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Residents across the Greater Cincinnati area woke up to a winter landscape on Thursday, December 4, as freezing temperatures kept a significant layer of snow firmly in place.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures are currently hovering around 30°F (-1°C) under largely cloudy skies.
While forecasters note there is a chance for light flurries or a dusting later in the day, they predict little to no new accumulation—likely less than an inch.
The primary concern remains the existing snowpack.
The NWS reported a snow depth of approximately 3 inches as of Thursday morning. This cover is the remnant of the winter storm system that swept through the region on December 1 and 2, dropping between 4 to 5.5 inches of snow across the metro area.
While main thoroughfares have been cleared, caution is still advised. Because temperatures have remained near or below freezing, untreated surfaces, side streets, and sidewalks may still be snow-packed or icy.
Looking ahead, the NWS forecast indicates that the cold weather will persist. With highs expected to remain in the mid-30s, the current snow cover is likely to stick around through the weekend.
Cincinnati snow removal sees upgraded response amid December snow
Meanwhile, Cincinnati snow removal operations have activated citywide in response to the heavy snowfall this week. Cincinnati snow removal efforts are relying on new technology, expanded crews, and a revised priority plan to keep roads passable.
New snow response launches with modern tools
Reports say that the Department of Public Services (DPS) in Cincinnati kicked off snow operations early this week as snow blanketed the city on December 2.
Crews began pretreating streets with anti-icing measures before the first flakes fell, aiming to prevent ice from bonding to pavement and make snow easier to clear.
The city also rolled out technology upgrades ahead of this winter, every snowplow now features a tablet with digital routes and GPS tracking. Drivers update street status in real time.
An interactive “Snowplow Tracker” map went live in parallel, letting residents view which roads have been treated, salted, or plowed.
These upgrades reflect lessons learned after last winter’s snowstorms that left many residential streets unplowed for days.
Prioritizing main roads first, then residential streets
The city is following its formally established winter operations plan: Primary thoroughfares: hills, bridges, major arteries, and the downtown core, receive first attention. Collector streets follow, then residential side streets.
Crews are working in 12-hour shifts around the clock, and DPS aims to have all streets at least passable within 24 hours after snow stops.
City officials warn that “passable” doesn’t always mean clear pavement. Slush or light snow may remain, especially while snow continues or when temperatures stay low.
Mixed results so far: Improvements and limitations
City leaders, including DPS Director Mark Riley, said the updated snow response has shown clear improvements over last year. They reported that crews pretreated both main and some residential roads before snow began.
Council members such as Meeka Owens called the new approach “proactive,” applauding the investment in technology and personnel.
However, the Snowplow Tracker map, meant to give residents real-time updates, ran into trouble under heavy traffic and had to go offline Tuesday. Officials said the tracker issues did not hinder actual plow operations.
Residents in some neighborhoods still reported lingering snow, slush, or uncleared side streets, a reminder that residential roads may take longer. Local media describing the response noted improvement, but acknowledged “challenges remain.”
What this snowfall means for daily life
Because of the storm, several school districts closed, including Cincinnati Public Schools, and traffic officials declared a Hamilton County Level II Snow Emergency, urging residents to travel only if necessary.
With the priority system, main roads and high-traffic arteries should remain safer for travel sooner. But people living on residential streets should expect delays and possibly unplowed conditions for a little longer.
Property owners also remain responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties, according to city code.
What residents can expect next
- Real-time updates on where plows have been and what treatment they applied (once Snowplow Tracker stabilizes).
- Main roads first, residential streets soon after.
- Ongoing 12-hour-shift plow cycles until citywide passability is achieved.
City officials say the updated fleet, better training, and data-driven strategies give chances for a much smoother winter than last year. Still, residents are reminded to exercise caution on roads and give plows space to operate.
For more information on status or to report dangerous or icy conditions, residents are encouraged to call 311 or check the city’s winter operations updates.
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