More Than 55 Years Ago, South Dakota Was Hit With The Worst Blizzard In Its History

South Dakota has seen a number of nasty winters in its day, but only one can claim the title of bringing the worst blizzard in state history. Which is it? It just so happens to be this record-breaking blizzard in South Dakota that hit more than 50 years ago:

Taking place March 2nd through the 4th, 1966, was what is argued to be the worst blizzard in South Dakota history.

Dubbed the "Northern Plains Blizzard," South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and parts of Montana and Iowa were blanketed in not only several feet of snow, but in blinding of winds of 70+ miles per hour.

As expected, the storm damaged countless homes, businesses, and vehicles, mostly due to high winds breaking windows and allowing in snow.

As if the structural damage wasn't bad enough, an estimated 100,000 cattle and sheep were killed during the storm, resulting in a losses of $20M (which today, with inflation, would amount to $156,530,929.52).

The worst part of the storm was not the damaged property or loss of livestock, but the six lives lost.

Two men died from heart attacks whilst shoveling; a rancher died from exposure; another two were killed from exposure when their cars were stranded; and another died from asphyxiation while trying to heat his home with a gas oven.

By the late afternoon of March 4th, the snow finally subsided in South Dakota, but continued in the states both north and east, including NoDak.

While we were unable to find footage of this blizzard in South Dakota, we did uncover this stunning video from iNewZ TV, which shows the devastation the storm had just to the north of us:

Do you remember the North Plains Blizzard of 1966? Please share you memories with us in the comments. While you're here, also check out A Massive Blizzard Blanketed South Dakota In Snow In 1997 And It Will Never Be Forgotten.