January 27, 1978, is a date etched in the annals of Indianapolis history, not for a thrilling race or a grand concert, but for the legendary blizzard that swept through the city, paralyzing daily life and creating stories that would be retold for generations. This formidable winter storm, known simply as the Blizzard of ’78, brought with it a deluge of snow and ice, transforming the familiar streets of Indianapolis into an almost alien landscape.
The storm had been predicted, but its intensity caught many off guard. By the time residents woke up on that fateful morning, they found their city buried under a staggering 15 inches of snow, with drifts reaching up to five feet in some areas due to relentless winds. Such conditions forced schools, businesses, and even the airport to shut down, a rarity for a city accustomed to winter weather.
The local government declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors. Yet, despite the chaos outside, the spirit of Indianapolis shone through. Neighbors banded together, shoveling driveways and clearing paths for emergency services. Stories of camaraderie emerged, like that of a group of college students who took to the streets with sleds, delivering groceries and essentials to the elderly and those unable to venture out.
For those who experienced it, the blizzard was more than just a weather event; it was a time when community bonds were strengthened, and the resilience of the city was put to the test. The blizzard left lasting impressions, not just in the form of snow-covered memories but also in the infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness plans that were implemented afterwards.
As the snow finally began to melt and life slowly returned to normal, January 27, 1978, became a symbol of the fortitude and unity of Indianapolis. Though the city has faced many winters since, none have matched the legendary storm that turned a typical January day into an extraordinary chapter in its history.
Tracy E Givens
January 28, 2025 at 4:10 pmI remember gettin’ my mother’s Vega stuck on side streets, Thank GID it was four of us n’ vehicle and it was small enough to be moved. Speedway Kroger was completely empty, nothing on shelves
DC • Post Author •
February 3, 2025 at 12:07 amThanks Tracy.
Katie
February 1, 2025 at 9:02 pmI remember my mom, sister and I leaving my grandpa’s trailer there on US 31 and Stop 18. We were headed north to go to the Standard grocery store at US 31 and Smith Valley Road. US 31 was totally deserted with the exception of some National Guards trying to help out in the community. It was a very eerie feeling seeing basically nothing but snow for what seemed like forever
DC • Post Author •
February 3, 2025 at 12:06 amThanks for your memory of that! We appreciate it!