the groundhog day blizzard of 2011 was a large blizzard that struck parts of canada, mexico, and the united states between 31 january 2011 and 2 february 2011. the blizzard was also called the 2011 groundhog day blizzard because it happened close to groundhog day. the storm dumped over of snow from oklahoma city to chicago and boston. an ice storm south of the blizzard affected many areas from dallas to indianapolis to just north of new york city. the ice storm caused over 1 inch of ice on most of these areas. heavy rain fell from little rock to new york city. at the same time, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes were seen across texas and alabama. a tornado watch was issued for alabama, where an ef1 tornado dropped down.