The Blizzard of ’77 is a powerful reminder of how dangerous extreme weather can be. To this day, more than four decades after it struck Buffalo, New York, its ferocity and sheer power is still remembered. How did it become so deadly? And why is it still remembered today? In this article, we examine the history and impact of the Buffalo Blizzard, from its causes to its aftermath.
The Causes of the Blizzard of ’77
The Buffalo Blizzard of 1977 was a powerful weather system that hit western New York on January 28-29, 1977. It was sparked by two major elements that came together in a unique way.
The first element was a low-pressure system that was developing along the Gulf Coast. This low-pressure system was drawing cold Arctic air south, which eventually collided with warm, moist air that was coming from the southwest. As the warm air began to be pushed over the much colder air, it lifted. This process caused a large snowstorm to develop and begin to move towards Buffalo.
The second element was a series of strong winds that further intensified the storm. These winds caused the snow to blow around at a tremendous rate, making visibility outside minimal. At the same time, more moisture was introduced into the atmosphere, creating a powerful snow-producing storm that was difficult to move beyond.
The Blizzard’s Unprecedented Power
The Blizzard of ’77 was a powerful, once-in-a-generation storm. It quickly entrenched itself in Buffalo and its surrounding areas. By the time it was done, the storm had brought with it almost six feet of snow in some parts of the city and up to ten feet in some of its outlying rural areas.
The heaviest snowfall had occurred within the first 24 hours of the storm, and yet the snowfall had subsided no sooner than it had begun. The blizzard was known to have created snowdrifts measuring up to twenty-five feet deep.
The snow was relentless. Despite the strong winds, the snowdrifts accumulated quickly, reducing visibility to nearly zero. To make matters worse, the snow was accompanied by temperatures that plummeted to a staggering fourteen degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely difficult for motorists to even get out of their cars.
Impact on the Region
The Buffalo Blizzard of ’77 is widely remembered for its immense power and disruption. In its wake, it left not only property damage, but numerous fatalities as well.
Damage Summary
During the Blizzard of ’77, many buildings, homes, and businesses were damaged or destroyed. In total, the storm caused an estimated $650 million dollars in damages. Additionally, twenty-one people were killed.
Transportation & Loss of Power
The roads were also heavily impacted. Countless roads and highways were blocked by snowdrifts and inaccessible to motorists. In some places, crews spent months in the summer months working to repair the roads.
The blizzard had also caused a widespread power outage. Over 400,000 people were left without power, and some areas were said to have been without electricity for weeks. As a result, businesses, schools, and hospitals were shutdown, leaving plenty of people in a desperate situation.
Long-Lasting Impact
The Buffalo Blizzard of ’77 is without a doubt one of the most infamous winter storms in U.S. history. Even today, over 40 years later, it is remembered for its sheer power and destruction. It serves as a reminder that severe winter storms can strike even the most unlikely places, and it is part of the reason that the people of Buffalo take such proactive steps to prepare for severe weather events.
The Blizzard of ’77 is considered one of the most destructive winter storms in US history. It brought with it immense quantities of snow, powerful winds, and plummeting temperatures that wreaked havoc on many parts of the region. In its wake, it left an estimated $650 million dollars in damage, as well as twenty-one fatalities. However, it should also be remembered as an important lesson in the power and danger of winter weather, and why it is important to remain prepared for the worst.