Remembering the “Blizzard of ’77”

Tomorrow marks the 35th anniversary of the "Blizzard of '77" here in Buffalo.  Where were you and what were you doing?  How did you handle all the snow?  We'd like to hear your memories.

The Buffalo "Blizzard of '77 struck on January 28th, 1977 and paralyzed the city for days.  USA Today  reports 29 people died in the blizzard, which left behind 300-million-dollars in damage.  Meteorologists say only 12 inches of snow actually fell during the storm, but the winds picked off snow off Lake Erie and whipped it into Buffalo making for poor visibility and huge snowdrifts.  The national news featured images of a city blanketed in snow up to the roofs of houses for 11 days, giving Buffalo its snowy reputation.

I can recall being home alone for a couple of days with my older brother and sister.  My mom worked downtown and never made it home, spending the first night with friends sleeping on the floor of a tavern before finally digging out their car and making it home the next day.  My father was a Buffalo firefighter.  He worked for five straight days and nights.  Hundreds of people showed up at the fire hall looking for food and shelter.  I remember him saying they found an open store and bought all the pasta and sauce they could find, cooked it all up and fed everyone.  That's one of many stories we have that include firetrucks frozen in the snow, snowmobile runs for neighbors to the grocery store and a week off from school. 

What do you recall about the "Blizzard of '77?"  We'd love to hear your stories!

See more pictures by visiting the  "Blizzard of '77" Facebook Page.