Blizzard of 1888

Called the "Great White Hurricane", the Blizzard of 1888 began belting the East Coast March 11 and continued through March 14, 1888.  Heavy snow fell for 36 hours with high winds adding to the headache.  Winds blew up to 48 miles an hour. The National Weather Service estimated that 50+ inches of snow fell in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with 40 inches in New York City and New Jersey.  Snowdrifts reached amazing heights of up to fifty feet!  Visibility was limited to less than 500 feet due to the blowing snow.  East Coast cities were crippled for days. Ships were grounded and one hundred seamen perished.  Twenty-five million dollars in property loss just  from fires was estimated.  And sadly, more than 400 deaths were reported.  Quite a contrast to the spring-like weather we are experiencing today.  Count our blessings!