The County Line
This week is the anniversary of the great Blizzard of 1978, a winter storm the likes of which had not been seen before in recorded local history, and has not been seen since. It struck locally Jan. 25-28.
Nearly 20 inches of snow was driven by winds of up to 55 mph with temperatures dipping to zero here in Hamilton County and throughout most of the state.
Folks younger than their mid-to-late 40s find it hard to believe when told of the eight-foot snowdrifts and the hardships caused by the historic snowstorm.
The blizzard paralyzed the state for three days and caused many problems for another week or more. Governor Otis Bowen declared a state of emergency and closed all roads in Indiana. Unfortunately, some folks lost heat, ran out of food or medicine, and some even died trying to get to shelter or supplies.
Hamilton County experienced a lot of rough winter weather in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. But, lately we have had a cycle of mild winters and almost forget what “real” winter weather can be.
Maybe it’s climate change or maybe not. Either way, most folks middle-aged or beyond can remember their Blizzard of ’78 experience, and probably not too interested in seeing something that severe again anytime soon.
I sure do remember the blizzard. Lived in Hamilton county and commuted to Howard county. Drifts were every bit of 6-8 foot high. Took a pay loader several hours to clear our road. Thanks to pierce auto salvage. Also had severe weather in February of 1977 that people don’t remember. Also took a large piece of equipment to clear. That year we also had large drifts in Hamilton Co.