The Epic 1997 Blizzard That Crippled South Dakota

Yes, we've had tough winters and our share of snowstorms, but the blizzard that rolled through South Dakota on January 9, 1997, was one to be remembered.

20 foot-tall snowdrifts caused by 50 MPH winds closed all interstates and forced authorities to issue stern warnings to travelers that if you are stranded out there - we're not coming to rescue you.

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To make matters worse, the very next day, January 10, the temperatures plummeted to -12 below zero.

Only 2 to 3 inches snowfall occurred...but with the strong winds and existing snow cover visibilities were reduced to zero in open areas. The blizzard from the 9th to the 11th produced wind speeds up to 50 mph and wind chills to 80 below zero. A record low maximum temperature of 12 below zero occurred on the 10th. -NWS Sioux Falls

According to OnlyInYourState, over 100,000 cattle died in the storm. They also feature some rare photographs of the storm.

A Webster, SD woman, Karen Nelson, was rescued after spending nearly 40 hours stranded in her car on a county road. She went on to make national news.

MORE: The Area's Worst Storm in Recorded History - The 'Children's Blizzard'

Where did you ride out the blizzard of '97?

Scenes From Blizzard

A foot of snow in Sioux Falls!

Winds blowing that snow into nasty drifts!

That scene repeated all over the Sioux Empire. The BLizzard of February 2023 was a cold, snowy mess. AKA, just another South Dakota winter. We can handle it. It sucks, but we got this.

We asked to see your view of the storm, here's what you saw:

Gallery Credit: Results-Townsquare Media Sioux Falls

Source: Epic January 1997 Blizzard Crippled South Dakota