40 Years Ago: Ohio National Guard ready, there for Buckeye State during Blizzard of ‘78

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. James Monroe of Troop N, 107th Armored Cavalry stands outside of a UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter after it landed at Perrysburg High School, in Perrysburg, Ohio, during state active duty operations in support of the “Blizzard of ’78.” Ohio National Guard helicopter crews worked around the clock on medevac, rescue and resupply missions, averaging more than 200 flights a day during the peak period. (Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections)  

OH, UNITED STATES

01.24.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Mann 

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

In the early morning hours of Jan. 26, 1978, a severe blizzard struck Ohio, bringing 12-14 inches of snow with 50-70 mph winds and a wind chill of minus 70 degrees. In response, more than 5,000 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were called to state active duty over an 11-day period in response to Gov. James A. Rhodes’ call for assistance to all 88 counties. The Ohio National Guard pressed into service 800 of its vehicles and 45 helicopters to evacuate stranded motorists, deliver supplies and remove snow. In addition, armories were opened to house and shelter those citizens who were stranded or had no heat. The “Blizzard of ‘78” would be recorded as the most severe snowstorm in Ohio history, amounting to almost $210 million in damage across the state.

• Date Taken: 01.24.2018
• Date Posted: 01.24.2018 18:19
• Story ID: 263149
• Location: OH, US