Rhode Island Shatters 48-Year Snowfall Record. Monday Blizzard Rivals 1978 Storm

The blizzard that whalloped New England on Monday, Feb. 23, set impressive local snowfall records,  but how does the storm stack up to the Blizzard of '78? 

According to a NewsCenter 5 Boston report, the Blizzard of 1978 remains the U.S. Northeast's benchmark for winter storms. That storm ranks second all-time for total snowfall. A new mark was set during the Presidents Day Storm of 2003, when 27.6 inches of snow were recorded at Logan International Airport from Feb. 17 (Presidents Day) to Feb. 18.

Monday's blizzard dropped at least 16.9 inches of snow in Boston, according to the latest update from the official National Weather Service (NWS) observation at Boston Logan International Airport. In New Bedford, however, 31 inches of snow was reported.

At T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, Monday's blizzard set a new snowfall record. According to the NWS, the 37.9 inches topped the 27.6 inches recorded during the Blizzard of '78.

NewsCenter 5 reported that both storms resulted in state of emergency declarations throughout Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported that additional local emergencies were declared throughout several communities.

The Blizzard of '78 struck the Northeast on Feb. 6, 1978, and extended into the next day. Approximately 100 people died in the blizzard, which caused $520 million in damage. Iconic imagery from 1978, obtained by NewsCenter 5, reveals cars stranded on Route 128 in Dedham. Many vehicles became stuck along Route 24, causing some ramp closures. 

Monday's storm was characterized by widespread high winds, with gusts exceeding 70 mph in multiple areas.

The storm on Monday met criteria for a blizzard, bomb cyclone, and nor'easter, with hurricane-strength wind gusts recorded regionwide.