Lorain County’s Worst Winter Weather Events—And How to Protect Your Property When They Happen Again

Feb 14

Winter in Lorain County can be both beautiful and brutal. Over the years, residents have faced increasingly severe snowfall events that have caused disruptions, property damage, and dangerous conditions.

In recent years, data suggests that snowfall totals are rising, and colder temperatures are lasting longer, impacting local cities like Elyria, Lorain, and Avon Lake.

At MIG Property Management, we understand how essential it is to prepare your property for extreme winter weather. Whether you're in North Ridgeville, Sheffield, or Wellington, taking the right precautions can help you avoid costly repairs and safety hazards.

Here’s a look at some of the most memorable snow events in Lorain County history, along with expert tips to protect your home, driveway, and landscaping should they happen again.

1. The Blizzard of 1978 – The Storm of the Century

One of the most infamous winter storms in Ohio history, the Blizzard of 1978 dumped massive amounts of snow across Lorain County. With hurricane-force winds and record-breaking snowfall, this storm shut down roads and caused widespread damage. Elyria, Lorain, and Amherst were particularly hard-hit, with drifts as high as 15 feet making some areas completely impassable for days. Thousands were stranded in their homes, and the National Guard was called in to assist with rescues and emergency relief efforts.

How to Protect Your Property:

Invest in Snow Barriers: Heavy drifting snow can damage shrubs and trees. Use burlap screens or snow fencing to prevent excessive accumulation in vulnerable areas.
Reinforce Structures: Check and reinforce sheds, fences, and other outdoor structures to withstand extreme winds and snow loads.
Keep Emergency Supplies Ready: Have a snow blower, salt, and a reliable snow removal plan in place before a storm hits.
Stock Up on Essentials: Residents of Wellington and Oberlin experienced long-lasting power outages. Make sure you have an emergency kit with food, water, and backup power sources.

2. The Winter of 2007

The winter of 2007 was one of the most challenging in Lorain County’s history. Spanning multiple months, this season brought relentless snowfalls, ice storms, and frigid temperatures. One of the most impactful events was a lake-effect snowstorm in February, which buried the region under nearly two feet of snow. Elyria, Avon Lake, and Sheffield Village saw some of the highest accumulations, with whiteout conditions making travel nearly impossible. Schools and businesses were forced to close, and emergency services struggled to navigate the ice-covered roads.

Later in April, an unexpected late-season snowstorm shocked residents, dumping several inches of wet, heavy snow that caused tree limbs to snap and led to widespread power outages. Many homes in North Ridgeville, Lorain, and Vermilion suffered damage due to the relentless freeze-thaw cycles, leading to cracked foundations and burst pipes.

How to Protect Your Property if This Happens Again:

Regular Tree Maintenance: Trim weak branches in fall to prevent snow buildup from causing breakage and property damage.
Pre-Treat Driveways: Use a professional-grade ice melt before snowstorms to prevent ice buildup and ease snow removal.
Plan for Safe Snow Piling: Designate an area on your property where plowed snow can be safely stored away from drainage areas to prevent flooding when it melts.
Check Roof Load Capacity: Homes in Vermilion and Avon Lake experienced roof collapses due to the extreme snow weight. Make sure your roof is structurally sound and capable of handling heavy snowfall.

The Polar Vortex of 2014

The Polar Vortex of 2014 was a significant meteorological event that brought extreme cold to much of North America, including Lorain County, Ohio. In early January 2014, a southward shift of the North Polar Vortex led to Arctic air masses plunging into the United States, resulting in record-low temperatures across the Midwest and Eastern regions. This cold wave persisted through March, causing widespread disruptions and substantial economic impact.

Impact on Lorain County:

During this period, Lorain County experienced severe cold. Historical weather data indicates that temperatures in Lorain, Ohio, dropped significantly in early January 2014. On January 6, temperatures fell to approximately -12.2°C (10°F), with wind chills making it feel even colder. Such frigid conditions led to common cold-related issues, including frozen pipes, heating system failures, and increased energy consumption.

Widespread Effects:

The 2014 Polar Vortex affected a vast portion of North America. In the United States, more than 200 million people experienced the cold wave, with temperatures reaching as low as -37°C (-35°F) in some areas. The event resulted in at least 21 fatalities by January 8 and caused an estimated $5 billion in economic losses due to increased heating demands, infrastructure damage, and disrupted transportation.

In Canada, regions such as Ontario and Quebec faced similar challenges, with temperatures plummeting and significant snowfall affecting daily life and economic activities.

Protecting Your Property:

Given the potential for such extreme weather events, it's crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your property:

Insulate Pipes: Proper insulation can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during severe cold spells.
Maintain Heating Systems: Regular servicing ensures that heating systems function efficiently when they're needed most.
Seal Entry Points: Address drafts by sealing windows and doors to maintain indoor warmth and reduce energy costs.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like blankets, non-perishable food, water, and backup heating sources to stay safe during power outages or severe weather conditions.

By implementing these precautions, residents of Lorain County and similar regions can better withstand the challenges posed by extreme winter weather events.

The Winter Storms of 2020

The winter of 2020 was marked by multiple intense snowstorms that heavily impacted Lorain County. Between November 30 and December 2, a significant snowstorm swept across Northeast Ohio, dumping up to 24 inches of snow in some areas. While specific snowfall amounts for Avon Lake and Sheffield Village vary, residents across the county struggled with impassable roads and power outages. This storm, part of a larger system known as the November 2020 North American storm complex, impacted a wide region, including Ohio, the Midwest, and the Northeastern United States. Another storm later in the season contributed to record snowfall, causing snow removal services to become overwhelmed. Homeowners in North Ridgeville, Elyria, and Lorain faced challenges such as ice dams, collapsed roofs, and frozen pipes due to the sustained cold and heavy accumulation.

How to Protect Your Property:

Clear Roof Snow Safely: Use a roof rake to prevent excessive weight buildup that could lead to structural damage.
Schedule Professional Snow Removal: If snow piles up too high, professional removal can help protect your home and landscape.
Check Gutters: Ensure gutters are clear before winter to prevent ice dams from forming and causing water damage.
Prepare for Delayed Plowing: Consider investing in a personal snow blower or hiring a private plowing service to keep your driveway accessible in case city services are delayed.

Be Winter-Ready with MIG Property Management

While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly prepare for it. At MIG Property Management, we help homeowners keep their properties in top shape year-round, no matter the season. Whether you need professional snow removal, property winterization, or landscape protection, our team is here to help.

Don’t wait for the next big snowstorm—get winter-ready today! Contact MIG Property Management for expert assistance in protecting your property from Ohio’s harsh winters.