Blizzards in Virginia: Yes, They Happen

Yes, Virginia experiences blizzards. While its mid-Atlantic climate is generally moderate, potent nor'easters and Arctic outbreaks bring true blizzard conditions (wind ≥35 mph, visibility <¼ mile, ≥3 hrs).

Major Historical Blizzards

• Great Blizzard of 1888 ("Great White Hurricane"): 2–4 ft snow, 40–50 mph winds, 400+ deaths regionally. Paralyzed DC–NYC corridor; VA hit hard.
• Knickerbocker Storm (Jan 1922): 28" DC, 20"+ NoVA. Roof collapse killed 98.
• Blizzard of 1996 (Jan 6–8): 17–30" across NoVA, Shenandoah. 10 VA deaths. Federal govt shut 4 days.
• Blizzard of 2010 ("Snowmageddon" Feb 5–6): 20–38" NoVA. Record snowfall. Massive outages, roof collapses.
• Blizzard of 2016 ("Snowzilla" Jan 22–23): 20–36" NoVA. 2nd highest DC snow. Metro shut 2+ days.
• Jan 2022: 12–18" NoVA, icy — major disruption.

Regional Variation

• Northern Virginia (NoVA): Most frequent/severe (urban heat island + coastal proximity + elevation).
• Shenandoah Valley / Blue Ridge: Orographic enhancement → higher totals.
• Coastal VA (Hampton Roads): More rain/mix; less snow, but nor'easter winds/flooding.
• Southwest VA: Elevation → more snow, but less population.

VDOT & localities now have robust snow plans. Climate change may reduce frequency but increase intensity of extreme events.