Will Mother Nature repeat the Blizzard of 1978?

(WTNH) -- As we brace for one potentially big snowstorm we remember another that crippled the state. The Blizzard of 1978 ripped through the state 35-years-ago today killing about 100 people.

Other snowstorms just can't compare. The blizzard of '78 was giant, historic, and for most, unforgettable. News 8 found nightmarish memories at the East Haven Senior Center.

"I got right to the bottom of the hill and the truck stopped. I got up, lifted the hood and all snow was in it," said Salvatore Corso of West Haven.

"It was not good memories you know? Couldn't get to work or anything. You were just at a standstill. Everyone was at a standstill," said Rae Voira.

While they waited it out, Tommy Letis was on the front lines hired by the state to plow.

"It was totally closed down. No one could do anything but walk out of there," said Tommy Letis, Letis Trucking.

He says several plow trucks broke down, but he was able to break through walls of snow and free people from stuck in cars.

"All the people were carrying their kids over the bank and there was a little restaurant there," said Letis. "Most of the people tried to get in there to keep the kids warm."

He tackled snow for more than 30 years and says nothing compares to this monster.

"Seven days straight, 24 hours a day. We plowed and we hauled sand so we just kept going. We were young and needed the money," Letis said laughing.

While he worked and others were stuck, one 5-year-old boy watching tv was inspired.

"I said, 'that is what I want to do.' I fell in love with snow, storms and television," said Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons.

He says even with the advances in forecasting, emergency response, and communication, paralyzing snow could happen again.

"In the blizzard of '78 many places had 30-35 inches up in Eastern Connecticut, Northeastern Connecticut. Some 40 inches over in Southeastern Mass. That is a freak snowstorm, but we had some with 30 inches just a few winters ago," said Gil Simmons.