Update: Fern forces school closures, extreme cold to follow
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY (WJER) (Jan. 25, 2026) — As Winter Storm Fern continues to cover the region with heavy snowfall, school officials across Tuscarawas County moved swiftly Sunday afternoon to cancel classes.
Several districts and schools announced closures for both Monday and Tuesday, including Buckeye Career Center, Claymont, Dover, Indian Valley, Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Ridgewood, Strasburg, and Tusky Valley. Carrollton, Garaway, Kent State Tuscarawas (Classes may meet online), Malvern, and Sandy Valley schools are also closed Monday.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office has urged residents to stay off the roads, a message many appear to be following. Deputies have been monitoring conditions throughout the county and sharing images on social media illustrating the severity of the storm. One post shortly before noon Sunday showed County Road 21 covered in “very heavy snow,” describing travel as “very difficult” with visibility remaining a serious concern.
Ohio Department of Transportation crews are also out in full force. ODOT District 11 in New Philadelphia reported that roadways are being covered as quickly as they can be plowed and advised anyone who must travel to do so slowly and cautiously. In a 1 p.m. statewide update, ODOT said snow was still falling steadily across Ohio and conditions remained poor, with more than 1,250 crews deployed to keep routes passable for emergency personnel.
Meanwhile, the Tuscarawas County Health Department is reminding residents to stay safe indoors as temperatures plunge. Sharing guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, officials warned against using stoves or ovens to heat homes and emphasized the importance of properly vented fireplaces and heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon Monday, with snow expected to continue through at least 8 p.m. Sunday. Adding to the threat, an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for Tuscarawas County from 7 p.m. Monday through Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters warn wind chills could drop as low as minus 25 degrees, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions to stay safe during the prolonged winter event.