Feel that chill in the air, Rhode Islanders? As another New England winter approaches, it’s worth a reminder that they can be pretty unpredictable. However, when you’re feeling cold and a bit blue, remember that this state has experienced far worse. If you were around in 1978, you may remember a devastating winter storm that impacted this state… a storm that will more than likely make this upcoming winter seem tame. It was one of – if not THE – worst blizzards in Rhode Island history, and the details are… well, chilling.

While winter in Rhode Island can be cold and harsh at times, it's not terribly common that the state sees a lot of snow. The Ocean State is ranked a little above the national average for annual snowfall.
This.Usually.Works/Flickr
Periods of heavy snow are certainly possible - and, in fact, there is usually some snowfall before winter's end – coastal areas of Rhode Island typically see significantly less snow than interior portions of the state.
That being said, Rhode Island is not immune to all-out blizzards or intense winter storms.
Peter Rintels/Flickr
In fact, as recently as 2019, an arctic blast brought a record chill to the Ocean State. Several years earlier, 2013's Winter Storm Nemo carried on for 11 days and knocked the power out for 200,000 people. There are some pretty historical winter weather events throughout Rhode Island history.
But nothing quite compares to the Blizzard of 1978, which was absolutely devastating to not only Rhode Island but to all of coastal New England.
Shaun C. Williams/Flickr
From February 5th to February 7th, approximately 38 inches of snow fell on certain parts of Rhode Island. Providence saw a record-breaking 27.6 inches of snow during those two days.

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This Rhode Island blizzard may have only lasted for a couple of days, but the state was reeling in the aftermath of the devastation for weeks afterward.
Christine Kalina/Flickr
Thousands of Rhode Islanders were without power for weeks (in the middle of winter) and the interstate highways were shut down as the region attempted to recover from the largest snowfall in Rhode Island history.
This Rhode Island blizzard was so significant that 26 people tragically lost their lives. Massive snow drifts buried cars under piles of snow. Can you imagine digging out of all that wet, heavy snow?
AutumnsList/Flickr
Eventually, the National Guard was called in to rescue and dig out local communities. It was a job too big for residents to handle on their own.
Winter in Rhode Island can be a harsh and unpredictable season. Conditions can go from seasonably mild, to bitter cold and snowy, to a blustery blizzard in a matter of hours. It’s always best to be prepared for all weather conditions in the wintertime, with plenty of layers to spare.
Josh McGinn/Flickr

Were you there to experience this treacherous Rhode Island blizzard? If so, please share your experiences in the comments below!

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the cold weather in the Ocean State, here are five cold weather getaways that will ease your winter blues.

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Blizzards in Rhode Island

Tori Jane | December 07, 2021

What is winter in Rhode Island like?  

In a word: COLD. The average daytime temperature during winter in Rhode Island – primarily from December to February – doesn't tend to rise above 40 degrees. It does snow here, even on the coast, and snowy weather with freezing temperatures are not at all unusual. Average annual snowfall tends to range from around 20 inches in places like Block Island and anywhere from 40 to 55 inches in other, more northernmost parts. January tends to be the coldest, snowiest month of the year. There are places throughout the state that truly love their wintertime, like Newport, which is easily one of the best little winter towns in the entire state. It sits on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, and every year, it transforms into something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s a well-kept secret, as it’s pretty quiet during winter (summer is by far the busiest time of year for Newport). To read more about this perfect little spot for winter in Rhode Island, check this article out!  

What kind of natural disasters in Rhode Island are there?  

The state of Rhode Island is actually pretty safe, relatively speaking. Though Rhode Island does experience natural disasters from time to time, they aren’t a yearly occurrence. The most likely disasters to occur here include blizzards – still, not a yearly occurrence – and earthquakes. According to USA.com, the “earthquake index” for Rhode Island is 0.70, while the United States average sits right around 1.81. This places Rhode Island as #14 in terms of its ranking in the country for earthquakes. Flooding and high winds are another risk to living here, though again, they occur less frequently than they might in other states. Rhode Island is, by and large, an overall safe – if not super cold! - place to call home.  

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