Winter Storm — Ashtabula, Ohio

2025-02-16 to 2025-02-17 · Ashtabula, Ohio

Event narrative

Deepening low pressure tracked into the upper Ohio Valley the morning of February 16th, before the low pressure transferred to off the east coast that afternoon and evening. This allowed for a period of rain changing to accumulating wet snow as the low pressure lifted into the Ohio Valley, followed by continuing lake effect snow as cold, west-northwest winds wrapped in behind the low into early February 17th. An initial period of impactful snow accumulation occurred from mid-morning through mid afternoon on the 16th, as rain initially changed to a period of steady to heavy snow with the low pressure. Periods of moderate to heavy lake effect snow showers and squalls were most prominent during the evening hours on the 16th, before gradually winding down and exiting to the east on the 17th. Wind gusts to 30 MPH on the 16th led to some blowing snow, reducing visibility and making it harder for road crews to keep roads clear. Periods of reduced visibility and snow-covered, icy roads led to a prolonged period of difficult travel conditions across the area with accidents reported. Lake effect snow was ongoing and impacted the Monday morning commute on February 17th. Selected spotter reports include 11.5 inches in Pierpont and Trumbull Townships, 10.4 inches in Harpersfield Township, 9.8 inches in Austinburg Township, 8.4 inches in Monroe Township, and 7.5 inches in Cherry Township.

Wider weather episode

Deepening low pressure tracked into the upper Ohio Valley the morning of February 16th, before the low pressure transferred to off the east coast that afternoon and evening. This allowed for a period of rain changing to accumulating wet snow as the low pressure lifted into the Ohio Valley, followed by continuing lake effect snow as cold, west-northwest winds wrapped in behind the low into early February 17th. An initial period of impactful snow accumulation occurred from mid-morning through early afternoon on the 16th, as rain initially changed to a period of steady to heavy snow with the low pressure. Periods of moderate to heavy lake effect snow showers and squalls were most prominent during the evening hours on the 16th, before gradually winding down and exiting to the east into the 17th. Wind gusts to 30 MPH on the 16th led to some blowing snow, reducing visibility and making it harder for road crews to keep roads clear. Periods of reduced visibility and snow-covered, icy roads led to a prolonged period of difficult travel conditions across the Cleveland area and Northeast Ohio snowbelt with accidents reported. A peak snowfall of 11.5 inches was measured by trained spotters in Trumbull Township and Pierpont. Other selected reports include 10.4 inches in Harpersfield, 9.9 inches in Chardon, 8.2 inches in Concord, and 7.7 inches in Highland Heights.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1267312. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.