Blizzard of 1888 The worst blizzard in the history of the United States hit the country in the winter of 1888. It began on March 11, a Sunday, and continued for three days straight. The blizzard brought fierce winds and heavy snowfall that blanketed the country from the Great Plains to the East Coast. In New York City, the snow piled up to over 50 inches, blocking the streets and making it impossible to travel by foot, horse, or carriage. The telegraph and telephone lines went down, cutting off the city from the outside world. The snowdrifts were so high that they covered the second-floor windows of some buildings. People were trapped in their homes and buildings, unable to leave or get food and water. In Boston, the winds were so strong that they knocked down buildings and trees, causing widespread damage. The city was also buried in snow, with the total snowfall reaching over 40 inches. People who were caught outside in the storm were quickly buried in the snow, and many