The Blizzard of ’78 was the storm of a generation. It was an enormous, catastrophic storm that has been the measuring stick for every major blizzard since. In fact, it went down as the largest blizzard in Massachusetts history! The damage was so bad, the National Guard was even called in. The thought of wintertime may chill you to the core, but this chilly event will (hopefully) never be repeated.

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For a real blast from the past, check out this footage from the blizzard. You’ll see familiar spots absolutely covered in snow, hear testimony from people who were there, and see actual news coverage from the event.


Do you have memories of this devastating storm and what many consider to be the largest blizzard in Massachusetts history? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Want to take a wintertime excursion to forget the horrors of this event? We don’t blame you! A trip to Concord should do the trick.

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Largest Blizzard In Massachusetts

When was the biggest blizzard in Massachusetts?

Over the years, The Bay State has experienced a number of incredible blizzards. One of the biggest snowstorms in Massachusetts happened in 1888 – it was actually one of the worst storms to hit the region, taking the lives of more than 400 people. Another incredible storm was the Massachusetts April Fool’s Day blizzard of 1997… which left thousands without power, buried behind more than three feet of snow. Each year brings more notable weather events, a fact that locals regard with optimism.

What is the most snow ever recorded in Massachusetts?

Winter weather in Massachusetts can be unpredictable, but no season quite compared to the winter of 2014 and 2015. This season was a chilly one all across the nation, but it brought a notable amount of snow to The Bay State. Boston received 108.6 inches throughout the season, breaking a record that had previously been held for about 20 years.

What is winter weather in Massachusetts typically like?

As schoolchildren, people all across the nation grew up hearing about Jamestown. Purportedly, the first winter kicked off a “Starving Time” that left the English over the sea somewhat weary about their new American colony. Nonetheless, it persisted, and soon a second colony was established in Plymouth, Massachusetts – the Mayflower’s population established the first permanent settlement in New England! They set foot on what would become their new home on December 21, 1620. The first winter was brutal – fortunately, they had friends like Squanto to help them out. Over the years, the climate of New England has remained just as memorable in the winter months. Year-round humidity and sea-fueled gales produce frequent snowfall… though some years are worse than others.