When it rains, it pours. And in the past week it’s been coming down in its frozen state — snow.
In the past week more than a foot of snow has been recorded in the county. And as of yesterday morning, snowfall this month totaled 26.5 inches at the National Weather Service observation station in Maple City — more than twice the 44 inches that had fallen by this time last year making winter 2024-2025 the snowiest since 2013-14 when 263.4 inches was recorded.
The seasonal snowfall stood at 104.5 inches yesterday morning.
But it pales in comparison to the Blizzard of ‘78 — the most severe blizzard in Michigan history that raged throughout Thursday, Jan. 26 and into part of Friday Jan. 27 of that year.
Back issues of the Enterprise chronicle the storm, which was also experienced throughout the Midwest. Thirty-four inches of snow was recorded locally during the two-day period and high winds contributed to snowdrifts of 15 feet or more.
Unable to traverse plugged roads in traditional vehicles, folks with snowmobiles were able to get to the storm for staples like bread and milk. But some arrived to find the store closed and those that were open had limited supply as delivery trucks were unable to get through. At one point 48 plows from neighboring communities were called in to help clear the roads and federal assistance helped with storm recovery.
Nearly six inches of the white stuff was measured Saturday, giving a snow globe effect for winter celebrations in Suttons Bay (Yeti Fest) and at the Glen Arbor Chili Cook-off and perch fishing tournament.
The Dispatch Blotter in the past week tells a tale of tow truck drivers pulling motorist from ditches. Many have stopped along the roadside to lend aid to those who are in the ditch or stuck in the road.
Others have called 911 seeking a welfare check on persons who are isolated or snowbound.
We’re beyond the half-way point of winter 2024-25, so there’s still plenty of time to accumulate more white stuff.
Here’s hoping we continue to look out for one another as we ride out the winter.
