Winter Storm Aftermath: Extreme Cold and Travel Hazards Persist Across The United States

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Winter Storm begins to wind down across the United States and Ohio, dangerous travel conditions and extreme cold remain a serious concern, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which says troopers have handled more than 1,400 weather-related incidents since the storm began Saturday evening.

Patrol data shows troopers responded to 304 property-damage crashes, 23 injury crashes, and 1 fatal crash, along with assisting 1,090 disabled vehicles statewide. Officials continue to urge Ohioans to avoid unnecessary travel as snow and ice-covered roads persist in many areas.

“Due to ongoing winter weather conditions across the state, we urge all motorists to exercise caution if traveling,” the Ohio State Highway Patrol said in a statement. “For assistance or to report dangerous driving, please contact your local Patrol post by dialing #677.”

Fatal Snowmobile Crash Under Investigation

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the storm’s lone fatal crash, which occurred Sunday evening in Fowler Township and involved a snowmobile and a snow plow.

Troopers say 49-year-old Richard Coelho Jr. of Vienna was operating a snowmobile on Ridge Road around 6:30 p.m. when he stopped beyond a stop sign at the intersection of State Route 305. According to the Patrol, Coelho was struck by a snow plow truck traveling through the intersection.

Coelho was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers confirmed he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

AAA Reports Surge in Roadside Emergencies

AAA reports Winter Storm Fern triggered a sharp rise in roadside assistance calls across much of the country, with some regions seeing demand jump up to 150% above normal levels. Cold-related vehicle failures, particularly dead batteries, accounted for roughly 60% of service calls in some areas.

AAA officials warn that icy roads, reduced traction, frozen locks, and low tire pressure continue to pose risks even after snowfall ends. Motorists are advised to stay home when possible and to follow Slow Down, Move Over laws when approaching emergency or roadside service vehicles.

Power Outages, Flight Cancellations Compound Impacts

The storm’s effects extended well beyond roadways. PowerOutage.us reported peak outages exceeding one million customers, with heavy impacts across Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana.

Air travel was also severely disrupted. FlightAware logged more than 11,000 flight cancellations nationwide on Sunday, January 25, as snow, ice, and extreme cold grounded flights at major hubs.

Historic Snowfall and Extreme Cold Nationwide

Winter Storm Fern delivered record-breaking snowfall across multiple states. Columbus recorded 11.6 inches, setting a daily snowfall record on January 25. Other notable totals included Boston (16.7 inches), New York City (11.4 inches), Baltimore (11.3 inches), and Indianapolis (11.1 inches).

The highest reported snowfall nationwide reached 31 inches near Bonito Lake, New Mexico.

Dangerous cold followed the snow. Wind chills dropped to -43°F in Seagull, Minnesota, and -38°F in Rockford, Illinois. Nationwide, 22 to 24 storm-related fatalities across 14 states have been attributed to hypothermia, crashes, and medical emergencies.

Lingering Threats Across Ohio and the U.S.

Although snowfall has tapered in many areas, forecasters warn that hazardous conditions persist:

Blowing snow and black ice continue across Ohio and Pennsylvania

Lake-effect snow may add additional accumulation in Northeast Ohio

Extreme cold warnings stretch from the Midwest to the South, with freezing temperatures reaching the Gulf Coast

Power restoration efforts remain ongoing in parts of the South

Meteorologists are also monitoring another potential winter storm that could affect the eastern U.S. late next weekend.

How to Stay Informed

Officials stress that staying informed is critical as conditions continue to evolve. Residents can track real-time conditions, interactive radar, and National Weather Service alerts through VaruHub Weather:

View Interactive Weather Radar & Alerts at VaruHub Weather



As Winter Storm Fern’s impacts linger, authorities say patience, caution, and up-to-date information remain the best tools for staying safe.