Were you a resident of the Great Lakes State in 1978? If so, you undoubtedly remember a winter that was more than just a little out-of-the-ordinary. Sure, we Michiganders are used to getting our fair share of snow and ice, but the destructive storm that swept across the region in 1978 was like nothing we had ever seen before — and the memories remain fresh to this day. Of course, it’s not easy to forget the largest blizzard in Michigan history…

It was late January in Michigan, and everything seemed to be proceeding as it usually did in the wintertime. Snow peacefully blanketed the ground and Michiganders went about their daily lives.
Flickr/Tim Carter
But they never could have known what was lingering just around the corner: a storm so massive and so powerful that it would ultimately turn deadly.
Flickr/renee_mcgurk
On January 26, skies went dark grey. The National Weather Service warned Michiganders of an impending storm, but no one could have predicted its scope.
Flickr/gsfc
Within hours, large portions of the state were completely pummeled by blowing snow and heavy accumulation — and the storm showed no signs of stopping.
Flickr/Nic McPhee

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Other parts of Michigan even reported hurricane-strength winds, which caused damage to homes and businesses across the region. This blizzard took on a life of its own.
Flickr/Tim Carter
By the time the storm died down on the afternoon of Friday, January 27th, the final snowfall levels were incredible. Cities from Grand Rapids to Muskegon to Ann Arbor saw totals ranging from twelve to 30 inches of accumulation.
Flickr/Tim Carter
As residents and businesses dug out from the storm and slowly reopened their doors, the amount of destruction became tragically apparent. 20 people lost their lives as a result of the storm, largely due to heart attacks and car accidents.
Flickr/Tim Carter
While Michiganders have certainly experienced their fair share of snowstorms since 1978, nothing has come close to matching the scope of this insanely powerful storm. It’s a piece of Michigan history that certainly won’t be forgotten.
Flickr/Newton Free Library

Did you live through Michigan’s massive blizzard in 1978? Do you have any interesting, sad, or frightening memories to share of what many consider to be the largest blizzard in Michigan history? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below.

Did these memories chill you to the core? These tips will help you survive a Michigan winter.

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