Veterans Day 1987: Thundersnow Hits Washington
Veterans Day 1987: Thundersnow Hits Washington
US · Published Nov 11, 2026
• On November 11, 1987, Washington, D.C., experienced an extraordinary early-season snowstorm that brought nearly a foot of snow to the region, accompanied by thundersnow—a rare weather phenomenon involving thunder and lightning during snowfall.
• The storm was caused by a deepening area of low pressure that transitioned rain into heavy snow throughout the day.

Impact & Risks

The Veterans Day storm caused significant disruptions across Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. Heavy, wet snow led to widespread travel issues, including an 11-hour traffic backup near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Schools closed early, National Airport shut down, and many events were canceled. Motorists were stranded, and the unexpected nature of the storm highlighted the challenges of early-season snow in the Mid-Atlantic region. The combination of thundersnow and heavy accumulation made this event particularly hazardous.

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