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”.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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