Although March signals the arrival of spring — it officially begins March 20 this year — the month has a history of delivering some of the Rochester area’s most memorable and crippling weather events.
One of the most devastating was the Ice Storm of 1991.
The Ice Storm of 1991
The storm began the afternoon of March 3, 1991, coating the region in thick ice and paralyzing daily life. More than 200,000 homes and businesses across western New York lost power. For many RG&E customers, it took up to 14 days to restore electricity.
Trees suffered catastrophic damage. Ice-laden branches snapped under the weight, bringing down power lines, crushing cars and homes, and blocking roads…