The Polar Express that blasted into Washington for President Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural in 1985 forced the whole inaugural ceremony indoors, and the parade was canceled.

Jan. 21, 1985, 40 years ago today, was the coldest inauguration on record. Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term on a day in which the morning low was 4 degrees below zero and the midday reading was only 7 degrees. It did eventually reach 17 degrees by the afternoon, but wind chills in the afternoon were in the teens and 20s below zero.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan were disappointed, but felt they had no choice. That's what White House Press Secretary Larry Speakes told reporters on Jan. 18, 1985, after the Republican president and first