Historic Blizzard Buries Missouri in 2013

The Palm Sunday storm brought record snowfall across the state.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In March 2013, a powerful late-season blizzard struck Missouri, dumping over a foot of snow in many areas and breaking records in cities like St. Louis. The storm, known as the Palm Sunday Blizzard, brought heavy, wet snow and thundersnow, burying communities under a winter wonderland in what is typically the start of spring.

Why it matters

Blizzards in March are rare in Missouri, and this storm demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the state's weather, even as the calendar turns towards warmer months. The event highlighted the need for preparedness and the ability of sudden winter storms to disrupt daily life, even in the transition to spring.

The details

The National Weather Service reported that the worst of the storm hit Missouri on March 24, 2013. St. Louis broke its all-time snowfall record with 12.4 inches, while many other cities saw over a foot of snow, including Hillsboro with 16.7 inches, Mount Olive with 16.2 inches, and Bunker Hill with 16 inches. The heavy, wet snow and thundersnow created hazardous conditions across the state.

  • The Palm Sunday Blizzard struck Missouri on March 24, 2013.
  • The previous record March snowstorm in Missouri was the 1912 blizzard that buried the Kansas City area with over 20 inches on March 23.

The players

National Weather Service in St. Louis

The agency that provided detailed information about the historic blizzard's impacts across Missouri.

State Historical Society of Missouri

The organization that has historical photos and records of past major snowstorms in the state, including the 1912 blizzard.

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The takeaway

This late-season blizzard demonstrated that even as spring approaches, Missouri can still experience powerful winter storms that can catch residents off guard. The event highlighted the need for continued weather preparedness and the unpredictable nature of the state's climate, even in the transition to warmer months.