Video of many snow trucks in the same area, at the same time.

The Perfect Storm

A couple of weather systems will phase together over Indiana on Tuesday, bringing accumulating snowfall to the region.

Most of northern Indiana will see 4 to 8 inches of snow by Wednesday morning. The snow will be heavy at times, especially by the afternoon into Tuesday evening. The winds will really start to pick up by Wednesday morning, mainly northwesterly, from 15 to 25 mph.

The Great Blizzard of ’78 brings up many memories for Hoosiers. It conjures up the blinding snow, bone chilling conditions, and snow drifts to the roof tops. It brought transportation to a halt and caused schools to close for two weeks.

Bands of heavy snow began to arrive on the night of January 25th, 1978. The snow fell at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph. Visibilities were brought down to one sixteenth of a mile. Blizzard Warnings were issued across the state of Indiana.

The National Weather Service considers a winter storm to be a blizzard when the storm produces sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher, with considerable falling and / or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to a quarter of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.

More than ten inches of snow fell the first day and seven more followed over the next two days. People were barricaded in their homes. Ambulances were unable to make emergency runs. Crews had to respond to calls on snowmobiles and in four wheel drive vehicles.
Seventy people perished during the storm.

Fort Wayne Totals:

Snowfall Total: 10”

Maximum Snow Depth: 20"

Peak Wind Gust: 55 mph

Low Temperature: 4F Low

Wind Chill (old formula):

Approx. -60oF

Duration of Significant Snowfall: 31 hours

Maximum drifts: Up to 20 feet

Lowest Observed Pressure: 29.04"

Seventy people perished during the storm.

The National Weather Service reminds you to be prepared before winter storms strike. Have a preparedness kit in your home, and a survival kit in your vehicle. Do not venture out when conditions are hazardous. Pay attention to forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service, and information from the local media. Winter storms are deceptive killers. Treat them with the respect due the situation. Respecting their power may just save your life.