A Massive Blizzard Blanketed South Dakota In Snow In 1997 And It Will Never Be Forgotten

South Dakota residents had seen their share of blizzards, so initially people ignored warnings to stay home and off the roads.

51-year-old Karen Nelson made national news when she was rescued from her truck after spending 40 hours huddled in a sleeping bag and blankets inside her truck. She had tried to make the 12-mile drive from Roslyn to Webster to get home from work, but her truck slid off the road and into a ditch. She used her cell phone to alert authorities and guide them to her location.

One vehicle lost control, and a domino effect ensued. Luckily, no one was badly hurt, but it was like an ice rink on the freeway. Other drivers in accidents all over the state weren't so lucky - many were injured. Authorities warned that people who were stuck might wait for a long time for rescue. It became such a mess to dig people out and deal with accidents, that they threatened to fine folks who ignored travel warnings.

Icy conditions and snow drifts up to 20 feet tall made travel along the Interstates impossible.

Travel was basically completely shut down all over the state.

In many places, continuing wind made it impossible to dig out roads.

With temperatures so low, it was dangerous to be outside.

With such low temperatures, residents suffered without power to their homes.

Freezing temperatures and lack of access to food and water killed thousands of cattle. Livestock losses were estimated in the millions of dollars.

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