35 years ago: The Blizzard of 1978 - New York News | NYC Breaking News

35 years ago: The Blizzard of 1978

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DETROIT (WJBK) -

Remember this? 35 years ago today, A rare severe blizzard -- the most severe grade of winter storm -- hit Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The Storm dropped 40 inches of snow and had winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour -- causing drifts that buried some homes.

Governor William Milliken declared a state of emergency and called out the Michigan National Guard to aid stranded motorists and road crews.

The Michigan State Police pronounced Traverse City "unofficially closed" and warned area residents to stay home.

About 20 people died as a direct or indirect result of the storm, most due to heart attacks or traffic accidents.

At least one person died of exposure in a stranded automobile. Many were hospitalized for exposure, mostly from homes that lost power and heat.

About 100,000 cars were abandoned on Michigan highways, most of them in the southeast part of the state.

What do you remember? (add your comments blow)

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