Pennsylvania certainly has seen its fair share of snowstorms over the decades. In fact, the worst snowstorms in Pennsylvania history often remain fresh in our memories. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and how the storm directly impacted us. In 1993, Pennsylvania, along with the majority of the East Coast, braced for a mid-March blizzard that would bring with it strong winds, heavy snow, and plunging temperatures, earning it the moniker of "The Storm of the Century" and "The Superstorm of 1993." The blizzard of 1993 in Pennsylvania is definitely one of the state's worst.
The epic Blizzard of '93 slammed much of the East Coast, beginning on March 13 and, in some cases, lasting through March 15. When all was said and done, an estimated 300 people lost their lives on the East Coast.
Forty-nine of those people died in Pennsylvania. The gravity of the this 1993 snow storm quickly became apparent as meteorologists warned of high winds and massive amounts of snow in a relatively short period of time.
The massive snowstorm ensured that 1993 was one of the worst winters in Pennsylvania in recent memory.
Philadelphia saw a record-breaking, at the time, foot of snow in only 24 hours while 23.6 inches fell during that same time period in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Harrisburg got just over 20 inches from March 13-15, 1993.
All over Pennsylvania, snowfall records were shattered. At the time, it was the biggest snow storm in PA history.
Pennsylvania's worst blizzard resulted in a shutdown of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and interstate highways. Schools, businesses, and airports across the East Coast also closed.
The National Guard was summoned to help rescue those motorists who found themselves stranded in their vehicles.
However, as the snow fell on Pittsburgh on March 13, the city continued with its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
By the time the storm ended, damages along the coast tallied approximately $5.5 billion.
The Blizzard of '93 proved to be a costly natural disaster in Pennsylvania.
Just three years later, the state would again be bombarded with another epic snowstorm, the Blizzard of '96.
What do you remember about the Blizzard of '93? It was one of the worst snowstorms in Pennsylvania history. Because you never know what the season will bring, we suggest you stay ready with all the winter essentials during the colder months. Join the conversation in the comments! We've had our fair share of crazy winters in Pennsylvania - like way back in 1996. See how much you remember about the Blizzard of '96.
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