Last year’s winter was pretty unbelievable. Between the near-constant freezing temps and the snowfall that didn’t seem to stop, it may have felt like the worst winter season in the state’s history. But, it sure wasn’t! While it looks like this year’s winter might be surprising, we’re hoping it’s not like the winter New Hampshirites once experienced. The snowiest winter in New Hampshire history was recorded in 1969 and it wasn’t pretty.
While there have been plenty of outrageous snowstorms in New England over the last century, it’s the 100-hour snowstorm of February, 1969 that earns the honor of being considered the worst. It also dumped the most snow on the state of New Hampshire that has ever been recorded weather history.
jcbwalsh / Flickr Categories of winter storms are based on a rating referred to as the “RSI” and it rates each storm based on snowfall amounts and population. So, a heavy storm that disrupts a larger population will receive a higher RSI value.
These values go from 0 to 35, which are then converted to a rating of 0 and 5 similar to hurricanes.
The February, 1969 storm came in at a Category 5, the highest rating possible.
The 100-hour storm came just a few weeks after the February, 1969 nor’easter that battered the northeast from February 8th through February 11th.
By NOAA Central Library Data Imaging Project - http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/dwm/1969/19690210-19690216.djvu, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8938812
Both storms dumped record amounts of snowfall, but the 100-hour storm was truly the worst.
By Unknown - wea00957, Historic NWS Collection, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=408041
Mt. Washington saw more than 8 feet of snow during the storm, helping the state reach their monthly record of over 14 feet in just one month.
shaymus22 / Flickr
More than 30 inches of snow fell across much of the state, affecting huge swaths of populations for the 4 days that the storm raged.
quinnfamilyphotos / Flickr
Business were shuttered, schools closed and people were stuck inside their homes unsure of what to expect once the storm had passed.
Mark Bonica / Flickr
Part of what made this storm so difficult was its speed - the system moved slowly allowing for more snow to fall over one area.
ericawissolik / Flickr
When it was time to dig out, New Hampshire was one of the hardest hit states.
anokarina / Flickr Since this storm, there have been advancements in both weather prediction ability and equipment to help keep us safe. No matter what this winter holds, make sure you’re prepared by listening to weather reports and taking the advice of meteorologists seriously. If you’re asked to remain indoors, stay inside. And, of course, stock up on bread. If the grocery store shelves are any indication, this is the #1 way to remain safe in a winter weather situation!
No matter how much snow the state receives this year, consider booking a stay at one of these 7 cozy New Hampshire inns. They’re sure to make any winter feel warm.
jcbwalsh / Flickr
Categories of winter storms are based on a rating referred to as the “RSI” and it rates each storm based on snowfall amounts and population. So, a heavy storm that disrupts a larger population will receive a higher RSI value.
These values go from 0 to 35, which are then converted to a rating of 0 and 5 similar to hurricanes.
The February, 1969 storm came in at a Category 5, the highest rating possible.
By NOAA Central Library Data Imaging Project - http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/dwm/1969/19690210-19690216.djvu, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8938812
By Unknown - wea00957, Historic NWS Collection, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=408041
shaymus22 / Flickr
quinnfamilyphotos / Flickr
Mark Bonica / Flickr
ericawissolik / Flickr
anokarina / Flickr
Since this storm, there have been advancements in both weather prediction ability and equipment to help keep us safe. No matter what this winter holds, make sure you’re prepared by listening to weather reports and taking the advice of meteorologists seriously. If you’re asked to remain indoors, stay inside. And, of course, stock up on bread. If the grocery store shelves are any indication, this is the #1 way to remain safe in a winter weather situation!
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