Pennsylvania certainly has seen its fair share of snowstorms over the decades. In fact, the worst snowstorms in Pennsylvania history often remain fresh in our memories. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and how the storm directly impacted us. In 1993, Pennsylvania, along with the majority of the East Coast, braced for a mid-March blizzard that would bring with it strong winds, heavy snow, and plunging temperatures, earning it the moniker of “The Storm of the Century” and “The Superstorm of 1993.” The blizzard of 1993 in Pennsylvania is definitely one of the state’s worst.

The epic Blizzard of '93 slammed much of the East Coast, beginning on March 13 and, in some cases, lasting through March 15. When all was said and done, an estimated 300 people lost their lives on the East Coast.
Flickr/valkyre131
Forty-nine of those people died in Pennsylvania. The gravity of the this 1993 snow storm quickly became apparent as meteorologists warned of high winds and massive amounts of snow in a relatively short period of time.
Wikimedia Commons/Atwngirl
The massive snowstorm ensured that 1993 was one of the worst winters in Pennsylvania in recent memory.
Philadelphia saw a record-breaking, at the time, foot of snow in only 24 hours while 23.6 inches fell during that same time period in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Harrisburg got just over 20 inches from March 13-15, 1993.
Flickr/Matt O’Hara
All over Pennsylvania, snowfall records were shattered. At the time, it was the biggest snow storm in PA history.
Pennsylvania's worst blizzard resulted in a shutdown of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and interstate highways. Schools, businesses, and airports across the East Coast also closed.
Flickr/melonman0

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The National Guard was summoned to help rescue those motorists who found themselves stranded in their vehicles.
Flickr/Kevin Burkett
However, as the snow fell on Pittsburgh on March 13, the city continued with its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Flickr/Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue
By the time the storm ended, damages along the coast tallied approximately $5.5 billion.
Flickr/Jorge Lascar
The Blizzard of '93 proved to be a costly natural disaster in Pennsylvania.
Just three years later, the state would again be bombarded with another epic snowstorm, the Blizzard of '96.
Flickr/Via Tsuji

What do you remember about the Blizzard of ’93? It was one of the worst snowstorms in Pennsylvania history. Because you never know what the season will bring, we suggest you stay ready with all the winter essentials during the colder months. Join the conversation in the comments! We’ve had our fair share of crazy winters in Pennsylvania – like way back in 1996. See how much you remember about the Blizzard of ’96.

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Winter In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | October 18, 2021

What are some memorable blizzards in Pennsylvania?

Blizzards in Pennsylvania aren’t exactly common. However, when they strike, we talk about them for years after. If you don’t remember where you were during the Blizzard of ’93, you might have memories of the Blizzard of ’96. Another epic blizzard in Pennsylvania, the massive snowstorm dumped 31 inches of snow on Philadelphia. Just about every part of Pennsylvania had snow. On the opposite end of the state, Pittsburgh saw nearly10 inches of snow, enough to bring the city to a standstill, at least for a short time. More than 50 Pittsburghers were injured during the snowstorm, too, when two PAT buses collided.

What can I expect from winter in Pennsylvania?

Winter in Pennsylvania usually leaves us a bit confused. We often have bitterly cold days then there are those days when we experience all four seasons. Here are five things you can expect during winter in Pennsylvania.

  • Waking up and dressing for winter then coming home and being thisclose to turning on the A/C
  • Shoveling out after a snowstorm
  • Saving your parking spot with a chair
  • Leaving other people’s parking chairs alone. Those spaces are taken.
  • Waiting for the text or phone call that school will be online for the day or, if the kiddos are lucky, canceled altogether

What are some of the most well-known natural disasters in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania boasts a rich history. However, there have also been quite a few natural disasters in Pennsylvania that Pennsylvanians won’t forget any time soon. Here are three of them.

  • The Johnstown Flood in May 1889 claimed the lives of more than 2,200 residents, including more than 300 children.
  • The Great Blizzard of 1888 struck in March of that year, bringing much of the state to a standstill. Snow tallied up to 60 inches in some areas of the Northeast.
  • The weather again caused havoc in May 1985 when a series of tornados swept across Western Pennsylvania, killing 65 residents.

 

 

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