Posted in Connecticut February 02, 2021 by

133 Years Ago, Connecticut Was Hit With The Worst Blizzard In History

When you think of mid-March, you may think of the last few moments of winter before the seasons change to the warmer days of spring. It seems like it might be the case on March 10, 1888. By March 11, it was clear Mother Nature had different plans as Connecticut was hit with a blizzard that would become known as “The White Hurricane”.

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On March 10, 1888, Connecticut's balmy 50 degree weather made a rapid change. What started out a standard spring rainstorm became a major blizzard when the Arctic air from Canada collided with southern Gulf air.
Kellogg, E. P. (Edwin P.) via Connecticut State Library
By midnight on March 11, temperatures plummeted down to 15 degrees below zero as hurricane force winds of up to 85 miles per hour began to blow through. Rain turned to snow and did it SNOW!
Kellogg, E. P. (Edwin P.) via Connecticut State Library
The measured snowfall in Connecticut was between 20 and 50 inches. Snow drifts measured a minimum of 12 feet in height. Many were one to two stories in height. New Haven recorded drifts measured at nearly 40 feet high.
Kellogg, E. P. (Edwin P.) via Connecticut State Library
All of New England came to a standstill for three days, as delivery drivers and coal wagons found themselves stranded. One school principal was able to get his students home but found himself stranded for three days without food.
Kellogg, E. P. (Edwin P.) via Connecticut State Library
Sadly, 400 people throughout the East coast died as a result of the blizzard and the storm caused $20 million in damage.
Buell, R.C via Connecticut State Library
People came together to help one another. Many were trapped in the snow drifts and rescuers saved many lives. One man even ended up rescuing his own son and didn't realize it until they were safely inside.
Lloyd, William B. via Connecticut State Library
Once the storm was clear, workers were paid $1.75 to clear up the snow drifts. Although, many people were more than happy to volunteer to help out any way they could.
Lockwood, William H. via Connecticut State Library

In 1949, Albert Hunt recorded his eyewitness account of his experience during the Blizzard of 1888. According to historical records, it has been stated there was also a baby boom nine months later.

The Connecticut State Library also has more photos of “The White Hurricane” you can check out here.  What was the worst Connecticut blizzard of your lifetime? Tell us about it in the comments.

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