In 1961, New York Plunged Into An Arctic Freeze That Makes This Year’s Winter Look Downright Mild

Feeling sick of winter yet? If trudging through the snow and shoveling off your driveway has you down, don’t fret. Things are not as bad as they could be. Winter in New York can be brutal, but this year’s snowfall and low temperatures are nothing compared to some of our record-breaking seasons of years past. For instance, 1961 was one of the worst winters ever seen in the Northeast. The season featured three major storms that dumped massive quantities of snow in New York. Bundle up and check out the stats for one of the worst winter storms in New York::

December 1960 saw an early season storm that was unusually strong. States from West Virginia to Maine saw moderate to heavy snowfall, often accompanied by strong winds.

Over 286 people died in the northeast United States, and many businesses were closed for several days after the storm.

On December 12, the New York Stock Exchange opened an hour late for the first time in 25 years. Christmas shopping sales fell by 7% nationally that year, partially due to the storm's effects.

The area didn't get much of a rest, as another major storm hit just a few weeks later.

The January 1961 nor'easter is sometimes called the Kennedy Inaugural Snowstorm, as it occurred on the evening of President Kennedy's swearing in ceremony. Heavy snow was seen from Virginia up to southern New Hampshire.

The third and final of the season's major snowstorms hit in early February 1961. Snowfall reached nearly 18 inches in some areas, and many schools and businesses again shut down.

The 1960-1961 winter in New York was the second in a row to feature snowstorms with a foot or more of snowfall.

Do you remember the 1960-1961 winter in New York? If not, read more about it on the National Weather Service website. Can you remember the coldest year in New York? Or what other major winter storms in New York have you survived? Share your experiences in the comments!

And if you’re searching for cool things to do this winter, here are some fun indoor activities that are great for you and your family.