Massive Snowfall Shakes East Coast, New Record in Providence

The winter storm that hit the Northeast last week was unlike any before. In Providence, a city that had never seen more than 28.6 inches of snow in a single event, the ground was buried under 32.8 inches, setting a new benchmark by more than four inches.

Across the Boston area, accumulations ranged from 12 to 18 inches east of Route 495 and up to 24 inches as far south as Providence. Some spots recorded even higher totals, showing how uneven the storm’s impact was.

By late afternoon, the heavy snowfall began to taper off. Most of the new snow fell before 5 p.m., with a final drizzle of one to three inches expected after 2 p.m. The storm’s heaviest winds, which had gusted up to 83 mph in Nantucket and 77 mph in Wellfleet, were already past their peak by early evening.

Power outages were limited to areas that had already lost electricity; those still powered were unlikely to see further cuts as the storm moved toward the ocean. Wind speeds remained strong in Cape Cod and the islands, but even there the worst gusts were behind.

Logan Airport reported 14.4 inches of snow by noon, and the skies began to clear overnight as temperatures dropped toward 20 °F. The following day brought sunshine and near‑freezing highs, making the freshly fallen snow sparkle brightly—so bright you’ll need sunglasses.

A new weather system is expected on Wednesday, bringing light rain or a thin layer of snow. After that, temperatures will stay below average for several days, but the weekend should be drier and slightly milder. The snow on the ground will linger into early March, keeping many areas looking mid‑winter for a while longer.