Friday Marks 8 Years Since Record-Breaking Snowfall

Raleigh, N.C. — Eight years ago today, the Triangle had its biggest snow storm in history.

Snow began falling just before midnight on Jan. 24, 2000. Before it ended the next afternoon, more than a foot and a half of snow covered the ground.

The 20.3-inch snowfall recorded at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport broke snowfall records dating to 1893.

“I will never forget that event,” WRAL’s Monica Laliberte said Friday morning as she watched old footage from the big snow. “I was there with photographer Robert Meikle. We were standing on the side of the road, and I remember we were all like, ‘Get back! Get back!’ (because cars were sliding in the snow nearby). It was crazy, but lots of fun.”

Thousands of people were without power due to the storm.

The National Guard was called out after Gov. Jim Hunt declared a state of emergency. Guardsmen were called out to assist with medical requests, including medical rescues for people stranded by the snow. They also took state employees to and from their jobs.

Do you have any pictures from the big snow of 2000? If so, you can send them to us by clicking here.