Discover the Biggest Snowstorm to Ever Hit Ohio in May… Yes, May!

The calendar had turned to May. The air was supposed to be filled with the familiar fragrance of blooming flowers. The sky should have been filled with the gentle warmth of the sun. Yet, the winds howled like a pack of wolves, and the sky turned dark and heavy clouds. As the temperature plummeted, the rain turned into a curtain of snowflakes, blanketing everything in sight. The people shivered in their homes. While snowfall in Ohio during the month of May is uncommon, it is not entirely unheard of. The state’s climate is influenced by its location on Lake Erie, which can result in unpredictable weather patterns. In fact, Ohio has experienced May snowstorms in the past. The biggest snowstorm to ever hit Ohio occurred in /may of 1966. Keep reading to learn about this somewhat unprecedented weather event as well as others in Snowhio!

Advances in Meteorology

Archival reports convey the surprise, wonder, and awe that folks in the Buckeye State experienced when these unseasonal snowfalls came to town seemingly out of nowhere. Their astonishment is understandable given the timeframe and lack of modern technology. Weather forecasting has undergone significant advancements since the 20th century. Thanks to computer technology and the availability of more comprehensive data, weather forecasting is more accurate. In the past, weather forecasts were based on limited data and relied heavily on observation.

Weather forecasting has evolved into a sophisticated science. Meteorology incorporates computer models, satellite imagery, and radar, to generate more accurate and detailed weather predictions. Modern weather forecasting has allowed for more effective planning and preparation in the face of severe weather events. Improved forecasts have saved lives and reduced the effects of extreme weather conditions. Some of the most significant developments include the use of satellites, radar, and computer models. These allow for more detailed observations and modeling of weather patterns. They also provide more comprehensive and reliable data for weather forecasting. But none of those were available back in the mid-20th century when Ohio experienced its May snowstorms!

May Snowfall in Ohio

Spring snow can be a surprising and sometimes frustrating event for those who are ready for warmer weather. Although snow in the spring is not uncommon in some parts of the world, it can still catch people off guard. However, spring snow can also be a beautiful sight, with the white blanket contrasting against the green of budding trees and flowers. So, while it may not be what people expect or want, unexpected spring snow happens. Following are the five biggest snowstorms to ever hit Ohio in May.

May Snowfall in Ohio: May 10-16, 1966 – 3.2 inches (8 cm)

The Akron/Canton Regional Airport recorded snowfall of 3.2 inches (8 cm) on May 9, 1966. This is the biggest snowstorm to ever hit Ohio in May! The May 1966 snowfall in Akron/Canton was caused by a weather system that brought cold air into the region, leading to a mix of rain and snow. The snowfall caused significant disruptions to transportation and power systems. The snow also damaged crops that were already growing. As a rule, it is rare for Ohio to experience significant snowfall in May. May of 1966, however, proved the exception. Spring snowfall events remind us of the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather conditions.

May Snowfall in Ohio: May 6, 1974 – 2.1 inches (5 cm)

Cleveland, Ohio, located on the South shore of Lake Erie received 2.1 inches (5 cm) of snow on May 6, 1974, which is the second biggest snowstorm on record in Ohio during the month of May. The snowstorm was caused by an unusual weather pattern that brought a cold air mass over the Great Lakes region, which collided with warm, moist air from the south. This resulted in heavy precipitation, which initially fell as rain but later turned into snow as temperatures dropped.
The May snowfall caused significant traffic problems and power outages. Crops and trees that had already begun to bloom were damaged, as well. While it is rare for Ohio to receive significant snowfall in May, this event serves as a reminder that weather patterns can be unpredictable.

May Snowfall in Ohio: May 10, 1989 – 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Ohio experienced another significant spring snowstorm in May of 1989. On May 10th of that year, Akron/Canton received 1.5 inches (4 cm) of snow, marking the third-highest snowfall total in the area for the month of May. The 1989 snowstorm was caused by a low-pressure system that brought cold air into the region, leading to a mix of rain and snow. While the snowfall was not as significant as the events in 1974 and 1966, it still caused disruptions, power outages, and some damage to crops and trees.
These May snowstorms serve as a reminder that it is important to stay informed on weather conditions, even in months that are typically associated with warmer temperatures and less extreme weather.

May Snowfall in Ohio: May 1963

While the fourth-highest snowfall total in Ohio in May wasn’t nearly as high as the top three snowstorms to ever hit Ohio in May, both Akron/Canton and Cleveland received snow in May of 1963. Akron/Canton recorded a total of 0.4 inches (1 cm) for the month. Records suggest that Cleveland had a total of 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) for the same period. Such light accumulation would have been unlikely to snarl traffic or create widespread power outages. Light spring snowfall is a reminder to look at the world with wonder.

May Snowfall in Ohio: May 10, 1907

Historical records indicate that there was a snowfall in Cleveland, Ohio on May 10, 1907. According to newspaper reports from the time, a late-season snowstorm hit the city and other parts of the region, dropping 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) of snow and causing minor disruptions. The unseasonable weather was described as unusual and unexpected, with many people expressing surprise and frustration at the untimely snowfall.

And there you have it: The five biggest snowstorms to ever hit Ohio in the month of May! Though there have been other snow events in the month of May in Ohio, the snowfall amounts were so slight that these peculiar little storms were nothing to write home about.