Massachusetts is no stranger to crazy winter storms. Due to our position on the northeast coast of the U.S., we feel the full force of countless blizzards and nor’easters. Here are some of the most historic and devastating winter storms In Massachusetts. These are some of the worst that have ever passed through the Bay State.

1. Winter Storm Nemo, 2013
Wikimedia Commons/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_February_2013_North_American_blizzard#/media/File:Winter_Blizzard_2013,_Billerica_MA.jpg
Winter Storm Nemo may not have been classed as a blizzard, but it was just about as destructive a storm as winter in Massachusetts has ever seen. Nemo deposited a record-breaking amount of snow on Boston and the coastal regions of the state. It kicked up winds that reached a staggering 102 m.p.h. Over 700,000 homes were left without electricity in the wake of the storm, and 18 people lost their lives.

You can read more about Winter Storm Nemo on this webpage.
2. The Blizzard of 2006
Boston, MA, USA
Darren McCollester / Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images - Boston, MA North American Blizzard of 2006
This storm was a big one in terms of how many places were affected. The blizzard stretched all across New England, with Massachusetts towns by the water feeling the brunt of the storm. In Central Massachusetts, residents battled their way through over 20 inches of snow. Almost all flights in and out of the state were cancelled for the week following the storm due to massive cleanup efforts. It was certainly one of the worst blizzards in Massachusetts.
3. The Blizzard of 2005
Flickr/Udi
This blizzard was so strong that it actually make it all the way to the U.K. after pummeling New England. The storm struck in late January and caused major highways to completely shut down for days while the snow was cleared away. In some spots, snow drifts climbed as high as 10 feet, one of the highest record snow storms in Massachusetts. Many areas of the state reported white-out conditions on the roads, which led to a great many accidents.

You can read more about North American Blizzard of 2005 on this webpage.
4. The Blizzard of 1978
Wikimedia Commons/Jim McDevitt

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For one generation of Bay Staters, the Blizzard of 1978 needs no introduction. This record-breaking storm struck hard and fast in Massachusetts, with the impact on Boston being particularly devastating. People went to work in the city in the morning and by afternoon, they were stranded without a means to get back home. Many commuters who left work early in an attempt to beat the storm were left marooned on highways. Overall, Boston received 27.1 inches of snow that fell hard and fast. Rockport was also particularly pummeled; the coastal town was buried beneath 32 inches of the white stuff. This blizzard lead to the deaths of at least 73 people in Massachusetts and injured over 4,500 others. It was one of the biggest record snow storms in Massachusetts history and it's one that people still talk about today.

You can read more about the Blizzard of 1978 on this webpage.
5. The 1969 Nor'easter
Wikimedia Commons/wea00957, Historic NWS Collection
This killer storm spanned four days and dumped a total of 27 inches of snow on Boston and other parts of the state. With winds whipping as fast as 105 m.p.h. on Cape Cod, the weather service actually classified this storm as an intense cyclone on the Cape.

You can read more about The 1969 Nor'easter on this webpage.
6. The April Fool’s Day Blizzard of 1997
Transferred by Allwham (talk) 14:51, 16 September 2010 (UTC)/Wikimedia Commons
This storm had a pretty wretched sense of humor. Though it’s not uncommon for Massachusetts to see wintery weather right into April, this storm hit the Bay State hard for another reason: warm temperatures had led many stores to put away their snow gear and plows had been stored away for the spring. When this blizzard struck between March 31 and April 1, many towns were taken by surprise and struggled to clear roads. Thousands of residents were stranded in their homes without power OR snow shovels, which had been stowed away in unreachable sheds or cars. This was one of the most unforgettable blizzards in Massachusetts. I

You can read more about The April Fool’s Day Blizzard of 1997 on this webpage.
7. The Great Blizzard of 1888
Flickr/RV1864
Flickr/BPL
Your grandparents may have heard stories about this one from their parents or grandparents. The Great Blizzard of 1888 was the worst in American history. It claimed the lives of over 400 people across the Northeast. The storm first hit Massachusetts on March 11 and stranded some residents in their homes for more than seven days. In some spots, the snow drifts were over 50 feet deep. It took years for the damage to infrastructure and property to be fully repaired.

You can read our previous coverage on The Great Blizzard of 1888 to learn more.

These winter storms in Massachusetts will go down as some of the most extreme weather moments in the state’s history. If you’re looking for pointers on making it through the cold season here in one piece, check out these things that no one tells you on surviving a Massachusetts winter.

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Winter Storms In Massachusetts

Melissa M. | October 04, 2021

What is the record for snowfall in Massachusetts?

In 2015, Boston experienced record snowfall during the winter season. Totaling 108.6 inches, it beat the previous record of 107.6 inches from the winter of 1995-1996. As for the most snow from a single snowstorm in Massachusetts, that record belongs to a storm that occurred February 17-18, 2013 that dumped 27.6 inches of snow.

What is the biggest snowstorm in Massachusetts history?

The Presidents’ Day Storm that occurred February 17-18, 2013 (mentioned above) is considered one of the biggest snowstorms in Massachusetts history, followed by The Blizzard of ‘78 during which 27.1 inches of snow fell.

What can I do for fun in Massachusetts during the winter? 

While it can get cold and snowy, there’s still plenty of fun to be had around the Bay State. Several towns host winter festivals, there are numerous places to see lights around the holidays, or you can go skiing or snowboarding at Mount Wachusett or Jiminy Peak. Ice skating is always an option at either an indoor or outdoor skating rink. Hiking or cross-country skiing along trails are also fun activities for the winter months.

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