Clarksburg's Historic Snowstorm of 1950
The Historic Snowstorm of 1950 in Clarksburg and Its Lasting Legacy
The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950, a powerful and slow-moving system, etched itself into history as one of the most devastating winter storms ever recorded. From November 22 to 30, 1950, this extratropical cyclone blanketed areas from western Pennsylvania to deep into West Virginia, including Clarksburg, with record-breaking snowfall. Coburn Creek, West Virginia, experienced a staggering 62 inches of snow, the highest total recorded during the storm. Clarksburg itself saw 33 inches of accumulation, making it the most extreme snowstorm on record for the area. This unparalleled weather event was fueled by an arctic front that brought plummeting temperatures and heavy snow bands, leaving behind deep drifts and record cold that disrupted lives across the region.
The 1950 storm’s impacts extended far beyond snow. Bitter cold swept from the Northeast into the Southeast, with temperatures dropping to single digits across the Ohio Valley and reaching record lows as far south as Pensacola, Florida. Fierce winds gusting up to 160 mph in New Hampshire caused widespread power outages and coastal flooding, exacerbating the damage (noaa.gov). The snow and subsequent rapid warming during early December led to severe flooding, including in Pittsburgh, where the Ohio River rose four feet above flood stage. In total, the storm caused $66.7 million in damages (equivalent to $845 million today), claimed 383 lives, and injured over 160 individuals, cementing its status as a catastrophic event.
Photo Credit: National Weather Service
Comparatively, Clarksburg's more recent heavy snowfalls, such as those in 2003 and 2016, delivered 28.5 inches and 26 inches of snow, respectively, but were less severe in scope and impact. The 1950 storm remains unmatched in West Virginia’s recorded history, not just for its snow totals but for its deadly combination of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. While other significant storms, like the March 1993 "Storm of the Century," rival the 1950 event in the Northeast and other regions, none have eclipsed its record-setting impact on the Ohio Valley. The National Weather Service ranks it as the worst winter storm in the region's history based on the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI), where it earned a rare Category 5 classification, according to the NCEI.
This event provides a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of historical data in preparedness for future storms. Modern RSI calculations, which account for snowfall amounts, storm extent, and population impact, allow meteorologists and officials to better understand and mitigate the risks of such extreme weather events. The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 remains a benchmark for measuring the severity of winter storms in the United States, and its legacy endures as a cautionary tale for those living in snow-prone regions.
Check out Clarksburg, West Virginia snowfall totals from other monster storms here.
Contributed by Beth Gain
Clarksburg History Museum