Pennsylvania’s sure had its fair share of brutally cold days so far this winter. Every corner of the state has experienced school delays, closings, and dangerous travel conditions. As fun as the snow days might be for the school kids, that cold and ice can certainly make it challenging for us adults. But, this winter is certainly no match for the arctic freeze of 1994. That year, things were so incredibly intense that they made every previous year – and many years since – look like walks in the park.

Winter’s fury took hold of Philadelphia in what some have called the city’s worst ice storm in history.
Flickr/hounddiggity
The storm, propelled by below-freezing temperatures, brewed between January 7 and 8, 1994. The residents of the state (and surrounding states) had no idea what they were in for. They knew snow was coming, but they didn't realize what was about to unfold.
Erie also had it rough in January of 1994, making history with a temperature of minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flickr/Jason
The city tied that record 11 years later, in February 2005. But for now, this was unheard of - and COLD.
Harrisburg, do you remember how brutally cold it was in your neck of the woods during the winter of ’94?
Flickr/Jayme Frye
January’s temperature averaged a mere 20 degrees. But…that was nothing compared to the low Harrisburg hit.

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On January 21, 1994, Harrisburg’s temperature dipped to below 22 degrees Fahrenheit, a record.
Flickr/LowBrowJon
Anything below freezing is pretty tough to deal with, but anything below zero degrees is just madness if you ask us.
We haven’t forgotten about you, Western PA! You were not spared the wrath of the winter beast, either.
Flickr/Matt Niemi
January 19 went down as history as the coldest day in Pittsburgh’s history. With a balmy (insert: sarcasm) high of minus three degrees Fahrenheit, the low dropped to minus 22 degrees.
But, it wasn’t just cold in Western PA during the winter of 1994.
Flickr/Adam Sacco
Pennsylvanians also dealt with the Blizzard of ’94, which dumped more than 15 inches of snow on the area. Fun stuff.

What do you remember about the blizzard of 1994 in Pennsylvania? How bad was it in your part of the state? Share your memories below! Interested in more wild weather history of PA? Be sure to learn all about the legendary Blizzard of 1996, which hit just about all of us in PA.

Can’t get enough winter in Pennsylvania? Be sure to check out some of the most amazing winter hiking trails in PA, and while you’re at it, you might want to consider a cold-weather camping trip in PA (as long as it’s not going to snow).

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Blizzard Of 1994 Pennsylvania

Tori Jane | November 28, 2022
  1. What happened during the ice storm in Philadelphia in 1994?  

On January 7th and 8th, 1994, an incredibly powerful ice storm rocked much of the east coast states, Pennsylvania included. In Philadelphia, temperatures plunged to an incredible new record low: -18 degrees Fahrenheit. This record has yet to be beaten, but it was tied in February 2005.  

2. What are some of the most notable winter storms in PA? 

Of course, Pennsylvania is no stranger to winter storms and their effects. Some other notable winter storms in PA include historic events such as:  

 

3. What is winter in Pennsylvania like?  

Winter in Pennsylvania might be quite cold – if not downright frigid at times – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of fun things to do in the winter in PA. Some of our favorite winter activities in Pennsylvania include:  

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