Today in history: Pre-winter blizzard dumps 21 inches on NYC, 61 years ago – SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- On Dec. 12, 1960, a blizzard dumped a near-record 21 inches of snow on Staten Island.

The storm was accompanied by strong winds, gusting to over 90 mph, and a dangerously cold air mass left in its wake. Snowdrifts reached 10 ft. in height, and abandoned vehicles rendered many roadways impassable. Some communities effectively isolated reported The Index-Journal on Dec. 13, 1960.

Drifts of the white stuff stalled traffic, and schools were closed. Bus services were halted, and trains were running sporadically. Schools re-opened, but attendance remained low for a couple of days after.

The Sanitation Department struggled to keep up with snow removal along the boroughs main arteries, as many workers could not get to work. Police and firefighters were ordered to remain on the job past their shift to deal with possible emergencies.

This blizzard was responsible for 268 deaths, 54 of them coming from the New York City area, reported the Pasadena Independent on Dec. 15, 1960.

The Sanitation Department struggles to keep up with snow removal along the boroughs main arteries, as many workers are unable to get to work. Police and firefighters are ordered to remain on the job past their shift to deal with possible emergencies.

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Today in history: Pre-winter blizzard dumps 21 inches on NYC, 61 years ago - SILive.com