DC weather history for February 9: Snoverkill in 2010

On this day in 2010, the second blockbuster snowstorm in four days began, dubbed “Snoverkill.” On top of the 18 to 36 inches from the storm known as Snowmageddon on Feb. 5 and 6, this blizzard added 6 to 15 inches across the region over two days.

After the storm, the region’s snowpack ranged from 20 to 40-plus inches, and Washington’s 2009-2010 seasonal snowfall total surged to 55.9 inches, the most on record.

If Snowmageddon brought the region to a standstill, Snoverkill ensured it stayed that way. By Feb. 9, much of the Washington area was still digging out from the earlier storm, with side streets buried and massive piles of snow lining major roads. Then another potent coastal system took aim, once again tapping Atlantic moisture and interacting with entrenched cold air.

Capital Weather Gang coverage at the time emphasized how unusual it was to see back-to-back storms of this magnitude. The atmosphere remained locked into a highly favorable pattern, with a strong southern-stream disturbance phasing just enough with northern energy to spin up another major snowmaker along the East Coast. As the storm intensified, winds picked up, and blowing and drifting snow became a major concern, especially in open areas.

The snow began on Feb. 9 and changed to a mix of frozen precipitation before a lull. But overnight and into Feb. 10, snow redeveloped, temperatures plunged and winds intensified, creating near-blizzard conditions.

Even where snowfall totals were lower than the first storm, the impacts were severe because of what was already on the ground. Drifts several feet deep blocked roads that had only just been cleared, and visibility dropped sharply during bursts of heavy snow and wind.

A street scene in Oakton, Virginia on February 10, 2010. Neighbors created trails between houses while waiting for snow plows to arrive. (Kevin Ambrose)

Deep snow in Cleveland Park on February 10, 2010. (Ian Livingston)

The cumulative effect of the two storms was staggering. Roofs strained under the weight, businesses remained closed for days, and travel across the region was severely disrupted for much of the week. The federal government, already shut down by Snowmageddon, remained closed as Snoverkill piled on.

In the end, Snoverkill cemented February 2010 as one of the most extraordinary winter weather periods in DC’s history.