When you think of the horrific snowstorms Rhode Island has experienced, the blizzard of 2005 and Winter Storm Nemo of 2013 might pop into your mind first. But in the Ocean State, to find the largest snowfall you have to flip the calendar back a little further. No, we’re not talking about the Great Blizzard of 1888. That storm dumped a mere 20 inches on Little Rhody. The Rhode Island Blizzard of 1978 is actually when the largest snowfall occurred.
The Blizzard of 1978 hit winter in Rhode Island in early February with unexpected ferocity. Over the course of 33 hours of snow combined with winds up to 70 m.p.h. created conditions unlike anything our state had ever seen before.
Flickr/Jef Nickerson
Record snowfall in Rhode Island occurred across the state with 27.6 inches recorded in Providence and 38 inches in Woonsocket.
Wikimedia/ Dahoov2
Snow drifts during the Blizzard of 1978 were commonplace with vehicles unrecognizable underneath towering mountains of snow.
Wikimedia/ Dahoov2
The Blizzard of 1978 claimed the lives of 26 Rhode Islanders and additional casualties across the entire New England region.
Flickr/Roger LeJeune
While it took three-to-four days for many to dig their way out, that didn’t stop the kids from enjoying the snow days that winter in Rhode Island.
Flickr/Martin & Jessica O’Brien
And while the children played, the adults shoveled and shoveled and shoveled some more.
Flickr/Bengt 1955
This historic Nor’easter topped all the other recorded storms by 14 additional inches of snow. The Blizzard of 1978 goes down in the record books as the storm that caused Rhode Island’s largest snowfall.
Flickr/Tom McC.
Do you remember the Rhode Island Blizzard of 1978 that attributed to the state’s largest snowfall? Share your stories and photos if you have them in the comments section below. Winter isn’t all bad in the Ocean State, you can look forward to walking this delightful Christmas tree trail that typically opens in early December. And have fun in all the snow that comes to Rhode Island as you go snow tubing and skiing at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area.
Flickr/Jef Nickerson
Wikimedia/ Dahoov2
Flickr/Roger LeJeune
Flickr/Martin & Jessica O’Brien
Flickr/Bengt 1955
Flickr/Tom McC.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Rhode Island’s Largest Snowfall November 01, 2021 Melissa M. What is winter like in Rhode Island? Winters can be quite cold across the Ocean State but mild compared to its neighbors. However, it does get a bit of the same weather as its neighbors, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The coldest month is January with average lows hovering around 20°F. But just because it’s cold during the winter doesn’t mean you can’t go and enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities to enjoy come winter like hiking, ice skating, sledding, horseback riding, and more. You can find additional activities ideas in our article, 9 Winter Activities For The Family In Rhode Island. What will winter be like in Rhode Island this year? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the long-range weather forecast prediction for Rhode Island this winter is below-normal to average temperatures and above-normal snowfall. The coldest temperatures will be felt throughout December as well as in mid-January. Break out the winter boots, hats, gloves, warm jackets, and snow shovels come wintertime this year! Where should I go hiking in winter in Rhode Island? For those of us who are from Rhode Island, we know there are some incredible trails to explore even in the winter. Read our article, 9 Picturesque Trails In Rhode Island That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, to help plan your seasonal hiking adventures. You can head to Charlestown to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge which has both long and short trails. Then there’s Pulaski State Park and Recreation Area in Chepachet which has 10 miles of trails to explore across its 100 acres. The Blackstone River Bikeway is another great trail come winter as it is flat and relatively easy to navigate. Plus, the views are quite lovely!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Rhode Island’s Largest Snowfall
November 01, 2021
Melissa M.
What is winter like in Rhode Island? Winters can be quite cold across the Ocean State but mild compared to its neighbors. However, it does get a bit of the same weather as its neighbors, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The coldest month is January with average lows hovering around 20°F. But just because it’s cold during the winter doesn’t mean you can’t go and enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities to enjoy come winter like hiking, ice skating, sledding, horseback riding, and more. You can find additional activities ideas in our article, 9 Winter Activities For The Family In Rhode Island. What will winter be like in Rhode Island this year? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the long-range weather forecast prediction for Rhode Island this winter is below-normal to average temperatures and above-normal snowfall. The coldest temperatures will be felt throughout December as well as in mid-January. Break out the winter boots, hats, gloves, warm jackets, and snow shovels come wintertime this year! Where should I go hiking in winter in Rhode Island? For those of us who are from Rhode Island, we know there are some incredible trails to explore even in the winter. Read our article, 9 Picturesque Trails In Rhode Island That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, to help plan your seasonal hiking adventures. You can head to Charlestown to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge which has both long and short trails. Then there’s Pulaski State Park and Recreation Area in Chepachet which has 10 miles of trails to explore across its 100 acres. The Blackstone River Bikeway is another great trail come winter as it is flat and relatively easy to navigate. Plus, the views are quite lovely!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winters can be quite cold across the Ocean State but mild compared to its neighbors. However, it does get a bit of the same weather as its neighbors, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The coldest month is January with average lows hovering around 20°F. But just because it’s cold during the winter doesn’t mean you can’t go and enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities to enjoy come winter like hiking, ice skating, sledding, horseback riding, and more. You can find additional activities ideas in our article, 9 Winter Activities For The Family In Rhode Island.
What will winter be like in Rhode Island this year?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the long-range weather forecast prediction for Rhode Island this winter is below-normal to average temperatures and above-normal snowfall. The coldest temperatures will be felt throughout December as well as in mid-January. Break out the winter boots, hats, gloves, warm jackets, and snow shovels come wintertime this year!
Where should I go hiking in winter in Rhode Island?
For those of us who are from Rhode Island, we know there are some incredible trails to explore even in the winter. Read our article, 9 Picturesque Trails In Rhode Island That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, to help plan your seasonal hiking adventures. You can head to Charlestown to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge which has both long and short trails. Then there’s Pulaski State Park and Recreation Area in Chepachet which has 10 miles of trails to explore across its 100 acres. The Blackstone River Bikeway is another great trail come winter as it is flat and relatively easy to navigate. Plus, the views are quite lovely!
