Despite March signaling the start of spring, the month has delivered some of the Rochester area’s most memorable — and crippling — winter storms. Here’s a look back at the biggest March storms in local history.
2018: Powerful winter storm cripples region
On March 2, 2018, a powerful winter storm blanketed the Rochester region with 1 to 2 feet of snow and knocked out power to thousands.
Schools and events were canceled, travel advisories were issued, and hundreds of crashes were reported.
Portions of local expressways were repeatedly shut down due to jackknifed tractor-trailers and multi-vehicle accidents.
Some emergency crews struggled to respond. In Gates, an ambulance crew attempting to assist with a birth became stuck in heavy snow and slush.
2017: Winter Storm Stella buries Rochester
From March 13 to 15, 2017, Winter Storm Stella dropped more than 26 inches of snow on the area. Schools, businesses — including shopping malls — and some government offices closed. Trash pickup was delayed across the region. Despite the disruption, some residents ventured out to make the best of the storm.
2014: Blizzard “Vulcan” slams the area
On March 12, 2014, a blizzard dubbed “Vulcan” brought more than 15 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 49 mph. The storm drew national attention when Weather Channel storm chaser Mike Seidel reported live from the Irondequoit Bay outlet, nearly losing his footing in the powerful winds.
1999: Back-to-back March blizzards
On March 3 and 4, 1999, nearly 2 feet of snow fell on Rochester. Just two days later, another 18.4 inches piled on. At peak intensity, wind gusts reached 49 mph, sending frozen snow pellets whipping through the air and making travel miserable for anyone outdoors.
1993: The “Storm of the Century”
From March 13 to 14, 1993, nearly 2 feet of snow fell locally as part of the massive “Storm of the Century” that paralyzed much of the Eastern Seaboard. Forecast days in advance, the storm prompted residents to stock up — including a rush on video rental stores — before it hit exactly as meteorologists predicted.
1992: Runway slide amid 22-inch snowfall
Between March 11 and 12, 1992, about 22 inches of snow covered Rochester. During the storm, a Delta MD-80 arriving from Nashville slid off the runway while taxiing at the Rochester airport. The 70 passengers aboard were not injured, but roads were clogged and widespread cancellations followed.
1991: Historic Ice Storm leaves 200,000 without power
On March 4, 1991, a devastating ice storm paralyzed the region. More than 200,000 homes and businesses lost power, and for many customers it took up to 14 days to restore electricity. Ice-coated tree limbs snapped under the weight, bringing down power lines, blocking roads and damaging homes and vehicles across the area.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Think March means spring? Rochester’s worst snowstorms say otherwise
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
