Remembering the Blizzard of ’78: The Storm That Stopped Boston

Ask any New Englander old enough to remember, and they will have a story about the Blizzard of ’78. For a few days in February 1978, a powerful nor’easter shut down Boston and much of the region. It became the storm by which all others are measured.

How the storm unfolded

The blizzard struck on February 6 and 7, 1978. A strong coastal storm stalled off southern New England, pulling in moisture from the ocean and pounding the region with heavy snow and hurricane-force wind gusts for well over a day. In Boston, more than two feet of snow fell, setting a record for a single storm that stood for decades.

Part of what made the storm so dangerous was its timing. Snow began falling heavily during the day on a Monday. Many people had gone to work or school, and when the snow intensified, they tried to get home at the same time.

The most famous images from the storm come from Route 128, the highway that circles Boston. Thousands of cars and trucks became stuck in drifting snow. Many drivers had to abandon their vehicles and walk to nearby homes, churches or shelters. Some people were trapped in their cars, and the storm claimed lives across the region.

It took days to clear the highway and remove the abandoned vehicles.

The coast took a beating

Along the shore, the storm brought extreme high tides and powerful waves. Coastal communities south and north of Boston saw homes damaged or destroyed, seawalls breached and neighborhoods flooded. Many families had to be evacuated by the National Guard and rescue crews.

A city on foot

Governor Michael Dukakis declared a state of emergency and banned nonemergency travel. For about a week, much of eastern Massachusetts was closed to regular car traffic. The scene in Boston was unusual: people walked, skied and sledded down empty streets, and neighbors checked on one another. Many longtime residents remember the strange quiet of the city and the feeling of community that came with it.

Dukakis himself became a lasting image of the storm, appearing on television in a sweater to update the public.

What the storm changed

The blizzard left lessons that still shape how the region handles winter:

• Officials now tend to close schools, offices and roads earlier, before conditions get dangerous.
• Weather forecasting has improved greatly, giving more warning about severe storms.
• Coastal communities have strengthened seawalls, updated building rules and improved evacuation planning.
• Families are more likely to keep emergency supplies at home and in their cars.

Preparing for the next big one

Major storms still hit New England. A few basics never go out of style: keep a winter kit in your car with a blanket, water, snacks, a flashlight and a small shovel; keep your gas tank at least half full in winter; and pay attention to official warnings. When officials say stay home, take them at their word.

For current emergency guidance, check the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at mass.gov and the city’s alerts on boston.gov.