. Take care of everything before the storm hits so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Stay inside if possible, stock up on essentials, and keep an eye on the latest weather updates. This weekend could be rough, but if you plan ahead, you’ll be in a much better position to handle whatever comes.
