Posted in Indiana September 23, 2021 by

It’s Impossible To Forget These 5 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Indiana History

In Indiana, we’re pretty lucky to experience the best of all four seasons, but that also means we tend to experience some extreme winter weather from time to time. Let’s take a look back at five horrific winter storms that impacted the Hoosier State.

1. The North American Blizzard - 2011
Fuschia Foot/Flickr
This recent blizzard occurred in January and February of 2011, and is also known as the Groundhog Day blizzard. For Indiana, the snow wasn't half the problem - it was the ice it brought with it. One Indiana resident collapsed and died while clearing snow, and another few Hoosiers died in an icy car crash. Power was out across the state for over 50,000 Hoosiers, and in Indy, a half inch of ice all but shut the city down.
2. Snowstorm of 2009
Ezra Wolfe/Flickr
This snowstorm brought just under 13 inches of snow to the Hoosier state and half an inch of ice. Slick road conditions caused a variety of pile ups and slide offs on major highways.
3. The Snowstorm of 1996
Patrick Finnegan/Flickr
This snowstorm impacted mostly the Wabash Valley and was so unexpected because it was already declared to be spring. However, close to 15 inches of snow surprised Hoosiers and impacted power for days.
4. The Blizzard of 1978
moominsean/Flickr
This historic blizzard caused wintery chaos across the Midwest and is the worst snowstorm recorded in Indiana history. Temperatures dropped to 50 below 0 and snow was recorded at an all time high of 30.6 inches. Whiteout conditions lasted throughout the state and sadly, the storm claimed the lives of 70 Hoosiers.
5. The Blizzard of 1967
David Cornwell/Flickr
This blizzard is eclipsed in the history books by the one in '78, but it still did its fair share of damage, particularly in The Region. This blizzard followed a series of tornadoes that struck the Midwest with snow fall up to 20 inches tall. Roads and businesses were closed for days and less than a month later (in February), another storm hit, bringing the total snowfall to around 32 inches for the year.

Be safe out there no matter what the season – but especially when winter comes around!

Which of these winter storms do you recall the clearest? For more history on storms in the Hoosier state, check out the worst natural disasters in history.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Storms In Indiana

September 28, 2021
Tori Jane

What is winter in Indiana like?  

In a word: cold. In three words: cold and snowy! During the month of January, the average nighttime temperature only reaches about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and daytime temps are usually around 46 degrees or less. Annual snowfall depends on where in the state you decide to hang your hat; the southern portion of the state usually sees around 14” of snow annually, whereas the northern portion can sometimes see up to 76”! Unfortunately, Indiana is prone to blizzards and ice storms, especially when lake-effect snow decides to show up to the party (usually in north-central Indiana, nearest to Lake Michigan). Don’t let the chilly weather deter you, though – Indiana is a wonderful place to visit even in winter. Some of our wintertime hikes are the best in the Midwest. We are home to the wonderful town of Santa Claus, Indiana, where it’s Christmas all year long (but most especially during the holidays, of course). Read more about the adorable winter town of Santa Claus here.  

What were the worst snowstorms Indiana has ever seen?  

First and foremost, the most famous – or should we say infamous – snowstorm in Indiana occurred in 1978. During this incredible, historic storm, snow fell at a rate of about an inch per hour. Temperatures plummeted down to –55 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, this storm was the worst in our state’s history, claiming the lives of 70 Hoosiers. Another nasty snowstorm came in 2011, leaving in its wake inches of ice on just about everything, leading to deadly car accidents and other chaos. In 2009, a winter storm brought with it about a half-inch to an inch of ice, plus 13 or more inches of snow in many places. Indiana is no stranger to catastrophic snowstorms, and Hoosiers should make sure to be prepared every year.