History Moments Blizzard of 1948-49

The winter of 1948 and 1949 is often referred to as the blizzard of 48-49. A series of storms paralyzed Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Wyoming, stalling trains, starving cattle and stranding people. Between storms high winds drifted newly opened roads shut again. During that winter parts of the state received more than 100 inches of snow, and snow drifted to 20 to 30 feet high. Nebraskans depended on the help of others to make it through. Operation Snowstorm was an effort by several groups including the Red Cross, Army Corp of Engineers, Air Force, National Guard and Civil Air Patrol to drop supplies, clear roadways and railroad tracks and help in any way they could. Despite efforts six Nebraskans and about 500,000 head of cattle died.