On January 26, 1978, when I was a sophomore in high school, Ohio and most of the eastern half of the country was hit by what was then called "The Blizzard of the Century" and I have to say that in the 34 years since I have yet to see anything that matches it. We have had many heavy snowfalls, below zero windchills, and strong winds, but never have they come together in the manner in which they did on that January day. The state of Ohio was virtually shut down for days. Pleas were aired on the local television and radio stations for those with four wheel drive vehicles to help get emergency personnel to work. I was very pleased because my school's second and third days of final exams were cancelled.
Pictured above is a certifcate given away by Dayton television station, WHIO, channel 7. In the photograph is the late Gil Whitney, beloved weatherman and television personality. The official blizzard statistics are listed along the left side.
Winds 60 mph
Temperature 3
Wind Chill -65
Low Barometer 28.66 (Record)
12.0 inch snowfall in 24 hours (Record)
Snow on Ground 25.5 inches (Record)
