A look back at the Philadelphia region's biggest snowstorms
Over the years, the Philadelphia area has experienced many powerful snowstorms.
Some of these storms shut down roads, closed schools, and even kept people indoors for days. Snow is common here, but a few storms were so severe that people still talk about them years later.
As we prepare for an upcoming winter storm, here’s a look back at the past storms that left a lasting mark on the region:
Blizzard of 1996
Thirty years ago, the Blizzard of ’96 brought over two feet of snow to the Philadelphia region.
The storm lasted from January 6 to January 10, with the heaviest impact on January 7 and 8.
At the time, the previous snowfall record for the Philadelphia region was 21.3 inches, set in 1983. The Blizzard of ’96 delivered 30.7 inches.
Snowstorm of 2009
On December 19, 2009 a major snowstorm hit the region just days before the holidays.
Philadelphia receiving 23.2 inches of snow, making it one of the city’s biggest snowstorms on record.
The weather forced the Eagles into a later game against the 49ers and even caused the Philadelphia International Airport to shut down .
Snowmaggedon of February 2010
February of 2010 brought back-to-back storms.
Two powerful snowstorms hit the Philadelphia region within one week, dumping large amounts of snow.
Philadelphia recieved 28.5 inches of snow.
Blizzard of 2016
Another major storm struck the region in January 2016.
The storm happened Janaury 22 and lasted through Janauary 24. Area’s such as Allentown, Pennsylvania received 31.9 inches of snow, while Philadelphia recorded 22.4 inches.
At least 30 people died during the storm, including three in Pennsylvania, as it impacted the East Coast.
In New Jersey, hundreds of motorists drove despite warnings, resulting in 222 crashes and 868 calls for assistance, according to New Jersey State Police.
Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend storm
As a new winter storm approaches, the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team is monitoring the forecast closely.
Snow is expected to arrive late Saturday, Jan. 24, with heavy snow developing into the morning of Sunday, Jan. 25, and continuing throughout the day.
The Philadelphia region and surrounding suburbs are expected to get 9 to 13 inches of snow, the Lehigh Valley is expected to get 13 to 18 inches of snow, South Jersey is expected to get 5 to 9 inches of snow and coastal Delaware and the Jersey Shore is expected to get 3 to 5 inches of snow.
Get the latest updates on how the area is preparing by clicking here.
