Historic snowstorms of March

March snowstorms are common as the push and pull of spring and winter causes a roller coaster in the weather across the U.S. Several memorable snowstorms have happened in March. We look at some of the history here.

March is notorious for teasing us with spring-like weather then immediately bringing temperatures down to the wintry levels. It happens just about every year and snowstorms arriving right after 60- or 70-degree days are not uncommon. In fact, it’s happening right now in the East!

Let’s check out some of the most memorable March snow events.

Today, March 12, is the 29-year anniversary of when the storm of the century emerged from the Gulf of Mexico to impact almost half the U.S. through March 14. This storm rode up the East Coast dropping snow as far south as the Florida Panhandle through the Northeast. Snow totals reached the 40-inch mark in New York with major wind damage stretching along the Eastern Seaboard. A gust as high as 110 mph hit Franklin County, Fla., with a 144-mph gust recorded on Mount Washington, N.H., according to the NWS.

Snow flurries falling in the Florida Panhandle during the current snowstorm event hitting the East Coast this morning certainly brought back 1993 memories to the Crestview, Fla., residents. Check it out below!

The drought in the western U.S., especially in California, is nothing new. Back in 1991, the Golden State was going through the worst drought since the Dust Bowl (1930-1936). But starting March 1, 1991, the snow started to fall on the northern California mountains, and it didn’t stop for much of the month. According to the NWS, a total of 20 feet of snow piled up once it was all said and done, bringing the mountains out of the threat of the worst year for snowfall in recorded history!

The northern Plains residents are no strangers to the snow or frigid cold temperatures. In 1966, North Dakota endured 70 mph winds for four days straight, up to 38 inches of snow and snow drifts as high as 40 feet! Northern Minnesota had similar conditions with the days-long wind event and up to 24 inches of snow.

However, this blizzard was combined with an ice storm. Duluth, Minn., had up to 3 inches of ice coating power lines cutting power to the town and surrounding areas. Yes, this was in addition to the gusty winds which also cut out power.

Although many have spring on the brain and are awaiting the day they can open the windows for fresh air after a long cold winter, it’s important to remember that March is known to bring big snowstorms as the season shifts. Hang tight and keep an eye on the interactive WeatherRadar while you watch those March flakes fly.