Red Cross workers search for victims buried in cars following snowfall during the Blizzard of 77. Only about 12 inches of new snow fell during this event but high winds coupled with existing snow in western New York and accumulated snow on the surface of frozen Lake Erie combined to cause major difficulties. Buffalo, NY, February, 1977. The Blizzard of 1977 was a deadly blizzard that hit upstate New York and Southern Ontario from January 28 to February 1, 1977. Daily peak wind gusts ranging from 46 to 69 mph. In the hardest-struck areas, snowmobiles became the only viable method of transportation.