Charlotte, NC – Twenty-five years ago this week, a historic snowstorm swept across the East Coast, bringing record-breaking snowfall and widespread disruptions. The storm, which struck from January 24-26, 2000, blanketed regions from North Carolina to New England, leaving many areas paralyzed for days.
According to the National Weather Service, Raleigh, NC, recorded its highest snowfall ever, with 20 inches. Durham and Chapel Hill also faced heavy snow, accumulating 18 and 16 inches, respectively. In Virginia, Richmond saw approximately 14 inches, while Annapolis, MD, was buried under 17 inches. Washington, D.C., recorded 14 inches, with parts of New Jersey seeing up to 15 inches. Major highways, including I-85 and I-95, were shut down as snow and ice made travel nearly impossible.
This event, which meteorologists struggled to forecast accurately, underscored the need for improvements in storm tracking. The storm ultimately led to the creation of the Winter Weather Desk at the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, now known as the Weather Prediction Center, which revolutionized winter storm forecasting.
The snowstorm’s legacy continues to serve as a reminder of the need for winter weather preparedness. Authorities urge residents to monitor local weather alerts, stock up on essential supplies, and avoid nonessential travel during severe storms.
As this anniversary highlights the power of winter storms, it’s a good time to review emergency plans and stay connected with local weather updates.
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