Up to eight inches of snow could accumulate in central Indiana area by Wednesday night. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that covers most of the Hoosier State. While most Indianapolis kids are praying for a snow day, the recent flash snow forecasts have many Indy residents recalling the Great Blizzard of 1978. One of the worst snows in Indianapolis history occurred January 27-29, collecting over 15 inches of frozen fluff.
Before the major 1978 storm system traveled to the Midwest, Indiana had already accumulated 5 inches from the previous snow. The only statewide blizzard warning in Indiana history was issued by the National Weather Service on a snowy Wednesday afternoon. The next 34 hours of freezing conditions brought the total snow accumulation in the Circle City to 20 inches. Mayor William Hudnut declared the first ever Snow Emergency in Indianapolis. The total amount of January snowfall went down in the record books, at 30.6 total inches.
Snowfall in Indy wasn’t the worst of it. Chicago received nearly 60 total inches, and even South Bend, Indiana was left with 36 inches of snow. Other states affected by the huge winter storm include Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
This winter wonderland inspired the city to boost the department of transportation budget, allowing for the purchase of more efficient snow removal equipment. Today’s drivers are glad to see more than 60 snow trucks throughout Indianapolis, especially on I-465, I-70 and I-65. The Great Blizzard of 1978 halted nearly all transportation in and out of Indianapolis. Airline, bus, rail and of course roadways were closed or blocked by all the snow. Even the Indianapolis International Airport closed for a whopping three days. Several businesses closed, or operated at a minimum capacity.
Within days, Hoosiers came together to help out with search and rescue efforts, digging cars out of the ice and snow removal. Many of the city’s vehicles were not equipped to drive in heavy snow. Police officers, politicians, emergency care workers and hospital personnel were not able to navigate the blizzard, especially in the 55 mile-per-hour winds. Local businesses, auto dealerships and residents loaned out their four-wheel-drive vehicles to help relief efforts. Later the city would invest in only four-wheel-drive vehicles, and heavier forms of transportation. Today it’s standard for even news camera crews to drive in heavy duty four-wheel-drive vehicles.
When the weather outside is frightful, Hoosiers can reflect on a time when things weren’t so delightful. And while today’s snow storm isn’t nearly as severe as the Great Blizzard of 1978, be sure to bundle up, drive safely and stay warm Indianapolis.
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I remember this VERY well!
At the time we lived not very far from Post Road about 3 1/2 miles north of Washington. There was a ban on all travel declared on anyone who was not a part of an emergency service, or authorized volunteer, under penalty of arrest. But then, most roads were impassible after the first few hours.
I remember losing power (with a live wire in the back yard!) and cooking on a Charcoal Grill outside on the patio. There was a roof over our patio, but otherwise it was open. In order to be able to cook on the grill, I had to use a shovel to open up air holes to let the smoke out because the drifts we all the way up to the roof over the patio!
Best of all was the clean up operation, where cars were buried everywhere! And the city had to rent equipment from Minnesota or somewhere North that would Melt snow. Downtown the streets around public square were filled up between the buildings with 30 to 40 feet of snow! A front end loader scooped up snow and then dumped it backwards into the top of this Dump Truck kind of thing with flames inside that melted the snow.
it was an amazing experience! Not one I’d like to see again anytime soon.
Steve