Blizzard of 1973 Dumped 24 Inches of Snow in Wilmington, NC

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In February 1973, a powerful winter storm brought record-breaking snowfall to Wilmington, North Carolina and much of the Southeast, with some areas receiving over 20 inches. The blizzard conditions paralyzed the region, as many states lacked the proper snow removal equipment and forecasting tools at the time. The storm is still studied today as a benchmark event that redefined winter weather expectations in the South.

Why it matters

The 1973 blizzard was an exceptionally rare and impactful weather event for the Southeast, which typically sees mild winters. The storm exposed vulnerabilities in the region's ability to respond to major winter weather, leading to improvements in forecasting, equipment, and emergency preparedness over the following decades.

The details

The blizzard unfolded from February 9-11, 1973, delivering 1 to 2 feet of snow across large portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Wilmington, NC saw over 24 inches of snow, while Florence, SC set a city record with its largest snowfall ever. Strong winds created blizzard conditions and deep snow drifts that stranded motorists and shut down highways for days. At the time, many Southern states lacked modern snow-removal equipment and forecasting tools, compounding the storm's impact.

• The blizzard began on February 9, 1973 and lasted through February 11, 1973.
• Florence, SC set a city record for its largest snowfall during the storm, a benchmark that still stands over 50 years later.

What’s next

Meteorologists will likely continue to study the 1973 blizzard as a benchmark for understanding the potential impacts of major winter storms in the Southeast.