Posted in Rhode Island Nature October 03, 2021 by

It’s Impossible To Forget These 4 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Rhode Island History

Winter in Rhode Island is far from the worst in the nation, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of winter storms in Rhode Island – we are part of New England, after all. That being said, not much can be worse than some of the serious blizzards in Rhode Island history. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say that we’ll never forget the following winter storms in Rhode Island.

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1. The Blizzard of 1978
Coast Guard News / Flickr
From February 5 - 7, 1978, almost 40 inches of snow fell on most of Rhode Island. Thousands of Rhode Islanders were without power for weeks, and most of the interstate highways were shut down. Unfortunately, the storm was so abysmal, it claimed 26 lives. Providence got 27.6 inches of snow, which, at the time, was a record snowfall in Rhode Island, breaking a previous record.
2. The Blizzard of 1996
AutumnsList / Flickr
This winter storm in Rhode Island lasted from January 6 - 10, blanketing most of the state in snow and shutting down local businesses and schools. Providence received 24 inches of snow. At the time, it was the second greatest snowfall total ever (after the blizzard of '78).
3. The Blizzard of 2005
spablab / Flickr
One of the most brutal blizzards in Rhode Island history, this storm covered the Ocean State with up to 27 inches of snow between January 20 - 24. Providence was hit with about 2 feet of snow, but it was Little Compton that bore the brunt of it.
4. Winter Storm Nemo
AutumnsList / Flickr
Who could forget Winter Storm Nemo in 2013? For a whopping 11 days, Rhode Island was pelted with snow and ice, accumulating 2 feet of snow in most places. Between the snow and the hurricane force winds, the effects were pretty devastating. Almost 200,000 people lost power, and the United States Postal Service suspended mail delivery in the entire state. Hopefully, winter storms like this will be a rare occurrence.

So, do you remember these winter storms in Rhode Island? Remember any other history-making storms? If so, which ones?

Winter in Rhode Island isn’t just blizzards and frigid temps, though. There’s lots of fun to be had during winter in Rhode Island. Click here for some of the best cold-weather activities in Rhode Island.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Storms In Rhode Island

October 06, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

In addition to these winter storms in Rhode Island, what other storms have gone down in state history?

History-making winter storms in Rhode Island don’t end with the storms mentioned above. There have been numerous blistering blizzards in Rhode Island over the years, including the Blizzard of ‘88. Also known as the Great White Hurricane, the blizzard slammed the northeastern U.S. from March 12-14 in 1888. During the blizzard, which dumped 40-50 inches of snow in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, winds reached 60 miles per hour, causing drifts as high as 50 feet!

What are some fun ways to spend winter in Rhode Island?

There are tons of fun things to do during winter in Rhode Island. Lots of cold, snowy days make it the perfect place to partake in seasonal favorites, like sledding, tubing, skiing, and ice skating – but that’s not all you can do during winter in Rhode Island. The state is also home to the Newport Winter Festival. Held every February for more than three decades, the 10-day celebration is filled with music, food, festivities, and fun! Touted as “New England’s largest winter extravaganza,” it features more than 150 events for all ages. Check out the Newport Winter Festival website to learn more.

Aside from blizzards in Rhode Island, are there any other history-making natural disasters in the state’s past?

Like any other state, Rhode Island has seen its fair share of natural disasters. The worst natural disaster in state history, though, is the 1938 New England Hurricane. More destructive than a majority of blizzards in Rhode Island, the hurricane, which made landfall on September 21st, claimed hundreds of lives, swept away entire communities, and destroyed 20,000 miles of power and telephone lines. To date, it remains one of the most costly hurricanes to hit the U.S. mainland. When all was said and done, there was over $300 million in damages.

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