Powerful Blizzard Hit Southwestern Connecticut 12 Years Ago

A powerful storm exploded over southwestern Connecticut over a two-day period 12 years ago, delivering heavy snow, gusty winds, thunder, and lightning January 26 & 27, 2011. Nearly a foot-and-a-half of snow was reported in most communities in the area before the snow moved away by daybreak, January 26, 2011. Not surprisingly, it resulted in the snowiest January on record across southwestern Connecticut.

Officially, after that memorable storm, nearly three feet (34.8") of snow had fallen at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, breaking the previous January record of 26.2 inches set in 1965. The normal snowfall for the month is 8.5 inches. The previous January, just 7.4" of snow fell, while four years ago, only 7.7 inches of snow fell in January.

Here are snowfall totals from Wednesday, January 26, 2011:

• Norwalk: 17.0"
• Darien: 15.5"
• Milford: 15.0"
• Fairfield: 15.0"
• Greenwich: 14.5"

Once again, my neighbor, Todd, who owns a snowplow, drove me to work. Without question, it was the worst ride to work in my 19 years of doing morning weather at News 12 Connecticut. I have never seen I-95 as snow-covered and as dangerous as it was nine years ago. There were several tractor trailers jackknifed, and the backup was extensive on the Northbound side in Westport. The heavy, wet snow made driving extremely difficult.

I woke up to the sound of muffled thunder shortly after midnight, and when I went to look out the window, I saw nothing but white. The snow was falling heavily, and I knew the storm had intensified due to the gusty winds, thunder, and lightning. This was no ordinary snowstorm. Nearly a foot of snow had accumulated by midnight. When Todd arrived at my driveway at 2:20, I couldn't get the kitchen door open because the snow was piled so high. Just walking to his plow was a chore in itself. Here's a photo from Devon.

So far this Winter, snow lovers can only dream. We're less than two months away from the Vernal Equinox. And, Groundhog Day is one week away.

Paul

Every Day This Month Has Been Warmer-Than-Normal at Bridgeport Climate Station

Every day this month at the Bridgeport climate station has been warmer-than-normal. The average monthly temperature of 40.1 degrees F is 8.4 degrees above normal. pic.twitter.com/NKJv2RrZtm

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) January 21, 2023

Paul

Mild January Continues Across Southwestern Connecticut

Every day this month has been warmer-than-normal at the Bridgeport climate station. The average monthly temperature (40.5 degrees F) is 8.5 degrees above normal. pic.twitter.com/hKVqq8ijo0

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) January 16, 2023

Paul

Easton Sparkles in Winter Sunshine

Easton is the quintessential New England town. Its charm and beauty are second-to-none in southwestern Connecticut. A Sunday drive through Easton is scenic, peaceful, and enjoyable. pic.twitter.com/f4W7EtAmye

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) January 15, 2023

Paul