45 years later: A look back at the Blizzard of ‘78

By WHIO Staff

January 26, 2023 at 4:38 am EST

By WHIO Staff

January 26, 2023 at 4:38 am EST

DAYTON — This winter may have had some rough points so far, but it’s nothing compared to the blizzard of 1978.

The 45th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978 is this week. The blizzard lasted three days, from Jan. 25 until Jan. 27, 1978.

>>How to prevent injuries caused by shoveling snow

On January 26, the blizzard dropped over a foot of snow; this date still holds the record for the most snow in Dayton in a 24-hour period, according to online archives.

The National Guard responded to help deliver supplies and rescue those stuck in the snow. Interstate 75 was closed for four days, air traffic was halted at the airport, and RTA and the postal service both stopped service.

>>WATCH: The Great Blizzard of 1978

Dayton officials estimated the blizzard caused over $4 million in damages, according to the archives.

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