Blizzard of 1977: A Frozen Moment in Buffalo History
By Samantha Engler
Embedded Files
If you ask any Buffalonian about the Blizzard of 1977, you’re likely to see their eyes widen as they recall stories of snowdrifts as tall as houses, biting cold, and an entire city brought to its knees by Mother Nature. This January marks the 48th anniversary of that unforgettable event, which remains etched in local history as one of the most severe winter storms ever to hit the area.
The blizzard, which raged from January 28 to February 1, 1977, was no ordinary snowstorm. It wasn’t the snowfall during the storm that made it infamous—only about 12 inches fell over those few days—but rather the fierce winds, record-low temperatures, and snow that had already been accumulating for months prior. An unusual winter that year had left Lake Erie frozen over and topped with vast amounts of snow. When the storm’s 70 mph winds swept across the frozen lake, they carried the lake’s snow into Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs.
The blizzard, which raged from January 28 to February 1, 1977, was no ordinary snowstorm. It wasn’t the snowfall during the storm that made it infamous—only about 12 inches fell over those few days—but rather the fierce winds, record-low temperatures, and snow that had already been accumulating for months prior. An unusual winter that year had left Lake Erie frozen over and topped with vast amounts of snow. When the storm’s 70 mph winds swept across the frozen lake, they carried the lake’s snow into Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs.
What resulted was a whiteout so intense that visibility dropped to zero for hours at a time. Snowdrifts climbed as high as 30 feet in some areas, burying homes, cars, and even entire streets. Temperatures plummeted to -10°F with wind chills that made it feel much colder. Roads became impassable, and people were stranded wherever they happened to be when the storm struck—in schools, offices, and even their cars.
Governor Hugh Carey declared a state of emergency, and the National Guard was called in to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. For many, daily life came to a halt as schools and businesses shut down. In the days following the storm, neighbors banded together to help one another dig out, share food, and keep spirits up. Despite these efforts, the storm claimed 29 lives, with many succumbing to exposure or being trapped in their vehicles.
Buffalo’s resilience shone through in the aftermath. Stories of heroism and community strength emerged, from snowmobilers delivering supplies to those in need to residents opening their homes to strangers. The Blizzard of ’77 also served as a wake-up call for better emergency preparedness and snow management. Today, Buffalo is often praised for its ability to handle harsh winters, a legacy partly shaped by this historic storm.
For those who lived through it, the Blizzard of ’77 was more than a weather event; it was a test of endurance, community, and humanity. It’s a story we share not just to remember the past, but to remind ourselves of the strength and unity that Buffalo has always been known for.
So the next time you hear someone grumble about lake-effect snow or another winter weather advisory, just think back to 1977—a time when Buffalonians truly proved they could weather any storm.
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