Great Blizzard of '88

Since rickl mentioned it, per Wickedpedia:

Great Blizzard of 1888

"The Great Blizzard of 1888 or Great Blizzard of '88 (March 11 - March 14, 188 was one of the most severe recorded blizzards in the history of the United States of America. Snowfalls of 20-60 inches (51-152 cm) fell in parts of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and sustained winds of more than 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) produced snowdrifts in excess of 50 feet (15 m). Railroads were shut down and people were confined to their houses for up to a week."

I imagine damages much worse today. Much worse.