It's Impossible To Forget The Horrific Winter Storm Of 1978 That Has Gone Down In Ohio History
Beth
Author
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.
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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!
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Great Blizzard of 1978
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!