• Hamilton County is under a level 2 snow emergency due to heavy snowfall, with hazardous road conditions reported.
• A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Monday, with total storm accumulations of 9 to 13 inches possible.
• Several counties in Ohio and Northern Kentucky have declared snow emergencies, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
• The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snow to continue Sunday, with frigid temperatures and low wind chills expected throughout the week.

Hamilton and Butler counties in Ohio and Boone County in Northern Kentucky are under a level 2 snow emergency as heavy snow fell over the region overnight into Sunday morning.

Road conditions are considered hazardous and only those who find it necessary to drive should be out, according to the sheriff’s office.

The region remains under a winter storm warning until noon Monday with more heavy snow expected to fall during the day Sunday, Jan. 25. Ice will also be mixed in for some parts of the region.

Early snowfall totals posted on the National Weather Service website shows accumulations of 5.9 inches in Lockland and 3.8 inches in Forest Park before 5 a.m.

New snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches are possible Sunday during the day and about another inch overnight into Monday, according to the Wilmington office of the weather service. Total storm accumulations of 9 to 13 inches are possible from the weekend storm that is underway.

Snow emergency level in Ohio and Kentucky

Hamilton, Butler and Boone counties are under a level 2 snow emergency. Clermont County is under a level 1. Kenton and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky have each declared a level 1 snow emergency, all of which took effect at noon Saturday, Jan. 24.

Under a level 2, only drivers who consider it necessary to travel should be on the roads. Under level 1, no roads are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged.

In Indiana, Dearborn County is under a “yellow” travel advisory, signifying that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

How much snow do we have?

Preliminary snowfall totals posted before daybreak Sunday:

• Lockland: 5.8 inches.
• Forest Park: 3.8 inches.
• Mason: 2 inches.
• Wilmington: 3 inches.
• Dillsboro, Indiana: 5 inches.
• Moraine, near Dayton, Ohio: 6.5 inches.
• Columbus: 3.5 inches.

How much more snow is coming

Heavy snow is likely during the day Sunday and sleet and freezing rain is possible in Northern Kentucky. Snowfall is expected to lighten after 5 p.m., coming to an end overnight.

Total snow accumulation of just under 13 inches is likely for Cincinnati, according to the weather service.

Cincinnati weather forecast

Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 23. North wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Sunday night: A chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Wind chill values as low as minus 1. North wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 14. Wind chill values as low as minus 4. West wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around minus 4. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 24.

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around minus 6.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 16.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around minus 4.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 16.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 22.

Source: National Weather Service in Wilmington

Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency, anticipating damaging and dangerous winter storm conditions.

Parts of Ohio are could get a foot of snow, along with dangerously cold temperatures.

“I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out,” DeWine stated. “We’re expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly.”

The state of emergency proclamation documents DeWine directive on Friday that state agencies, including the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Transportation, provide additional resources and support to local communities as needed.

The proclamation also directs Ohio Department of Administrative Services to suspend normal purchasing rules, so that agencies can have the supplies they need.