Snowstorm of 1915: Over a century ago this weekend, downtown Raleigh was buried in snow

Over 100 years ago this weekend, Raleigh was "flounsed in grasp of its greatest blizzard." Newspapers described Raleigh as "masses of slush and tangled wires" and said "communication by telephone, telegraph and almost by train [was] cut off with little chance of relief."

Posted 10:37 a.m. Apr 2, 2022 — Updated 3:37 p.m. Apr 2, 2022

Heather Leah

, WRAL digital journalist

RALEIGH, N.C. — Over 100 years ago, a sudden springtime blizzard blanketed Raleigh and brought the city to a screeching halt.

Ten inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, crippled the city on Easter Sunday--an unexpected blizzard that wrought havoc on downtown Raleigh.

Morgan and Wilmington Street

Snowstorm in downtown Raleigh in 1915: On this day over a century ago. Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina

According to the State Archives of North Carolina, this photo was shot at the intersection of Morgan and Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. They wrote that "power poles lining Morgan Street have fallen away from the street" and were leaning against buildings.

Careful observers may see a vintage car in the distance, making a turn onto Blount Street according to the State Archives.

Snowstorm in downtown Raleigh on Hillsborough Street in 1915: On this day over a century ago. Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina

Hillsborough Street and NC State University

Hillsborough Street looks unrecognizable here, covered in deep snow with power lines fallen across the road. On the horizon, NC State can be seen, with Thompkins Hall, Winston Hall, 1911 Building and Syme Residence Hall in the background.

Headlines read: 'Raleigh flounsed in grasp of its greatest blizzard'

The newspapers described Raleigh as "masses of slush and tangled wires" and said "communication by telephone, telegraph and almost by train is cut off with little chance of relief for today."

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Many of the photos in this collection were taken by CP&L employees who were assessing the damage--which wrought havoc on the electrical infrastructure of the city. Photos show electrical poles toppled in multiple parts of downtown Raleigh, shutting down Raleigh's trolley system and knocking out power for many residents.

According to the News & Observer article written in the height of the snow coverage, the snow fell for 17 hours. Residential lights were off until Monday--and the snow began on Good Friday.

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April 2022: Frost advisory in effect Friday night, but balmy, warm weekend ahead

This weekend, we had a Frost Advisory in effect on Friday night but warm weather with highs in the 60s for Saturday and Sunday. As you enjoy the sun and warmth, take a moment to remember that over a century ago at this very moment, Raleighites were buried in a historic snow, with the entire city essentially shut down.