Cincinnati, OH, December 14, 2025
A severe winter storm has led to snow emergencies and travel advisories across multiple counties in Greater Cincinnati. Authorities urge residents to limit travel and stay informed about road conditions. Counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana have different levels of snow emergencies, with warnings about hazardous roadways and visibility issues. Citizens are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on local advisories.
Greater Cincinnati Counties Issue Snow Emergencies Amid Winter Storm
Cincinnati, OH – A significant winter storm has prompted multiple counties in the Greater Cincinnati area to declare snow emergencies and travel advisories, urging residents to exercise caution and limit travel.
Snow Emergencies and Travel Advisories Issued
As of December 13, 2025, the following counties have declared snow emergencies:
- Ohio:
- Butler County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 11:24 a.m. on Saturday.
- Clermont County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 6:41 p.m. on Saturday.
- Brown County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 3:55 p.m. on Saturday.
- Highland County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 4:24 p.m. on Saturday.
- Clinton County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 6:23 p.m. on Saturday.
- Adams County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 7:10 p.m. on Saturday.
- Hamilton County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 4:44 p.m. on Saturday.
- Warren County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 4:28 p.m. on Saturday.
- Kentucky:
- Kenton County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday.
- Boone County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 7:19 p.m. on Saturday.
- Campbell County: Level 2 Snow Emergency, effective at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
- Gallatin County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
- Bracken County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 6:22 a.m. on Friday.
- Robertson County: Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective at 3:53 p.m. on Thursday.
- Indiana:
- Dearborn County: “Orange” travel advisory, effective at 5:32 p.m. on Saturday.
- Ripley County: “Orange” travel advisory, effective at 3:31 p.m. on Saturday.
- Franklin County: “Orange” travel advisory, effective at 2:54 p.m. on Saturday.
- Switzerland County: “Yellow” travel advisory, effective at 11:35 p.m. on Thursday.
- Union County: “Yellow” travel advisory, effective at 1:25 p.m. on Saturday.
- Ohio County: “Orange” travel advisory, effective at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday.
Understanding Snow Emergency Levels
In Ohio and Kentucky, snow emergencies are categorized into three levels:
- Level 1 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously.
- Level 2 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
- Level 3 Snow Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.
Indiana employs a similar system of travel advisories, using color codes to indicate the severity of road conditions. An “orange” advisory corresponds to a Level 2 Snow Emergency, while a “yellow” advisory corresponds to a Level 1 Snow Emergency.
Impact on Local Travel
The winter storm has led to hazardous road conditions, including snow accumulation and icy surfaces. Residents are urged to limit travel to essential purposes only and to stay updated on local advisories. For the most current information, consult local authorities and weather services.
Background
Winter storms can significantly impact travel and daily activities. It’s crucial to stay informed about local weather conditions and heed advisories issued by authorities to ensure safety during severe weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Level 1 Snow Emergency?
A Level 1 Snow Emergency indicates that roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously.
What does a Level 2 Snow Emergency mean?
A Level 2 Snow Emergency means that roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
What is a Level 3 Snow Emergency?
A Level 3 Snow Emergency indicates that all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.
What do the color-coded travel advisories in Indiana mean?
In Indiana, a “yellow” travel advisory corresponds to a Level 1 Snow Emergency, and an “orange” travel advisory corresponds to a Level 2 Snow Emergency.
How can I stay updated on local weather conditions and advisories?
Residents are urged to consult local authorities and weather services for the most current information on weather conditions and advisories.
Key Features of the Snow Emergencies and Travel Advisories
| County | State | Snow Emergency Level | Effective Date and Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | OH | Level 1 | 11:24 a.m. on Saturday |
| Clermont | OH | Level 1 | 6:41 p.m. on Saturday |
| Brown | OH | Level 1 | 3:55 p.m. on Saturday |
| Highland | OH | Level 2 | 4:24 p.m. on Saturday |
| Clinton | OH | Level 2 | 6:23 p.m. on Saturday |
| Adams | OH | Level 2 | 7:10 p.m. on Saturday |
| Hamilton | OH | Level 2 | 4:44 p.m. on Saturday |
| Warren | OH | Level 2 | 4:28 p.m. on Saturday |
| Kenton | KY | Level 2 | 7:45 p.m. on Saturday |
| Boone | KY | Level 2 | 7:19 p.m. on Saturday |
| Campbell | KY | Level 2 | 7:30 p.m. on Saturday |
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