The “Blizzard of ’78” in Ohio hit on January 26, 1978, with conditions developing late on January 25 and continuing into January 27.

Key timing details

  • The worst of the storm in Ohio is marked as Thursday, January 26, 1978 , when the blizzard conditions were statewide.
  • Weather began changing rapidly late Wednesday night, January 25, 1978 , when rain and mild temperatures shifted to plunging temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow.
  • Blizzard conditions and major impacts (closed roads, including the entire Ohio Turnpike, and widespread shutdowns) lasted through January 27, 1978 , with disruptions continuing for several days.

In most Ohio histories and news retrospectives, the “Blizzard of ’78 in Ohio” specifically refers to the storm of January 26, 1978.