What do Maine, Michigan, Arizona and New York have in common? They are all home to some of the snowiest cities in the United States. While it might not be so odd to hear this about three of the four, Arizona stands out as a surprise for many. Does it really snow that much in the southwest desert state? And which of New York’s cities made two of the top five list? It is time to grab a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. Here is a look at five of this country’s snowiest cities:
- Caribou, Maine
You might expect to see cold weather in one of the northernmost states in the country, but if you used a snow load calculator in Caribou, Maine, the results would probably still shock (or freeze) you. In 2019, this snowy city recorded 114 inches of snowfall. That is over nine feet!
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
For those wanting to find a winter wonderland, look no further than the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Known as the coldest region of the Mitten State, the UP is home to the city of Sault Ste. Marie. This cold Canadian border town saw more than 101 inches the same year.
- Flagstaff, Arizona
The third city on this list might come as a surprise considering the notoriously high temperatures of Arizona. Even though cities like Phoenix and Tucson regularly experience temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and are only a few hours away, the climate of northern Arizona differs. In 2019, Flagstaff saw more than 95 inches of snowfall.
- Buffalo, New York
If there is a perfect state for owning a snowmobile or a snow load calculator, it is New York. Unsurprisingly, two of this frigid state’s cities came in top of the list. As the second-largest city in the Empire State, Buffalo comes in fourth on the list. Just under Flagstaff, Buffalo recorded 94 inches of snow.
- Syracuse, New York
Another friend to the snow, Syracuse saw nearly 77 inches of snow during the same year of recordings. While that is still a lot, it is nothing compared to the city’s record snowfall. In the early 1990s, Syracuse recorded more than 192 inches of snow. That is over 16 feet, or for another way to look at it: That is taller than two human adults! Can you imagine what a snow load calculator would see on your roof there?
If you live in these cities (or any of the other snowy cities around the U.S.), it is important to know how to prepare for winter. Make sure you winterize your home and invest in valuable equipment.