Chicago, IL – This weekend, Chicago commemorates the anniversaries of two of the most significant blizzards in recent history, including the 2011 Groundhog Day storm that buried the city under 20 inches of snow and left hundreds of drivers stranded on Lake Shore Drive.
According to the National Weather Service, the Groundhog Day blizzard struck between February 1 and 2, 2011, bringing hurricane-force wind gusts up to 70 mph and whiteout conditions. Snow piled up so quickly that Lake Shore Drive became impassable, trapping vehicles in place for more than 12 hours. Emergency crews worked overnight to rescue motorists caught in one of the worst travel nightmares in Chicago history. The blizzard ultimately became the city’s third-largest snowfall event.
This weekend also marks the 10-year anniversary of another major storm: the 2015 blizzard, which hit between January 31 and February 2. That storm brought nearly 20 inches of snow, making it the fifth-largest in Chicago’s recorded history. While it didn’t cause the same chaos on Lake Shore Drive, it paralyzed much of the city, shutting down roads, canceling flights, and leaving residents digging out for days.
The 2011 storm, in particular, remains an unforgettable event for those who lived through it. Images of snow-covered, abandoned cars along Lake Shore Drive became symbols of the storm’s severity. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures created a perfect recipe for disaster. Many drivers who left work expecting a normal commute home found themselves trapped in blizzard conditions with no escape.
Chicagoans are no strangers to harsh winters, but these storms serve as stark reminders of how quickly conditions can deteriorate. Experts stress the importance of preparedness, urging residents to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and pay close attention to weather warnings.
As the city reflects on these historic storms, officials continue to monitor winter conditions, emphasizing the need for caution during the remaining months of the season. With unpredictable weather always a possibility, the lessons of 2011 and 2015 remain as relevant as ever.
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