Missouri’s certainly seen its fair share of blizzards over the years, some worse than others. Often, we can remember just where we were when a blizzard hit and how it impacted our lives and our neighborhood. One of those blizzards, which buried the eastern part of the state (and the western part of Illinois), just might be the worst in blizzard in Missouri’s history.

January 1982 ended with a major snowstorm through much of eastern Missouri. In fact, you might just remember where you were January 30-31, 1982 during what some call the worst blizzard in Missouri’s history.
Flickr/Robert Stinnett
In fact, the National Weather Service dubbed the storm "a 1 in 70 year snow event" with St. Louis taking the brunt of the storm in Missouri.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Saturday, January 30, 1982 was a normal winter day with rain, which caused flooding concerns, until the snow began in the evening. Then, Mother Nature put on a fantastic show of snow, thunder, and lightning.
Flickr/Caitlyn Capps

Related Stories

Meet The Adorable Dogs Who Inspired A Restaurant In Missouri

Meet The Adorable Dogs Who Inspired A Restaurant In Missouri

 Did You Know Missouri Is Home To The World’s Largest Chess Piece?

Did You Know Missouri Is Home To The World’s Largest Chess Piece?

 Red Shanty BBQ & Roadside Cafe Is A Roadside Restaurant In Missouri Worth Stopping For

Red Shanty BBQ & Roadside Cafe Is A Roadside Restaurant In Missouri Worth Stopping For
By the time the snow stopped falling the following afternoon, the St. Louis area got slammed with more than 18 inches of snow. After expecting only a few inches of snow on January 30, the more than a foot and a half of snow paralyzed the city.
Flickr/P. Maillet
Local businesses and schools closed. Travelers became stranded in their cars.
Flickr/KOMU News
It'll go down in history as one of the worst snow storms in Missouri.
While most people heeded warnings and stayed home, The National Guard worked on clearing the roads. And, Missourians came together to deliver food and other necessities to the city’s most vulnerable citizens.
Flickr/Jo Naylor
Unfortunately, the storm resulted in the deaths of a minimum of 16 Missourians, several of whom died after shoveling snow.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
It was one of the worst natural disasters in Missouri. Were you around during this frightful storm?

Winter in Missouri isn’t always pristine and beautiful. Do you remember the 1982 blizzard in Missouri? Share your memories in the comments below.

Of course, this wasn’t the only wild force of nature to hit the state. It’s impossible to forget the year Missouri saw its single largest snowfall ever.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

worst blizzard in Missouri’s history

Elisa Regulski | January 02, 2020

What was the largest snowfall in Missouri?

As you likely know, snow storms in Missouri are not a completely rare occurrence. In February 2011, Missouri saw a record-shattering snowfall. From the Central Plains to the Great Lakes, snow was everywhere. Mother Nature really put on a show. In two days, Missouri saw an average of 2-3 inches of snowfall per hour. In Bates County, 2 feet of snow fell in just 24 hours!

What is winter weather in Missouri normally like?

Usually, northern Missouri sees an average of 18-24 inches of snow each year. The southern part of the state gets around 8-12 inches of snow per season. Every once in a while, however, giant forces of nature sweep through the land and wreak havoc on the state. Hopefully, we won’t see another blizzard like that ever again!

What are the best things to do in winter in Missouri?

For a cozy getaway, spend a night at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale. It’s one of the best places to spend a winter in Missouri. With four different restaurants, lovely amenities, and picturesque views, Big Cedar Lodge is a must-visit attraction. Bask in the beauty of the Ozarks at this luxurious destination. For some adventurous wintertime fun, head over to Snow Creek in Weston. This exciting ski resort is a total blast. People also love sledding down Art Hill in St. Louis’ Forest Park. People have flocked to this hill for decades! You don’t even need a proper sled to join in on the fun. A trash can lid or cardboard box will do the trick. To learn more about the best things to do in winter in Missouri, read our article here.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Missouri, USA