Wilmington, NC – One of the most powerful winter storms ever recorded in the Southeast began this week in 1973, dumping historic snowfall across North Carolina and much of the region and reshaping how the South prepares for winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the blizzard unfolded February 9–11, 1973, delivering 1 to 2 feet of snow across large portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia—amounts rarely seen in the region even today.
The storm, often referred to as the Great Southeastern Snowstorm of 1973, brought snowfall totals exceeding 18 inches across central and eastern North Carolina, with some areas recording over 20 inches. Strong winds created blizzard conditions, producing deep snow drifts that stranded motorists and shut down highways for days.
Florence, South Carolina set a city record during the storm, logging its largest snowfall ever, a benchmark that still stands more than 50 years later.
The system’s reach was unusually broad, extending from the Deep South into the Mid-Atlantic, with measurable snow reported as far southwest as parts of Georgia—an exceptionally rare event for the region’s climate.
At the time, many Southern states lacked modern snow-removal equipment and forecasting tools, compounding the storm’s impact. Schools, businesses, and government offices closed for days, while thousands lost power amid freezing temperatures.
Meteorologists continue to study the 1973 blizzard as a benchmark event, often cited when comparing modern winter storms and forecasting worst-case scenarios across the Carolinas.
Residents who experienced the storm firsthand often recall it as a once-in-a-lifetime event—one that redefined winter weather expectations in the South.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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