Let’s be real here: our state is no stranger to winter storms. Each year, on average, the state gets anywhere from 35 to 50 inches of snowfall. Along with the typical snowstorms, on occasion, a history-making blizzard will come through. Here are six terrifying winter storms in North Dakota that have made a mark in the history books and will never be forgotten.

1. The Schoolhouse Blizzard - 1888
NDSU/Digital Horizons
This terrifying storm seemingly came out of nowhere on a warm day in January of 1888. It was known as the Schoolhouse Blizzard due to the fact that many school children became trapped at school when the blizzard came through in the middle of the day. Many people perished as a result of this storm due to rapidly dropping temperatures and whiteout conditions.
2. The '97 Blizzard
Jordan Green/Flickr
Over the course of three days, this insane blizzard dropped over two feet of snow onto North Dakota. It knocked out hundreds of power lines and left many people without any electricity. There were over 100,000 head of cattle lost to this storm. Additionally, this storm caused the massive flooding later that year due to the large amount of melted snow.
3. The Blizzard of 1941
renee_mcgurk/Flickr
In March of 1941, winds picked up to speeds of up to 85 mph as a brutal cold front began to sweep through the state. A massive drop in temperature along with heavy snowfall resulted in the deaths of 68 people. Many of them perished due to getting lost in the storm after abandoning stuck cars or trying to find their way home.
4. The 1920 Blizzard
North Dakota Historical Society/Digital Horizons
In mid March, 1920, North Dakota was hit with a terrible winter storm that resulted in 34 people dying. It is still considered one of the worst blizzards in the state's history. Like many of these other winter storms, it had heavy snowfall coupled with exceptionally strong winds, creating whiteout conditions and plummeting temperatures. Read more about this terrofying winter storm here.
5. The 1966 Blizzard
North Dakota Memories Collection/Digital Horizons
This famous blizzard has been one of the most devastating and longest blizzards to ever occur. Winds gusted at up to 100 mph and created snow drifts that were up to 30 feet tall. Visibility was down to zero in a majority of the state during the storm, and the after effects lasted quite a while due to the amount of damages. Five people died in North Dakota as a result. Read more about this incredible storm here.
6. The 1984 Blizzard
Wes Peck/Flickr
During an otherwise nice February 4th in 1984, a massive winter storm hit North Dakota and left a permanent mark on the memories of those that endured it. Roads became impossible to use and many cars got covered in huge snow drifts, which caused the deaths of multiple people.

 

North Dakota has had many blizzards in its past and pretty much always gets at least some snow during the winter. While it can be terrifying, sometimes it makes the state’s landscape turn beautiful. Take a look at times the snow created a mesmerizing sight here in North Dakota.

Which winter storms in North Dakota do you remember most clearly? Tell us your stories in the comments! We love hearing from you.

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Winter Storms in North Dakota

Tori Jane | September 29, 2021

What kind of natural disasters occur in North Dakota?  

North Dakota, as beautiful as it is, unfortunately, sees its fair share of natural disasters. The state is prone to blizzards and, on occasion, large and violent tornadoes. The peak season for tornadoes in North Dakota is during summer, after tornado alley shifts north from the central United States to the high plains in the northern United States, as well as in the Midwest. There are about 32 tornadoes per year; few of those tend to be extremely dangerous or deadly, though North Dakota is capable of damaging storms. Luckily, in all of the state’s history, there have been only two F5 tornadoes – the most recent of which was in 1957. In terms of snowstorms and ice, North Dakota gets plenty; usually, the state gets anywhere from 20+ to 35+ inches of the fluffy white stuff, but in 1966, one storm dropped 30+ inches of snow over most of the state. Snowdrifts up to 20 feet tall were created by extremely high winds. Luckily, such intense storms are rare – but they do happen.  

What is considered the current record snowfall in North Dakota? 

The record for most snowfall in a short period of time was during the blizzard of 1966; however, different parts of the state have different averages. Cities like Bismarck and Willington routinely see the most snowfall year to year, averaging about 45.2 and 41.2 inches respectively. Amazingly, the record cold temperature for North Dakota currently stands at an incredible –60 degrees Fahrenheit in Parshall in February of 1936. We’ve seen plenty of cold days that have flirted with that low, but none have yet to beat it (thankfully – brr). The blizzard of ‘66 had nightmarish wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour in some places, creating apocalyptic snow drifts of up to 20 feet high in many places. Yikes! Love North Dakota storms? Check out this article for some truly breathtaking photos of North Dakota weather at its best.  

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