Monday’s blizzard set the standard for early-December snow storms, with 14.4 inches falling at Midway Airport.
14.4 INCHES
Dec. 11, 2000
Large snowfalls like Monday’s are rare in Chicago. According to WGN-Ch. 9 chief meteorologist Tom Skilling, snows of 12 inches or more occur roughly once every 15 years. This storm qualified as a true “blizzard,” which means it was accompanied by high winds and blowing snow.
14.1 INCHES
Dec. 6-9, 1950
Almost 50 years ago to the day, Chicago was socked with an early-season storm that dropped 14.1 inches of snow on the area over a period of 72 hours. The city had barely recovered from that snowfall when another storm arrived on Christmas Day dumping another 9 inches.
10.9 INCHES
Dec. 10-11, 1944
8.6 INCHES
Dec. 14-15, 1987
A Monday night-Tuesday morning blizzard shut down the city and was blamed for 26 deaths in the six-county area. With temperatures hovering in the 28- to 32-degree range, the snow was wet and heavy–a delight for snowball-makers but a burden for overworked shovelers
8.2 INCHES
Dec. 10-11, 1932
8.2 INCHES
Dec. 1-2, 1978
7.2 INCHES
Dec. 8-9, 1977
Sources: National Weather Service, Midway Airport observer.
Chicago Tribune.
