School and business closures, traffic conditions, and operational changes during and immediately after the storm

Northeast Ohio continues to grapple with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, which unleashed a powerful combination of heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, leaving widespread disruptions across the region. While significant progress has been made in recovery efforts, ongoing challenges and new developments underscore the complex path toward restoring normalcy and building resilience for future storms.

The Immediate Aftermath: Disruptions and Response Efforts

When Fern struck, it caused immediate chaos across Northeast Ohio. Schools, businesses, and infrastructure faced unprecedented challenges:

• School Closures and Virtual Learning: Over 500 school districts, including large entities such as Akron Public Schools and Cleveland Metropolitan School District, temporarily shut down campuses or transitioned to virtual instruction. Impassable roads and dangerous travel conditions made in-person attendance impossible, delaying the resumption of regular classes.

• Business Operations and Supply Chain Delays: Retailers like Giant Eagle and numerous small businesses operated under reduced hours, hampered by disrupted logistical routes. Delivery delays and staff shortages further strained local economies, complicating recovery efforts.

• Hazardous Road Conditions and Traffic: Despite extensive snow and ice removal, many highways remain partially or fully closed. Several interstates have been shut due to crash cleanups and rescue operations. Residents are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay informed via 311 services and plow tracker apps.

• Power and Water Outages: Tree falls and powerline failures knocked out electricity for tens of thousands, with some neighborhoods in Akron experiencing prolonged outages. Boil-water advisories remain in effect in affected areas following water main breaks caused by ice-related infrastructure stress.

• Emergency Response Limitations: Initially hampered by impassable streets, rescue efforts have improved as roads are cleared. Notably, Akron General Hospital resumed ambulance operations after addressing a water main break, highlighting the ongoing struggle to restore full emergency capacity.

Medical and Cold Injury Innovations: Turning Hardship into Hope

Amid the storms’ destructive aftermath, Northeast Ohio has seen groundbreaking medical advancements:

FDA-Approved Frostbite Treatment

The Akron Children’s Burn Center has begun administering a novel FDA-approved medication designed specifically to preserve tissue in severe cold injuries like frostbite. This medication represents a paradigm shift in cold injury management, with early evidence indicating reduced tissue death and fewer amputations—a significant departure from traditional treatment methods.

Dr. Lisa Martinez, lead physician at the center, stated:

“This new treatment has the potential to revolutionize frostbite care. We’re seeing improved tissue preservation and a notable reduction in amputations, which have historically been common in severe frostbite cases.”

The availability of this medication offers renewed hope for frostbite victims, especially as cold snaps persist.

Community Response and Warming Centers

Hospitals and community organizations are expanding warming centers and shelters to prevent cold-related injuries, notably among outdoor workers and homeless populations. The rise in frostbite and hypothermia cases highlights the importance of early intervention and access to advanced treatments to minimize long-term disabilities.

Infrastructure Repair and Resilience Investments

The region’s infrastructure is gradually recovering, bolstered by strategic investments:

• Road Repairs: Akron has deployed DuraPatcher, a state-of-the-art pothole repair truck, which has accelerated patching and resurfacing efforts. The city plans to continue these repairs throughout spring and summer, aiming to improve safety and road quality.

• Utility Restoration: Efforts to restore electricity and water services are ongoing, with most neighborhoods seeing significant progress. However, some areas still face outages and boil-water advisories, requiring continued attention.

• Major Infrastructure Projects: The $29 million allocated by AMATS is fueling stormwater management upgrades, utility improvements, and resilience projects designed to better withstand future storms. Recent approvals of new projects, including the Greater Akron area’s 2026 initiatives, reflect a proactive approach to long-term resilience.

• Educational and Community Development: The groundbreaking for the Pfeiffer/Miller South Project scheduled for March 19 marks a vital investment in educational facilities and community growth. Additionally, Akron Public Schools’ College and Career Academies are adapting to include industry-specific training aligned with recovery and infrastructure needs. New plans for North High School reveal detailed layout and classroom configurations aimed at fostering a modern learning environment capable of supporting resilience and workforce development.

Emerging Infrastructure Failures and Ongoing Repairs

Recent incidents have added layers of urgency to recovery efforts:

• Several homes in Akron are reporting constant leaks, with ceilings and floors flooding due to storm-related water intrusion. Residents express frustration over the slow repair process, which has turned parts of their homes into water hazards.

• The partial sewer manhole collapse in Akron has resulted in road closures and repair work expected to extend into the coming weeks. This incident underscores the lasting impact of the storm’s underground infrastructure stress.

• Other hazards include a sinkhole in Akron disrupting traffic and a fatal semi-truck crash on US-30, which underscores ongoing ground hazards complicating the recovery process.

Community Leadership and Recognition

Leadership remains central to the ongoing recovery:

• Craig Morgan has been appointed as Akron’s new Chief of Public Safety, tasked with streamlining emergency responses and enhancing coordination among agencies.

• The City of Akron held a recovery meeting on February 23, 2026, to evaluate progress, set strategic priorities, and reinforce resilience measures.

• The Red Cross honored local heroes with the Final Acts of Courage Awards for their bravery and selflessness during the storm, recognizing first responders and civilians who aided neighbors during perilous conditions.

Economic and Environmental Outlook

The storm’s aftermath continues to influence regional economics and environmental conditions:

• Gas prices have risen by approximately 10 cents per gallon in Akron and 6 cents in Cleveland, adding financial pressure amid ongoing recovery costs.

• As melting snow and mild temperatures persist, localized flooding remains a concern, especially near rivers and streams. Residents near flood-prone areas are urged to stay alert and prepare for potential evacuations.

• Recent incidents, including a sinkhole and a fatal crash, highlight the ongoing ground hazards that complicate recovery efforts.

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Looking Ahead: Resilience and Continued Vigilance

While Northeast Ohio has made remarkable strides—restoring emergency services, deploying innovative medical treatments, and accelerating infrastructure repairs—the region’s recovery is ongoing. Power outages and water disruptions persist in some neighborhoods, and hazardous roads and flood risks demand continuous caution.

The recent approval of new projects and long-term resilience investments, such as the $29 million stormwater initiatives and educational facility developments, underscore a proactive approach to future storms. The region’s leadership and community spirit remain vital, with ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency response, and protect residents.

As forecasts predict mild thawing with intermittent snow, residents and officials stay vigilant, recognizing that continued caution is essential to ensure a safe, sustainable recovery and to prepare better for whatever future storms may bring.