The Blizzard of 1967 is a memory etched in those who experienced it. This storm, which hit Chicago on January 26 and 27, 1967, is often referred to as the “mother of all snowstorms.” For many, it was a defining moment, a historic event that transformed the city’s residents’ landscape and daily lives. In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look back at the blizzard, recount personal stories, and explore its impact on Chicago and its people.
The Storm Begins
On that fateful day, the snow began to fall early in the morning, around 5:02 AM. By the time the storm was over, the city was blanketed with a record-breaking 23 inches of snow. This was a significant leap from the previous record of 19 inches, which had been set in 1930. The snowfall was accompanied by high winds, which created drifts that reached up to 15 feet in some areas.
For many residents, the blizzard was a shock. Just two days prior, temperatures had soared to a balmy 65 degrees, creating a stark contrast to the winter storm that followed. As the snow fell, it quickly paralyzed the city. Roads became impassable, and public transportation ground to a halt. An estimated 50,000 cars were abandoned, along with around 800 city buses. The entire region found itself in a state of near paralysis, with many people unable to go grocery shopping or even leave their homes.