An inch here, an inch there but not 17 at a time, at least not more than once every 20 or so years. In my mind that makes it pretty rare. Like us getting an Easter 1982 snowstorm that shuts Long Island down or the 17" in a few hours April Fools 1997 storm.
Yes it happens but very rarely. A 32" week like this one, in the spring is anomalous.