The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 was an extraordinarily severe winter weather event that struck the Appalachian region of the United States, spanning 22 states from the Midwest to the Northeast. It began on November 24 with heavy snowfall and ice, compounded by freezing temperatures and high winds. The storm led to blizzard conditions, which significantly reduced visibility and made travel nearly impossible in many areas. Transportation systems, including railroads and highways, were severely disrupted, stranding thousands of travelers and causing widespread damage to power lines, homes, and businesses. The storm's impact was felt most intensely in states such as West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, where snow totals reached as high as 30 inches in some areas. Emergency services were overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, and local and state governments struggled to respond effectively to aid those in need.

Human casualties were staggering; 353 people lost their lives, while over 160 were injured due to the storm’s treacherous conditions. Additionally, the storm caused an estimated $66.7 million in damages (equivalent to over $700 million today), as many areas were left without power for extended periods in the aftermath. Recovery was slow, and the widespread destruction prompted changes in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness in the years that followed. The storm illustrated the vulnerabilities of infrastructure to extreme weather events, sparking discussions among meteorologists, local governments, and communities about the importance of better readiness for future storms.