25 years ago, Berks County was snowed in after biggest storm on record

The biggest of digs was going on 25 years ago today following the deepest snowfall on record in Berks County.

That paralyzing storm from Jan. 7-8, 1996, stands head and shoulders above all the others in the 151-year precipitation database.

However, another storm five years ago this month was the second deepest on record. Both are marking milestone anniversaries.

In many places in Berks in 1996 about 3 feet of snow fell on that Sunday and Monday, and the official total was 34 inches, which was measured at the UGI office in Ontelaunee Township.

Residents of Berks needed days to dig out, then were hit with another storm on Friday Jan. 12, 1996, with 7 to 8 inches of snow topped by sleet and freezing rain, giving the week an apocalyptic feel.




Jan. 22, 2016

After the record-shattering warmth of December 2015, milder-than-normal conditions prevailed through most of January 2016. There was coating of snow on Jan. 12, 2016, but the winter was a pale version of those heavyweight 1990s seasons.

No one was ready for the onslaught of that Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22 and 23.

The snow started after dark on Jan. 22 and picked up in intensity, piling up to 22 to 30 inches in the region, including 27 inches at Stoudt's Lincoln Park residence in less than 24 hours.

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/25-years-ago-berks-county-was-snowed-in-after-biggest-storm-on-record/article_1ac35bf0-4f5d-11eb-bfc0-a391cf44a268.html