Winter in Massachusetts can be rough, but nowadays, we have the infrastructure and tools to clean up the streets and keep Bay Staters safe during a winter storm. However, that wasn’t the case in 1888 when a devastating nor’easter tragically struck the East Coast. This massive blizzard is said to have been the worst snowstorm in Massachusetts history, claiming 400 lives and producing incredible snow totals of up to 50 inches in Massachusetts. The Great Blizzard of 1888 was anything but “great” – it was the worst “white hurricane” Massachusetts has ever experienced, and the deadliest blizzard in U.S. history.

Massachusetts is known for its harsh winters. But back in March of 1888, the east coast was hit with a historical blizzard that’s now referred to as the Great Blizzard of 1888.

Keene Public Library and the Historical Society of Cheshire County from USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons We would argue that it was anything but great. Can you imagine trying to shovel all that wet, heavy snow? Over a several days period, from March 11-14, 1888, an extratropical cyclone barreled up the East Coast and formed one of the most powerful nor’easters that region has ever experienced.

A huge swath of the East Coast – from Washington, D.C. to Maine – was turned upside down on March 11th, 1888, when the “Great White Hurricane” (one of the labels by which it would later be referred) first began to unleash its fury.

Breading G. Way, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons This blizzard dumped up to 50 inches on Massachusetts and Connecticut over a three-day period, while the surrounding states received 10 to 40 inches of snow.

This is arguably the biggest blizzard in Massachusetts history, and unfortunately, it was also the deadliest in U.S. history.

“F. W. Allderige, Photographer, New Britain, Ct.”, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Since there had never been a blizzard of such monumental proportions before, no one was quite prepared, and over 400 lives were lost. This is recorded to be the deadliest blizzard in United States history.

It was an unseasonably warm March, and rapidly dropping temperatures caused heavy rain to quickly turn to snow, while strong sustained winds up to 45 miles per hour cause massive snow drifts exceeding 50 feet in height!

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6379080 There were even reports of wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, which is Category 1 hurricane strength! That is why these incredible nor’easter events are sometimes referred to as “white hurricanes”; and as the name suggests, the Great Blizzard of 1888 wreaked devastating havoc on the Bay State that fateful March.

The snow drifts were unbelievable, with the highest drift being recorded in New York at 52 feet tall.

Keene Public Library and the Historical Society of Cheshire County from USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons The storm ended on March 14, 1888, but people were stuck in their homes for a week. $25 million was lost from fire damage alone. Not only that, but 200 ships sank off the shores of the East Coast, killing 100 people. In those days, they didn’t have access to weather forecasts that could have potentially helped provide some lead time for people to prepare for the nor’easter, and it lead to disastrous results.

The Great Blizzard of 1888 left an impact on Massachusetts and surrounding East Coast states forever. Shown here, New York City’s extensive powerline damage as a result of the blizzard motivated the push for underground powerlines and subway stations.

Great Blizzard of 1888/Encyclopædia Britannica Winter in Massachusetts is not for the faint of heart, and residents are not unfamiliar with harsh winter conditions. But with over 50 inches of snow, prolific damage, and immense loss of life, it’s easy to see why the Great Blizzard of 1888 was the worst blizzard in Massachusetts history.

Did you know about the Great Blizzard of 1888? Can you imagine experiencing 50 inches of snow outside your house? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section! While this blizzard was the worst Massachusetts has seen in terms of loss of life, here are 10 more terrifying blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts history to learn about…if you dare.

Keene Public Library and the Historical Society of Cheshire County from USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

We would argue that it was anything but great. Can you imagine trying to shovel all that wet, heavy snow? Over a several days period, from March 11-14, 1888, an extratropical cyclone barreled up the East Coast and formed one of the most powerful nor’easters that region has ever experienced.

Breading G. Way, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This blizzard dumped up to 50 inches on Massachusetts and Connecticut over a three-day period, while the surrounding states received 10 to 40 inches of snow.

“F. W. Allderige, Photographer, New Britain, Ct.”, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Since there had never been a blizzard of such monumental proportions before, no one was quite prepared, and over 400 lives were lost. This is recorded to be the deadliest blizzard in United States history.

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6379080

There were even reports of wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, which is Category 1 hurricane strength! That is why these incredible nor’easter events are sometimes referred to as “white hurricanes”; and as the name suggests, the Great Blizzard of 1888 wreaked devastating havoc on the Bay State that fateful March.

The storm ended on March 14, 1888, but people were stuck in their homes for a week. $25 million was lost from fire damage alone. Not only that, but 200 ships sank off the shores of the East Coast, killing 100 people. In those days, they didn’t have access to weather forecasts that could have potentially helped provide some lead time for people to prepare for the nor’easter, and it lead to disastrous results.

Great Blizzard of 1888/Encyclopædia Britannica

Winter in Massachusetts is not for the faint of heart, and residents are not unfamiliar with harsh winter conditions. But with over 50 inches of snow, prolific damage, and immense loss of life, it’s easy to see why the Great Blizzard of 1888 was the worst blizzard in Massachusetts history.

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Great Blizzard of 1888 in Massachusetts December 02, 2021 Tori Jane What is winter in Massachusetts like?   In a couple of words? Really, really cold! One thing is for sure: Massachusetts is one of those states that are definitely ideal for folks who love winter, because the ones here can be pretty gnarly. On average, the state sees about 51 inches of snowfall per year; central and northeastern Massachusetts tend to get hit the hardest. However, should you be nearby the coast, winters are a little less brutal, though still pretty darn cold. Temperatures seem to stay at or below freezing for the most part, with nights obviously being colder than daytime temps. Winter storms are not uncommon, and things like Nor’easters can really throw a wrench into just about anyone’s winter plans. Of course, this means for many that there’s just that much more sledding, snowball fighting, or other shenanigans they can get into with the fluffy white stuff. For some of our favorite activities you can do during our wonderful (if not chilly) winters, check this article out!  What were the worst snowstorms in Massachusetts?   Massachusetts has certainly had its fair share of totally-bonkers winters, complete with gnarly snowstorms and crazy, record-breaking examples of just how intense winter can be on the east coast at times. Some of the most notable storms, however, include ones like the February 2013 storm that brought 27.6 inches of snow, the February 1978 storm that dropped 27.1 inches of snow, and the February 1969 storm that dropped 26.3 inches of snow. It’s worth noting – and perhaps in this paragraph it’s made obvious – that the busiest month for snow in Massachusetts is February. In fact, out of the ten worst snowstorms in our state’s history, five of those took place in February alone. Some year, however, see even more than the average, like the winters of 2014/15, 2004/05, and 2010/11.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Great Blizzard of 1888 in Massachusetts

December 02, 2021

Tori Jane

What is winter in Massachusetts like?   In a couple of words? Really, really cold! One thing is for sure: Massachusetts is one of those states that are definitely ideal for folks who love winter, because the ones here can be pretty gnarly. On average, the state sees about 51 inches of snowfall per year; central and northeastern Massachusetts tend to get hit the hardest. However, should you be nearby the coast, winters are a little less brutal, though still pretty darn cold. Temperatures seem to stay at or below freezing for the most part, with nights obviously being colder than daytime temps. Winter storms are not uncommon, and things like Nor’easters can really throw a wrench into just about anyone’s winter plans. Of course, this means for many that there’s just that much more sledding, snowball fighting, or other shenanigans they can get into with the fluffy white stuff. For some of our favorite activities you can do during our wonderful (if not chilly) winters, check this article out!  What were the worst snowstorms in Massachusetts?   Massachusetts has certainly had its fair share of totally-bonkers winters, complete with gnarly snowstorms and crazy, record-breaking examples of just how intense winter can be on the east coast at times. Some of the most notable storms, however, include ones like the February 2013 storm that brought 27.6 inches of snow, the February 1978 storm that dropped 27.1 inches of snow, and the February 1969 storm that dropped 26.3 inches of snow. It’s worth noting – and perhaps in this paragraph it’s made obvious – that the busiest month for snow in Massachusetts is February. In fact, out of the ten worst snowstorms in our state’s history, five of those took place in February alone. Some year, however, see even more than the average, like the winters of 2014/15, 2004/05, and 2010/11.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

In a couple of words? Really, really cold! One thing is for sure: Massachusetts is one of those states that are definitely ideal for folks who love winter, because the ones here can be pretty gnarly. On average, the state sees about 51 inches of snowfall per year; central and northeastern Massachusetts tend to get hit the hardest. However, should you be nearby the coast, winters are a little less brutal, though still pretty darn cold. Temperatures seem to stay at or below freezing for the most part, with nights obviously being colder than daytime temps. Winter storms are not uncommon, and things like Nor’easters can really throw a wrench into just about anyone’s winter plans. Of course, this means for many that there’s just that much more sledding, snowball fighting, or other shenanigans they can get into with the fluffy white stuff. For some of our favorite activities you can do during our wonderful (if not chilly) winters, check this article out! 

What were the worst snowstorms in Massachusetts?  

Massachusetts has certainly had its fair share of totally-bonkers winters, complete with gnarly snowstorms and crazy, record-breaking examples of just how intense winter can be on the east coast at times. Some of the most notable storms, however, include ones like the February 2013 storm that brought 27.6 inches of snow, the February 1978 storm that dropped 27.1 inches of snow, and the February 1969 storm that dropped 26.3 inches of snow. It’s worth noting – and perhaps in this paragraph it’s made obvious – that the busiest month for snow in Massachusetts is February. In fact, out of the ten worst snowstorms in our state’s history, five of those took place in February alone. Some year, however, see even more than the average, like the winters of 2014/15, 2004/05, and 2010/11.