CINCINNATI (WKRC) — The first snowfall of the season blanketed the Cincinnati region overnight, creating slick roads, multiple crashes, and temporary closures across Kentucky and Ohio during Monday’s morning rush hour.
The Roebling Bridge, which connects downtown Cincinnati to Covington, was among the hardest-hit areas and had to be closed following a wreck. Similar issues were reported on several major routes as snow intensified throughout the morning, catching many drivers off guard.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) deployed 56 crews late Sunday night, with three teams patrolling the Cut in the Hill area through the day.
“So really, we’d love to be proactive with something like this,” said KYTC spokesman Jake Ryle. “A lot of times with Mother Nature, you almost have to be reactive because the conditions were just right with this storm.”
Across the river, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) also activated crews in Hamilton County starting at 11 p.m. Sunday.
“We have plenty of materials on hand,” said ODOT spokesperson Kathleen Fuller. “That’s something that we’re always monitoring — the salt supply — to make sure we have enough to get through the season.”
The snowfall began as rain before freezing on contact, producing icy, treacherous conditions.
“It’s a problem for everyone,” Fuller said. “Even though we’re putting materials down, the pavement goes from wet to icy fast, creating slick spots.”
Officials are urging drivers to use caution — slow down, maintain safe distances, and give road crews space to work.
The City of Cincinnati did not activate its new snowplow tracker, which is reserved for major snow events when crews work 12-hour shifts. However, the Department of Public Services confirmed that 55 trucks were out treating roads, focusing on bridges, overpasses, and steep hills.
“City streets have responded well to the treatments applied,” a city spokeswoman said.
Both KYTC and ODOT acknowledged that last winter’s storms revealed weaknesses in communication and coordination — lessons they hope to apply this year.
“I think every storm provides us an opportunity,” Ryle said. “For us, it’s a chance to see how we can improve our communication.”
Residents can monitor road conditions and snowplow activity through state and local tracking websites for both Ohio and Kentucky before traveling.
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