These days, winters in Indianapolis are completely unpredictable. One year, we’ll get a harsh, freezing cold winter with multiple snow storms. The next year, it’ll barely drop below 30 degrees and snowfall will be scarce. It’s never a sure thing, but most of us wish for at least a little bit of snow around the holidays.
Well, in 1978, Indianapolis residents received much more than a little bit of snow...
One of the biggest blizzards in Indianapolis history started on January 25, 1978.
Snow fell for three days, blanketing the city — and entire state — in a massive amount of snow.
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The blizzard added over 15 inches of snow to the city, on top of five inches that hit the city during the weekend prior.
Temperatures hovered around zero degrees, while the wind chill plummeted to an intolerable negative-51 degrees.
National Guardsmen were called to rescue stranded motorists throughout the blizzard.
Cars were left stranded all over I-465, resulting in the Guardsmen being called to the rescue and having to through multiple snowdrifts.
On Thursday, January 26, Mayor William Hudnut declared a snow emergency.
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Finally, on Sunday, the main streets were clear enough to navigate, meaning that life in Indianapolis could start getting back to normal.
Between the Great Blizzard and multiple other snowfalls, January 1978 holds the record for most snow in a single month (30.6 inches).
While Indianapolis isn’t expected to get anywhere near that amount of snow this winter, you never know what will happen. Make sure you’re prepared for anything — including a massive blizzard.
Are you excited about the possibility of a lot of snow? Or are you someone who doesn't want anything to do with cold temperatures and snow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The weather can get crazy in Indy at this time of year, with winter storms coming and going as they please, leaving no concern for whether we want them or not. But it's not all bad, winter in Indianapolis also means beautiful winter hikes, magical snow-covered walks, and stunning holiday light displays. Once we've survived a few brutally cold weeks and a mix of wintery weather, you might be interested in these tips no one ever tells you about surviving an Indianapolis winter.
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1. We're all at the mercy of the winter weather.
Made plans? Don't worry, winter won't let you keep them. Need to get to work on time? Better get up two hours earlier in case those streets aren't plowed (spoiler alert: they aren't). There's no overcoming winter's power, so you might as well bow down and accept it. Unfortunately Indy gets the brunt of winter weather, meaning biting cold temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and hail. It can be difficult to deal with, but once you know the weather patterns it gets easier to prepare for the worst.
2. Driving downtown is like playing a dangerous game of slip and slide.
The snow is partially plowed, then it freezes, and driving becomes an anxiety-fueled sport that no one wants to participate in. When the roads are particularly bad you may want to stay home, but definitely make sure you get those snow tires on early!
3. Walking is even worse.
Even if you manage to bundle up enough to prevent frostbite, there's a 100% chance you're going to slip and fall. Going out to build a snow man or participate in a snowball fight is one thing, but maybe postpone the scenic Indianapolis winter stroll for another day.
4. Clearing a path to your car requires superhuman strength.
Unless you have a snowblower (and if the snow already froze, you're out of luck), you could be digging yourself out for eternity. The plus side of this is you don't need a gym membership during the winter months, shoveling gets it all toned up for you!
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5. Your car will look like this on any given morning.
You might as well get used to digging yourself out every day, because even if you clean it off perfectly in the morning, it's likely to be snow covered again when you leave work. If you're lucky enough to have a garage, we'd like to rent a space in it!
6. The Indianapolis winter weather is straight up unpredictable.
You might leave the house with a light coat or just a sweater, only to find the temperatures below freezing hours later. The weather does whatever it wants here. We recommend dressing in layers and coming out prepared for the worst. It's better to carry around a coat and have it when you need it than to be left out in the cold, literally.
7. On the bright side, everyone in Indy knows how to make the best of a cold day.
Snow, snow, and nothing but snow in sight? Sounds like a day for some epic sledding. Take the tubing hill or head to a mountain for some epic skiing and snowboarding.
8. And the snow can be a pretty magical sight.
It may be a pain to deal with sometimes, but admit it, snow in the city is downright enchanting. Add in the glisten of a holiday lights display and it melts your heart.
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9. There's always unexpected fun to be had.
Whether it's a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow, an impromptu snowball fight, or a winter themed attraction, there's tons of fun to be had in the city during even the coldest of days. The weather in Indy may be unpredictable and at times frustrating, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Even if winter isn't your favorite season, you have to admit it sure is beautiful. For more ideas on what you can do for fun this winter in Indianapolis, check out these epic sledding hills in Indiana. Preparation is also important when dealing with frigid and unpredictable weather like winter in Indianapolis. Make sure you check the weather before heading out, dress appropriately, and plan in extra time to shovel yourself out when you have to leave home. A little advanced planning goes a long way in enjoying the winter weather!
You’re starting to feel it — that chill is in the air. Over the past week or so, it’s been pretty cold in the Indianapolis area, as the chilly weather has caught up to us after an unusually October. Now that the cold is upon us, I’m sure you’re wondering what our winter is going to be like. Well, if you trust the Farmer’s Almanac predictions, Indianapolis and the surrounding areas are in for some cold weather this winter.
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The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting that Indianapolis will get a colder winter than it has experienced in recent years.
Don’t worry — it doesn’t sound like we’re in for the polar temperatures you’d find up north in Canada or around Minnesota’s Twin Cities, but we may not get the mild winter season we enjoyed in last year.
It’s predicted that Indy will see average snowfall.
You never know what our snow situation is going to be year-to-year, but it sounds like we’re not in for anything unusual when it comes to snowfall this winter. Hopefully, that means we’ll have a white Christmas, but a dry January so we can get to work and make back all that money we spent during the holidays.
The coldest periods will likely occur during early-to-mid December, early January, and mid-February.
These coldest periods will coincide with the snowiest periods of the winter season, meaning that you should be prepared to get out the snow shovels, boots, and puffy coats for a few weeks.
The holiday season is nearly upon us, which means winter is nearly upon us. Make sure you get those coats, hats, and boots ready to go.
Here’s hoping we see some nice snowfall, but only during times that our commutes aren’t affected.
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It’s going to be colder than last year, but it shouldn’t be anything us Indianapolis residents haven’t seen before!
Let’s get ready for a fun, snowy winter season, filled with snowmen, snowball fights, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer.
Are you ready for the winter? Or are you already missing the warmth of summer? Let us know in the comments below!