Winter Storm in Ohio, January 9 to 10, 2009

Name: Winter Storm in Ohio, January 9 to 10, 2009
Start: 2009-01-09T10:00
End: 2009-01-10T22:30
Location: Ohio

January 9 to 10, 2009 · NWS CLE · 19 events in 19 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 19 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $3.4 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 19

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS CLE wrote it up.

Low pressure tracked eastward from the Mississippi Valley, and moved through the Ohio Valley on the 10th. With the low tracking south of the region colder air was able to remain in place allowing for mainly snow. Snow developed during the late evening hours of the 9th across southwest portions of the forecast area and slowly progressed east through the overnight hours. The snow didn't reach far northeastern Ohio until the early morning hours of the 10th. The snow was heavy at times during the morning hours, then tapered off from west to east through mid afternoon. Accumulations ranged mainly between 6 and 12 inches with highest amounts over northwest Ohio, and the least across central Ohio.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Cleveland, OH wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 9, 8:52 AM EST, 1 hour 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 9, 8:52 AM EST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CLEVELAND OH
852 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

.SYNOPSIS...
A LARGE AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE MID MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
WILL MOVE ACROSS THE LOWER GREAT LAKES AND UPPER OHIO VALLEY TODAY
LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE ACROSS SOUTHERN SATURDAY AND THEN OFF THE
MID ATLANTIC COAST SATURDAY NIGHT. LOW PRESSURE WILL CROSS THE
CENTRAL LAKES MONDAY...DRAGGING A STRONG ARCTIC COLD FRONT ACROSS
THE AREA MONDAY NIGHT.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL CONTINUE FOR THE ERIE AREA. AREA WEB CAMS
AND REPORTS INDICATE HEAVY SNOW AT TIMES SO HAVE ADDED THE LAKE
SHORE OF ERIE COUNTY. HEAVIEST AMOUNTS MAY BE UP AROUND NORTHEAST
PA AS THE WINDS DIRECT THE BAND A BIT FURTHER TO THE NORTH THROUGH
THE MORNING. LOOKS LIKE 3 TO LOCALLY 6 INCHES THROUGH THE MORNING.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...
LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS CONTINUE OVER EXTREME NE OHIO
AND NW PENNSYLVANIA. RADAR STILL SHOWING FAIRLY AREA OF SNOW
SHOWERS ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN ERIE COUNTY. THEREFORE DECIDED
TO LEAVE THE ADVISORY AND WARNING UP FOR ERIE COUNTY. DOESNT
APPEAR THAT THE SNOW SHOWERS ARE AS STRONG OVER EXTREME NORTHEAST
OHIO AND CRAWFORD PENNSYLVANIA. LOCAL INCH OR TWO COULD STILL FALL
EASTERN CRAWFORD BUT DIDNT FEEL THAT ADVISORY WAS STILL NEEDED
FOR THESE AREAS AS THE SNOW SHOWERS SHOULD BE TAPERING OFF IN
THESE AREAS SOON. SNOW AHEAD OF SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM WILL
START TO SPREAD INTO WESTERN OHIO THIS AFTERNOON. FAR WESTERN
AREAS POSSIBLY SEEING AN INCH BY EVENING....WITH THE HEAVIER SNOW
HOLDING OFF UNTIL TONIGHT.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM FORECAST TO MOVE UP THE OHIO VALLEY LATE
TONIGHT...MOVING ACROSS EXTREME SOUTHERN OHIO ON SATURDAY. GFS
CONTINUES TO BE THE MOST CONSISTENT MODEL MOVING THE LOW THROUGH
EXTREME SOUTHERN OHIO/NORTHERN KENTUCKY. WHILE THE 00Z NAM DROPS
IT FURTHER SOUTH THAN THE GFS AND SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM
ITS PREVIOUS RUN. 00Z ECMWF TRACKS THE LOW LITTLE FURTHER S THAN
ITS PREVIOUS RUN BUT STILL NORTH OF GFS TRACK. PREFER GFS TRACK
WHICH SHOULD KEEP THE PRECIP ALL SNOW OVER THE FORECAST AREA.
WATCHES ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE AREA WITH THIS STORM BEGINNING THIS
EVENING OVER WESTERN OHIO...BUT NOT UNTIL LATE TONIGHT OVER
PENNSYLVANIA AS SIGNIFICANT SNOW THERE SHOULD HOLD OFF UNTIL AFTER
MIDNIGHT. WITH GFS TRACK APPEARS THAT TOTAL SNOWFALL OF 6 TO 10
INCHES OVER MUCH OF THE FORECAST AREA IS POSSIBLE WITH LOWER
AMOUNTS PROBABLY FALLING OVER EXTREME NW PA. SNOW WILL BEGIN TO
TAPER OFF IN THE WEST SATURDAY AFTERNOON...BUT NOT TAPERING OFF IN
THE EAST UNTIL AROUND MIDNIGHT SATURDAY. SOME LAKE EFFECT SNOW
SHOWERS WILL LIKELY LINGER ACROSS NE OHIO AND NW PENNSYLVANIA INTO
SUNDAY MORNING. MOST OF THE AREA WILL SEE BREAK IN THE WEATHER ON
SUNDAY...WITH LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLY ARRIVING SUNDAY NIGHT AHEAD OF
THE NEXT SYSTEM.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
BY THIS TIME NEXT WEEK...THE FORECAST AREA COULD VERY WELL BE BURIED
UNDER SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW AS THE SNOW TRAIN HEADS INTO TOWN.
WILL BE LEANING TOWARD THE PERSISTENT GFS MODEL THROUGH THE EXTENDED
PERIODS.

NORTHERN HEMISPHERIC VIEW SHOWS POLAR LOW EJECT A BIT OF ENERGY TO
THE NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF CANADA WHERE IT DEEPENS INTO A RATHER
STATIONARY LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM. THE LOW IS PROGGED TO MOVE LITTLE
DURING THE WEEK.  THIS WILL SET UP A RATHER ACTIVE JET STREAM FROM
THE NORTHWEST INTO THE OHIO VALLEY.

A SERIES OF SHORTWAVES WILL RACE SOUTHEAST IN THE UPPER LEVEL JET
STREAM SPAWNING SOME VIGOROUS SURFACE BASED LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS.
EACH STORM SYSTEM WILL DRIVE FAR ENOUGH SOUTH AND TAP INTO THE
MOISTURE AND WARMTH FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO FOR SOMEWHAT RAPID
INTENSIFICATION.

SINCE POLAR JET REMAINS TO THE SOUTH OF THE FORECAST AREA...ARCTIC
AIR WILL PLUNGE INTO THE REGION FOLLOWING THE COLD FRONT MONDAY
NIGHT AND REMAIN ENTRENCHED OVER THE REGION THROUGH THE END OF THE
WEEK. AS THE STORM SYSTEMS MOVE SOUTHEAST...THEY SHOULD MOVE FAST
ENOUGH TO PREVENT ENOUGH WARM AIR FROM ENTRAINING INTO THE SYSTEMS
TO CHANGE THE PRECIPITATION OVER TO A MIX OF SNOW...SLEET...AND
FREEZING RAIN.  THEREFORE...WILL KEEP ALL SNOW GOING THROUGH THE
ENTIRE PERIOD.

FOR NOW...DUE TO UNCERTAINTIES IN THE EXACT TRACKS OF THE
LOWS...WILL NOT GO ANY HIGHER THAN JUST CHANCE POPS THROUGH THE
PERIOD AND SEE HOW THINGS PLAY OUT OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  THE
STORM SYSTEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR MAKING THE WEATHER RATHER NASTY
NEXT WEEK. THE COMBINATION OF THE SNOW AND GUSTY WINDS ALONG WITH
THE COLD TEMPERATURES...SOME PRETTY COLD WIND CHILLS CAN BE
EXPECTED. HEADLINES MAY BE NEEDED AT TIMES NEXT WEEK.

THE FIRST STORM MOVES THROUGH THE AREA MONDAY NIGHT FORCING A COLD
FRONT TO MOVE EAST ACROSS THE REGION.  THIS IS WHEN TEMPERATURES
BEGIN THEIR DOWNWARD SPIRAL. A FAIRLY GOOD SWATH OF MOISTURE CAN BE
EXPECTED WITH THE STORM AND THE POTENTIAL FOR SYNOPTIC SNOWS CAN BE
EXPECTED.

THEN...SECOND LOW DEVELOPS RAPIDLY OVER THE DAKOTAS AND MOVES INTO
SOUTHERN OHIO BY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND DEEPENS AS IT ROUNDS THE
BASE OF THE TROUGH. ANOTHER FAIRLY GOOD SWATH OF MOISTURE WILL BE
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORM SYSTEM AS WELL AND HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR
SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS.

THE STORM SYSTEM WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A STRONG ARCTIC HIGH PRESSURE
DRIVING BITTERLY COLD AIR INTO THE FORECAST AREA.  THE LAKE EFFECT
SNOW MACHINE WILL LIKELY KICK IN WITH THIS FEATURE AS IT MOVES INTO
THE REGION ON THURSDAY.

TEMPERATURES WILL BE TRENDING DOWNWARD MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AND
SO FAR GFS TEMPERATURES APPEAR TO BE ON TARGET. ALTHOUGH...GUIDANCE
DID BUMP TEMPERATURES UP A COUPLE DEGREES FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
AS STORM SYSTEMS MAKE ATTEMPT TO TAP THE SLIGHTLY WARMER AIR TO THE
SOUTH.

&&

.AVIATION /14Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
LAKE EFFECT CONTINUES IN EARNEST OVER THE ERIE TERMINAL THIS
MORNING. FLOW IS BEGINNING TO GRADUALLY SHIFT TO THE SOUTHWEST AND
THIS WILL GRADUALLY TAPER OFF THE SNOW SHOWER ACTIVITY. IN THE
WEST...THERE IS ALREADY SOME LIGHT SNOW AS CLOSE AS SOUTHERN
WISCONSIN AND THIS ACTIVITY WILL RACE SOUTHEAST INTO THE FORECAST
AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM WEST TO EAST.

GOOD AREA OF FORCING EXPECTED NORTH OF THE LOW TRACK AND SHOULD
ENCOMPASS MUCH OF THE FORECAST AREA. HOWEVER...I ACCOUNTED FOR A
SLIGHTLY HEAVIER BAND EARLY ON ACROSS THE EXTREME NORTH COMPARED
TO THE SOUTHERN HALF OF THE AREA. THEN...AS LOW APPROACHES...THE
HEAVIER SNOW ALONG WITH LOW VISIBILITIES AND CEILINGS WILL COVER
THE ENTIRE FORECAST AREA DURING THE NIGHT TIME HOURS INTO
SATURDAY.

WINDS THROUGH THE PERIOD WILL GRADUALLY SHIFT AROUND TO SOUTHERLY
AND THEN EASTERLY AND THEN NORTHEASTERLY.

OUTLOOK...STORM SYSTEM PULLS OUT TO THE EAST SATURDAY EVENING AND
THERE MAY BE A FEW LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS IN THE NORTHEAST BUT
CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES SHOULD REMAIN VFR OR BRIEFLY MVFR.
OTHERWISE...VFR CONDITIONS WILL PREVAIL ELSEWHERE. NEXT STORM
SYSTEM MOVES INTO THE NORTHERN GREAT LAKES WITH A COLD FRONT
MONDAY NIGHT. MVFR TO IFR CONDITIONS EXPECTED SUNDAY NIGHT INTO
MONDAY NIGHT. YET ANOTHER STORM POSSIBLE FOR TUESDAY WITH MORE LOW
CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES EXPECTED.

&&

.MARINE...
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL BE EXTENDED TO EARLY THIS EVENING AS WINDS
AND WAVES REMAIN HIGH ENOUGH TO SUPPORT 3 TO 5 FOOT WAVES ON THE
LAKE.  A SHIP REPORTED AT 06Z 7 FOOT WAVES JUST OFF SHORE FROM
CONNEAUT.  THE WINDS AT CONNEAUT LIGHT HAVE DIMINISHED BY ABOUT 10
KNOTS SINCE 06Z AND THEREFORE THE 3 TO 5 FOOT WAVES SHOULD BE
SUFFICIENT THROUGH THE DURATION OF THE DAY. THE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY
WAS DISCONTINUED FOR THE WESTERN PORTIONS AS WINDS HAVE DIMINISHED
BELOW SMALL CRAFT CRITERIA.  PLUS...WAVE ACTION IS NOT A FACTOR
SINCE THE WESTERN BASIN IS MOSTLY ICE COVERED.

WINDS AND WAVES WILL BE ON THE INCREASE SATURDAY AS LOW PRESSURE
MOVES NORTHEAST INTO THE OHIO VALLEY BUT THEN DIMINISH AGAIN ON
SUNDAY AS WEAK HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS EAST ACROSS THE LAKE.  ANOTHER
LOW WILL TRACK EAST ACROSS THE LAKE ON MONDAY CHANGEABLE WINDS
DURING THE DAY INTO THE EVENING HOURS. ANOTHER WEAK HIGH BUILDS EAST
INTO THE AREA ON TUESDAY.  SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES WILL LIKELY BE
NEEDED AGAIN ON SATURDAY.

&&

.CLE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OH...WINTER STORM WATCH FROM 6 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
     AFTERNOON FOR OHZ003-006>014-017>023-027>033-036>038-047-
     089.
PA...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING UNTIL NOON EST TODAY FOR PAZ001-002.
     WINTER STORM WATCH FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING
     FOR PAZ001>003.
MARINE...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING FOR
     LEZ145>149.

&&

SYNOPSIS...RANDEL
NEAR TERM...MULLEN/RANDEL
SHORT TERM...RANDEL
LONG TERM...LOMBARDY
AVIATION...LOMBARDY
MARINE...LOMBARDY

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 9, 5:40 AM EST, 4 hours 20 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CLEVELAND OH
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

OHZ003-006>014-017>023-027>033-036>038-047-089-101045-
LUCAS-WOOD-OTTAWA-SANDUSKY-ERIE OH-LORAIN-CUYAHOGA-LAKE-GEAUGA-
ASHTABULA INLAND-HANCOCK-SENECA-HURON-MEDINA-SUMMIT-PORTAGE-TRUMBULL-
WYANDOT-CRAWFORD-RICHLAND-ASHLAND-WAYNE-STARK-MAHONING-MARION-MORROW-
HOLMES-KNOX-ASHTABULA LAKESHORE-
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL
OHIO...NORTHEAST OHIO AND NORTHWEST OHIO.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

ALSO...A FAST MOVING LOW IS FORECAST TO MOVE SOUTHEAST THROUGH THE AREA
AROUND WEDNESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. BESIDES BRINGING SOME VERY COLD
ARCTIC AIR TO THE AREA..IT COULD ALSO PRODUCE A SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

PAZ001-101045-
NORTHERN ERIE-
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY.
   WINTER STORM WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

ALSO...A FAST MOVING LOW IS FORECAST TO MOVE SOUTHEAST THROUGH THE AREA
AROUND WEDNESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. BESIDES BRINGING SOME VERY COLD
ARCTIC AIR TO THE AREA..IT COULD ALSO PRODUCE A SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

PAZ003-101045-
CRAWFORD PA-
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

ALSO...A FAST MOVING LOW IS FORECAST TO MOVE SOUTHEAST THROUGH THE AREA
AROUND WEDNESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. BESIDES BRINGING SOME VERY COLD
ARCTIC AIR TO THE AREA..IT COULD ALSO PRODUCE A SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

PAZ002-101045-
SOUTHERN ERIE-
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING.
   WINTER STORM WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

ALSO...A FAST MOVING LOW IS FORECAST TO MOVE SOUTHEAST THROUGH THE AREA
AROUND WEDNESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. BESIDES BRINGING SOME VERY COLD
ARCTIC AIR TO THE AREA..IT COULD ALSO PRODUCE A SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

LEZ061-142>149-162>169-101045-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO BUFFALO NY-
MAUMEE BAY TO RENO BEACH OH-RENO BEACH TO THE ISLANDS OH-
THE ISLANDS TO VERMILION OH-VERMILION TO AVON POINT OH-
AVON POINT TO WILLOWICK OH-WILLOWICK TO GENEVA-ON-THE LAKE OH-GENEVA-
ON-THE-LAKE TO CONNEAUT OH-CONNEAUT OH TO RIPLEY NY-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM MAUMEE BAY TO RENO BEACH-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM RENO BEACH TO THE ISLANDS-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM THE ISLANDS TO VERMILION-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM VERMILION TO AVON POINT-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM AVON POINT TO WILLOWICK-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM WILLOWICK TO GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE TO CONNEAUT-
LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM CONNEAUT OH TO RIPLEY NY-
540 AM EST FRI JAN 9 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR LAKE ERIE.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

19 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Wood

When: January 9, 10:00 AM EST to January 10, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Wood forecast zone
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.362, -83.623 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of both the 9th and 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 5.0 and 10.0 inches across the area. A trained spotter in Bowling Green reported 9.5 inches. Numerous accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Seneca

When: January 9, 10:00 AM EST to January 10, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Seneca forecast zone
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 41.124, -83.128 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of both the 9th and 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 7.0 and 10.0 inches across the area. During the mid afternoon hours on the 10th, nearly 8 inches of snow was reported. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Lucas

When: January 9, 10:30 AM EST to January 10, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Lucas forecast zone
Property damage: $120,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.684, -83.468 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of both the 9th and 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 8.0 and 13.0 inches across the area, with a storm total of 11.9 inches reported at Toledo Express Airport. Numerous accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Sandusky

When: January 9, 10:30 AM EST to January 10, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Sandusky forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.357, -83.144 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of both the 9th and 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 7.0 and 10.0 inches across the area. Trained spotters in Clyde and Fremont reported storm totals of 9.8 and 7.3 inches respectively. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Ottawa

When: January 9, 11:00 AM EST to January 10, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Ottawa forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.497, -82.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of both the 9th and 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 7.0 and 10.0 inches across the area. A spotter in Genoa reported a storm total of 8.6 inches. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Huron

When: January 9, 12:00 PM EST to January 10, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Huron forecast zone
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.146, -82.598 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began towards midday on the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of the 9th, as well as the overnight and early morning hours of the 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 7.0 and 10 inches across the area. Nearly 10 inches was reported in Norwalk. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Richland

When: January 9, 12:00 PM EST to January 10, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Richland forecast zone
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.775, -82.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the midday hours of the 9th and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. However, there were some significant breaks in the precipitation during the event. Snow tapered off during the evening hours of the 9th and didn't pick up again until around 6am on the 10th. Snow continued through the morning hours and was heavy at times. The snow tapered off around midday. Precipitation into the afternoon was light and actually transitioned to freezing rain later in the afternoon. The freezing rain changed back to snow before ending that evening. Snowfall amounts ranged significantly from north to south in the county. Northern areas picked up between 7.0 and 10.0 inches while the southern half ranged between 3.0 and 7.0 inches. The observers at Mansfield Lahm Airport measured 9.9 inches for the event. Other spotters in the vicinity of Mansfield measured 7.0 and 10.0 inches for the event. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Ashland

When: January 9, 12:00 PM EST to January 10, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Ashland forecast zone
Property damage: $125,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.846, -82.271 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the midday hours of the 9th and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. However, there were some significant breaks in the precipitation during the event. Snow tapered off during the evening hours of the 9th and didn't pick up again until around 7am on the 10th. Snow continued through the morning hours and was heavy at times. The snow tapered off around midday. Precipitation into the afternoon was light and actually transitioned to freezing rain later in the afternoon. The freezing rain changed back to snow before ending that evening. Snowfall amounts ranged significantly from north to south in the county. Trained spotters across the county picked up between 5.0 and 9.0 inches across the north, while the southern half ranged between 2.0 and 5.0 inches. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Erie

When: January 9, 12:30 PM EST to January 10, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Erie forecast zone
Property damage: $120,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.432, -82.700 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the morning hours of the 9th, and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the afternoon hours of the 9th, as well as the overnight and early morning hours of the 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged between 7.0 and 10.0 inches across the area. A storm total of 9.7 inches was reported in Huron, and 7.8 inches in Sandusky. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Lorain

When: January 9, 1:00 PM EST to January 10, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Lorain forecast zone
Property damage: $175,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.453, -82.151 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began across the area around midday on the 9th, and persisted through the evening hours of the 10th. Locations just to the south experienced breaks in the snow at times, along with occasionally mixing in with sleet or freezing rain before ending. However, Lorain County experienced nearly all snow for this event without significant breaks in the precipitation. Snowfall was heaviest during the late overnight and early morning hours of the 10th. Snowfall amounts ranged from 6.0 to 10.0 inches across the area. Trained spotters reported storm totals of 9.3 inches in Carlisle, 9.6 in North Ridgeville, 6.5 in Wellington, and 9.0 in Sheffield. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Medina

When: January 9, 1:00 PM EST to January 10, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Medina forecast zone
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.118, -81.900 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began across the area around midday on the 9th, and persisted through the evening hours of the 10th. There was quite a variation in precipitation type and intensity across the county during this event. The northern half of the county experienced mainly snow while central and southern areas experienced some breaks in the precipitation, as well as a mix of sleet and freezing rain from time to time. Snowfall totals varied quite a bit, but even southern locations of the county were able to pick up at least 6.0 inches for the event. Trained spotters across the area measured 7.1 inches in Seville, and both Hinckley and Brunswick had 9.4 inches. Numerous accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Summit

When: January 9, 2:00 PM EST to January 10, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Summit forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.126, -81.532 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the afternoon hours of the 9th and continued through the early evening hours of the 10th. Across northern portions of the county, some lake effect snow persisted into the overnight hours. The snow was heaviest at times throughout both the morning and afternoon of the 10th. Precipitation changed from snow to a mix of sleet and freezing rain for a brief time in the afternoon on the 10th, but overall was not enough to limit snowfall accumulations significantly. Snow totals across the area ranged from 6.0 to 10.0 inches. At the Akron-Canton Airport, 6.7 inches was measured. Trained spotters measured 9.0 inches in Twinsburg, 8.0 inches in Bath, and 8.3 inches in Tallmadge. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Cuyahoga

When: January 9, 2:30 PM EST to January 10, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga forecast zone
Property damage: $700,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.479, -81.678 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the afternoon hours of the 9th and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. Some lake effect snow continued across the area into the overnight hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the early morning hours of the 10th. There was a short period of transition where some sleet and freezing rain occurred in the area. However, it wasn't enough to reduce snowfall amounts significantly. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 8.0 to 12.0 inches. At Cleveland Hopkins Airport 10.8 inches was measured. Elsewhere, trained observers measured 9.8 inches in both Broadview Heights and Solon, 8.0 inches in Garfield Heights, 9.0 inches in North Royalton, and 8.5 inches in Pepper Pike. Numerous accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Portage

When: January 9, 2:30 PM EST to January 10, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Portage forecast zone
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.168, -81.197 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the afternoon hours of the 9th and continued through the early evening hours of the 10th. Across northern portions of the county, some lake effect snow showers persisted into the overnight hours. The snow was heaviest at times throughout both the morning and afternoon of the 10th. Precipitation changed from snow to a mix of sleet and freezing rain for a brief time in the afternoon on the 10th, but overall was not enough to limit snowfall accumulations significantly. Snow totals across the area ranged from 6.0 to 12.0 inches, with the highest accumulations over northern parts of the county. Trained spotters measured 12.0 inches in Hiram and 9.5 inches in Kent. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Mahoning

When: January 9, 2:30 PM EST to January 10, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Mahoning forecast zone
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.015, -80.776 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow quickly developed during the afternoon of the 9th and visibilities dropped below 3 miles. The snow persisted through the overnight hours into the 10th, and didn't come to an end until late that evening. There was a brief period of freezing rain late on the 10th, then precipitation ended and pushed out of the area. Snowfall amounts varied between 6.0 and 12.0 inches. Trained spotters in the area measured 9.0 inches in Austintown and 11.0 inches in Boardman. Numerous accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Trumbull

When: January 9, 2:30 PM EST to January 10, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Trumbull forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.317, -80.761 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow quickly developed during the afternoon of the 9th and visibilities dropped below 3 miles. The snow persisted through the overnight hours into the 10th, and didn't come to an end until late that evening. There was a brief period of freezing rain late on the 10th, then precipitation ended and pushed out of the area. Snowfall amounts varied between 8.0 and 14.0 inches. The Youngstown Airport measured 12.8 inches for a storm total. Trained spotters in the area measured 14.5 inches in Newton Falls, 13.5 inches in Warren, and around 9.0 inches in Mesopotamia. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Lake

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to January 10, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Lake forecast zone
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.714, -81.245 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the afternoon hours of the 9th and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. Some lake effect snow continued across the area into the overnight hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the early morning hours of the 10th. Snowfall ranged between 7.0 and 10.0 inches for the event. Trained spotters measured 9.0 inches in Leroy, 8.4 inches in Mentor, and 7.5 inches in Willoughby. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Geauga

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to January 10, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Geauga forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.500, -81.179 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow began during the afternoon hours of the 9th and continued through the evening hours of the 10th. Some lake effect snow continued across the area into the overnight hours of the 10th. The snow was heaviest during the early morning hours of the 10th. There was a short period of transition where some sleet and freezing rain occurred in the area. However, it wasn't enough to reduce snowfall amounts significantly. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 7.0 to 11.0 inches. Trained spotters in the area measured 9.8 inches in Bainbridge, and around 8.0 inches in Claridon Township. Many accidents were reported across the area.

Winter Storm, Ashtabula

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to January 10, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Ashtabula forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.896, -80.759 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Just as scattered lake effect snow showers were diminishing across the area during the morning of the 9th, snow associated with the low pressure system was quickly approaching the area and began during the afternoon hours. Visibilities dropped below 3 miles shortly after the snow started. The snow persisted through the overnight hours into the 10th, and didn't come to an end until late that evening. Snowfall amounts varied between 6.0 and 12.0 inches. Trained spotters in the area measured 8.5 inches in Pierpont and 6.9 inches just south of Ashtabula. Many accidents were reported across the area.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Ohio in 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history Warnings in Ohio, January 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 149238, 149241, 149237, 149240, 149239, 149243, 149255, 149270, 149242, 149377, 149378, 149389, 149388, 149860, 149863, 149865, 149858, 149859, 149866.