Global climate change has really shifted our thinking on what a snowstorm looks like.
Despite all our advanced meteorological technology these days, it’s all brake lights and skidding along the road at the slightest sign of a flake.
Back in the day, Americans contended with some serious storms — that live on in history — that brought life to a screeching halt we could scarcely imagine now.
Here are three whoppers…
The Blizzard of 1888
Let’s rewind first to March of 1888, when a nasty rainstorm turned into an even nastier snowstorm in the Northeast.
New York City wasn’t even the hardest hit and got 22 inches of snow, and the city flooded when the weather warmed up enough for it to melt. The biggest snow drift was 52 feet high in Gravesend, N.Y., and wind gusts were reported up to 80 miles an hour. More than 400 people died as a result of the storm.
The New England Blizzard of 1978
Not only did the 1978 blizzard drop up to 4 inches of snow per hour for more than a full day, but it also struck during the afternoon after a clear morning.
Many were stuck out in the snow in their cars, with 3,000 cars and 500 trucks stranded along Massachusetts’ Route 128. The storm most affected Boston (with more than 27 inches of snow) and the state of Rhode Island.
Storm of the Century, 1993
In 1993, a snowstorm swept in that affected 26 states — and 50 percent of the country’s population! This storm was actually a series of storms that took place from March 12 to 15, shutting down every major airport on the East Coast at some point. Homes fell into the sea, roofs collapsed and the death toll reached almost 300.
West Coast bonus: Mount Shasta
The East Coast doesn’t get all the attention: In 1959, a colossal storm system dropped 189 inches of snow on Mount Shasta, Calif., less than 100 miles south of the Oregon border. This storm didn’t affect many of the locals, but the snowfall totals prove they just don’t make ’em like they used to!
The common factor here: People just weren’t prepared for the storms. Though we may not see a crazy snow storm like these in our lifetime, we can better prepare for whatever comes our way. Part of that is having a plan for complete snow and ice management, with the tools and crews to help you address a storm’s aftermath.
Neave Group put together a whitepaper, “The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Snow and Ice Management Contractor”, with the most important questions to ask when you’re looking for a company to assist you during the winter months. Download it today….before the snow and ice is overwhelming!
If you are a property manager or business owner, feel free to contact Neave Group with your questions — give us a call at (845) 463-0592, and we’ll discuss creating a plan to best prepare your site for whatever the season brings.