Winter’s just around the corner; that makes this the perfect time to reminisce about those epic snowstorms that shut schools and stores, caused our power to flicker or go out altogether, and stranded many of us in our homes. Let’s take a trip down Memory Lane with a look at the five worst winter storms in Pittsburgh history. Pittsburgh weather has never been so chilly… or powdery! Check it out:

1. November 1950
Northridge Alumni Bear Facts/Flickr
Pittsburgh made weather history between November 24 and 26, 1950. That’s when 27.4 inches of snow fell in the area, making that snowstorm the biggest in history (at least of those snowstorms that have been recorded). The Thanksgiving week storm – popularly known as the Great Appalachian Snowstorm of 1950 – claimed 13 lives in several states. This was easily one of the worst stories in Pittsburgh snow history.
2. December 1890
Flickr/Hedgehog
Okay, well, chances are none of us were around for the epic snowstorm of December 1890. A whopping 25.9 inches of snow fell between December 16 and 18 that year. The snow fall, according to the Weather Channel, is the second largest snowfall in Pittsburgh’s history.

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3. March 1993
Flickr/Via Tsuji
Who remembers the Blizzard of ’93? Just about everything – from the parkway to the malls – shut down as 25.3 inches of snow fell between March 12 and 14. The Blizzard of ’93 also set the record for the most amount of snow that fell at one time with 23.6 inches on March 13. This incredible blizzard in Pennsylvania and surrounding states was one for the books.
4. February 2010
Flickr/saeru
Snow fell fast and furious between February 5 and 6, 2010. The fourth largest snowstorm in recorded weather history in the Burgh also happens to be the last time we experienced a major snowfall. Who’s ready for one this winter? Pennsylvania was far from the only state affected; other states like Delaware also saw record-setting snowfall in 2010.
5. January 1978
Wikipedia/Dahoov2
Pittsburghers often reminisce about the snowstorm in 1978 that dumped 27 inches of snow between January 25 and 26. Approximately 20 people died in the storm which affected more than a handful of states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. This incredible, devastating and historic snowstorm is one we'd rather not repeat.

These are some of the worst winter storms in Pittsburgh’s history. Are there any other epic snowstorms that you remember? How about the Thanksgiving snowstorm of 1950? Talk about a doozy.

If you can’t get enough of the amazing winters in Pennsylvania, you might want to check out these nine awesome places to visit in PA during the winter. While you’re at it, you’ll also want to embark upon these winter day trips from Pittsburgh this season, too. What are your favorite things about winter in PA? Let us know in the comments.

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Pittsburgh Weather

Tori Jane | November 25, 2022
  1. What is Pittsburgh weather like in the winter?  

Pittsburgh weather in the winter can alternate between mild and very chilly. The area is prone to heavy snowfall from time to time, though occasionally, the state sees a milder winter. Some of the best things to do in Pittsburgh during the winter are:  

 

2. What happened in the Blizzard of 1978 in Pennsylvania?  

During the Pennsylvania Blizzard of 1978, an incredible, catastrophic Nor’easter struck the northeastern region of the United States, as well as parts of the Ohio Valley. It brought with it incredible, near hurricane-strength winds, and parts of Pennsylvania saw upwards of 20 to 23 inches of snow. Roads and highways were made impassable by record snowfall levels, which quite literally buried vehicles up to their roofs! The incredible Blizzard of 1978 will never be forgotten, as it’s remembered to this day as one of the worst winter storms in United States history.  

3. What are some fun things to do in Pennsylvania during the winter?  

Some super fun things to do in Pennsylvania during the winter include:  

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