Ohio is no stranger to inclement weather. Snowfall, freezing rain, sleet, it’s all part of the Buckeye State’s winter experience. Even so, there have been some storms throughout Ohio’s history that won’t be forgotten any time soon. At the top of the list is the Great Blizzard of 1978. This historic winter storm took place between January 25 and January 27, 1978. Considered an extreme Category 5 Blizzard, this is one winter storm in Ohio that has truly gone down in history.

Considered to be among the most severe blizzards in U.S. history, the Great Blizzard of 1978 is one that many Ohioans remember.

Wikipedia

The storm was a result of a colliding Gulf Low developing in the southeastern U.S. and a low-pressure system over the Midwest.

Corey Balazowich / flickr

What began as rainfall quickly escalated into snow during the early hours of the morning of January 26th. According to the National Weather Service, this storm was “of unprecedented magnitude” as it made its way towards the Ohio Valley.

Rona Proudfoot / flickr In addition to the Buckeye State, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Wisconsin were also hit.

Wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour meant that some homes were completely buried in snow. Moreover, wind chills measuring −60 °F caused deadly conditions.

Mark K. / flickr The amount of snowfall varied depending on the region, with the maximum amount of 52 inches recorded in Muskegon, Michigan.

The photograph below shows the Ohio National Guard unloading supplies to those who were most affected by the blizzard.

National Guard / flickr

In fact, the snow was so intense that parts of the state were covered in white for two months afterward.

angellea (glitterbug) / flickr

Do you remember the Great Blizzard of 1978? If so, be sure to tell us all about your experience of this incredible winter storm in Ohio in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Wikipedia

Corey Balazowich / flickr

Rona Proudfoot / flickr

In addition to the Buckeye State, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Wisconsin were also hit.

Mark K. / flickr

The amount of snowfall varied depending on the region, with the maximum amount of 52 inches recorded in Muskegon, Michigan.

National Guard / flickr

angellea (glitterbug) / flickr

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Great Blizzard of 1978 November 15, 2022 Sarah M. In addition to the Great Blizzard of 1978, what are some other legendary winter storms in Ohio? Wintertime in Ohio can be brutal. Between the lake effect snow from Lake Erie in Cleveland to the ice storms that often slam Cincinnati and Columbus, our lovely landscape can go from green and lush to snow-covered and ice-frozen in a matter of mere hours. The following winter weather events revisit the worst winter freezes and snowstorms in Ohio history:

Cleveland’s Thanksgiving 1950 Snowstorm: The week of November 20, 1950 started out just like any other: unassuming and inauspicious. La Niña, however, was working behind the scenes. This weather pattern triggered an extratropical cyclone that moved up into the Ohio Valley and into the Appalachians. On Nov. 24, The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 rolled into Ohio and along the east coast, bringing with it hurricane-force winds into nearly half of the nation. A total of 353 people perished nationally, many left without power in the midst of a deep freeze. Blizzard-like conditions rolled into Ohio and battered the state for days, created snowdrifts that were 25 feet deep in some places!

Winter Solstice Snowstorm of 2004: Just after the winter solstice gave way to December 22 in 2004, locals were battered by snow. As Christmas approached, the last thing anyone needed (or prepared for) was an ice storm. This, combined with snowstorms all across the state, led to uncontrollable flooding. As 2004 ended, 2005 didn’t bring much relief to locals. An Alberta Clipper passed over the region in January of 2005. All in all, the winter of 2004 and 2005 became the snowiest on record, accumulating 117.9 inches of snow in Cleveland alone! January 1994: This deep-freeze took the Buckeye State by storm – and surprise. Cleveland reached a wind chill index of an astounding -41 degrees F, Cincinnati reached -21 degrees F and Mansfield reached a chilling -57 degrees F. In terms of actual temperatures, Cleveland reached a record-breaking -20 degrees F on January 19, 1994. With the rock-solid, frozen Cuyahoga River, tears freezing on your face and dangerous driving conditions, this deep freeze left its mark on Ohio as one of the coldest winters on record!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Great Blizzard of 1978

November 15, 2022

Sarah M.

In addition to the Great Blizzard of 1978, what are some other legendary winter storms in Ohio? Wintertime in Ohio can be brutal. Between the lake effect snow from Lake Erie in Cleveland to the ice storms that often slam Cincinnati and Columbus, our lovely landscape can go from green and lush to snow-covered and ice-frozen in a matter of mere hours. The following winter weather events revisit the worst winter freezes and snowstorms in Ohio history:

Cleveland’s Thanksgiving 1950 Snowstorm: The week of November 20, 1950 started out just like any other: unassuming and inauspicious. La Niña, however, was working behind the scenes. This weather pattern triggered an extratropical cyclone that moved up into the Ohio Valley and into the Appalachians. On Nov. 24, The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 rolled into Ohio and along the east coast, bringing with it hurricane-force winds into nearly half of the nation. A total of 353 people perished nationally, many left without power in the midst of a deep freeze. Blizzard-like conditions rolled into Ohio and battered the state for days, created snowdrifts that were 25 feet deep in some places!

Winter Solstice Snowstorm of 2004: Just after the winter solstice gave way to December 22 in 2004, locals were battered by snow. As Christmas approached, the last thing anyone needed (or prepared for) was an ice storm. This, combined with snowstorms all across the state, led to uncontrollable flooding. As 2004 ended, 2005 didn’t bring much relief to locals. An Alberta Clipper passed over the region in January of 2005. All in all, the winter of 2004 and 2005 became the snowiest on record, accumulating 117.9 inches of snow in Cleveland alone! January 1994: This deep-freeze took the Buckeye State by storm – and surprise. Cleveland reached a wind chill index of an astounding -41 degrees F, Cincinnati reached -21 degrees F and Mansfield reached a chilling -57 degrees F. In terms of actual temperatures, Cleveland reached a record-breaking -20 degrees F on January 19, 1994. With the rock-solid, frozen Cuyahoga River, tears freezing on your face and dangerous driving conditions, this deep freeze left its mark on Ohio as one of the coldest winters on record!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Wintertime in Ohio can be brutal. Between the lake effect snow from Lake Erie in Cleveland to the ice storms that often slam Cincinnati and Columbus, our lovely landscape can go from green and lush to snow-covered and ice-frozen in a matter of mere hours. The following winter weather events revisit the worst winter freezes and snowstorms in Ohio history:

  • Cleveland’s Thanksgiving 1950 Snowstorm: The week of November 20, 1950 started out just like any other: unassuming and inauspicious. La Niña, however, was working behind the scenes. This weather pattern triggered an extratropical cyclone that moved up into the Ohio Valley and into the Appalachians. On Nov. 24, The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 rolled into Ohio and along the east coast, bringing with it hurricane-force winds into nearly half of the nation. A total of 353 people perished nationally, many left without power in the midst of a deep freeze. Blizzard-like conditions rolled into Ohio and battered the state for days, created snowdrifts that were 25 feet deep in some places!
  • Winter Solstice Snowstorm of 2004: Just after the winter solstice gave way to December 22 in 2004, locals were battered by snow. As Christmas approached, the last thing anyone needed (or prepared for) was an ice storm. This, combined with snowstorms all across the state, led to uncontrollable flooding. As 2004 ended, 2005 didn’t bring much relief to locals. An Alberta Clipper passed over the region in January of 2005. All in all, the winter of 2004 and 2005 became the snowiest on record, accumulating 117.9 inches of snow in Cleveland alone!
  • January 1994: This deep-freeze took the Buckeye State by storm – and surprise. Cleveland reached a wind chill index of an astounding -41 degrees F, Cincinnati reached -21 degrees F and Mansfield reached a chilling -57 degrees F. In terms of actual temperatures, Cleveland reached a record-breaking -20 degrees F on January 19, 1994. With the rock-solid, frozen Cuyahoga River, tears freezing on your face and dangerous driving conditions, this deep freeze left its mark on Ohio as one of the coldest winters on record!