BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginia can be a snowy place. Though not nearly as snowy as Maine or Alaska, it snows much of winter, and winter storms have shaped its culture. This is especially so it the lofty Allegheny Mountains where most of its ski resorts are located.
Several key moments, both natural and human-made, stand out. Here are some of the most significant, though this is by no means an exhaustive list, and some events happened just before or just after winter.
1. The Shawnee Wars and Winter Campaigns
In the 1770s, the Shawnee engaged in warfare against white settlers in the Ohio River Valley and in what is now West Virginia. These campaigns were particularly deadly in winter when supplies were low. Many settlers faced particularly harsh conditions in the mountain regions to which they were unaccustomed. These early winter conflicts set the stage for later westward expansion struggles and are key in understanding the state's early settlement history.
2. The Great Blizzard of 1888
One of the most severe blizzards in U.S. history dumped more than 30 inches of snow in parts of West Virginia between March 11–14, 1888, and caused major disruptions. The drifts were so deep that trains were trapped for days, and rural areas became completely isolated. The storm paralyzed transportation and brought attention to the need for better infrastructure and improved storm preparation, especially in the mountainous regions.
3. The Great Depression and Winter Coal Strikes
During the Great Depression, coal miners faced extreme poverty. Several winter coal strikes occurred as workers sought better wages, conditions, and improved labor rights. The 1931 coal miners' strike in particular is notable for its winter hardships. These events were crucial to the formation of labor unions and the development of worker's rights in the state. The winter strikes often resulted in violent confrontations, such as in the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921.
4. 1950 West Virginia Winter Storm
A major winter storm also known as the Great Appalachian Storm hit the state in November 1950, bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and bitter cold. It caused widespread power outages and severely impacted transportation, making many roads impassable. Like the 1888 storm, it highlighted the vulnerability of the state's infrastructure to winter weather and prompted improvements in emergency preparedness and response.
5. Winter of 1977-1978 Energy Crisis
During the U.S. Energy Crisis, West Virginia was heavily reliant on coal for heating and suffered severe cold spells that strained energy production and delivery. This extreme weather, combined with an energy shortage, led to power failures and increased demand for heating. It contributed to ongoing debates about energy independence and the future of coal mining.
6. The 1993 "Storm of the Century"
A massive blizzard that hit the eastern U.S. from March 12–14 was called the "Storm of the Century." The event was one of the most intense nor'easters ever recorded, with snowfall totals and wind impacts setting records across the Appalachians. Some areas saw up to three feet of snow or more and nowdrifts were reported to reach 10–12 feet in places due to the intense winds, which reached 50–70 mph.
7. 2010 "Snowmageddon"
A major snowstorm struck West Virginia in early February 2010, and some areas received more than 30 inches of snow, nearly a year's snowfall. The storm caused widespread power outages, closed roads, and left many residents stranded. It resulted in 41 fatalities and left more than 200,000 homes and businesses without power for days. Snowmageddon underscored the vulnerability of rural and mountainous regions and the importance of preparedness for large-scale natural disasters.
7. Winter of 2014-2015
A series of snowstorms during the winter of 2014-2015 brought significant snowfall across the state, impacting daily life and transportation. The winter’s severity was amplified by the state's mountainous terrain. The storms drew attention to climate change and its potential effects on future winters in the region, as well as the importance of disaster planning.
9. 2019-2020 Winter Storms and Flooding
A series of heavy snowstorms and subsequent floods occurred across the state during the winter of 2019-2020. The storms impacted local communities, causing significant damage to infrastructure, roads, and homes. This series of storms demonstrated the ongoing challenges the state faces in dealing with unpredictable and extreme weather events.
Southern West Virginia, and especially Greenbrier and Nicholas counties, were hit particularly hard by flooding in June, and the Ohio and Kanawha valleys, including Charleston, were impacted in early 2020.
10. 2022 Winter Storm (The "2022 Blizzard")
A massive winter storm hit West Virginia in December 2022, bringing with it significant snowfall, ice, and freezing rain. Thousands were left without power. The storm led to a renewed focus on updating power grids and improving the state’s emergency response systems, especially in remote areas.
These events are key in West Virginia's history and demonstrate the resilience of its inhabitants in the face of harsh winter conditions, especially in its mountainous interior. This list is by no means exhaustive.
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