Blizzard of ’26 beats Blizzard of ’78 snowfall record

RHODE ISLAND — The historic Blizzard of 2026 has officially rewritten the state’s snowfall record books, burying Rhode Island with 37.9 inches of snow, surpassing the legendary Blizzard of 1978 total of 28.6 inches by almost a half a foot.

Relentless snowfall and powerful winds continue to create whiteout conditions statewide Monday afternoon, with nearly all reporting stations meeting blizzard criteria. Massive drifts, impassable neighborhood streets, and widespread closures are being reported as crews struggle to keep up with the depth of accumulation.

A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, with the worst conditions slowly easing tonight as the storm pulls away. Officials continue urging residents to stay off the roads and avoid travel until plows can safely clear streets buried under historic snowfall.

Top Snowstorms in Rhode Island by Snowfall

1. Blizzard of 2026 – 37.9 inches
   • Providence’s all‑time snowstorm record, set at T.F. Green International Airport during the February 2026 blizzard. 
2. Blizzard of 1978 – 28.6 inches
   • Longheld record for the largest snowstorm in city history until 2026, part of a massive Northeast blizzard. 
3. January 30, 2022 Blizzard – 19.3 inches
   
4. Other Notable Big Snowstorms
   • January 8, 1996 – 19 inches (one‑day record before 2026)
   • February 4, 1961 – 18.3 inches
   • April 1, 1997 – 18 inches
   • January 27, 2015 – 16 inches
   • January 23, 2005 – 16.4 inches
   • February 17, 2003 – 14.7 inches
   • March 19, 1956 – 14.7 inches