slides: The 10 Greatest Blizzards in Rhode Island History
Monday, January 26, 2015
GoLocalProv News Team
Rhode Island is no stranger to severe winter weather. In 2013, Rhode Island experienced the wrath of Winter Storm Nemo, which blanketed the state in two feet of snow and left over 180,000 homes and businesses without power. And who could forget the mother of all winter storms – the Blizzard of 1978.
Although the Blizzard of '78 and Nemo may be a fixture in the minds of Rhode Islanders, the Ocean State has experienced many other storms throughout its history. From an April Fool’s Day storm that was no laughing matter to an overlooked 125-year-old blizzard, we’ve done the research to bring to you the top ten blizzards ever to hit Rhode Island.
Related Slideshow: Top 10 Blizzards in RI History
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10. Blizzard of 2010
Max Accumulation: Approximately 13"
December 26-27, 2010
This winter storm brought more than a foot of snow to several parts of Rhode Island, including 13 inches in Woonsocket.
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9. Blizzard of 2003
Max Accumulation: Approximately 15"
February 14-19, 2013
Know as the President’s Day Storm II, this blizzard brought roughly 15 inches to Ocean State.
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8. Blizzard of 2009
Max Accumulation: Approximately 16"
December 16-20, 2009
Blizzard warnings were in effect in southern Rhode Island when this storm hit just before Christmas 2009.
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7. April Fool's Day Blizzard
Max Accumulation: Approximately 18"
March 30 to April 1, 1997
This blizzard was no joke when it dropped 18 inches of snow in Providence.
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6. 1969 Nor’easter
Max Accumulation: Approximately 20"
February 8-10, 1969
This storm blanketed many parts of Rhode Island with upwards of 20 inches of snow.
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5. Great Blizzard of 1888
Max Accumulation: Approximately 20"
March 11-14, 1888
One of the most severe recorded blizzards in the history of the United States, this superstorm dumped 20 inches in Kingston.
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4. Blizzard of 1996
Max Accumulation: Approximately 23"
Jan. 6-10, 1996
One of two blizzards to receive an “extreme” rating on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale, this storm blanketing parts of Rhode Island with upwards of 23 inches of snow.
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3. Blizzard of 2005
Max Accumulation: Approximately 23.5"
January 20-23, 2005
This three-day storm delivered more nearly two feet of snow to some parts of Rhode Island.
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2. Winter Storm Nemo
Max Accumulation: Approximately 24"
February 7-18, 2013
About 180,000 RI homes and businesses lost power during this powerful blizzard.
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1. Blizzard of 1978
Max Accumulation: Approximately 38"
February 5-7, 1978
This historic nor’easter, which claimed the lives of 26 Rhode Islanders, brought a record-breaking 27.6 inches of snow to Providence and 38 inches to Woonsocket.
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