Blizzard of '26 Rivaled a Category 2 Hurricane

The storm brought record-breaking snowfall and hurricane-force winds to Rhode Island.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Blizzard of '26 that hit Rhode Island on Monday was one of the most powerful winter storms on record, with a central pressure and snowfall rates comparable to a Category 2 hurricane. The storm dumped nearly 38 inches of snow at T.F. Green Airport, making it the worst snowstorm ever to hit the state.

Why it matters

This blizzard has shattered long-standing records and demonstrated the increasing intensity of winter storms due to climate change. The storm's magnitude raises concerns about the state's preparedness and ability to respond to such extreme weather events.

The details

The blizzard underwent a process called bombogenesis, rapidly strengthening as it moved off the coast of North Carolina. It produced snowfall rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour for 2 to 3 hours, with wind gusts between 35 and 70 mph for 10 hours straight, resulting in blinding blizzard conditions and significant drifting.

  • On Monday, the blizzard had a central pressure of 965mb off the coast of Nantucket.
  • Hurricane Bob, a Category 2 storm, had a central pressure of 962mb at landfall on Block Island in 1991.

The players

Steve Cascione

A meteorologist for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation with 55 years of forecasting experience in the state.

T.F. Green Airport

The airport that recorded 37.9 inches of snow, making the Blizzard of '26 the worst snowstorm on record in Rhode Island.

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What they’re saying

“This storm had the magnitude off our coast, if you can put this into perspective, of a Category 2 hurricane.”

— Steve Cascione, Meteorologist, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (WPRI)

“Ten hours of blizzard conditions. Wind gusts between 35 and 70 miles an hour for those 10 hours produce the blowing, the drifting in the incredible low visibilities that I've never seen before.”

— Steve Cascione, Meteorologist, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (WPRI)

What’s next

Meteorologists and state officials will continue to assess the full impact of the Blizzard of '26 and determine if any changes are needed to Rhode Island's emergency preparedness and response plans for future extreme winter storms.

The takeaway

The Blizzard of '26 has underscored the growing threat of climate change-fueled winter storms, with this event rivaling a powerful hurricane in its intensity. As the state recovers, it must reevaluate its infrastructure and emergency protocols to ensure it is resilient in the face of increasingly severe weather.