he Largest 24-Hour Snow Totals in Each New England State

New England is known for its harsh winters and unpredictable weather, often seeing massive snowstorms that blanket the region in deep snow. From the peaks of New Hampshire’s mountains to the coastal areas of Maine, snow can pile up in record amounts in just one day. While this winter season has been relatively light on snow so far, the history of snowstorms in New England showcases some of the most intense weather events in the region. Curious about the largest 24-hour snowfall totals in each New England state? Let’s dive into the record-breaking snowfalls that have left an indelible mark on the region’s history.

1. New Hampshire – 49.3 inches at Mt. Washington (February 5, 1995): New Hampshire is home to some of the highest peaks in New England, and none more iconic than Mount Washington. The summit of Mount Washington, known for its extreme weather, is often referred to as the “home of the world’s worst weather,” due to its high winds and intense storms. On February 5, 1995, Mt. Washington recorded a staggering 49.3 inches of snow in just 24 hours. This incredible amount of snow demonstrates the power of winter storms in the White Mountains, where heavy snowfalls are not uncommon, especially in the winter months. Mt. Washington’s extreme conditions make it one of the prime locations for snowfall records in the region.

2. Vermont – 42 inches at Jay Peak Ski Resort (February 5, 1995): Vermont is known for its skiing and snowboarding, and Jay Peak Ski Resort is one of the most popular destinations for snow lovers in the state. On February 5, 1995, Jay Peak saw 42 inches of snow in a single 24-hour period, making it one of the largest snowstorms in Vermont’s history. The resort is located in the northernmost part of the state, near the Canadian border, which often leads to heavy snowfalls. Jay Peak is famous for receiving some of the most snow in the eastern United States, and this snowstorm in 1995 is a prime example of the area’s snowy climate.

3. Maine – 40 inches at Orono (December 30, 1962): Maine, with its long coastline and northern location, is no stranger to heavy snowfalls. On December 30, 1962, the town of Orono in central Maine experienced a massive snowstorm that dropped 40 inches of snow in just 24 hours. This snowstorm was part of a series of heavy snow events that affected much of the Northeast, and it remains one of the largest single-day snowfalls in the state’s history. The storm in Orono caused significant disruptions, including transportation challenges and school closures, and remains a notable event in Maine’s weather history.

4. Connecticut – 36 inches near Ansonia (February 8-9, 2013): Connecticut often experiences significant snowfall, especially during the winter storms that affect much of New England. The state’s largest 24-hour snowfall total occurred near Ansonia, Connecticut, where 36 inches of snow fell during a blizzard on February 8 and 9, 2013. This snowstorm was part of a larger winter storm that impacted much of the Northeast, dropping heavy snow across New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. In Connecticut, the blizzard caused power outages, travel disruptions, and a general sense of chaos, as residents tried to dig out from the heavy snow.

5. Rhode Island – 36 inches in Woonsocket (February 1978): Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it can still receive some impressive snowfalls. During the Blizzard of 1978, Woonsocket, a city in the northern part of the state, recorded 36 inches of snow in a 24-hour period. The Blizzard of 1978 remains one of the most memorable snowstorms in Rhode Island’s history. It was a powerful and deadly storm that paralyzed much of New England, bringing blizzards, high winds, and freezing temperatures. Rhode Island was hit hard, with many areas seeing over three feet of snow. Woonsocket’s 36-inch snowfall remains a testament to the severity of this winter event.

6. Massachusetts – 36 inches in Natick (April 1, 1997): Massachusetts has experienced its fair share of massive snowstorms, but one of the most unusual snowfalls occurred on April 1, 1997, when 36 inches of snow fell in Natick, Massachusetts. This late-season snowstorm, often referred to as the “April Fools’ Day Snowstorm,” was an April surprise for many residents who were already anticipating the arrival of spring. The snowstorm caused widespread disruptions, including school closures and power outages. Despite being an April snowstorm, it still holds the record for the largest 24-hour snowfall in Massachusetts.

Other Notable Snowfall Records in New England: While the above snowfall totals represent the largest amounts recorded in each state, many other regions in New England have seen significant snowfalls in 24 hours as well. These snowstorms, though not the largest, have still left lasting impacts on the communities they affected.

• Maine also saw 38 inches of snow in Portland during a 24-hour period in January 1996.
• New Hampshire recorded 48.5 inches at Mount Washington during another snowstorm in 1969.
• Vermont had 40 inches of snow at Stowe in December 2010, which is another notable snowfall.

Conclusion: While this winter season in New England has been relatively mild, the region’s history is full of dramatic snowstorms that have left deep snow accumulations in just a short period of time. From the towering peaks of Mount Washington to the ski resorts of Vermont, New England’s winter weather can be fierce and unpredictable. These record-breaking snowfalls serve as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of winter in this part of the country. And as the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, wait a minute.” It’s only a matter of time before the next snowstorm hits, potentially breaking more records along the way.

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