The Blizzard of ’78 left a lasting impact on Indiana with heavy snow, stranded drivers, and even a rise in births nine months later
Indianapolis: The Blizzard of ’78 was a real doozy. It hit Indiana hard, causing chaos and heartbreak. This storm was no joke, claiming around 100 lives and injuring thousands. It also racked up over $500 million in damages across the Northeast.
But before it wreaked havoc in the Northeast, it slammed into Indiana on January 25, 1978. For three days, snow just kept falling, and temperatures dropped like a rock. Can you believe it? Wind chills hit a bone-chilling minus 51 degrees!
By the end of the storm, Indianapolis had 15.5 inches of snow. The National Weather Service even noted that it set records for the most snow in a month and the most snow on the ground. Talk about a winter wonderland gone wild!
Many areas in the Midwest were buried under more than a foot of snow. Major highways were closed, leaving drivers stranded and causing food shortages. Winds gusted up to 100 miles per hour, creating snowdrifts that nearly swallowed homes whole.
In Indiana, the storm was responsible for 11 deaths, including a tragic case of a one-year-old boy who froze to death after his family got locked out of their home. It was a heartbreaking reminder of how severe the storm was.
Local leaders sprang into action. Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut was on the front lines, staying awake for 36 hours to manage the city’s response. He even declared a snow emergency and was often seen on TV, wearing his winter hat while keeping everyone updated.
In the wake of the storm, the National Guard was called in to help rescue stranded motorists. They used tanks and armored vehicles to break through the snow and get people to safety. It was all hands on deck!
Interestingly, the blizzard also led to a spike in pregnancies. One baby, named Victoria Gale Redstone, was born nine months after the storm, and her dad said she was named after the “winter gale.” It seems like the storm brought more than just snow!
So, what exactly makes a blizzard? It’s got to have strong winds, blowing snow, and visibility that’s pretty much non-existent for at least three hours. The Blizzard of ’78 definitely fit the bill, making it a severe blizzard.
This story was originally published in 2021, but it’s worth revisiting as we remember the impact of the Blizzard of ’78.
