Blizzard of '26 Compared to Legendary Blizzard of '78

While the historic 1978 storm retains its claim to supremacy in most measurements, one impressive record did fall.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Blizzard of 1978 in New England remains one of the most legendary winter storms on record, with its intense snowfall, high winds, and coastal flooding crippling the region. As the 50th anniversary of that storm approaches, a new blizzard in 2026 is being compared to the historic event, though it has not quite matched the Blizzard of '78 in most metrics.

Why it matters

The Blizzard of 1978 set a benchmark for winter storms in New England, with its widespread impacts and dramatic scenes of stranded motorists and flooded coastal communities. Any new storm that approaches that level of intensity and disruption is bound to draw comparisons as residents recall the lasting impact of that historic event.

The details

The Blizzard of 2026 brought heavy snow, with rates up to 4 inches per hour, and winds topping 83 mph - matching the peak gusts of the 1978 storm. However, the total snowfall of 27.1 inches in Boston fell short of the 1978 record. The 2026 storm also caused coastal flooding from an ocean surge, though not to the same degree as the earlier blizzard that saw water inundating backyards and streets.

  • The Blizzard of 1978 struck on February 6-7, 1978, a Monday and Tuesday.
  • The Blizzard of 2026 occurred in late February 2026.

The players

Harvey Leonard

A meteorologist who was one of the first to accurately forecast the Blizzard of 1978 using limited technology at the time.

Clark Booth

A WCVB reporter who captured dramatic footage of the Blizzard of 1978, including stranded motorists along Route 128.

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What they’re saying

“We have an intense coastal storm now about 200 miles off the Maryland coast.”

— Harvey Leonard, Meteorologist (WCVB)

“Not everybody was aware that we were going to get a big storm. The forecasts were not uniform.”

— Harvey Leonard, Meteorologist (WCVB)

What’s next

As the 50th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978 approaches, there will likely be more comparisons made between that historic storm and the Blizzard of 2026 to determine how they stack up.

The takeaway

While the Blizzard of 2026 was an impressive winter storm in its own right, the Blizzard of 1978 remains the benchmark by which all other New England blizzards are measured due to its record-breaking snowfall, winds, and devastating coastal flooding that left a lasting impact on the region.