Posted in Kentucky October 01, 2021 by

43 Years Ago, Kentucky Was Hit With The Worst Blizzard In History

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 one of the worst storms our state has ever seen.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The Great Blizzard of 1978 impacted our entire region and Kentucky was hit pretty hard.
Youtube/WHAS11
There was already snow on the ground when this blizzard approached on January 25th, 1978. It began as rain and then quickly transitioned to snow as the temperatures plummeted. The news was filled with stories of the storm.
The total snowfall amount in Louisville wasn't massive, but when added to what was already there and then as the winds picked up, the city received a rare Blizzard Warning.
Kenton County Library / NOAA / Used With Permission
Stong winds caused drifts of snow that trapped cars and made travel impossible. Much of the state experienced these white out conditions from January 25th, into the 26th.
Everything was impacted by the storm, and you can see how the major airport in Northern Kentucky, shown below, was practically unusable.
Kenton County Library / NOAA / Used With Permission
This particular storm was so impactful and goes down in history thanks to the extreme weather phenomenon that is often called a "snow hurricane."
Those who lived through it likely remember schools being closed and life coming to a stand still.
Facebook/Augusta Kentucky Historic District
Since freezing cold temperatures followed, the snow also stuck around for awhile.
Ice was a huge factor, even on the large Ohio River.
Youtube/WHAS11
A boat would have to dodge icebergs of sorts, as this river border of our state was filled with ice from what so many remember as the biggest blizzard in Kentucky.

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 this 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.

The OIYS Visitor Center

worst blizzard in Kentucky

October 06, 2021
Beth C.

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.

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.