TORONTO – On Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio held up a sheet of paper claiming that the blizzard set to hit the northeastern United States could be the worst in the city’s history.
With a forecast of up to 60 cm of snow and winds anywhere between 65 km/h to 100 km/h, how does it hold up to storms of the past?
READ MORE: Live: Eastern U.S., Canada preparing for potentially dangerous blizzard
Blizzard of 1888
This blizzard was one for the history books.
A late winter snowstorm struck the eastern seaboard from Chesapeake Bay to Maine between March 11-14. Winds of 120 km/h pounded the area. New York City received 100 cm of snow while areas elsewhere recorded 127 cm. About 400 people were killed when 200 ships sank.
Blizzard of 1978
This was a significant blizzard not just due to the wind and snow, but also due to the duration.
From February 5 to 7, a nor’easter intensified off the Atlantic creating treacherous conditions along the east coast.
In Boston, snow fell at almost 4 inches per hour, with a total accumulation of 68.8 cm. Wind gusts of 161 km/h battered the region and many people were stranded after heading into work before the storm hit.
In New York city nearly 18 inches fell in Manhattan.
Blizzard of 1993 (Storm of the Century)
This “Storm of the Century” walloped nearly the entire third of the eastern U.S.
Snow fell from Alabama to Maine, crippling many cities and towns. In New York, 100 cm of snow fell, accompanied by blistering winds of 100 km/h. Along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, 152 cm of snow fell.
This storm impacted millions: at one point, every major airport on the U.S. east coast was shut down.
Over $2 billion of property damage occurred across 22 eastern U.S. states, with almost 300 deaths associated with the storm.
Blizzard of 1996
In 1996, more than 50 cm of snow fell in a blizzard that struck New York City and the northeastern U.S. from Jan. 6 to 7.
Winds of about 80 km/h whipped up the snow causing widespread power outages. Thousands of people were stranded at airports and bus terminals and along roadways.
It was a particularly harsh winter for the Big Apple that year: almost 230 cm of snow was recorded by the season’s end.
Blizzard of 2003
The blizzard of 2003 roared through New York City on Feb. 17, leaving the city blanketed with almost 60 cm of snow.
But, as with all blizzards, the impact was felt across a significant area. Major airports were closed as was bus service.
The storm killed a total of 42 people across the country and cost New York City $20 million.
Comments