3 Of The Worst Winter Storms That Buried Michigan

As a Michigan transplant, one of the first things I worried about when I moved to Grand Rapids was the weather, specifically the winter season.

After living in the Grand Rapids area for 2 years, my winter worries are still not over. Whenever a Michigan native explains that I have not experienced a TRUE Michigan winter storm, my anxiety increases exponentially.

With my heightened anxiety, I did what any anxious person might do. I researched the worst winter storms in Michigan history.

Get our free mobile app

Did it ease my anxiety at all? You're funny! Let's take a trip down winter memory lane.

⬇️ BELOW: Four Ways to Stay Sane During a Michigan Winter Storm ⬇️

The Great Blizzard of 1978

I would be wrong not to start with The Great Blizzard of 1978.

If the name alone does not shock you, this description from The National Weather Service might change your mind.

"The most extensive and very nearly the most severe blizzard in Michigan history raged throughout Thursday, January 26, 1978, and into part of Friday, January 27.

In only 24 hours, snowfall records were broken in different Michigan cities, including 16.1 inches in Grand Rapids and 30 inches in Muskegon. Sadly, roughly 20 people died from either direct or indirect results of the winter storm.

Michigan's Monster New Years Snowstorm of 1999

On the same type of winter energy, the New Year's Monster Snowstorm of 1999 was so massive that many Michigan residents remember it to this day.

⬇️ 2024 Winter Storm Names ⬇️

Between January 2nd and January 4th of 1999, a major winter storm hit the Upper Midwest and Southern Lakes Regions. West Michigan was hit with up to 28 inches of snow.

The Great White Hurricane of 1913

Lastly, according to Hour Detroit and the National Weather Service, the White Hurricane of 1913 was also a devastating snowstorm.

From the name alone, I can only imagine what happened over 100 years ago. For four days, the White Hurricane of 1913 caused chaos for maritime travel.

"The White Hurricane of 1913 is one of the largest inland maritime disasters due to the nine ships lost."

What other major Michigan snowstorms do you remember? Share your answers by messaging in the station app.