In comparison to previous winters, the 2012 season was one of the snowiest on record. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average snowfall for the contiguous United States during the 2012 winter season was 30.7 inches, which was well above the normal average of 18.1 inches. The heaviest snowfalls were observed in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions, with some areas receiving over 100 inches of snow.
The following table shows the top 10 snowiest cities in the United States during the 2012 winter season:
City Snowfall (inches)
1. Syracuse, New York 192.1
2. Rochester, New York 183.8
3. Buffalo, New York 179.6
4. Cleveland, Ohio 170.8
5. Erie, Pennsylvania 165.8
6. Grand Rapids, Michigan 158.9
7. Lansing, Michigan 154.6
8. Fort Wayne, Indiana 152.7
9. South Bend, Indiana 149.8
10. Chicago, Illinois 148.4
The heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions across the United States. In the Northeast, the region was hit by a series of powerful blizzards, which dumped over 2 feet of snow in some areas. The storms caused power outages to over 1 million homes and businesses, and brought air and ground transportation to a halt. In the Midwest, heavy snowfall caused similar problems, with roads closed, schools canceled, and power outages reported. The Mid-Atlantic region was also affected by the snowstorms, with Washington, D.C. receiving over 20 inches of snow.
The 2012 winter season was a reminder of the power of winter weather and the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. The heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions and damage, but also brought joy to many who enjoyed the winter wonderland that it created.
