Winter Storm Slams Cincinnati: Hourly Snow Timeline

Emergency Alert: Cincinnati Under Winter Storm Warning—Here is the Exact Timing for Snowfall

Cincinnati and the surrounding Tri-State area are bracing for a massive winter storm, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a Winter Storm Warning effective immediately until 7 a.m. tomorrow. Forecasters are calling this the most significant snowfall event of the season, and the most urgent question on everyone’s mind is: Exactly when will the snow start, and how quickly will travel conditions deteriorate?

According to the latest models from the NWS office in Wilmington, Ohio, the storm is moving faster than previously anticipated, meaning the window to prepare is shrinking.

The Critical Hour-by-Hour Forecast

This storm is not expected to be a slow buildup; the transition from rain/sleet to heavy snow will be rapid, catching many off guard. Here is the anticipated timeline for the Cincinnati metro area:

Initial Flurries: The Evening Commute Risk

While light precipitation—a mix of rain and sleet—has been falling through the afternoon, the cold front is expected to fully take hold right as the evening rush begins.

• 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET: Expect the rain/sleet mix to quickly change to light, steady snow. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will begin to ice up immediately as temperatures drop below freezing. If you are commuting home, leave as early as possible.
• 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET: Snowfall intensity increases dramatically. Visibility will drop rapidly to a quarter-mile or less at times. This is the period when conditions will shift from manageable to dangerous.

The Main Event: Heaviest Snowfall Window

The storm’s core will sit over the region overnight, delivering the bulk of the predicted snow.

• 9:00 p.m. ET - 2:00 a.m. ET: This five-hour period is critical. Snow will fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour across most of Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties. Power outages are possible due to the heavy, wet nature of the snow and gusty winds.
• 2:00 a.m. ET - 7:00 a.m. ET: The heaviest snowfall tapers off, leaving behind lingering snow showers. Road crews will be working to clear primary routes, but secondary roads will likely remain impassable until late morning.

Expected Accumulation and Travel Chaos

Current forecasts suggest total snow accumulation will be between 6 and 10 inches for the city center and northern suburbs. Isolated spots on the highest elevations could see close to a foot.

The NWS is stressing that travel during and immediately following the 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. period is highly discouraged. The combination of heavy snow and wind will create treacherous, near-whiteout conditions.

"This is not a typical event. The severity and speed of this system require extreme caution," said NWS lead meteorologist Jane Doe. Residents must finish preparations—including gathering emergency supplies and charging devices—before 5 p.m. today. Expect significant delays, closures, and potential flight cancellations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) through the next day.

Safety First: What Cincinnatians Need to Do Now

1. Secure Loose Items: Bring in anything outdoors that could be blown around by the wind.
2. Stay Home: If you do not have to travel after 5 p.m., do not. Check school, business, and government closure announcements for tomorrow morning.
3. Check on Neighbors: Ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbors have what they need to ride out the storm.
4. Emergency Kit: Have blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food, and a battery-powered radio ready in case of power failure.

Stay tuned to local news outlets and the National Weather Service for the very latest updates on this developing situation.