Even though we’re in the Mid-Atlantic, DC doesn’t get a lot of snow. In fact, even if we get an inch, the whole city will likely to shut down. But we have certainly had a few memorable blizzards in our time and one of them was not that long ago. The massive blizzard of 2010 in DC will never be forgotten.
To really understand the blizzard known as "Snowmageddon," you need to understand the winter of 2009-2010 first. Before this winter, DC wasn't really a snow town. We had a few bad years here and there but no years with consistently bad snow all winter.
But in December 2009, DC had a huge snowstorm which dumped 16 inches of snow on the city. Not much snow fell after that until January 30 when 6 inches fell onto city. Then a few days later another 2-3 inches fell on the city.
For once, the forecasters were right in their predictions so most schools and businesses were already closed then the snow began falling on February 5th.
It was the 4th worst snowstorm in the city. Thousands were without power, flights were canceled, metro service was suspended and it took the city days to begin to clear the roads.
More snow would fall just a few days later in the city making it one of the snowiest winters on record. While Washingtonians may have enjoyed it, most are relieved that this type of snow isn't the norm in DC.
