CENTRAL PARK, NY – Winter in New York City often brings postcard-worthy scenes, but history shows that some snowstorms have been far more than just beautiful. Over the decades, Central Park has endured multiple historic winter storms that paralyzed transportation, shut down the city, and reshaped how New Yorkers prepare for extreme weather.
Weather records dating back to 1869 show that several storms stand out for their sheer snowfall totals and impact on daily life. Based on official weather data and historical accounts, here are the five largest snowstorms ever recorded in Central Park.
No. 5: February 2010 Nor’easter
The fifth-largest snowstorm struck in February 2010, when Central Park recorded 20.9 inches of snow over a two-day period.
Snow fell at rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, creating near-whiteout conditions across the Northeast. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts reached 50 to 70 mph in parts of southeastern New York.
The storm produced heavy, wet snow that clung to trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages and downed trees throughout the region.
No. 4: The Great Blizzard of March 1888
Coming in fourth is the infamous March 1888 snowstorm, which dumped 21 inches of snow on Central Park.
Often referred to as the Great Blizzard of 1888, it is considered one of the most devastating winter storms in U.S. history. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, some areas received up to 58 inches of snow, and more than 400 people died, including roughly 200 in New York City, as documented by History.com.
Transportation systems collapsed, power and telegraph lines failed, and the disaster helped accelerate the decision to move critical infrastructure—such as electrical and transit lines—underground.
No. 3: December 1947 Blizzard
The third-largest snowstorm occurred in December 1947, when 26.4 inches of snow blanketed Central Park.
The storm left massive snowdrifts across the city, immobilizing vehicles and forcing residents to manually dig out streets and sidewalks. At the time, snow removal equipment was limited, compounding the citywide paralysis.
No. 2: February 2006 Snowstorm
The February 2006 snowstorm ranks second, bringing 26.9 inches of snow to Central Park.
New York City officials deployed 2,500 workers to manage cleanup efforts as hundreds of flights were canceled and major roadways shut down. The storm severely disrupted travel and commerce throughout the metropolitan area.
No. 1: January 2016 Blizzard
The largest snowstorm ever recorded in Central Park occurred in January 2016, when the park received 27.5 inches of snow.
This storm remains the most significant snowfall since records began in 1869. Blizzard conditions affected New York City, Long Island, and much of the Northeast, bringing widespread travel bans, emergency declarations, and prolonged cleanup efforts.
