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One of the biggest snowstorms in Charlotte history happened 20 years ago

Twenty years ago in 2004, Charlotte saw its third biggest snowstorm in history with 13 inches at the airport.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Charlotte remains entrenched in one of its longest snow droughts ever, Charlotte is marking 20 years since the last time the city saw over a foot of snow.

Between Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 in 2004, Charlotte Douglas International Airport — where the city's official weather observations are recorded — measured 13.2 inches of snow. The incredible snowstorm remains the third largest snow-maker in Charlotte weather history. However, in portions of South Carolina, the snowstorm still holds the record for the most snowfall ever. Rock Hill, South Carolina saw 22 inches of snow, a record that remains unbeaten all these years later.

"Literally shut the city down," Larry Sprinkle, who has forecasted weather for WCNC Charlotte for decades, recalled Monday morning. "Took about a week or so to get out."

Charlotte has not seen snow since January of 2022, which was more than 700 days ago. Snow lovers have had to travel to the North Carolina mountains to see fresh powder these past two winters.

Recent disappointments among snow lovers cannot stop the memories of more than 20 years ago.

"It was around noon when it started snowing," Sprinkle recalled. "It just did not stop and then we had more that night."

For the latest weather alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

A visit to the WCNC Charlotte news archive reveals additional images from the 2004 winter wonderland.

The biggest snowstorm in Charlotte history was in February of 1902 when 17.4" of snow fell.

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥

Credit: WCNC

WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte weather meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. 

   

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