Snowstorm beats Blizzard of '78 snowfall, drops 33 inches
Cars are blanketed in snow. Photo by Mari Huglin
Snow drifts up to the front door. Photo by Tom Quann
Trees weighed down from the snow. Photo by Mari Huglin
Cars are blanketed in snow. Photo by Mari Huglin
Snow drifts up to the front door. Photo by Tom Quann
Trees weighed down from the snow. Photo by Mari Huglin
Many remember the Blizzard of 1978, and even those who didn’t witness it know the tales, but as Dartmouth faces the Blizzard of 2026, its legacy is being challenged.
In less than 24 hours, today’s snow accumulation beat this infamous storm. The wind and damage of ‘78 continues to keep its title for damage and wind speeds.
According to the National Weather Service, Dartmouth has gotten 33 inches as of 4:30 p.m., beating the record of 27 inches set by the storm of ‘78.
Department of Public Works director Tim Barber also quoted this figure, estimating about 31 inches of snow in Dartmouth as well.
“The snow banks are so high you can’t even push the screen door open,” said resident Nathan Bean.
A blizzard, according to the National Weather Service, is any snow storm with winds or constant gusts over 35 mph and blowing snow that reduces visibility to a quarter mile.
At 7:53 a.m. this morning, wind gusts of 62 mph were recorded at the New Bedford Regional Airport Weather Station, and visibility was measured at a quarter mile.
“I was only four years old at the time [of The Storm of ‘78] so I don’t really recall that storm, but I’m hearing comparisons,” said Barber.
A travel ban prohibiting non-essential vehicles from the roads was enacted by Gov. Maura Healey and she also enacted the National Guard. The Town of Dartmouth has also announced a state of emergency.
In 1978, two consecutive storms hit New England, Canada and some of the East Coast from Jan. 25 through Jan. 27 and again Feb. 5 through Feb. 7. The February storm is what is now known as “The Storm of ‘78.”
“From what I’ve talked to people, they said this is probably worse than ‘78,” said District 2 Fire Chief Erick Turcotte.
The blizzard this week followed a major storm on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. The snowstorm in January dumped a foot of snow, with some snow remaining on the ground almost a month later.
In 1978, wind gusts hit 111 mph and roads were shut down, with people having to ski and snowmobile their way out and abandon their cars. The travel ban lasted for three days, with the National Guard aiding in cleaning efforts.
Nationwide, thousands were left without power and there were 100 reported deaths and 4,500 injuries, mostly due to downed power lines.
In Dartmouth, the snow drifts have reached over 6 feet, according to Barber. This is causing issues with plowing, but he said he wants to assure everyone that the town is out and plowing.
He noted that crew members needed to take a small break to fix plows, as the snow and wind were causing damage. They do not currently have a full fleet, but are still working to clear the streets.
