A two-part winter storm event hit northern Ohio for Christmas 2020. Low pressure developed over the southeastern United States on Christmas Eve and moved up the spine of the Appalachian Mountains through the day. Moderate to heavy snow entered northern Ohio late afternoon on Christmas Eve with the northwest side of this system. By evening, snow became more organized across the area and snow bands, producing one to one and a half inch per hour snowfall rates, raked across the region, especially portions of Mid-Ohio. Snow was heavy enough at times to cause major issues on local interstate highways and portions of Interstate 71 in Richland County and the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County were closed during the nighttime hours on Christmas Eve. Snowfall amounts across the region were between 6 and 12 inches of snow with the first part of the event. The low quickly departed out of the region after midnight on Christmas morning, but very cold air infiltrated the region. This air mass, along with a wide open, warmer Lake Erie, allowed for lake effect snow to develop across the traditional primary and secondary snow belt region of Northeast Ohio. While initial snow was a more multi-banded setup during the day on Christmas, eventually snow became more organized into a single dominant band across Lake Erie by the evening hours. This band set up along the lakeshore portions of Lake and Ashtabula counties and several hours of 2 to 3 inch per hour snowfall rates were observed with this lake effect snow band. Nearby Interstate 90 was heavily impacted by snow on Christmas night. Snow became more unorganized during the early morning hours of the 26th and conditions improved for most areas by daybreak. With the lake effect portion of the event, accumulations were mostly confined to the snow belt region. The lakeshore areas of Lake and Ashtabula counties received an additional 6 to 18 inches of snow. The primary snow belt counties had a more even distribution of 4 to 6 inches of snow, trailing to 2 to 4 inches into the secondary snow belt. The highest total snowfall measurement for the event in Ohio was 29.2 inches by a trained snow spotter and CoCoRaHS observer in the village of Madison in northeast Lake County. Snowfall totals from area climate sites include: 10.7 inches at Youngstown-Warren Airport, 10.5 inches at Akron-Canton Airport, 10.2 inches at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and 6.4 inches at Mansfield Lahm Airport. Impacts during the event were very limited to travel, as schools and businesses were closed due to the holiday. There were no known injuries or fatalities in Ohio due to the winter storm.

Winter Storm in ASHTABULA, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 16:00:00 to 26-DEC-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. During the evening of the 25th, the lake effect snow event became much more organized into a single banded event that primarily impacted the lakeshore region of the Northeast Ohio snow belt. In Ashtabula County, this band was the most intense with snowfall rates of 2 inches or more per hour. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. Interstate 90 was heavily impacted on Christmas night with many accidents across Ashtabula County. The maximum snowfall for this event in southern Ashtabula County was in Trumbull Township, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 19.5 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 18.1 inches in Harpersfield Township, 18 inches in Kelloggsville and Monroe Township, 15.8 inches in Jefferson, 15.5 inches in Pierpont, 9.8 in Orwell and 8.6 inches in Cherry Valley.

Winter Storm in KNOX, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snow quickly entered Central Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Knox County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Knox County was southeast of Centerburg, where a co-operative observer recorded a total of 8.5  inches of snow by late morning on the 25th. Other selected storm totals include: 7.4 inches in Fredericktown, 7 inches in Martinsburg, and 6 inches in Danville.

Winter Storm in RICHLAND, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 45.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Richland County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. Interstate 71 was briefly closed in Richland County on the evening of the 24th due to snow and vehicle accidents. The maximum snowfall for this event in Richland County was in Mansfield, where a trained spotter recorded a total of 8.5 inches of snow by late morning on the 25th. Other selected storm totals include: 7 inches in Mifflin Township and Lexington, 6.5 inches in Olivesburg and Ontario, and 6.2 inches at Mansfield Lahm Airport.

Winter Storm in LORAIN, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Heavier snow fell into Northeast Lorain County, where total accumulations over one foot occurred. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The Ohio Turnpike (Interstates 80/90) briefly closed in Lorain County on the evening of the 24th due to snow and vehicle accidents. The maximum snowfall for this event in Lorain County was in North Ridgeville, where a trained spotter recorded a total of 13.8 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 13.2 in Sheffield Lake, 9.6 inches in Elyria, 7 inches in Oberlin, and 5 inches in Wellington.

Winter Storm in MEDINA, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Medina County was in Medina, where a CoCoRaHS Observer recorded a total of 10.2 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 9.9 inches in Hinckley and Brunswick, 8.9 inches in Lodi, 7.5 inches in Wadsworth, and 6 inches in Homerville.

Winter Storm in SUMMIT, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Summit County was in Cuyahoga Falls, where a CoCoRaHS Observer recorded a total of 12.5 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 11.4 inches in Tallmadge, 11.2 inches in New Franklin, 11 inches in Munroe Falls, 10.8 in Bath Township, 10.5 inches at Akron-Canton Airport, 10 inches in Boston Heights, and 9 inches in Fairlawn.

Winter Storm in PORTAGE, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Portage County was in Streetsboro, where a CoCoRaHS Observer recorded a total of 15.2 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 13 inches in Hiram, 12.5 inches in Mantua, 11.5 inches in Aurora and Kent, and 8.7 inches in Mogadore.

Winter Storm in TRUMBULL, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 17:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Trumbull County was in Newton Falls, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 14.1 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 10.7 inches at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, 10 inches in Cortland, 8.5 inches at Mosquito Creek Lake, 7.8 inches in Warren, and 7.5 inches in Southington.

Winter Storm in STARK, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Stark County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Stark County was in Canton, where a trained spotter recorded a total of 8.1 inches of snow by late morning on the 25th. Other selected storm totals include: 7.5 inches in Jackson Township, 6.8 inches in Alliance, 6.5 inches in Washington Township, and 6 inches in Waynesburg.

Winter Weather in MAHONING, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 17:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas night into the 26th and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Mahoning County was in Canfield, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 7.7 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 7 inches in Austintown and 5 inches northeast of Salem.

Winter Storm in HOLMES, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Holmes County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Holmes County was in Millersburg, where a co-operative observer recorded a total of 7 inches of snow by late morning on the 25th.

Winter Storm in WAYNE, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Wayne County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Wayne County was in Chippewa Township, where a trained spotter recorded a total of 9 inches of snow by late morning on the 25th. Other selected storm totals include: 7 inches in Apple Creek, 5.2 inches in Wooster, and 5 inches in Mount Eaton and near West Salem.

Winter Storm in ASHLAND, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. By midnight, snow amounts of 6 to 7 inches were reported across Ashland County and area roadways were difficult for travel. Residual snow continued across the region through Christmas Day and additional accumulations were minor. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. Interstate 71 was briefly closed in Ashland County on the evening of the 24th due to snow and vehicle accidents. The maximum snowfall for this event in Ashland County was in Sullivan, where a trained spotter recorded a total of 7.1 inches of snow by late morning on the 25th. Other selected storm totals include: 7 inches in Perrysville and 6.8 inches in Hayesville.

Winter Storm in CUYAHOGA, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 26-DEC-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. During the evening of the 25th, the lake effect snow event became much more organized into a single banded event that primarily impacted the lakeshore region of the Northeast Ohio snow belt. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Cuyahoga County was in South Euclid, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 20.9 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 19.3 inches in Cleveland Heights, 17.5 inches in Shaker Heights, 17.4 inches in Chagrin Falls, 16 inches in Lyndhurst, 15.8 inches in Westlake, 15.3 inches in Solon, 13.5 inches in Euclid, 13.1 inches in the WestPark neighborhood of Cleveland, 12.8 inches in Lakewood, 12.5 inches in North Royalton, 11.2 inches in Parma, 11 inches in the Kamm���s Corners neighborhood of Cleveland, 10.9 inches in Seven Hills, 10.2 inches at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, 10 inches in Berea and the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland, 9 inches in Strongsville and 8.2 inches in Brecksville.

Winter Storm in GEAUGA, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 26-DEC-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. During the evening of the 25th, the lake effect snow event became much more organized into a single banded event that primarily impacted the lakeshore region of the Northeast Ohio snow belt. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. The maximum snowfall for this event in Geauga County was in Chardon, where a co-operative observer recorded a total of 20.4 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 19.7 in Hambden Township, 18.8 inches in Thompson Township, 15.6 inches in Burton, and 13.3 inches in Montville.

Winter Storm in LAKE, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 26-DEC-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. During the evening of the 25th, the lake effect snow event became much more organized into a single banded event that primarily impacted the lakeshore region of the Northeast Ohio snow belt. In Lake County, this band was the most intense with snowfall rates of 2 inches or more per hour. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. Interstate 90 was heavily impacted on Christmas night with many accidents across Lake County. The maximum snowfall for this event in Lake County was in the village of Madison, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 29.1 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 22.2 inches in Concord Township, 21.9 inches in Mentor, 21.6 inches in Kirtland Hills, 21.5 inches in Madison-on-the-Lake, 20.6 in Willoughby Hills, 17.8 inches in Willoughby, and 15 inches in Perry Township.

Winter Storm in ASHTABULA LAKESHORE, OHIO
From 24-DEC-20 16:00:00 to 26-DEC-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow quickly entered Northeast Ohio during the late afternoon hours on the 24th. By evening, snowfall rates increased to one inch per hour or higher as more organized snow bands moved through the region on the northwest side of the low pressure system and visibility dropped to a half mile or less. After midnight, snow associated with the low pressure system began exiting the region and the event transitioned to lake effect snow. A multi-banded lake effect snow event continued through the morning and afternoon hours of the 25th, impacting the secondary snow belt counties with additional snowfall accumulation. During the evening of the 25th, the lake effect snow event became much more organized into a single banded event that primarily impacted the lakeshore region of the Northeast Ohio snow belt. In Ashtabula County, this band was the most intense with snowfall rates of 2 inches or more per hour. Impacts across the region were limited to mostly travel impacts as the holiday already closed schools and businesses. Interstate 90 was heavily impacted on Christmas night with many accidents across Ashtabula County. The maximum snowfall for this event in northern Ashtabula County was in Saybrook Township, where a trained snow spotter recorded a total of 28 inches of snow by late morning on the 26th. Other selected storm totals include: 22 inches in Conneaut, 21.8 in the Edgewood area of Ashtabula, 19 inches in Geneva, and 15 inches in Ashtabula.