The Great Blizzard Of 1888 Dumped 50 Inches Of Snow On Massachusetts
Winter in Massachusetts can be rough, but nowadays, we have the infrastructure and tools to clean up the streets and keep Bay Staters safe during a winter storm. However, that wasn’t the case in 1888, when the Great Blizzard of 1888 tragically struck the east coast. This massive blizzard is said to be the worst blizzard in Massachusetts history, claiming 400 lives and leaving 50 inches of snow in Massachusetts. The Great Blizzard of 1888 was anything but great – it was the worst white hurricane Massachusetts has ever experienced, and the deadliest blizzard in U.S. history.
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Massachusetts is known for its harsh winters, but back in March of 1888, the east coast was hit with a historical blizzard that's now referred to as the Great Blizzard of 1888. We would argue that it was anything but great.
All of the east coast was turned upside down on March 11th, 1888 when the Great White Hurricane struck. This blizzard dumped up to 50 inches on Massachusetts and Connecticut, while the surrounding states had 10 to 40 inches of snow.
This is arguably the worst blizzard in Massachusetts history and one of the worst in U.S. history. Since there had never been a blizzard quite like this before, no one was quite prepared, and 400 lives were lost. This is recorded to be the deadliest blizzard in United States history.
It was an unseasonably warm March, making heavy rain quickly turn to snow. With winds up to 45 miles per hour, this blizzard wreaked havoc on the Bay State. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a "white hurricane."
The snow drifts were unbelievable, with the highest drift being recorded in New York at 52-feet-tall. The storm ended on March 14, 1888, but people were stuck in their homes for a week. $25 million was lost from fire damage alone.
The Great Blizzard of 1888 left an impact on Massachusetts and the east coast forever. With over 50 inches of snow, and endless damage and loss, it's easy to see why this was the worst blizzard in Massachusetts history.
Did you know about the Great Blizzard of 1888? Can you imagine experiencing 50 inches of snow outside your house? We’d love to hear about your thoughts in the comment section.
E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.
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