**UPDATE: 2:30 p.m. January 26, 2026**
We know many of you are eager to see your streets cleared, and our snowplow operators have been working around the clock to make progress across the city.
Our primary roads are complete and passable. Crews are actively working on secondary streets today and into tonight, and they will continue circling back as conditions allow.
Drifting snow has created deep accumulations in spots, and the extremely cold temperatures limit how effective salt and other treatments can be. Due to these factors, plowing remains the most effective tool right now, and progress can be slow.
Our crews have been working long, rotating shifts to efficiently clear the record-breaking snowfall and ensure safe travel is possible. We prioritize the primary streets as the major thoroughfares of our community and understand frustrations when secondary routes are not yet fully cleared. We appreciate your patience as crews continue to work through the remaining streets.
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**UPDATE: 11:10 p.m. January 25, 2026**
Public Works crews will remain at work overnight, prioritizing primary streets. With extremely cold temperatures limiting the effectiveness of salt, crews will focus on plowing operations. Secondary streets will be addressed as conditions allow.
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**UPDATE: 12:55 p.m. January 25, 2026**
It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation! Our Parks, Power and Utilities teams have stepped up to support the Public Works crew in managing street conditions as snow continues to steadily fall.
Following the shift change at noon, we now have as many as a dozen vehicles on our streets to keep up with the slick driving conditions and poor visibility caused by the light, dry snow. We continue to focus on primary streets as the top priority.
We urge residents to avoid travel if at all possible. Be aware that emergency response times may be delayed due to winter conditions.
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**UPDATE: 11:30 p.m. January 24, 2026**
Our Public Works crews have been closely monitoring Winter Storm Fern as it moves into Ohio and are now beginning work to plow streets as snow accumulates, as well as salt bridges and hills.
Please note that the snow our community is receiving is dry and temperatures are low. This can slow the effectiveness of salt treatment on pavement and lead to drifting across roadways and poor visibility for drivers as winds pick up.
The City team will continue to work throughout the night and into tomorrow to clear roadways. However, our crews urge residents to avoid travel if possible.
Those who must travel should allow ample space between vehicles and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including a flashlight, food and water.
Motorists should give plows ample room to maneuver and be aware that emergency response times may be delayed due to winter conditions.
Continue to follow this post for updates from the City of Piqua team as the storm continues.
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The City of Piqua is preparing for a significant winter storm expected to impact the area this weekend. City crews and equipment are ready to respond as conditions develop.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday, January 24, through noon Monday, January 26, with forecasted snowfall totals of 8 to 12 inches. Snow, wind, ice and low temperatures are expected to create hazardous travel conditions.
“Our City of Piqua crews stand ready to serve our community during Winter Storm Fern as we prioritize the safety of the community,” City Manager Paul Oberdorfer said. “We will continually monitor the situation and ensure appropriate staffing and support to ensure roadways are safe for travel and our community remains protected in case of emergency situations.”
City crews are prepared to salt and plow roadways as conditions warrant, prioritizing primary routes before moving to secondary roads as weather conditions allow. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” according to the National Weather Service. Residents should expect secondary routes to be snow covered for several days and are encouraged to prepare now and avoid travel when possible during the storm.
Drivers are reminded to use caution on roadways, allow extra space between vehicles and use particular care around snowplows and salt trucks, especially at intersections. Motorists should give plows ample room to maneuver and safely clear roadways.
Those who must travel should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including a flashlight, food and water, and be aware that emergency response times may be delayed due to winter conditions.
Residents can view City snow routes and find additional winter weather information at
https://public-geo-piqua.hub.arcgis.com/pages/e64ab38511d349d793c9afee37a353a4
Winter driving safety tips are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.
Visit ohgo.com for the latest road condition information from the State of Ohio.
