The Ice Storm of 1991 in Rochester, New York, was a significant weather event that began on March 3, 1991, coating the region in thick ice and causing widespread power outages affecting over 200,000 homes and businesses across western New York. The weight of the ice led to catastrophic damage to trees, which fell and brought down power lines, crushed cars and homes, and blocked roads. Many residents experienced up to 14 days without electricity.