New Jerseyans are tough – and our winters usually match! There’s no question that your typical Garden State winter can be brutal – heavy snowstorms, sub-zero temperatures, painful wind-chills, and slick roadways are all common. New Jerseyans soldier through, shovel the driveway as needed, and look forward to the first signs of spring – unless you’re one of those people who loves winter and is skiing the cold months away. Fortunately, the odds are good that no matter how cold the 2023 winter is, it’ll be nothing compared to the harsh winter of 1961. That winter featured a cold snap that went down in history – and will hopefully never be repeated. So let’s turn back the clock to the most intense winter in New Jersey history, and give thanks every time that thermometer creeps its way above freezing!

Winter in New Jersey has its own unique beauty to it - but it comes with a bite, and there was no winter more intense than 1961.
Nicholas_T/Flickr
The temperature in early 1961 stayed below freezing for a chilling 17 straight days - going from January 19th to February 3rd without peeking above the freezing mark during the day once.
Barfooz/Wikipedia
That meant that many places hit by snowstorms kept their snowy coating for weeks on end - beautiful, but potentially hazardous.
Jim Lukach/Flickr

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As cold as it was, it was nothing compared to what awaited the small town of Layton on January 22nd - when the temperature dropped to a staggering 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
Googleaseerch/Wikipedia
A New Jersey winter offers opportunities to explore, but during New Jersey winters as brutal as 1961, it was important to bundle up to avoid the risk of frostbite.
James Loesch/Flickr
The people who lived through the winter of 1961 stayed New Jersey tough, helped each other out, and made it to spring - but you can bet those who are still around laugh at anyone who says it's too cold!
Granger Meador/Flickr

Have you heard stories of the brutal winter of 1961? What’s the coldest winter in New Jersey history that you personally lived through? Let us know your winter memories in the comments section. If you’re looking to make the most of this upcoming winter, why not take a trip to New Jersey’s snowiest town?

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