Beginning in December 1977 and lasting until March, it produced one of the coldest winters on record in all states east of the Rocky Mountains, except Maine.
Blowing snow meant that roads could not be cleared, and hundreds of automobile accidents were caused by the blizzard conditions.
Insulation by the very heavy northeastern snow led to severe damage to major roads by potholes, as liquid water was able to erode the tar more effectively.
Due to blowing snow, ice, and severe cold, semi trucks had their deliveries delayed.
[citation needed] The severe cold wave ameliorated only slightly in March, and as late as March 25 a severe storm with freezing rain brought down powerlines in Illinois, hindering rescue efforts by shutting down telephone communications.