1997 April Fool's Day blizzard
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|name=. Remove this parameter; the article title is used as the name by default.April Fool's Day Blizzard snowfall accumulation map. | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | March 30, 1997 |
| Dissipated | April 1, 1997 |
| Category 2 "Minor" blizzard | |
| Regional snowfall index: 4.67 (NOAA) | |
| Lowest pressure | 979 mbar |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 3 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed |
| Areas affected | New England, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey |
The 1997 April Fool's Day blizzard was a major late-season winter storm that impacted the Northeastern United States from March 31 to April 1, 1997. The storm brought heavy rain, sleet, and snow from Maryland to Maine leaving hundreds of thousands without power and up to 3 feet of snow in areas.
Due to late-season timing of the storm, many people were skeptical, and took warnings about it less seriously. Most snowplows had already been put away for the summer and hardware stores were still selling shovels along side summer patio furniture. One commuter called it "Mother Nature's April Fools' Joke."