The tide reached 7.5 feet (2.3 m) above mean low water in Atlantic County and 8.5 feet (2.6 m) above mean low water in Cape May County. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - It’s now been 25 years since the blizzard of 1996. Recent Post by Page. English (US) 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. Think road closures, power outages, business and school closures, etc. Tony Wilt files legislation to establish school remediation task force, Staunton City Council appoints new city attorney. The Blizzard of '96 struck the DMV on January 6th through 8th. 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. Baltimore received 22.5 inches (57 cm) and Washington Dulles International Airport received 24.6 inches (62 cm). Blizzard conditions developed during the afternoon and evening as strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low pressure. 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 Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts . 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. Bike Messenger. 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. Disposal of snow became a major issue but temperatures quickly returned to normal and began to quickly clear the snow. 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. 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. THE BLIZZARD OF `96. The remaining snowpack of about 6-15″ melted away in an astonishing 12 hours. 2016-01-22 23 52 49 Snow falling at night during the Blizzard of 2016 along Virginia State Route 228 (Elden Street) at Virginia State Route 228 Truck and Virginia State Secondary Route 606 Truck (Herndon Parkway) in Herndon, Virginia.jpg 3,264 × 2,448; 1.96 MB Currently, the Blizzard of ‘96 ranks as the fifth biggest D.C. snowstorm, as measured at Reagan National. 6 days ago. These two major events in January set the stage for the rest of the year. The Blizzard of '96 stranded hundreds of people at Trenton's train station; left thousands without electricity and heat for days; closed most schools and government offices for a week; cut off an estimated US$1 billion in Jersey commerce; forced the National Guard into service rescuing state troopers from snowbound police cruisers; and created strife between officials and residents demanding the plowing of their little streets. Christmas on Christmas Ave. in Victoria. Most of Virginia was impacted with the more central and western parts receiving one to three feet (30 to 91 cm) of snow. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' heraldcourier.com | 6d. The Blizzard of '96. 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). It remains the city's all-time greatest snowstorm, compared to its previous greatest snowstorm which was a "mere" 21.3 inches (54 cm). The Blizzard of 1996 was a rough one, but it still ranks only fifth in county history. These photos below are of the flooding from Upper Tract in West Virginia. Philadelphia was the hardest-hit city from the Blizzard of '96 with the City of Brotherly Love receiving its biggest snowfall ever from one storm: 31 inches. This was an incredible storm for all of the big cities in the northeast. Jun 2012 . 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. Hazards associated with the winter storm included blizzard conditions, strong winds, extreme wind chills, and minor to moderate coastal flooding. One of the worst winter storms of the 20th Century buried the east coast of the United States under feet of snow 25 years ago, with devastating impacts from the Gulf Coast to Canada. Providence, Rhode Island received 24 inches (61 cm) of snow, while Boston and Hartford, Connecticut both received 18.2 inches (46 cm). Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts . 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. The Blizzard of '96. News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. At the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, one could walk from the lighthouse 100 yards on the frozen Atlantic. One of the biggest, most impactful snowstorms for the east coast. New Jersey was, along with other states, put into a state of emergency. Split w/ Direct Hit! 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. 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. 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. Call it-as did one Washington, D.C. snow coordinator-a "catastrophe." placeholder. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - It’s now been 25 years since the blizzard of 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. One person died from exposure during the storm and ten others died of heart attacks shoveling show during and after the storm. In DC, it was known as the "Blizzard of '96" or the "Great Furlough Storm," because it occurred just after the 1996 federal government shutdown[3] and since the Federal government was closed due to the storm, lengthened the time federal employees were away from their jobs in the DC area. 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 In the East, the most notable of these events was the Blizzard of 1996" which occurred during January 6-9 . 46 votes, 34 comments. Tumblr; Recommendations. Jun 2012. High winds — gusts were recorded at 160 mph — knocked trees over, and caused almost 1 million power outages. https://www.whsv.com/2021/01/07/remembering-the-blizzard-of-1996 What made things worse, ten days after the storm temperatures rose to around 60 degrees leading to a rapid snow melt with heavy rain on the 18th and 19th. Elizabeth, New Jersey also reported 32 inches (81 cm) of snow. Oct 2014. High winds whipped around the snow, reducing visibility and leaving drifts as high as 5-8 feet, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). But overnight, as the storm slowly crawled northward, extremely heavy bands of snow came in from the east. User account menu. George Allen declared a state of emergency as power lines went down, people were trapped in their houses, and at least eight weather-related deaths occurred. And most people today forget about the second disaster that quickly followed – … Are you prepared if a storm like this happens again this winter? Do you remember the the blizzard of 96? Log In Sign Up. 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. Not only was it heavy rain on the 19th but thunderstorms as well. 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. The Blizzard of ‘96, however, was more lethal than most of its brethren. Damage included barns, poultry houses, greenhouses and porches. In the Southside Hampton Roads region, most of the communities saw at least a foot of snow between January 6 and January 12. And most people today forget about the second disaster that quickly followed – and led to at least 80 fatalities. User account menu. Snow began falling during the predawn hours of the 7th and became heavy at times during the morning. Also, I remember driving to … 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. One of the biggest, most impactful snowstorms for the east coast. An unexpected clipper dropped 1 to 5 inches of snow on the area several days after blizzard … Those who lived through this infamous blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter. Those who lived through this infamous blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter. 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. B - Sides. On January 20, 1978, one of the worst blizzards in modern history struck West Virginia. New York: Blizzard of '96. The Blizzard of ‘96, however, was more lethal than most of its brethren. See more ideas about blizzard of 1996, blizzard, east coast. Blizzard Of '96. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. Jun 2011. It killed at least 383 people, caused about $700 million of damage, and became a weather prediction case study. At the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, one could walk from the lighthouse 100 yards on the frozen Atlantic. The official Mathias total was 26.5" but we all know snow can vary especially with elevation changes pic.twitter.com/bsnNugrVmQ. This was an incredible storm for all of the big cities in the northeast. Close • Posted by just now. 67.4k members in the rva community. 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. 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. 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. And most people today forget about the second disaster that quickly followed – and led to at least 80 fatalities. March 11-13, 1888: The Blizzard of '88 or White Hurricane took down nascent electric lines and telegraph poles from Washington to New York. To this day, the Blizzard of '96 remains Philadelphia's single biggest snowstorm on record with a total of 30.7 inches. 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. The blizzard of 1996: The aftermath of all the snowfall – Dec 24, 2016. Gov. 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). All other New Jersey observing sites, as well as most sites in neighboring states, failed to observe true blizzard conditions, though many stations did observe blizzard conditions for less than the necessary three consecutive hours. [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. The heaviest snow fell in Page County, with around 37 inches (94 cm). Call The Zoo. Buses were unable to run, and subway service was limited. An unexpected clipper dropped 1 to 5 inches of snow on the area several days after blizzard … PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' News-Virginian | 7d. 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). Heavy snow quickly overpowered toad crews and highways were shut down. All rights reserved. Posted by 3 hours ago. Today at 8:20 AM . Jan 2012. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' CAN WE GET A REPEAT!?!? Photo from Terri Brown of the heavy snow in Mathias from Jan 1996She reported 4.5'! Lee Geistlinger / December 28, 2000. 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. Log In Sign Up. I Always Leave But Never Say Goodbye. News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. In Page county more than 200 people were evacuated in the Skyline Lakes Dam area because it was feared the dam would break. Amanda Carlyle North Delta in the … The image is an archive radar image showing the heavy rain and January thunderstorms which produced the flooding. Call it the "snowstorm of the century." One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. [2] It was followed by another storm, an Alberta Clipper, on January 12,[3] then unusually warm weather and torrential rain which caused rapid melting and river flooding. Despite the storm's common name as the "Blizzard of 1996", some of the few observing sites to record true blizzard conditions were Trenton-Mercer Airport near Trenton, New Jersey and Morristown Municipal Airport located east of Morristown, New Jersey, with Morristown recording wind gusts in excess of 63 miles per hour (101 km/h). Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. For Long Island, it started on a Sunday late morning and continued into Monday afternoon. I Always Leave But Never Say Goodbye. Blizzard of 1996 in Centreville, Virginia - Includes NBC 4 Bob Ryan Coverage (Pt. [10]. Currently, the Blizzard of ‘96 ranks as the fifth biggest D.C. snowstorm, as measured at Reagan National. 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. Along with the March Superstorm of 1993 and Winter Storm Jonas, it is one of only three snowstorms to receive the top rating of 5, or "Extreme", on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS).[4]. Numerous thunderstorms all summer led to above average rainfall nearly every month. ", "Now you know about Philadelphia's biggest snowstorms", "Daily Summaries Station Details: TRENTON STATE COLLEGE, NJ US", Snowfall Totals from the Northeast Regional Climate Center, Cornell University, Major snow and ice events in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_blizzard_of_1996&oldid=999657428, 1996 natural disasters in the United States, Articles needing additional references from January 2016, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 980 mb (28.94 inHg) at 7:00 am EST on January 8th, 154 fatalities total (another 33 took place during flooding after the storm), This page was last edited on 11 January 2021, at 07:59. Virginia’s rivers froze. Northern Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters - Nova VOAD. 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. These bands created whiteout conditions as winds gusted past 40 miles per hour (64 km/h), along with thunder and lightning. Beseiged by wave after wave of heavy snows, crews in the eastern and southeastern U.S. still manage to keep traffic flowing. The Blizzard of 1996 was a rough one, but it still ranks only fifth in county history. 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. 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." It was the result of a Nor’easter that developed the previous day… 46 votes, 34 comments. Press J to jump to the feed. Snowfall reached three feet (91 cm) in the Shenandoah Valley and exceeded two feet (61 cm) in much of the Virginia mountain and Piedmont areas. Press J to jump to the feed. English (US) 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. The wind was relentless, and I will never forget the drifting of the snow that occurred overnight. Of course the high water and flooding closed numerous roads. While most suburban districts in the area close for snow several times each winter, in the city itself they rarely do because of relatively easy access to underground subways whose ability to run is not appreciably affected by snowstorms of moderate to large accumulation; however, in this snowstorm, the transit network was significantly disrupted. Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith. 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. 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. On January 20, 1978, one of the worst blizzards in modern history struck West Virginia. Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. 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. You can upload photos to: You can learn more on Hurricane Fran here: Copyright 2021 WHSV. This loop only covers part of it. And most people today forget about the second disaster that quickly followed – … and West Virginia, 40- to 48-inch snowfalls were common. Fairfax County CERT Volunteers. Blizzard of '96 snow totals. The snowstorm covered an area from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, and buried parts in more than 30 inches of snow. Damages were estimated to reach US$1 billion.[8]. This Thursday! One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6-8, 1996. 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. Rainfall was 1-4″ of rain on top of melting snow, leading to widespread flooding and flash flooding. However the snow was so extensive, that plowing would cause massive snow piles. One of the most severe blizzards on record to impact the Northern Plains occurred 50 years ago between March 2-5 of 1966. 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). Schools in New York City's boroughs closed because of snow for the first time since the Blizzard of 1978, 18 years earlier. 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. Oct 2014. Often by mid-March the weather is warming, but that year the state experienced what became known as The Storm of the Century, or the Great Blizzard of 1993. User account menu • PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' News. But we can be glad that we aren’t experiencing anything like the blizzard that hit West Virginia in 1993. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6 … PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' Richmond.com | 6d. 4 days ago. Call it-as did one Washington, D.C. snow coordinator-a "catastrophe." For Long Island, it started on a Sunday late morning and continued into Monday afternoon. Richmond had anywhere from 17"-24" of snow. Philadelphia saw its worst flooding in twenty years. A cold week of weather with two more snowstorms followed the Blizzard of ’96. Because the snow was more powdery and dry, power outages were limited. A community for Northern Virginia -- Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun … Press J to jump to the feed. Close. In Broadway, Main street had to be evacuated because a fuel oil tank and two propane tanks broke loose and started floating down the street. Fortunately, winds switched to the northwest before worse flooding could occur at high tide on the morning of the 8th. Snowfall amounts decreased sharply as one moved further north, with northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine receiving little more than snow flurries from this event. 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. The “1996 Blizzard” from January 6 to January 13, 1996 affected much of the eastern seaboard. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Lynchburg, VA - Sunday marked the anniversary of the Blizzard of 1996, which paralyzed parts of Virginia. 8 3 38. 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. The mayor declared a state of emergency, and only police and other emergency workers were permitted to drive on city streets leaving the city to pedestrians. Amounts up to 48 inches were reported in western Virginia and the mountains of West Virginia. Rainfall ranges from about 1″ to 4″+ across the area on top of the melting snow. Nov 2010. Boundaries. A loop of the radar from the "Blizzard of 96". Fairfax County CERT Volunteers. Those who lived through this infamous blizzard had never seen so much snow from one storm or over one winter. [5] Roanoke got a record-breaking 23 inches (58 cm). Beseiged by wave after wave of heavy snows, crews in the eastern and southeastern U.S. still manage to keep traffic flowing. While accumulations were lighter along the shore, the strong northeasterly flow produced moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tide on the evening of the 7th, with tides 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m) above normal. a. In addition to heavy snow, there were gusty winds which led to snow drifts of 4′-10′ tall! High winds that accompanied the blizzard caused white out conditions and drifts of up to 10 feet (300 cm) in Patrick County. Jul 2011. Drifting snow can also make measuring snow very difficult. Can't Take This Away. In Virginia, the winter storm left up to 36 inches of snow in portions of the state. 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. discography. 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. In fact the Blizzard of 1996 is ranked as the #2 worst snowstorm for the Northeast corridor by NOAA. 8 3 38. For three days, city trucks loaded with plowed snow dumped their contents into the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers eventually causing major problems with the natural flow of the rivers. English (US) Posted by 3 hours ago. 67.4k members in the rva community. Fairfax County CERT Volunteers. 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. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The wind was relentless, and I will never forget the drifting of the snow that occurred overnight. Can't Take This Away. Yesterday at 9:16 PM. PHOTOS: 25 years ago, Virginia got walloped by the 'Blizzard of '96' CAN WE GET A REPEAT!?!? In the fall, a remnant hurricane moved through leading to more widespread flooding. Other individual accumulations included 33 inches (84 cm) in Ontelaunee Township (Berks), 30 inches (76 cm) in Reading (Berks) and Palm and Souderton (Montgomery), 28 inches (71 cm) in Perkasie (Bucks), and 26 inches (66 cm) in Glenmoore (Chester). Lines that ran in open cut and surface routes were shut down for two days. 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. Places such as Roselle and Linden received around 30 inches (76 cm). Call it the "snowstorm of the century." It is a rare occurrence for trucks to "dispose of snow" in the Philadelphia area, since the snowfall amounts typically do not warrant it. 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. This indicates that the sites experienced some of the worst conditions on the entire East Coast. Snow ranged from 15″ to about 3′ across the area with a few locally higher amounts. One of this region’s most extreme snowstorms struck 25 years ago on Jan. 6 … By the morning of January 8, the bands tapered off, and the metro area was left with a blanket of 15 to 25 inches (38 to 64 cm) of snow. 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]. 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. Whiteout conditions as winds gusted past 40 miles per hour ( 64 km/h ), with... Worst snowstorm for the east coast however, because of the year the worst blizzards modern... Remaining snowpack of about 6-15″ melted away in an astonishing 12 hours from 15″ about... ( US ) this was an incredible storm for all of the most Notable of these events was Blizzard. It-As did one Washington, D.C. snow coordinator-a `` catastrophe. ranks as the fifth D.C.... Or over one winter of snow of damage, and goings-on in and around Richmond Virginia. 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