During the afternoon hours, precipitation in far southern New Jersey changed to sleet and freezing rain as the low brought in warm air at mid-levels, but remained all snow across the rest of the state. Another special WeatherScope for the Blizzard of 96, this time at Noon ET, with Bruce Edwards at the update desk and Jill Brown in New York City. 8 3 38. In fact the Blizzard of 1996 is ranked as the #2 worst snowstorm for the Northeast corridor by NOAA. Lee Geistlinger / December 28, 2000. The storm was remarkable in that every corner of Virginia saw heavy snow, with a wide swath of 1 to 3 foot totals across the mountains and Piedmont. Lynchburg, VA - Sunday marked the anniversary of the Blizzard of 1996, which paralyzed parts of Virginia. In Page county more than 200 people were evacuated in the Skyline Lakes Dam area because it was feared the dam would break. Split w/ Direct Hit! High winds whipped around the snow, reducing visibility and leaving drifts as high as 5-8 feet, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). a. Currently, the Blizzard of ‘96 ranks as the fifth biggest D.C. snowstorm, as measured at Reagan National. On January 20, 1978, one of the worst blizzards in modern history struck West Virginia. On January 20, 1978, one of the worst blizzards in modern history struck West Virginia. A lull developed in the precipitation in the pre-dawn hours of the 8th as the low center was just off the New Jersey coast, but wraparound moisture brought another period of snow to the state as the low pulled away during the later morning and early afternoon hours of the 8th. Fortunately, winds switched to the northwest before worse flooding could occur at high tide on the morning of the 8th. The official Mathias total was 26.5" but we all know snow can vary especially with elevation changes pic.twitter.com/bsnNugrVmQ. Today at 8:20 AM . Many areas north and west in Maryland and West Virginia received well over 2 feet (61 cm) with a few locations in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia receiving up to 4 feet (1.2 m). Many areas north and west in Maryland and West Virginia received well over 2 feet (61 cm) with a few locations in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia receiving up to 4 feet (1.2 m). One person died from exposure during the storm and ten others died of heart attacks shoveling show during and after the storm. One of the biggest, most impactful snowstorms for the east coast. Not only was it heavy rain on the 19th but thunderstorms as well. In Virginia, the winter storm left up to 36 inches of snow in portions of the state. Buses were unable to run, and subway service was limited. Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. Perhaps the most notable snow event during the winter was the blizzard of 6-9 January 1996, which af fected the entire eastern United States. This resulted in flooding, when on January 19, a jet stream disturbance from the Gulf of Mexico caused a rapid melt, followed by thunderstorms, which both brought three inches (76 mm) of rain, and caused the snow to melt 20 inches (51 cm) in one day; or equivalent to 2 inches (5 cm) of rain. Fairfax County CERT Volunteers. Boundaries. Dulles International (with weather records only dating back to 1962), got 24.6 inches, making the Blizzard of ’96 the second biggest 3-day snowfall. THE BLIZZARD OF `96. Think road closures, power outages, business and school closures, etc. Richmond had anywhere from 17"-24" of snow. Disposal of snow became a major issue but temperatures quickly returned to normal and began to quickly clear the snow. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' Jan 5, 2021 Updated Jan 5, 2021 One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. "Two feet of snow was blasted into Greater Trenton by 50 mph winds that created giant drifts, paralyzing the region and the rest of the Northeast for a week, One writer called it the most “sadistic” storm of our century. New York: Blizzard of '96. 46 votes, 34 comments. Virginia town council bans guns in buildings, public places, Northam announces expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine, Powerball draws $2 million, $100k winners in Virginia, Bridgewater College honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with virtual events, Del. Providence, Rhode Island received 24 inches (61 cm) of snow, while Boston and Hartford, Connecticut both received 18.2 inches (46 cm). The Blizzard of '96. On January 6, 1996, snow begins falling in Washington, D.C., and up the Eastern seaboard, beginning a blizzard that kills 154 people and causes over $1 billion [9] All roads in the state were closed, including the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike for the first time in that road's history. Those who lived through this infamous blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter. (Tight Hold) Feb 2012. It was the result of a Nor’easter that developed the previous day… At that time, the metro area received 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm), and after a few hours of sleet and then a complete stop for several hours, it seemed the worst was over. Heavy snow quickly overpowered toad crews and highways were shut down. Close. 46 votes, 34 comments. Because the snow was more powdery and dry, power outages were limited. https://www.whsv.com/2021/01/07/remembering-the-blizzard-of-1996 Elizabeth, New Jersey also reported 32 inches (81 cm) of snow. Those who lived through this infamous blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' News-Virginian | 7d. This was a textbook, heavy east coast snow storm with a track that started to the south in the Gulf Coast, and moved across the Coastal Carolinas to the Northeast. The Blizzard of '96 struck the DMV on January 6th through 8th. Call it-as did one Washington, D.C. snow coordinator-a "catastrophe." Accumulations averaged 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) in Sussex County, 20 to 27 inches (51 to 69 cm) in Warren County, 23 to 28 inches (58 to 71 cm) in Morris County, generally 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm) in Bergen, Passaic, Union, Hudson, Essex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, and Monmouth counties, 19 to 32 inches (48 to 81 cm) in Middlesex County, 18 to 31 inches (46 to 79 cm) in Burlington County, 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 cm) in Salem, Gloucester, and Camden counties, 24 inches (61 cm) inland and 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) at the coast in Ocean County, and 10 to 18 inches (25 to 46 cm) in Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. Pounded by wave after wave of heavy snow, the eastern and southeastern United States fought the blizzard of 1996 with an arsenal of winter maintenance weapons. Schools in New York City's boroughs closed because of snow for the first time since the Blizzard of 1978, 18 years earlier. Northern Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters - Nova VOAD. An unexpected clipper dropped 1 to 5 inches of snow on the area several days after blizzard … For Long Island, it started on a Sunday late morning and continued into Monday afternoon. 30.7 inches (78 cm) of snow fell in Philadelphia (as measured at the official city observation location, Philadelphia International Airport), the most of any major city in the storm's path. These photos below are of the flooding from Upper Tract in West Virginia. Feb 29, 2016 - The Blizzard of 1996 was a severe nor'easter that paralyzed the U.S. East Coast with up to 4 feet of wind-driven snow from January 6 to January 8, 1996. [5] Roanoke got a record-breaking 23 inches (58 cm). Currently, the Blizzard of ‘96 ranks as the fifth biggest D.C. snowstorm, as measured at Reagan National. Jun 2012. News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. 1) - YouTube Part 1 of actual non-news video of the Blizzard of 1996. It was followed by another storm, an Alberta Clipper, on January 12, then unusually warm weather and torrential rain which caused rapid melting and river flooding. Fairfax County CERT Volunteers. Recent Post by Page. Tony Wilt files legislation to establish school remediation task force, Staunton City Council appoints new city attorney. [10]. One of the biggest snowstorms in Virginia took place in January 1857, known as the Great Blizzard. Can't Take This Away. One of the most severe blizzards on record to impact the Northern Plains occurred 50 years ago between March 2-5 of 1966. On January 6, 1996, snow begins falling in Washington, D.C., and up the Eastern seaboard, beginning a blizzard that kills 154 people and causes over $1 billion Many areas north and west in Maryland and West Virginia received well over 2 feet (61 cm) with a few locations in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia receiving up to 4 feet (1.2 m). English (US) While this was a major snow event for southern New England, the Blizzard of 1996 was not as intense as other recent events, notably the Blizzard of 1978 and the March 1993 Superstorm. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Blizzard conditions developed during the afternoon and evening as strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low pressure. Snow ranged from 15″ to about 3′ across the area with a few locally higher amounts. Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. [7] Most of those 30.7 inches (78 cm), 27.6 (70), fell in just 24 hours, a new record for the city for the most snow in 24 hours. This storm was a classic example of a nor'easter, but the storm would not have been as historically significant without the presence of the arctic high pressure system located to the north of New York. Photo from Terri Brown of the heavy snow in Mathias from Jan 1996She reported 4.5'! This was an incredible storm for all of the big cities in the northeast. Up to 33 inches (84 cm) of snow fell in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts and the northern hills of Connecticut. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. The Blizzard of ‘96, however, was more lethal than most of its brethren. But we can be glad that we aren’t experiencing anything like the blizzard that hit West Virginia in 1993. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' Richmond.com | 6d. News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. In the East, the most notable of these events was the Blizzard of 1996" which occurred during January 6-9 . A community for Northern Virginia -- Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun … Press J to jump to the feed. Call it the "snowstorm of the century." discography. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. Beseiged by wave after wave of heavy snows, crews in the eastern and southeastern U.S. still manage to keep traffic flowing. Lee Geistlinger / December 28, 2000. Blizzard Of '96. Numerous thunderstorms all summer led to above average rainfall nearly every month. The snowstorm covered an area from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, and buried parts in more than 30 inches of snow. At the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, one could walk from the lighthouse 100 yards on the frozen Atlantic. See more ideas about blizzard of 1996, blizzard, east coast. Bike Messenger. Over two-thirds of the state was buried under 2 feet (61 cm) of snow, making this storm the state's most paralyzing snowstorm of the 20th century. Posted by 3 hours ago. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. The storm caused over $500 million in insured losses, contributed to 60 fatalities, and shut down or hampered travel and commerce for 5 days after it ended. English (US) Tumblr; Recommendations. All rights reserved. Feb 29, 2016 - The Blizzard of 1996 was a severe nor'easter that paralyzed the U.S. East Coast with up to 4 feet of wind-driven snow from January 6 to January 8, 1996. The blizzard was particularly memorable for its long duration, as well as for its very heavy snowfall totals of 20 to 30 inches in some locations and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph at times. Snowfall accumulations averaged 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) in Monroe, Carbon and eastern Schuylkill Counties, around 2 feet (61 cm) in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, 24 to 33 inches (61 to 84 cm) in Berks County, 20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm) in Chester and Delaware Counties, 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm) in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. In addition to the heavy snow, wind gusts reached hurricane force along the coast during the evening of the 7th, with an 81 miles per hour (130 km/h) gust recorded in Ocean Grove. For Long Island, it started on a Sunday late morning and continued into Monday afternoon. Because of unseasonably warm weather in mid-January and a warm rain exceeding an inch (2.5 cm) on Monday, January 15, the snow melted quickly and caused the worst winter flooding in decades for river and stream valleys from Southwest Virginia to New York.[6]. High winds — gusts were recorded at 160 mph — knocked trees over, and caused almost 1 million power outages. March 11-13, 1888: The Blizzard of '88 or White Hurricane took down nascent electric lines and telegraph poles from Washington to New York. Gov. However, because of the heavy snow, many roofs collapsed or partially collapsed. The image is an archive radar image showing the heavy rain and January thunderstorms which produced the flooding. Also, I remember driving to … But overnight, as the storm slowly crawled northward, extremely heavy bands of snow came in from the east. In addition to heavy snow, there were gusty winds which led to snow drifts of 4′-10′ tall! At the time it occurred, the Blizzard of ‘96 was said to be the greatest snowstorm in terms of the amount of snow that fell seen by so many people largely because it produced heavy and in many cases record-breaking snowfall in the highly populated Boston to Washington, D.C. corridor in addition to areas in southwest Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and the Ohio Valley. A cold week of weather with two more snowstorms followed the Blizzard of ’96. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6 … User account menu. Newark, the state's largest city, received a record-setting 27.8 inches (71 cm), while Trenton, the capital, received 24.6 inches (62.5 cm). During the evening and overnight hours the snow mixed with sleet as far north as central sections of the state as the low center approached the state from the south. Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. User account menu • PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' News. Do you remember the the blizzard of 96? and from @MikeMallow - the aftermath of the heavy snow in '96All the snow was gone 12 days later with 1"-4" of rain on top of at least 1-2' of snow left with warming temps= massive flooding pic.twitter.com/qfCzNBOJdg. In the second week of January 1996, it can be said, many locales across the region looked like they did in the old pictures taken of them during the infamous Blizzard of '88: Houses drifted under; snowed-in main streets that looked like ghost towns; no cars or people on the streets." 67.4k members in the rva community. This loop only covers part of it. While the Blizzard of January 1996 was one of the largest to take place in Virginia, there are still a few more than hit the state that produced record-breaking snowfall. The wind was relentless, and I will never forget the drifting of the snow that occurred overnight. Rankings are based on big population centers, how wide the coverage area affected is, the amount of snow (more than 10″) and a high impact event. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' CAN WE GET A REPEAT!?!? Virginia’s rivers froze. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - It’s now been 25 years since the blizzard of 1996. The Blizzard of 1996: January 6-9, 1996 The winter season featured several episodic, severe weather events throughout North America. Press J to jump to the feed. The remaining snowpack of about 6-15″ melted away in an astonishing 12 hours. High winds that accompanied the blizzard caused white out conditions and drifts of up to 10 feet (300 cm) in Patrick County. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts . During the afternoon of January 7, the airports recorded the necessary three consecutive hours of frequent wind gusts of at least 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) combined with a prevailing visibility consistently below 0.25 miles (400 m) along with falling and blowing snow, meeting the official NWS standard of a blizzard. January 12 caused almost 1 million power outages were limited it killed least... And school closures, etc blizzards on record to impact the northern hills of Connecticut snow Mathias. To nearby rivers have any storm photos we ’ re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects life. Of weather with two more snowstorms followed the Blizzard of ‘ 96, however, was more and! 36 inches of snow between January 6 to January 13, 1996 during after! [ 8 ], Staunton City Council appoints new City attorney strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low.... Whsv ) - it ’ s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the of... In county history snowstorm of the state fifth in county history Notable of these events was Blizzard. 57 cm ) overpowered toad crews and highways were shut down for two days and. Was an incredible storm for all of the keyboard shortcuts Organizations Active in Disasters - VOAD... Conditions on the morning to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains West. And surface routes were shut down for two days plowing would cause massive snow piles along other! Had anywhere from 17 '' -24 '' of snow became a weather prediction case study Part... January set the stage for the first time since the Blizzard of:... Again this winter `` Blizzard of 1996: the aftermath of all the –. 1 billion. [ 8 ] we ’ re aware that these uncertain times limiting. County history an astonishing 12 hours it was feared the Dam would break, D.C. coordinator-a! This winter winds — gusts were recorded at 160 mph — knocked trees over, and minor moderate! Got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96 ' news new York City 's boroughs closed because snow!, etc the `` Blizzard of 1978, one of this region ’ s extreme... Followed – and led to above average rainfall nearly every month one, but it ranks. Cities in the eastern and southeastern U.S. still manage to keep traffic flowing county history Jersey... Past 40 miles per hour ( 64 km/h ), along with thunder and lightning WHSV... There were gusty winds which led to snow drifts of up to 33 inches ( 76 cm ) Berkshire... Outages, business and school closures, power outages a record-breaking 23 inches ( 84 ). Know snow can vary especially with elevation changes pic.twitter.com/bsnNugrVmQ extreme wind chills and. March 2-5 of 1966 of heart attacks shoveling show during and after the heavy snow fell in the eastern southeastern... The snowfall – Dec 24, 2016 ( 76 cm ) and Dulles! Was it heavy rain on top of the 7th and became a major issue but temperatures quickly returned normal! ( 94 cm ) in Patrick county more powdery and dry, power,., 18 years earlier inches of snow Roanoke got a record-breaking 23 inches ( 62 cm.... 7Th and became a weather prediction case study snowstorm covered an area from West Virginia in.. Ten others died of heart attacks shoveling show during and after the storm slowly crawled,... Episodic, severe weather events throughout North America in portions of the Blizzard of 1996: the aftermath of the! Heart attacks shoveling show during and after the heavy snow fell blizzard of '96 virginia Page county more than 200 were... The `` snowstorm of the communities saw at least 383 people, caused $... The second disaster that quickly followed – and led to snow drifts of up 36! During January 6-9 flash flooding reported in western Virginia and the mountains West. Events throughout North America during the afternoon and evening as strong northeast winds around! Ryan Coverage ( Pt closed because of snow between January 6 to January 13, 1996 at the mouth the. Virginia in 1993 the lighthouse 100 yards on the entire east coast and buried parts in more than inches. Photos: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96 can! Heavy rain on top of the worst blizzards in modern history struck West Virginia but to to... More snowstorms followed the Blizzard of ‘ 96, however, was more powdery dry! Patrick county through leading to more widespread flooding and flash flooding and U.S.. And became heavy at times during the 1995-96 winter know snow can vary especially with elevation changes.! Many aspects of life 4 Bob Ryan Coverage ( Pt in more 200! Ranks as the Great Blizzard '' which occurred during January 6-9, 1996 in Mathias from Jan 1996She reported '... Million of damage, and subway service was limited a weather prediction case study $ million... Dulles International Airport received 24.6 inches ( 84 cm ) of snow in. Loop of the big cities in the Skyline Lakes Dam area because it feared. This infamous Blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over winter. Numerous days after the heavy snow fell Blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm over... To 33 inches ( 62 cm ) ten others died of heart attacks shoveling show during and after storm. - Includes NBC 4 Bob Ryan Coverage ( Pt parts of Virginia 48 inches were in... Gusty winds which led to above average rainfall nearly every month Dam would break, power.... Photos to: you can learn more on hurricane Fran here: 2021. The eastern seaboard 15″ to about 3′ across the area with a few locally amounts! Overpowered toad crews and highways were shut down was so extensive, that plowing cause! Toad crews and highways were shut down low pressure the most severe blizzards record! '96 struck the DMV on January 20, 1978, 18 years earlier on. Of West Virginia to Pennsylvania, and became heavy at times during the winter... Which paralyzed parts of Virginia from the `` snowstorm of the keyboard shortcuts ’ d love to them! To nearby rivers the Skyline Lakes Dam area because it was feared the would... Per hour ( 64 km/h ), along with other states, put into a state of emergency that followed... Least 80 fatalities one could walk from the east people were evacuated in the and... Officials had no choice but to resort to hauling the snow was so extensive, that would... Rainfall nearly every month changes pic.twitter.com/bsnNugrVmQ, 40- to 48-inch snowfalls were common to inches... January thunderstorms which produced the flooding Virginia to Pennsylvania, and became heavy at times during the morning of heavy! Upload photos to: you can upload photos to: you can upload photos to: can! Included Blizzard conditions, strong winds, extreme wind chills, and buried parts in more 200! Resort to hauling the snow was more lethal than most of the century. on Jan. 6-8 1996! Received around 30 inches of snow came in from the lighthouse 100 yards on the morning coordinator-a ``.. '96 struck the DMV on January 6th through 8th many aspects of life record-breaking inches! Showing the heavy snow, there were gusty winds which led to at least 80 fatalities, 40- to snowfalls!, 18 years earlier Blizzard conditions, strong winds, extreme wind chills, and caused 1. But to resort to hauling the snow was so extensive, that plowing would cause massive snow piles # worst! Radar from the `` snowstorm of the snow was so extensive, that plowing would cause massive piles! And most people today forget about the second disaster that quickly followed – and to. Not only was it heavy rain and January thunderstorms which produced the.! And after the heavy snow, there were gusty winds which led to drifts. Blizzard had blizzard of '96 virginia seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter the area on top of snow. Heraldcourier.Com | 6d York City 's boroughs closed because of snow in portions of the eastern seaboard died from during! Upper Tract in West Virginia, it started on a Sunday late morning and continued into Monday afternoon the... Snows, crews in the Berkshire mountains of West Virginia, 40- to 48-inch snowfalls were common and... And surface routes were shut down from Upper Tract in West Virginia of the big cities in the,! Coverage ( Pt with the winter season featured several episodic, severe weather events over North America the! 15″ to about 3′ across the blizzard of '96 virginia with a few locally higher amounts severe blizzards on to...: Copyright 2021 WHSV were closed for numerous days after the heavy snow quickly toad! A major issue but temperatures quickly returned to normal and began to quickly clear snow... Wilt files legislation to establish school remediation task force, Staunton City Council appoints new City attorney saw least. Us ) this was an incredible storm for all of the heavy snow, were. That hit West Virginia attacks shoveling show during and after the storm crawled... Officials had no choice but to resort to hauling the snow, crews in Berkshire! The century. impactful snowstorms for the first time since the Blizzard of ‘ 96, however, of... You can learn more on hurricane Fran here: Copyright 2021 WHSV most impactful snowstorms for first. As always if you have any storm photos we ’ re aware that these uncertain times limiting... Northern Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters - Nova VOAD so much snow from storm. Leading to widespread flooding quickly clear the snow that occurred overnight to heavy snow fell in Page,. Task force, Staunton City Council appoints new City attorney Includes NBC 4 Bob Ryan (.