Over 40 Years Ago, Kentucky Was Hit With The Worst Blizzard In History
Andrea Limke
Author
January is typically a cold month in Kentucky and we do often see some snow. But 43 years ago, our state’s largest city saw the snowiest month on record. January of 1978 was a memorable time for those who lived in this region. It brought what many remember as the worst blizzard in Kentucky, with massive snowdrifts, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures. Take a look back over four decades ago to the Kentucky Blizzard of 1978, one of the worst storms our state has ever seen.
Related Stories
Kentucky Schools In The Early 1900s May Shock You. They're So Different.
These 10 Disasters In Kentucky Are Perhaps The Worst To Ever Strike The State
8 Things Archaeologists Discovered In Kentucky That May Surprise You
News of the worst blizzard in Kentucky was so crucial that even Captain Kangaroo was interrupted. Take a look at this news footage from January 1978…
We haven’t seen a month like January 1978 since that frigid time period. Time will tell if the Bluegrass State will see a severe storm like the Kentucky Blizzard of 1978 again. Do you remember this as the worst blizzard in Kentucky? We’d love to hear about your experiences and memories in the comments!
If you enjoy stories of Kentucky’s history, you’ll love these historic photos that are some of the oldest ever taken in our state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Kentucky Blizzard of 1978
What is winter in Kentucky like?
If you plan on spending the colder months in the Bluegrass State, you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that winter in Kentucky is traditionally mild. Of course, this varies from year to year, as you just learned by reading about the worst blizzard in Kentucky. On average, winters in Kentucky are fairly wet. The state sees approximately 11 inches of snow per year, and it's been several decades since Kentucky has experienced a harsh winter. Happily, the Kentucky Blizzard of 1978 is an anomaly in terms of general winter weather in the state!
What's the highest point in Kentucky?
The highest point in Kentucky is Black Mountain, which can be found in Harlan County close to the Kentucky-Virginia state line. The elevation of Black Mountain measures 4,140 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In fact, it's possible to drive most of the way to the summit via State Route 160. If you want to experience more of Kentucky's mountains, you should add the following destinations to your itinerary: Cave Run Lake, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Pine Mountain, Eagle's Nest in Red River Gorge, Breaks Interstate Park, and the top of Natural Bridge. How many of these beautiful mountain destinations in Kentucky have you experienced?
What are the best winter hiking trails in Kentucky?
While many prefer to stay warm and cozy indoors during the winter season, it's also true that venturing outside during the cold months can be quite rewarding. That's especially true if you find yourself in Kentucky. While you may need to bundle up more than usual, hiking during the winter can prove to be nothing short of exhilarating. The following is a list of the best winter hiking trails in Kentucky: Princess Arch Trail in Red River Gorge, Woodland Walk in the Land Between The Lakes, Natural Bridge Trail in Carter Caves State Resort Park, High Point Loop in Bernheim Forest, Angel Windows Trail in Red River Gorge, Sloan's Crossing Pond Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Falls Trail in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Raven Rock Trail in Kingdom Come State Park, Prospector's Trail in Breaks Interstate Park, and Boone Bottoms Trail in the Parklands Of Floyds Fork.