Providence, Rhode Island Shatters Blizzard Record With 37.9 Inches of Snow as Bomb Cyclone Leaves Rare Snow Rollers Across the City
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — History was made as a powerful bomb cyclone buried the city under 37.9 inches of snow, officially surpassing the legendary Blizzard of 1978 and setting the largest blizzard snowfall total ever recorded in Providence.
The storm didn’t just break records — it transformed neighborhoods, reshaped landscapes, and left behind one of the rarest winter phenomena residents have ever witnessed.
Record-Breaking Snowfall Tops 1978 Blizzard
Providence’s 37.9-inch total now stands as the highest blizzard accumulation on record for the city, overtaking the benchmark snowfall from the infamous Blizzard of 1978.
The historic snowfall overwhelmed streets, blanketed homes, and paralyzed transportation as strong winds intensified conditions into full blizzard status. Drifting snow piled high across roadways and residential neighborhoods, creating significant cleanup challenges.
Meteorologists classify a bomb cyclone as a storm that rapidly intensifies due to a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure. That explosive strengthening often results in heavy precipitation and extreme wind — both of which contributed to Providence’s historic totals.
Rare Snow Rollers Appear Across Yards
Beyond the staggering snowfall, residents awoke to an unusual sight: dozens of hollow snow cylinders scattered across lawns and open spaces.
These formations, known as snow rollers, occur when:
- Snow on the ground becomes slightly sticky
- Strong winds push and roll the snow across the surface
- The snow curls into hollow, cylindrical shapes
The conditions must be nearly perfect for snow rollers to form — a delicate balance of surface snow texture, temperature, and wind speed.
In Providence, the powerful winds following the storm provided exactly the right environment. Entire yards appeared dotted with what looked like oversized snow “donuts” or rolled carpets of snow.
A Storm That Reshaped the City
The bomb cyclone’s impact extended far beyond snowfall totals. The storm reshaped snowbanks, created towering drifts, and left neighborhoods transformed in appearance.
Residents described waking up to a completely altered landscape — familiar streets reduced to white corridors and open spaces textured with wind-sculpted snow.
While snow rollers are harmless, their widespread appearance highlights just how intense the post-storm winds were across the region.
What Happens Next
With nearly 38 inches of snow on the ground, cleanup operations will take time. Snow removal crews face days of plowing and hauling to restore normal travel conditions.
Meanwhile, the record-setting blizzard now joins Providence’s weather history as one of the most impactful winter events ever recorded.
This storm didn’t just bury the city — it rewrote its snowfall record books.
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I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.