The snowstorm which struck the upper Midwest during the weekend of October 24-26, 1997 and surprised many people by the amount of snow that fell in such a short time.  The snow which fell did so with very damaging effects. Many trees were damaged and many tree branches fell, causing widespread power outages in many communities including Lincoln and Omaha.  Thousands were without power for up to ten days after the catastrophic event. 

This website provides an introduction into what occurred during that October weekend by the use of meteorological surface analyses, satellite imagery and by pictures taken at ground level. 

Record Low Temperature of 8 degrees F., October 27th (old record 17 F, 1925).

Earliest ever single digit temperature.

Monthly snowfall total of 13.2 Inches was the most recorded for any October in the 98 year data record (old record, 6.6 inches October 1970).

External Link:

University of Wisconsin, complete storm analysis

SNOWSTORM '97 (FEMA information and satellite images, October 1997 storm)