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.
1. The Blizzard of 1978
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
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
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
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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