Chicago: The Windy City or the Snowy City?
Let's talk about a time when Chicago wasn't just windy, it was downright frosty. We're diving into the annals of weather history to answer the burning question: How much snow did Chicago actually get in 1967?
A Blizzard of a Year
1967 was a year Chicagoans would rather forget. Or maybe not, because let's face it, a good snow story is always a crowd-pleaser. Unless, of course, you were one of the poor souls stranded on the expressway.
The short answer? A whopping 68.4 inches of snow. Yes, you read that right. That's more snow than most people see in their entire lives. We're talking enough snow to build an igloo the size of Wrigley Field (probably).
The Great Chicago Snowdown of '67
The real kicker wasn't the total snowfall for the year, but the fact that most of it fell in a ridiculously short period. We're talking about a blizzard that would make Jack Frost blush. On January 26th and 27th, 1967, Chicago was buried under a record-breaking 23 inches of snow. To put that into perspective, that's enough snow to build a small mountain in your backyard.
Life in a Snow Globe
Imagine waking up to a world transformed into a giant snow globe. That's what it was like for Chicagoans in 1967. Cars were buried, schools were closed, and people were forced to get creative with their transportation (like using sleds to get to work, or building snow tunnels between their house and the neighbor's).
So, How Did Chicago Survive?
Good question. Probably with a lot of hot chocolate and complaining. But seriously, the city eventually dug itself out, and life went on. Though we're pretty sure a lot of people moved south after that winter.
How to Survive a Chicago Winter (According to History)
- How to dress for a Chicago winter: Layers, people, layers. And earmuffs. Lots of earmuffs.
- How to drive in a Chicago blizzard: Don't. Just don't. Stay home.
- How to build a snow fort: Gather your troops, grab some shovels, and dream big.
- How to make hot chocolate: Milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a sprinkle of magic.
- How to survive cabin fever: binge-watch TV, play board games, or start a new hobby.
So, there you have it. The snowy tale of Chicago in 1967. Let's just hope we don't have to relive it anytime soon.
