The Big Snows In 1967 & 1978
Longtime residents remember well the big snowstorms that hit our area hard this week in 1967 and 1978.

The Snowstorm of 1967
January 1967 for the most part had been very quiet and mild. In fact, high temperatures were in the 50s and 60s from the 22nd through the 25th, including a high of 63° on the 24th. However, just a couple of days later, winter came roaring back.

The snow started falling on the 26th and continued through the 27th. When the storm was over, South Bend's snow total was just short of 18". However, since temperatures were near freezing, this was a very wet, slushy snow. The weight of the snow toppled trees and power lines and also made travel very difficult. This snowstorm was considered "the big one" until 1978, when a bigger snowstorm moved in.

The Blizzard of 1978
The Winter of 1977-78 had already been harsh. Before the big storm, the snow depth was already over a foot. A lot more was on the way. The snow started on the night of the 24th and didn't end until the 29th. The storm total was an amazing 33". The snow depth in South Bend on the morning of the 30th was 41", a record that still stands today. Unlike the 1967 storm, the 1978 storm had a lot of wind and a lot of cold air. Snow drifts were over 15 feet in spots.

Your Story?
I remember the 1978 storm very well, as it was a kid's dream come true. Not only did we miss school for a couple of weeks, but it was fun to play in. We built a series of snow tunnels throughout the neighborhood and had a blast! What's your story? Post a comment and let me know!

Rick Mecklenburg