The legend of  the "Blizzard of '78" just turned 40!  After a snowy January in 1978, the snow just intensified. Beginning February 5th and ending 7th, "The Blizzard" hammered the Northeast and New England, with Boston getting hit with 27.1 inches of snow. One hundred people were killed, including 14 overcome by carbon monoxide after 3,000 cars became stranded on Route 128. The storm was complicated by an unusual high tide that caused deadly coastal flooding.

For school kids it was like Santa Claus left them a hidden Christmas gift. I grew up in Medford and we were out of school for three-and-a-half weeks, including our February vacation. We eventually had to stay later in the day and give up April vacation to make up the time.

GOD BLESS OUR PARENTS!!

The storm that was too dangerous to go out in turned into a winter wonderland for kids and adults alike. Endless hours of sledding and snowball fights were sandwiched around back breaking shoveling. It also brought about a great sense of community. Families got together for board games, pizza and pasta dinners and more than a few adult beverages were tossed back as folks lamented, yet celebrated the massive mound of white stuff that was EVERYWHERE.

A Video compilation of "Blizzard of '78" pictures

blizzard of 1978 pics

this is a video by Billy McLaughlin.

The Video Vault of the "Blizzard of '78"

Video vault: The blizzard of 1978

Video vault: The blizzard of 1978

Barry Burbank reflects on the "Blizzard of '78"

Blizzard of '78: Barry Burbank's Memories of the Historic Storm

Barry was forecasting in New England during the storm, and has seen how forecasting has evolved in the 40 years since.

Getty Images