Historic Blizzard Disasters

The Great Blizzard of 1888 paralyzed the northeastern US for three days. Snow drifts reached 15 meters. Over 400 people died, many freezing within blocks of their homes in zero visibility.

This disaster led directly to New York's underground infrastructure. Collapsed telephone lines were moved underground. The blizzard also accelerated subway construction, proving surface transport was unreliable.

The Iran Blizzard of 1972 remains the deadliest in history. A week of continuous snow buried villages under 8 meters. Approximately 4,000 people died, many in villages not found until spring.