The Blizzard That Stunned Michigan in 1978

Colder weather is making its way to us this weekend. We might not be getting a ton of snow, but we will be experiencing colder temperatures and some snow accumulation. The coldest winter I remember was the polar vortex in 2013. After shoveling several feet of snow alone, I decided a snow blower would be doing all the work after that.

Do you remember The Great Blizzard of '78? January 25th marks 43 years. Where were you when the storm started? I wish I could say I remembered, but I wasn't around yet.

I did some browsing around on Facebook's Michigan Weather page and came across some people discussing their memories of the blizzard.

Remember like it happened yesterday....I was 8 yrs old....WE NEED ANOTHER STORM LIKE THAT AND SOON!!!!!

 

Yes I can remember that blizzard I had a snowmobile at my house downstate and we were on the road with it that was the only way you can get around

 

I remember well. Too bad I didn’t have the sled I have now back then.

 

Hope history repeats itself

 

I remember that storm!! Didn’t have school for 2 weeks...snow up to the roof of the house in places...

 

And that’s how long I’ve been riding snowmobiles.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning on January 25th, 1978. The weather went from being in the 30s and 40s to single digits in a matter of days. By the 26th, wind gusts averaged 50 to 70 mph. High winds caused several thousands of trees and electric/telephone lines to be knocked down. As a result, homes were left without power and heat. Winds also caused massive snowdrifts reaching 15 to 25 feet high, which left several individuals stranded in their cars. Due to the amount of snow accumulation, portions of interstates were inaccessible, leading to food shortages. Resulting in the Red Cross and armed forces distributing food to those in need.

In order for a storm to be considered a blizzard, the National Weather service says,

A winter storm must produce sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph and be accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to less than 1/4 mile for 3 hours or more.

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