Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency across Ohio as Winter Storm Fern strengthens and moves closer to the state.

The declaration allows Ohio to respond faster, helping local communities access resources and support more quickly as conditions worsen.

According to News 5 meteorologist Allan Nosoff, the Power of 5 team has slightly raised the snowfall forecast as the storm continues to intensify and track closer to Ohio. That small shift could mean the difference between totals under 10 inches and 10 inches or more in some areas.

Nosoff says the overall impacts remain the same, with significant travel issues expected on roads and in the air, and he encourages people to stay home if possible and enjoy the snow safely.

Forecasters say parts of Ohio could see up to a foot of snow, along with dangerously cold temperatures before and after the storm.