Other March Snows in Alabama

The Blizzard of ‘93 is already folklore in Alabama—an event that will never be forgotten. Today, however, let’s discuss some other March snow events in Alabama.

While snow is unusual in March, it may not be as unusual as you think.

On March 24, 1983, moderate to heavy snow fell in parts of Central and North Alabama in the wee morning hours. At daybreak there was 5 inches on the ground at Lafayette, 3 inches at Clanton and Sylacauga and 2 inches in Birmingham and Valley Head.

On March 21, 1915, nearly 3 inches of snow fell on Birmingham—one day before the official arrival of spring. It quickly melted when afternoon temperatures reached 48.

A more widespread snowstorm came to Alabama on March 13, 1924. A heavy wet snow covered a large part of North and Central Alabama. The snow clung to everything and caused lots of damage. There were major interruptions in communications. It was probably the most damage ever in March from a snow or ice storm until the Blizzard of ‘93.

In that 1924 storm, Birmingham got 6.5 inches of snow—all of it falling in less than 12 hours. At that time, way back in 1924, Birmingham had 50 long distance telephone circuits and 45 of them were crippled. Western Union reported all telegraph lines were down except one to New Orleans. The Birmingham Weather Office was cut off from everybody.

At Greensboro in Hale County, there was the unusual sight of mockingbirds and robins hopping about in the heavy snow. Greensboro and Talladega got 6 inches, Clanton 4 inches and Anniston 5 inches.

On March 24, 1983, a 2-inch snow fell in Birmingham—the latest measurable on record.

Did you notice that all of these snow events in this story occurred in the latter half of March except the one on March 13?

So, what does all of this mean? It means we cannot absolutely rule out a risk of snow until deep into March. This is no hint that we are looking for one later this month. No indications of that right now.

Life goes on--snow or no snow.