Editor's note: This story was last updated Sunday, Jan. 25. Find latest snow updates here.
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, Montgomery and Preble County sheriffs have declared Level 3 snow emergencies. That means all roadways are closed except for emergency vehicles.
- The Butler, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Miami 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.”
Gov. Mike DeWine also declared a state of emergency for Ohio on Friday as a proactive measure.
Sunday closings announced so far:
- Dayton Metro Library
- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
- Washington-Centerville Public Library
Monday closings announced so far:
- Dayton Public, Beavercreek, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek, Bethel, Centerville, Clark-Shawnee, Fairfield, Greenon, Hamilton, Kettering, Lakota, Mad River, Miami Valley Career Technology Center, Miamisburg, Middletown, Monroe, Northridge, Northwestern, Oakwood, Piqua, Springboro, Springfield, Tecumseh, Trotwood-Madison, Troy (remote learning day for Forest Elementary only), Valley View, Vandalia-Butler, West Carrollton, Yellow Springs and Xenia schools
- Butler Tech high school campuses will be closed, but classes will be remote learning
- The city of Huber Heights Administrative Offices, except for essential workers. The Huber Heights City Council meeting scheduled for Monday night also has been canceled.
- All Montgomery County facilities, including the Moraine Waste Transfer Station
- Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County facilities
- Springfield Field Trips micro-transit services
- Sinclair Community College and all of its regional centers
- All Clark State College buildings are closed, but classes will be held virtually
- Wittenberg University
- Wright University Dayton and Lake campuses
Tuesday closings announced so far:
- Northridge Local Schools
Delays:
- Trash collection in Dayton, Moraine and Jefferson Twp. will be delayed by two days during the week of Jan. 26.
Warming Center Locations
Dayton (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday):
- Greater Dayton Recreation Center, 2021 W. Third St.
- Lohrey Recreation Center, 2366 Glenarm Ave.
- Northwest Recreation Center, 1600 Princeton Drive
- Shelter needs outside posted hours may go to St. Vincent de Paul facilities — Women’s and Families Facility, 120 W. Apple St.; Men’s facility, 1921 S. Gettysburg Ave.
Morain (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday):
- Payne Recreation Center, 3800 Main St., Moraine, OH 45439
Springfield (6 p.m. to 8 a.m. when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees and will operate 24 hours a day during single-digit temperatures):
- Salvation Army, 15 S. Plum St. Dinner and breakfast will be provided, along with access to case management services. Separate areas are available for men and for women and children.
Washington Twp. (6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday):
- Washington Township Recreation Center, 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road