Columbus Ohio Weather Snow Level: The Storm of January 1978

January 1978 will always be remembered as a brutal winter month in Columbus, Ohio. A powerful blizzard brought heavy snowfall and high winds, leaving the city paralyzed and causing widespread damage. At the time, it was Ohio's costliest storm, with damages estimated at around $73 million.

The storm started on January 25th and lasted until the 27th, dumping over four inches of snow in Columbus, six inches in Cincinnati, and a staggering 12.9 inches in Dayton. The heavy snowfall caused massive snowdrifts to develop, some reaching as high as 15-25 feet.

The storm was particularly devastating due to the strong winds, which made it difficult for people to venture outside. The entire length of the Ohio Turnpike was closed for the first time in history, and many highways and roads were impassable. Air and rail travel were also severely disrupted, leaving thousands stranded in their homes.

As a result, food shortages became common, and rescue efforts were launched to aid those stuck in their homes. The storm caused over 70 fatalities across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, making it one of the deadliest winter storms in state history.

Looking back at old photographs of the storm can be a sobering reminder of just how severe the weather was. For many residents of Columbus and surrounding areas, the storm is still remembered as one of the most challenging winters they have ever experienced.

In recent years, Columbus has seen several significant snowstorms, including a major winter storm in 2020 that dumped over six inches of snow on the city. However, the storm of January 1978 remains one of the most memorable and destructive winter storms in Ohio's history.

Columbus ohio weather snow level