Winter Storm Fern arrived overnight, blanketing the Greater Akron area in snow on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 25.
On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency to help the state prepare for the storm.
The winter storm is covering a swath of the U.S. with power outages hitting parts of the country on Sunday morning.
Places like the Akron Zoo closed for the weekend, while other businesses like Sweet Mary’s Bakery in downtown Akron, chose to close for Sunday.
The Beacon Journal will be providing updates throughout Sunday here, so check back for the latest. Have a news update? Email bjnews@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron Weather Radar
Weather Service warns heavy band of snow coming
Enjoy the lull of the heavier snow.
The National Weather Service says one more band of heavier snow has formed well west of Akron and is moving east.
Another round of moderate to heavy snow is possible in Greater Akron Sunday evening before the steady snow begins to move out of Northeast Ohio.
Some Lake Erie-enhanced snow is possible Monday as temperatures are expected to plummet.
An additional 4 to 9 inches of snow were possible across Greater Akron Sunday afternoon into the evening.
Akron City Council will meet virtually on Monday
Akron City Council’s scheduled meetings on Monday, Jan. 26, will be conducted virtually.
Residents who wish to testify during the scheduled public hearings must submit their request in advance by contacting the Clerk’s office via email at sbiviano@akronohio.gov by noon.
Members of the public who would like to provide public comment during the evening City Council meeting should sign-up at https://www.akroncitycouncil.org/public-comment-form by 4 p.m. to receive a Zoom link and participation instructions.
All meetings will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Akron Canton Regional Airport remains open amid Winter Storm Fern
The Akron Canton Regional Airport remains open amid the winter storm.
Spokesperson Lisa Dalpiaz said the airport’s snow removal team has been working “diligently” throughout the storm to keep the airport open.
“They have been doing an exceptional job,” she said.
Some flights at the discretion of the airline have been delayed or cancelled, by DalPiaz said, others are still operating.
Before heading the airport, she said, travelers should first check on the status of their flights.
“Our number one recommendation for traveler is to download their carrier’s app and allow push-notifications,” she said. “The airlines offer real-time updates and rebooking options in the event a trip is impacted.”
Roads across region snow covered
Roads across the region remain passable but are snow covered.
Some city streets in and around Greater Akron are down to single lanes as the snow continued to fall on Sunday afternoon.
Interstates in the region are snow covered but remain open.
The Ohio Highway Patrol says troopers across the state are encountering stranded and stuck motorists.
“The best way to help our team at this time is by continuing to stay home and stay off the roads,” the patrol said.
Turnpike urges motorists to rethink travel
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is urging motorists to delay travel if possible.
Since Saturday, the turnpike said crews have used some 39,000 tons of salt and 175,000 gallons of liquid deicer across some 241 miles.
Crews have been working 12-hour shifts around the clock driving 98 plows to keep lanes clear on the turnpike.
Officials warn impactful snow is expected through Monday morning followed by severe cold through Thursday.
“If you must travel, keep warm clothing and boots, blankets, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the turnpike said. “Drive according to the weather conditions and allow for extra time to reach your destination safely.”
The turnpike’s 14 service plazas remain open to offer a respite for drivers.
Accident on Ohio Turnpike in Summit County
The Ohio Department of Transportation reported there was an accident around 2 p.m. Sunday on the Ohio Turnpike in northern Summit County.
The crash was in the westbound lanes beyond state Route 8.
The crash was cleared by 4 p.m.
Summit County Court of Common Pleas closed Monday
Summit County Court of Common Pleas announced the court will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26. No in-person proceedings will take place at the courthouse. Judge Joy Oldfield’s Monday call day hearings will be conducted over Zoom. No hearings with jail inmates will occur and will be rescheduled.
Judges Christine Croce and Jennifer Towell are moving their Monday call day hearings to Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the same previously scheduled times.
Those who are unsure whether their hearing will proceed virtually should contact the bailiff of the court in which their case is set. Individuals, jurors and others scheduled to appear before the court may receive a text, email or voicemail with specific instructions. Check the court’s website for additional information at www.summitcpcourt.net.
The Adult Probation Department is closed as well. All probation employees will be working remotely.
The Probate and Domestic Relations courts are also closed.
The Summit County Clerk of Courts office announced earlier that it would be closed Monday, Jan. 26.
Summit County Clerk of Courts office closed Monday
All legal and title division offices at the Summit County Clerk of Courts office will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.
Summit County Juvenile Court closed Monday
The Summit County Juvenile Court will be closed Monday, Jan. 26. All scheduled in-person hearings will be rescheduled for a later date. All hearings that are scheduled to take place on Zoom will proceed as scheduled.
Rumpke Waste & Recycling will close Monday, one-day delay in pickup
Rumpke Waste & Recycling’s Cleveland region will close all its facilities on Monday, Jan. 26. They will be operating on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week:
Barberton closing its municipal offices Monday
The Barberton Municipal Building will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26.
Akron school board cancels Monday meeting
The Akron City School’s Board of Education has canceled its Monday, Jan. 26 meeting. for Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:30 pm has been canceled.
For details on the Akron Public Schools, visit akronschools.com and the official APS social media channels on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest information and future scheduling updates.
Buehler’s closing early on Sunday, Jan. 25
Buehler’s Fresh Foods will close early on Sunday because of the weather.
The regional chain announced that its stores will close at 4 p.m.
Discount Drug Mart closes early Sunday, Jan. 25
Discount Drug Marts across the region will be closing early on Sunday because of the severe weather.
The regional chain advises customers to check with stores before visiting.
Among the early closings are Discount Drug Mart stores in Copley, Stow, Hudson and Wooster Pike in Medina County that are closing at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Acme closing early on Sunday, Jan. 25
Like Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market announced it would close its locations on Sunday, Jan 25 at 4 p.m. The stores will reopen on Monday, Jan. 26 at 7 a.m.
Cuayhoga Valley Art Center will be closed Monday
The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center in Cuyahoga Falls will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.
How much more snow will fall in Greater Akron?
The National Weather Service says the heavy snow is expected to continue through Sunday.
An additional 5 to 7 inches of snow are possible by Monday morning.
“Travel will be very difficult at times due to slippery road conditions and poor visibility,” the weather service says. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”
The weather service says the snow is expected to “maintain intensity” Sunday afternoon and evening.
Another shot of Lake Erie-enhanced snow is possible on Monday.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the weather service says.
Winter storm delays Akron trash pickup
The City of Akron announced a one-day delay for trash this week, saying there is no curb service taking place on Monday. There will be delay for collections, including recycling, for the rest of the week. Curb service will resume on Tuesday.
Medina schools closing Monday, Tuesday as county raises snow emergency level
Medina City Schools said on Sunday that it would be closed on Monday, Jan. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to significant snowfall and cold temperatures.
Medina County also raised its snow emergency to Level 2 as of 11:19 a.m. on Sunday.
Snow fall totals in the Akron, Summit County, Ohio area
Snowfall totals Sunday morning have ranged from as high as 7 inches in Canton and North Canton down to 2 inches in Tallmadge as of 10:30.
Get more snow fall totals here.
Giant Eagle closing stores early on Sunday
Giant Eagle will close all its Giant Eagle and Market District locations at 4 p.m. today. The grocery store chain intends to reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Jan. 26.
The Chapel cancels Sunday service due to snow
The Chapel in Akron canceled its Sunday service due to the winter weather. Online services will be available at 10:40 a.m. A replay can be seen after the second service.
Local libraries closed for Winter Storm Fern on Sunday
The Akron Main Library announced that it will be closed Sunday for “the safety of our customers and staff.” Hudson Library & Historical Society also announced it would be closed.
Stow closes city government offices on Monday
Stow announced early Sunday morning that city government offices, the Stow Municipal Court and the Stow Community & Senior Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26.
Several Summit County, Akron businesses closed on Sunday due to Winter Storm Fern
Many businesses and companies announced they would be closed today due to Winter Storm Fern:
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Lifestyles centers in Bath, Green and Stow closed at 9:30 a.m. today due to the weather. Emergency Departments at those locations remain open.
Deviti’s in North Hill, Sweet Mary’s Bakery downtown, D’Angelos in Twinsburg and other businesses announced they would be closed on Sunday.
Belden Village Mall is closed today due to severe weather conditions. Visitors are encouraged to contact their preferred stores and restaurants directly to confirm hours of operation. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton also said it was closed on Sunday.
Weathervane Playhouse’s canceled its Sunday matinee show of “Rent.” Stow Players canceled its Sunday matinee performance of “Happily Ever Before.” Check with both playhouses for ticketing updates.
Parking bans enacted in Akron and several other Summit County cities
Akron set a parking ban in the city starting on 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26 and continuing until further notice.
Barberton issued a parking ban through Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 11 p.m. On-street parking is not allowed during the ban. Cuyahoga Falls set a parking ban through Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 9 a.m. Green has issued a parking ban through Tuesday at midnight. Hudson has issued an emergency snow parking ban through Monday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. Tallmadge is under a snow parking ban through Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 8 a.m. Twinsburg issued an emergency parking ban for this weekend from 12 a.m. on Jan. 25 to noon on Jan. 26.
Plain Township has issued a township-wide emergency snow parking ban through 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Ravenna issued a parking ban through 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
See photos of Winter Storm Fern around Greater Akron
Beacon Journal photographer Andrew Dolph is out seeing the conditions in real time. Here’s what he’s seeing on Sunday:
Flight cancelations hit Akron-Canton Airport, Cleveland Hopkins
Locally, at 8 a.m. the Akron-Canton Airport had six canceled flights heading to Charlotte, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Four flights are delayed and five remain on time.
At Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, 57 — about 43% of flights — have been canceled and four flights were delayed, FlightAware.com reported.
How many snow plows are on the road in Summit County, Ohio?
At 8:30 a.m., the Ohio Department of Transportation Akron / Canton District 4 division said on Facebook it has 120 crews on the road between Ashtabula, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit and Trumbull counties. They urged people to stay home as snow continues to fall.
Around Ohio, ODOT said, there are 1,230 crews working on the roads, noting that “conditions are rough and continue to decline as snow falls.”
Portage County issues Level 1 snow emergency
Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski issued a Level 1 snow emergency on Sunday morning.
How much snow has fallen in Akron, Ohio?
As of 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, between 2.2 and 2.8 inches of snow have accumulated in the Greater Akron area, according to the National Weather Service.
Level 2 snow emergency issued in Summit County
Summit County early Sunday morning raised its snow emergency level to two, saying “roadways are hazardous due to accumulating, blowing, and drifting snow and may be very icy. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution and only be on the roads if necessary.”
What is a Level 1 snow emergency in Ohio?
Roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
What is a Level 2 snow emergency in Ohio?
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
What is a Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio?
All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Another heavy band of snow coming to Greater Akron. Get live Winter Storm Fern updates
Reporting by Dan Kadar, April Helms and Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
