I would have to say that the earliest weather event that I remember would have to be the December 2000 Midwest Blizzard. This was obviously not like the blizzards that periodically strike the northeast (because it was a Midwest blizzard
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Anyway, it really sticks out in my mind. I was only 7. The forecast was for heavy snow, something I was not (and still am not) used to. I don't remember exact amounts forecasted, but when it was all said and done, there was just a touch less than a foot and a half of snow. This remains the most significant snowfall of my life
My dad was stuck in Grand Rapids that night. I came home from school, and at least 4 or so inches was already on the ground, with snow coming down incredibly hard.
As you can see in the videos below (courtesy of youtube user TWCRoadFan), this system was extremely potent, like nothing I have ever seen happen since. Cold air was being pulled down into the system, and warm, spring-like air was being drawn up ahead of it. Temperatures along the cold front extending down from the low contrasted sharply, with 40 degree distances over 50 or so miles! It was also a MASSIVE system. Snow was streaming north, and from the west as well. I really wish I was a lot older at the time!