The Biggest Christmas Blizzard to Ever Rock Illinois

The state of Illinois is primarily known for Chicago, which happens to be where most of the state’s population resides. Though summers are hot and humid, the winters are something else entirely. With Illinois bordering Lake Michigan, the moisture from the lake causes frigid temperatures and unbelievable amounts of snow. In 2004, Illinois experienced the wonders—and challenges—of a white Christmas. Let’s dive into the biggest Christmas blizzard to ever rock Illinois.

The Meteorological Setup

As the holiday season drew near, meteorologists began to monitor a storm system that was projected to dump a significant amount of snow in Illinois. Cold air from the Great Lakes collided with the humid, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and the perfect snowstorm became inevitable. As Christmas 2004 neared, the usual snowy parts of Illinois were predicted to narrowly escape the snowstorm. Southeastern Illinois, which rarely sees snow, would be the hardest hit by the storm front.

The Snowstorm 

In 2004, the Christmas Blizzard began to form on December 21 and finally dissipated on Christmas Eve. The snowstorm primarily targeted the Ohio Valley, but it stretched into portions of the Midwest. Nearly $900 million in damages were caused by the storm, and 18 people lost their lives, primarily due to car accidents. 

The storm started with a burst of arctic cold air, followed by a 10-hour burst of snowfall. The snow was followed by freezing rain and sleet. The combined weight of snow and ice caused roofs to cave in and a loss of power. Because of the sub-freezing temperatures, emergency efforts and storm recovery were limited. 

Even more, people still attempted to travel, despite how much snow and ice was present on the roadways. Although travel was nearly impossible—as well as dangerous—people still attempted to keep their holiday plans. As a result, there were upwards of 100,000 car accidents between the states of Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. 

The Christmas Blizzard that Rocked Illinois

In Illinois, the snow began two days before Christmas on December 23. By Christmas Day, nearly 20 inches of snow had been dumped on southeastern Illinois. This was the most snow this part of southeastern Illinois had ever seen. The roads were icy, and some parts of Illinois saw at least 6 inches of ice alone. 

Although Illinois was left with a picturesque wintery landscape, the blizzard definitely caused several issues related to travel and power outages. Those unaffected by the blizzard enjoyed a rare winter wonderland. However, for many, the blizzard was a major disruption. Now, the Christmas Blizzard that rocked Illinois is part of the state’s folklore, a story to share about a particularly challenging Christmas.