For many longtime Detroiters, the most intense winter in memory took place in 1974, when the city and its surrounding areas were coated with an impressive 19.5 inches of snow in a single day. While this December storm certainly deserves a place in the Motor City history books, one larger weather event happened generations earlier - and its intensity is certainly worth commemorating.
Despite Michigan’s unpredictable weather trends, most Detroiters are fully prepared for the arrival of warmer temperatures once early April rolls around. Such was the case in 1886.
That year, the first week of April brought traditional spring conditions, encouraging farmers and other locals to begin preparing for the arrival of a new season and plenty of sunshine.
By the 3rd of April, the entire state of Michigan fell victim to a windstorm that ushered in cooler temperatures - and by the early morning of the 6th, snow had started to fall.
What followed was an unprecedented weather event in Metro Detroit: a whopping 24.5 inches of snowfall dumped by 9 p.m. on the 6th. Locals found themselves hopelessly snowed in.
Throughout the area, reports of drifts up to twelve feet high and streetside piles of up to 40 inches were frequent. In fact, many businesses shut down operations in response to the storm.
If the snowfall itself weren’t enough, temperatures dipped into the 20s throughout the day and wind gusts exceeded 30 miles per hour. Talk about a powerful winter weather event.
The aftermath of this stunning 1886 snowstorm was an icy tundra that seemed to coat the entire city, leaving residents to scrape and break their frozen surroundings when they had to go out.
While we’ve certainly experienced our fair share of blizzards in recent years, the storm that hit Detroit in April of 1886 snagged a place in history - and we’d rather not see a repeat.
Have you lived through any of Detroit’s more intense winters? Share your snowiest experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or tell us about another historical event we should cover by filling out our official nomination form here. Don’t forget to bundle up this season, Detroiters!
If you love winter weather, you'll enjoy these snowy towns near Detroit.
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