Cold wave –208-253

lornajarrettblanchard December 10, 1960

–208-253 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below.

— 268 Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “268 Deaths Listed. East…After Storm” 12-14-1960, p1.
— 268 UPI. “The Blizzard is Gone but its Bitter Effects Linger on.” Lowell Sun, MA. 12-14-60.
— 256 UPI. “Storm Death Toll 256.” Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. Dec 14, 1960, 14-A.
— 251 UPI. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, 12-14-1960, p. 1.
— 220 AP. “East Still Gripped by Snow Storm.” Cumberland Times, MD, 12/14/1960, 1.
— 200 AP. “Record Low Cold Recorded in East.” Titusville Herald, PA, Dec 14, 1960, p. 1.
–~200 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, 1.
— 187 Journal-Tribune, Marysville, OH. “Snow Storm’s Death Toll Mounts to 187,” 12-13-1960.
–~150 AP. “Bitter Cold Spreads in Snow Areas.” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD 12-13-1960, p1.
— 136 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960.
— 120 Associated Press. Lowell Sun, MA. Dec 13, 1960, 1.
— 108 NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” Oct 17, 2005.

Summary of Winter Weather Fatalities by State

Connecticut ( 15)
Delaware ( 3)
Maine ( 6)
Maryland (24-28)
Massachusetts (22-36)
New Hampshire ( 8 – 9)
New Jersey (52-53)
New York (41-54)
Ohio ( 7)
Pennsylvania (23-31)
Rhode Island ( 0 – 3)
Vermont ( 0 – 1)
Virginia ( 7)
Total 208-253

Breakout of Winter Weather Fatalities by State (and locality and cause, where noted)

Connecticut (15)
–15 State. Blanchard tally from locality and cause of death breakouts below.
–14 State. Naugatuck Daily News, CT. “Conn. Storm Death Toll Stands at 14,” 12-14-1960, p1.
— 9 State. Naugatuck Daily News, CT. “Nine Dead in Conn. Storm.” 12-13-1960, p. 1.
— 2 Direct. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 130.
–1 Carbon monoxide poisoning; snow blocked exhaust.
–1 Exposure; boy, 13, in a snowbank near his home.
Breakout of CT winter weather related deaths by locality:
–1 Fairfield. Heart attack shoveling snow during the blizzard; Albert A. Fioto, 41.
–1 Fairfield. Heart attack while shoveling snow “during the blizzard;” Stephen Fuchs, 60.
–1 Hartford. Heart attack removing snow; Joseph J. Burns, 61, of Windsor.
–1 Greenwich. Carbon monoxide poisoning; snow blocked exhaust; James Scordo, 68.
–1 Greenwich. Heart attack shoveling snow or walking in snow; John Kosic, 62.
–1 Middletown. Heart attack shoveling or walking in snow; Maurice Shlien, 81.
–1 New Britain. Heart attack shoveling snow or walking in snow; Simon Hedin, 76.
–1 New London. Heart attack while shoveling snow off home sidewalk; Michael J. Kelly, 58.
–1 New Town. Heart attack shoveling snow or walking in snow; Margaret Roane, 63.
–1 Norwich. Heart attack shoveling snow; John English, 80.
–1 Reading. Heart attack while shoveling snow; Stephen J. Fuchs, 60.
–1 Stonington. Heart attack while pushing his car in snow; Clifford D’Amien.
–1 Waterbury. Exposure; John Shen, 13, in a snowbank near his home.
–1 West Goshen. Heart attack shoveling snow or walking in snow; James R. Creasy, 57.
–1 West Hartford. Heart attack while walking in the snow; Roy D. Mason, 60, of Bloomfield.

Delaware ( 3)
–3 AP. “Delaware is Buried Under 12-inch Mantle.” Salisbury Times, MD. 12-13-1960, p. 1.
–1 Flemings Landing. Carbon monoxide poisoning; snow-stalled car 1M from home; Ronald Wheeler, 21.
–1 Westwood Manor. Heart attack clearing away snow and ice; Mason E. Turner, 55.
–1 Wilmington. Heart attack clearing away snow and ice; Dr. George J. Sykes, 79.

Maine ( 6)
— 6 State. AP. “Snowstorm Claims Six Lives in Maine.” Biddeford Journal, ME, 12-14-1960, 1.
–~3 “Several fatalities due to over-exertion reported.” Storm Data, 2/12, Dec 60, p. 130.
— 1 Auburn, Dec 13. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; Percival C. Davis, 63.
— 1 Bremen area. Exposure; Charles E. Gale, 45, found near drift-stalled car.
— 1 Friendship. Heart attack while shoveling snow at farm home; Albert G. Jameson, 65.
— 1 Portland. Heart attack shoveling snow; Clarence E. Sweeney, 62.
— 1 Rumford, Dec 13. Injuries from sled hitting truck Dec 12; David Petkus, 7.
— 1 Westbrook. Heart attack shoveling snow; Leo Laviolette, 38.

Maryland (24-28)
–28 AP. “Rain, Possibly More Snow Seen for MD.” Salisbury Times, MD, Dec 15, 1960, 1&8.
–24 Blanchard tally based on locality and/or cause of death breakouts below.
–23 AP. “State’s Death Toll From Storm 23.” Frederick News-Post, MD. Dec 13, 1960, p. 1.
–20 AP. “Death Toll in Maryland Storm Climbs to 20.” Salisbury Times, MD, Dec 13, 1960, 1.
–Most were snow shoveling deaths; fishing boat sank in Chesapeake Bay killing two.
–19 Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. “3 Below Here, 15-Foot Drifts.” 12-13-1960, p. 2.
–17 AP. “At Least 17 Deaths Due to Weather.” The Frederick Post, MD. 12-13-1960, p. 1.
–13 “…victims of heart attacks attributed to the storm…”
— 3 Exposure – “…three were found frozen to death…”
— 2 Fishing boat sank in Chesapeake Bay.
Breakout of MD winter weather related deaths by locality and cause.
— 1 Baltimore, north side. Apparent exposure; “frozen body of unidentified man was found.”
–11 Baltimore area. Heart attacks shoveling snow or trying to free snow-bound vehicles.
— 1 Baltimore-Friendship Int. AP turnoff from Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Vehicular.
— 2 Bridgetown. Exposure; brothers Charles Wheeler, 10, and Donald Wheeler, 6, near home.
— 1 Capital Heights, Dec 14. Snow sled hits parked car; Patricia Hoffman, 13.
— 2 Chestertown, Eastern Shore, Dec 11. Exposure; two children found frozen to death.
— 1 Chino Farms near Chestertown. Exposure; found Dec 21/missing Dec 12; Walter R. Green, 27.
— 2 Chesapeake Bay. Exposure; fishing boat sinks in storm. Howard Cockerell, 51, and Meyer Sacks, 47.
— 1 Frederick. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Charles Austin Sherald, 41.
— 1 MD suburbs DC area. “One traffic death was blamed on the storm.”
— 1 Locale not noted. Notes “Two persons died on snow-slick Maryland highways during the storm.”

Massachusetts (22-36)
–37 Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA. “Cold Easing Some; Boston Still Snarled.” 12-14-1960.
–26 UPI. “Storm Death Toll 256.” Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. 12-14-1960, 14-A.
–25 UPI. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, 12-14-1960, p. 1.
–22 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.
— 6 direct – all due to exposure
–~16 indirect – over-exertion from shoveling snow or pushing snow-stalled cars.
–19 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p.1.
— 1 Pittsfield area. Heart attack shoveling snow; Anthony Chojnowski, 65.
— 1 Pittsfield. Heart attack while walking through snow; John F. Roberts, 49.

New England (31) (Not including in our tally in that we recorded deaths by State.)
— 59 AP. “Zero Weather Moderating, 59 are Dead.” Bennington Banner, VT, Dec 14, 1960, 1.
— 31 Lowell Sun, MA. “Worst December Blizzard in Weather Bureau History,” Dec 13, 1960, 1

New Hampshire (8-9)
— 9 Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA. “Cold Easing Some; Boston Still Snarled.” 12-14-1960.
— 8 Blanchard tally based on locality and/or cause of death breakouts below.
— 7 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p.1.
–>6 Most shoveling snow. Nashua Telegraph. “Sixteen Inches of Snow…” 12-13-1960, p. 1.
–~3 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.
–1 Exposure
— “…a number…resulted from over-exertion caused by pushing stalled cars or by shoveling.”
Breakout of NH storm-related fatalities by locality where notice is found.
— 1 Bedford. Heart attack after shoveling snow to free car; Charles McCarthy, 45.
— 1 Exeter. Heart attack while sweeping snow off home porch; Josef Wiscarva, 78.
— 1 Keene. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Ernest L. Richards, 69.
— 1 Nashua, Dec 13. Heart attack after shoveling snow at home; Thomas Belanger, 70.
— 1 Newington. Car goes offroad into Great Bay “at the height of the storm;” John A. Emery, 36.
— 1 Rochester. Heart attack after operating snow blower at home; Wilfred E. Trumellc, 59.
— 1 Salem. Heart attack while shoveling snow at home; William Ackerman, 70.
— 1 Locale not noted; exposure death noted by the Weather Bureau Storm Data.

New Jersey (52-53)
–53 “The death toll…rose to 53…mostly form heart failure due to exertions in the snow.”
–52 Blanchard, relying on National Weather Service and Weather Bureau Storm Data 1960.
–52 NWS FO, Philly/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” 10-17-2005.
–52 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.
–Most attributed to exposure, exhaustion, and heart attacks from over-exertion.
–One traffic fatality reported during the storm.
–41 State. UPI. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, 12-14-1960, 1.
–37 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p, 1.
–15 Northern NJ, Dec 12. 14 heart attacks and one traffic accident attributed to the storm.
— 1 Middletown, Dec 12. Heart attack after shoveling snow at home and around car; James Frank Heyer, 47.
— 1 Williamstown area. Exposure; became lost while picking holly and laurel; Ralph Milane, 22.

New York (41-54)
— 54 UPI. “Storm Death Toll 256.” Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. 12-14-1960, 14-A.
— 53 UPI. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, 12-14-1960, p. 1.
— 41 Blanchard tally from limited locality breakouts below.
— 40 NYC. Daily News, Huntingdon PA. “268 Deaths Listed. East…After Storm,” 12-14-60, 1.
–>36 SE NY. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.
— 1 Drowning when boat capsized.
–>32 Over-exertion.
— >3 Skidding accidents attributed to the storm.
— 30 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p. 1.
— 40 NYC. New York Times. “City Still Tied Up By Wind and Cold.” 12-14-1960, p. 2.
— 1 West Monroe, Oswego County. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; Thomas Fortino, 77.

Ohio ( 7)
–1 Ashtabula County. Male, 25, lost control of car on “an icy highway…it rolled over.”
–1 Cincinnati. “two car collision on an icy highway;” Female, 29.
–2 Cleveland. Heart attacks while shoveling snow; males.
–1 Hopedale. Exposure; furnace went out during extremely cold night; Angelinova DiPaolo, 68.
–1 Mt. Airy, Dec 12. Carbon monoxide poisoning; working on car in garage; door closed in 0′ temp. outside.
–1 Smith’s Ferry, Rt. 68. Car “hit an icy spot and plunged into a gulley…” Bernice M. Marshall, 28.

Pennsylvania (23-31)
–31 AP. “Nature Aids in Cleanup of Snow.” The Daily Record, Stroudsburg, PA. 12-15-1960, 3.
— 7 Fire caused by explosion of stove.
— 3 Froze to death.
–18 Heart attacks/over-exertion
— 3 Skidding accidents.
–26 UPI. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, 12-14-1960, p. 1
–23 AP. “Forecasts Cheer State, County…Crews.” Evening Sun, Hanover, PA. 12-14-1966, p.6.
— 2 Vehicular
— 4 Exposure
–17 Over exertion (heart attacks) while shoveling snow.
–23 UPI. “Storm’s Death Toll Reaches 23 in Pennsylvania.” Altoona Mirror, PA. 12-13-1960, 1.
–21 Lebanon Daily News, PA. “East Digs Out of Worst Snow Storm Since 1947.” 12-13-1960, 1.
–20 AP. “State Digging From Under Snow Blanket.” Titusville Herald, PA, 12-14-1960, 1.
–14 NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly Forecast Office. “Historical Weather Facts…,” 10-17-2005.
–14 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 132.
–10 Heart attacks brought on by over-exertion in shoveling snow.
— 4 Traffic accidents attributed to the storm.
Breakout of PA snowstorm related deaths by locality where we have found sources:
–1 Bedford area. Car skids on “snow-slicked” PA Turnpike into bridge abutment; Agnes Goyena, 41.
–1 Chester, Dec 12. Exposure; slipped on ice breaking ankle outside home; unable to get up.
–1 Curwensville, Dec 12/13. Exposure; body of Orvis Lewis, 57, found under feed store.
–1 Erie, Dec 12. Heart attack after shoveling snow; school custodian Frederick Burnside, 57.
–1 McKeesport, Dec 11. Heart attack while shoveling snow; Charles E. Boord, 83.
–1 Mount Lebanon. Heart attack while clearing snow from driveway; Gilbert J. Hartman, 63.
–1 New Britain, Dec 14. Heart attack pushing snow-stalled car; C. Douglas Sommer, 38.
–2 Pittsburgh. Heart attacks while shoveling snow; unidentified men.
–1 Valley Forge. Exposure; “John Hall, 50…froze to death in a huge snowdrift on academy grounds.”
–2 Locales not noted. Exposure. (Four noted, but we have details on two above.)

Rhode Island (0-3)
–3 Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA. “Cold Easing Some; Boston Still Snarled.” 12/14/60
–1 Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p. 1.
–0 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 132.

Vermont (0-1)
–1 Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA. “Cold Easing Some; Boston Still Snarled.” 12-14-1960, p. 3.
–0 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 132.

Virginia ( 7)
–7 Traffic accidents. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 133.
–1 Kernersville area, Dec 11. Car skids on icy road into bridge, overturns; Martha Joan Beard, 21.
–1 Petersburg area, Dec 12. Car skids on ice and snow-covered US 301; Linda Jean Eder, 31.

Narrative Information

Dec 12, Red Bank Register, NJ: “Two storms which merged off the Virginia coast brought a foot of snow and winds of 60 miles an hour to the Shore yesterday [Dec 11]. In the wake of the 12-inch snowfall and heavy drifting, schools closed, bus lines canceled operations, trains were running a half hour or more late and the area was generally paralyzed. One death was reported in Rumson.

“William D. Martin, U.S. Weather observer in Long Branch, said a foot of snow had fallen by 7 a.m. He said the snowfall is the heaviest since last March 3 when the shore area was blanketed by 13 inches of snow.

“Fort Monmouth announced that administrative leave would be granted to all employees who could not make it to work.

“One death was reported during the storm. Arthur Trojhan, 77, a caretaker at the Hoboken Club, Avenue of Two Rivers, Rumson, was burned to death when fire swept through the old building.

“The Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike were completely bogged down. Turnpike police reported driving hazardous and scores of cars caught in snowbanks. The parkway reported the road open, but interchanges clogged with cars and conditions hazardous.

“Mr. Martin forecast up to three more inches of snow before the storm would pass. Hightstown reported a 14-inch fall by 7 a.m. The winds from the northeast were clocked at 60 miles an hour during the night with a gust up to 71 at 4:10 a.m. Tides were reported running three feet above normal.

“Temperatures were far below freezing during the night. Mr. Martin forecast a high in the 20s today with the mercury sliding to 10 to 15 tonight. Winds are expected to continue at 30 to 40 miles from the northeast…” (Red Bank Register, NJ. “Blizzard Closes Schools.” 12-12-1960, p.1.)

Dec 13, Journal-Tribune, Marysville OH: “Snow Storm’s Death Toll Mounts to 187,” 12-13-1960, 1:

“New York (UPI) – Residents of 14 eastern states faced another 48 hours of post-blizzard hardships today in record low temperatures that hampered dig-out, get-moving operations.

“The death toll of the worst coast snow storm since 1947 rose to 187. Many of the fatalities were due to heart attacks suffered by snow shovelers attempting to clear Sunday’s and Monday’s fall of up to 20 inches.

“The mercury plummeted to below 10 degrees in many sections of the storm area, stretching from Virginia to Maine and west into the plains states with little relief in sight. Temperatures were expected to stay below freezing through Wednesday….Low temperature records for Dec 13 toppled like tenpins in dozens of cities. It was one degree below zero in Buffalo, N.Y., breaking a 65-year record, and at the Pittsburgh airport; 7.4 New York, breaking an 88-year record; and a record-smashing 3 degrees in Hartford, Conn., and 8 degrees in both Philadelphia and Newark, N.J.

“The blizzard with gusts up to 73 miles an hour swirled out to sea south of Nova Scotia early today. In its wake were highways clogged with abandoned cars, closed schools, trains running on curtailed schedules, buses running hours late if at all, hotels jammed with stranded travelers, closed factories, undelivered mail, uncollected garbage, and millions of dollars in Christmas trade losses.

“It was a neighbor-help-neighbor emergency but some travelers reported a shortage of good Samaritans. Mrs. Inez Tucker and Anne Kolesnick, rescued from their snow-bound car near Hartford by a state trooper, said they tried to get passing motorists to release them for six hours but ‘people just laughed’….

“The nation’s capital was one of the first big cities paralyzed by the swirling snow and other cities in the heavily populated East became immobilized. Philadelphia, New York and Boston were hit one, two, three. Main highways and city arteries were slowly opening up today, and trains were getting back on schedules, but bus travel still was spotty. Airports were being cleared and flights resumed….

“Government workers in the District of Columbia returned to work and schools reopened, but in regions of nearby Virginia and Maryland, schools kept closed. Travel remained treacherous…. Two members of a four-man fishing party died of exposure in Chesapeake Bay in a boating accident.

“Southern New Jersey and the Eastern Pennsylvania countryside was digging out. Many schools still were closed in south Jersey. Transit operation in Philadelphia, snarled by the snow, were being opened up. As much as 20 inches fell in New Jersey and drifts to four feet were not uncommon….Camden, N.J., was helped by the National Guard in plowing out….” (Journal-Tribune, Marysville OH. “Snow Storm’s Death Toll Mounts to 187,” 12/13/1960, 1)

Dec 13, Lowell Sun, MA: “Lowell – The Greater-Lowell area was still staggering under the punch of the worst December blizzard in weather bureau history this afternoon as state and local public works departments struggled to clean off roads buried under a foot of snow with drifts as high as six feet. Temperatures remained near the zero mark this forenoon and went as low as 4 degrees below zero during the early morning hours.

“The U.S. Weather Bureau said yesterday’s storm was the worst December blizzard in its recorded history….” (Lowell Sun, MA. “Worst December Blizzard in Weather Bureau History,” Dec 13, 1960, p. 1.)

NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly: “Dec 10…1960… (Dec 10-12) VA-PA-NY-NJ. Heavy snowfall with high winds. Greatest Statewide snow so early in NJ and greatest of record in some localities for any month in 24 hours. Falls up to 15″ in PA, and 7-21″ in NJ. 108 dead, 52 in NJ and 14 in PA. (LS6211).” (NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” Oct 17, 2005.)
Connecticut

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Statewide…11-12 [Dec]…2 [killed]…Snow and Wind

“Beginning late on the 11th and continuing through most of the 12th, the first major snowstorm of the season brought 10 to 14 inch falls over most of Connecticut except between Bridgeport and Groton where 8 to 9 inches occurred and over the higher terrain in the Litchfield Hills were falls of 16 to 19 inches were recorded. North4rly winds up to 30 mph with some gusts of 45 mph combined with low temperatures to whip the snow into drifts 4 to 6 feet deep. Most surface and air transportation was snarled. Schools and business establishments closed. At least two deaths were directly attributable to the storm. One was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning due to a snow blocked exhaust and the second was the result of the freezing of a thirteen year old boy in a snowbank near his home.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, Dec 1960, p. 130.)

Naugatuck Daily News, Dec 14: “Each day since the storm struck the state Monday seven persons have died. Most of them were elderly persons who suffered heart attacks after shoveling or walking in snow.” (Naugatuck Daily News, CT. “Conn. Storm Death Toll Stands at 14,” 12-14-1960, 1.)

Maine

Dec 14: “Portland (AP) – Maine’s death toll stood at six today in the wake of a 26-hour blizzard which battered the state Monday and early yesterday. Five of the fatalities were from heart attacks —most of them apparently brought on by over-exertion—while the other was the result of a sledding mishap. The latest reported victim was Percival C. Davis, 73, of Auburn who died of a heart attack yesterday after shoveling snow at his home. Other victims of similar attacks were Clarence E. Sweeney, 62, of Portland; Leo Laviolette, 38, of Westbrook, Albert G. Jameson, 65 of Friendship and Charles E. Gale, 4., of Bremen.

“David Petkus, 7, of Rumford became the state’s first coasting fatality of the season when he succumbed yesterday to head injuries suffered when his sled slammed into a truck during the storm Monday.

“Transportation had returned to nearly normal in most areas by yesterday afternoon after being all but paralyzed for a day and a half. Flights resumed at Portland’s Municipal Airport, which had been closed, while rail and bus lines also got back on schedule. The weary task of snow removal continues, of course, though most of the state’s major highway arteries are already clear.

“Continuing near-zero temperatures are aiding the removal, since they prevent the alternate melting and freezing which often hinders such operations.

“Coastal Maine was hardest hit by the blizzard, with Portland and Brunswick each reporting 15 inches of snow. Many inland and northern areas escaped with accumulations of only 3 or 4 inches.” (AP. “Snowstorm Claims Six Lives in Maine.” Biddeford Journal, ME, 12/14/1960, 1.)

Maryland

Dec 13: “The Weather Bureau forecasts rising temperatures in Maryland beginning Wednesday afternoon with hopes for a break in the icy grip a pre-winter storm placed on the state. The coldest temperatures of the season were expected across Maryland overnight before the rising trend in the mercury readings were due. While the icy grasp held firm, the state’s death toll from effects of the frigid cold rose to at least 23. The dead included one traffic fatality, four persons who died of exposure, 17 felled by apparent heart attacks brought on by exertion, and one man found dead under his overturned tractor off a road near Sharpsburg….Winds which accompanied the clearing skies complicated recovery from the storm which dumped upward of 15 inches of snow on Maryland Sunday and Monday. Highways that had been cleared in the wake of the initial snowfall were drifted over by the blowing snow, and driving conditions remained hazardous….” (AP. “State’s Death Toll From Storm 23.” Frederick News-Post, MD. Dec 13, 1960, p. 1.)

Dec 15: “….Despite slackening conditions since the record snow fall last Sunday and Monday, the blizzard’s death toll in Maryland rose to 28 Wednesday. The latest victim was 13-year-old Patricia Hoffman of Capitol Heights, Md., a suburb of Washington. She was killed when her sled struck a parked car. Other deaths attributed directly or indirectly to the snow includes one traffic fatality, five from exposure, 20 apparent heart attacks from over-exertion, and one man was found dead under his overturned tractor.” (AP. “Rain, Possibly More Snow Seen for Maryland.” Salisbury Times, MD, Dec 15, 1960, p. 1.)

Massachusetts

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Entire state…12 [Dec]…all day…6 [killed]…Snow, Blizzard

“Unusually heavy snowstorm for so early in the season reached severe blizzard intensity over eastern sections where storm yielded 12 to 20 inches. Nearly as much fell over north-central parts of the state. Elsewhere, with the exception of extreme western portions where less than 10 inches fell, totals ranged mostly from 10 to 14 inches. At many eastern areas, including Boston and Nantucket Island, this was the heaviest December snowstorm of record. Northeasterly gales whipped the snow into huge drifts, while temperatures were near or lower than 10⁰.

“Walking in such conditions, as many were forced to do, was extremely difficult and exhausting, and several fatalities resulted. At least 16 other deaths were attributed to over-exertion resulting from shoveling or pushing stalled cars. Six additional deaths were directly attributed to the storm and were due to exposure in all cases. Many cars were abandoned where stalled on streets and highways, and these seriously hampered the job of snow clearance and removal. In a few cases, stranded cars on city streets prevented firemen from reaching the scene of a fire and several deaths by fire were attributed to this cause.

“Public school sessions were canceled (for the entire week in Boston). Transportation was paralyzed, factories, stores and offices remained closed, mail deliveries were delayed. Tide damage to some coastal installations was reported. At Nantucket Island, considerable damage to boats and public utilities was experienced. Snow clearance and removal costs involved in this storm caused upward revisions of such earmarked budgetary allocations by city and state administrations.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.)

New Hampshire

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Southern portion…12-13 [Dec]…1 [killed]…Snow, Blizzard

“Unusually heavy snowstorm for so early in the season reached blizzard intensity over much of affected area. Average depths ranged from around 16 inches over extreme south and southeast to around 6 inches over central portions. Amounts diminished farther north to around 4 inches or less. Northerly gales piled the snow into huge drifts especially in southeastern N.H., while temperature dropped to lower than 10⁰ during the storm. Transportation was paralyzed. In many communities, school sessions were canceled. Downtown areas were deserted and factories, stores and offices remained closed as most people remained at home. Some power failures occurred but these were not widespread or prolonged. Heavy surf pounded the coastal area, doing some damage.

“One death by exposure was reported, while a number of others resulted from over-exertion caused by pushing stalled cars or by shoveling.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, 2/12, Dec 1960 p. 131.)

New Jersey

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Statewide…11-12…52 [killed]…Snow & Strong winds

“Snowfall from 7 to 21 inches, with winds from 28 to 56 mph. The greatest statewide snowstorm so early in the season. In some localities it was the greatest snowfall of record for any month during a period of 24 hours or less. Persistently strong winds caused much drifting of the snow, prolonging the paralysis of all forms of traffic. Bitterly cold weather followed the snowstorm.

“A total of 52 deaths was attributed to the storm. Most of these were due to exposure, exhaustion, and heart attacks from over-exertion. Only one traffic fatality was reported during the storm, although a few traffic fatalities were reported from accidents on icy roads after the storm. Pre-Christmas shopping was halted; banks, stores and industrial plants were closed. Some schools remained closed for the entire week.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, V2, N12, Dec 1960 p. 130.)

New York

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Southeastern New York…11-12…1 [killed]…Heavy snow, gale winds.

“Heavy snowstorm extending from Binghamton to Utica to Albany and southeastward through the southeastern counties, Long Island and New York City. Snow depths ranged from 3 to 6 inches in north and west portions to 17 to 20 inches in the Long Island – New York City metropolitan area. Near to almost complete paralysis of transportation and traffic movement. Many businesses and schools closed in heavy snow area. Storminess was especially severe and near blizzard conditions with gale winds, temperatures in the teens for many hours, and drifts up to 5 feet. 19,000 workmen in the New York City area were engaged in snow removal taking several days to restore near normal conditions. 1 death due to drowning when a boat capsized, at least 32 deaths from over-exertion and at least 3 deaths in skidding accidents attributed to the storm.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 131.)

Pennsylvania

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Statewide…11-12 [Dec] noon to noon…14 [killed]…Snowstorm

“A crippling snowstorm, accompanied by strong winds, paralyzed communities in almost all sections. Transportation was severely curtailed, especially in eastern sections, where snowfall measured up to 15 inches with drifts several feet high, forcing schools, business offices, airports and industry to close for several days. Many auto accidents, mostly of a minor nature, resulted; however, traffic accidents attributed to the storm took the lives of four persons, while ten other fatalities resulted from heart attacks brought on by overexertion in shoveling snow.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 132.)

Virginia

Weather Bureau Storm Data: “Statewide…11-12 [Dec]…7 [killed]…Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain.

“Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of the state brought accumulations of 4 to 13 inches, while the east and south had smaller accumulations mixed with sleet and freezing rain. Telephone and power lines were down in north central Virginia. Traffic accidents due to icy roads were numerous, particularly in the Richmond, Petersburg and Lynchburg areas. 7 deaths resulted from these accidents, and more than 17 were injured.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960 p. 133.)

Sources

Altoona Mirror, PA. “Storm Spreads Misery in East (continued from p.1).” 12-12-1960, p. 3. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/altoona-mirror-dec-12-1960-p-3/

Associated Press. “At Least 17 Deaths Due to Weather.” The Frederick Post, MD. 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/frederick-news-post-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Spreads in Snow Areas.” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/hagerstown-daily-mail-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Associated Press. “Cold Is Complicating Digging Out Chores.” Biddeford-Saco Journal, ME. 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-journal-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Associated Press. “Death Toll in Maryland Storm Climbs to 20.” Salisbury Times, MD, Dec 13, 1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

Associated Press. “Delaware is Buried Under 12-inch Mantle.” Salisbury Times, MD. 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salisbury-times-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Associated Press. “East Still Gripped by Snow Storm.” Cumberland Times, MD, 12-14-1960, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=102566610

Associated Press. “Forecasts Cheer State, County Cleanup Crews.” The Evening Sun, Hanover, PA. 12-14-1966, 6. Accessed 11-11-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/hanover-evening-sun-dec-14-1960-p-6/

Associated Press. “Keep Your Boots, Wraps Handy – Moore Snow on Way.” Evening Sun, Hanover, PA. 12-15-1960, p. 10. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hanover-evening-sun-dec-15-1960-p-10/

Associated Press. “Moderation The Word For Weather.” The Morning Herald, Hagerstown, MD. 12-155-1966, p. 52. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/morning-herald-dec-15-1966-p-50/

Associated Press. “Nature Aids in Cleanup of Snow.” The Daily Record, Stroudsburg, PA. 12-15-1960, p. 3. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stroudsburg-daily-record-dec-15-1960-p-3/

Associated Press. “No New Snow Seen in State, Freezing Weather Forecast.” Salisbury Times. 12-22-1960, p.1. Accessed 11-11-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/salisbury-times-dec-22-1960-p-1/

Associated Press. “Rain, Possibly More Snow Seen for Maryland.” Salisbury Times, MD, 12-15-1960, 1 & 8. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=6803870

Associated Press. “Record Low Cold Recorded in East.” Titusville Herald, PA, 12-14-1960, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=104244479

Associated Press. “Shovels Snow, Dies.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 12-12-1960, p. 2. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waynesboro-record-herald-dec-12-1960-p-2/

Associated Press. “Snow Falling in Asheville.” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-12-1960, 7-B. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/danville-bee-dec-12-1960-p-19/

Associated Press. “Snow Snarls Traffic From Va. To New Jersey.” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. 12-14-1960, 2. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hagerstown-daily-mail-dec-14-1966-p-2/

Associated Press. “Snowstorm Claims Six Lives in Maine.” Biddeford Journal, ME, 12-14-1960, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=165153187

Associated Press. “Snowstorm Ties State Into Knots.” Evening Standard, Uniontown, PA. 12-12-1960, 6. Accessed 11-11-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/uniontown-evening-standard-dec-12-1960-p-12/

Associated Press. “State’s Death Toll From Storm 23.” Frederick News-Post, MD. 12-13-1960, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=12194093

Associated Press. “State [PA] Digging Itself Out of Severe Storm.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 1-20-1936, p. 1. Accessed 9-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/canandaigua-daily-messenger-jan-20-1936-p-1/

Associated Press. “Zero Weather Moderating, 59 are Dead.” Bennington Banner, VT, 12-14-1960, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=48310490

Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA. “Cold Easing Some; Boston Still Snarled.” 12-14-1960, p. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=95402847

Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. “Cold Wave is Too Much for Official Thermometer.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/the-berkshire-eagle-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Executive Dies Pushing Stalled Ca.” 12-16-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-12-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/doylestown-daily-intelligencer-dec-15-1960-p-21/

Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. “3 Below Here, 15-Foot Drifts.” 12-13-1960, p. 2. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hagerstown-daily-mail-dec-13-1960-p-2/

Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “268 Deaths Listed. East Fighting to Recover After Storm.” 12-14-1960, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=102380749

Daily Record, Stroudsburg, PA. “Season’s First Big Storm Pounds Penna. …” 12-12-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stroudsburg-daily-record-dec-12-1960-p-15/

Daily Times, Delaware County, PA. “Probe Gives 3 Causes for Death.” 12-14-1960, p. 4. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delaware-county-daily-times-dec-14-1960-p-4/

East Liverpool Review, OH. “Icy Spot Blamed. City Woman Killed…as Car Skids Off Road.” 12-15-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-12-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-review-dec-15-1960-p-2/

Evening Capitol, Annapolis, MD. “Pre-Winter Storm Blankets Area With 5 Inches of Snow.” (continued from p.1).” 12-14-1966, p. 3. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/annapolis-capital-dec-14-1966-p-9/

Evening Star, DC. “Weather. Digging-Out Efforts Hampered by Cold…” 12-13-1960, p.1. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1960-12-13/ed-1/seq-6/

Journal-Tribune, Marysville OH. “Snow Storm’s Death Toll Mounts to 187,” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=114369754

Lebanon Daily News, PA. “East Digs Out of Worst Snow Storm Since 1947.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lebanon-daily-news-dec-13-1960-p-16/

Lowell Sun, MA. “Worst December Blizzard in Weather Bureau History,” Dec 13, 1960, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=54656288

Nashua Telegraph, NH. “Arctic Freeze Settles Over State in Wake of Blizzard.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nashua-telegraph-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Nashua Telegraph, NH. “Nashua Man is Storm Fatality.” 12-14-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nashua-telegraph-dec-14-1960-p-1/

National Weather Service, Philadelphia/Mount Holly Weather Forecast Office. “Historical Weather Facts for the Philadelphia/Mt. Holly, NJ Forecast Area.” Mount Holly, NJ: NWS FO, Oct 17, 2005 update. Accessed 1-4-2018 at: https://www.weather.gov/phi/hist_phi

Naugatuck Daily News, CT. “Conn. Storm Death Toll Stands at 14,” 12/14/1960, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=77661868

Naugatuck Daily News, CT. “Nine Dead in Conn. Storm.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/naugatuck-daily-news-dec-13-1960-p-1/

New York Times. “City Still Tied Up By Wind and Cold.” 12-14-1960, p. 2. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1960/12/14/99902911.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0

Palladium Times, Oswego, NY. “W. Monroe Man Dies Sunday Shoveling Snow.” 12-12-1960, p. 5. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/palladium-times-dec-12-1960-p-5/

Portsmouth Herald, NH. “Local Storm (continued from p1).” 12-13-1960, p. 3. Accessed 11-10-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-herald-dec-13-1960-p-3/

Progress-Index, Petersburg, VA. “State’s Highway Fatality Total for Year is 707.” 12-13-1960, p. 10. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/petersburg-progress-index-dec-13-1960-p-12/

Red Bank Register, NJ. “Blizzard Closes Schools.” 12-12-1960, p.1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-dec-12-1960-p-1/

Red Bank Register, NJ “Man Found Dead in Rural Area.”. 12-14-1960, p. 3. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-dec-14-1960-p-3/

Red Bank Register, NJ. “Temperature (continued).” 12-13-1960, p. 2. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-dec-13-1960-p-2/

Red Bank Register, NJ. “Temperature Drop, Drifts, Wind Hinder Area Snow Removal. Police Report 1 death.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-dec-13-1960-p-1/

Red Bank Register, NJ. “Weather (continued).” 12-15-1960, p. 2. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-dec-15-1960-p-2/

Salem News, OH. “Storm (continued from p.1).” 12-12-1960, p. 8. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salem-news-dec-12-1960-p-8/

Steubenville Herald-Star, OH. “Coroners Rule in Widow’s Death.” 12-15-1960, p. 7. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/steubenville-herald-star-dec-15-1960-p-7/

The News, Frederick, MD. “Storm Toll In State At 20.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/news-dec-13-1960-p-1/

The Post, Frederick, MD. “25-Mile Wind is Causing Drifting (continued from p. 1).” 12-13-1960, p. 4. Accessed 11-9-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/frederick-news-post-dec-13-1960-p-11/

The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Ansonville Man is Found Dead at Curwensville.” 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/clearfield-progress-dec-13-1960-p-1/

The Town Crier, Westport, CT. “County Still Digging Out From Blizzard.” 12-15-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/westport-town-crier-dec-15-1960-p-2/

United Press International. “Cold Records Set, Deaths Climb to 251.” Anderson Herald, IN, Dec 14, 1960, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=71818101

United Press International. “Frozen To Death.” Naugatuck Daily News. 12-13-1960, p. 6. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/naugatuck-daily-news-dec-13-1960-p-6/

United Press International. “Ohio’s Sub-Zero Weather to Continue Through Today.” Daily Times, New Philadelphia, OH. 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-philadelphia-daily-times-dec-13-1960-p-1/

United Press International. “Storm Death Toll 256.” “Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. Dec 14, 1960, 14-A. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=107348167

United Press International. “Storm’s Death Toll Reaches 23 in Pennsylvania.” Altoona Mirror, PA. 12-13-1960, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/altoona-mirror-dec-13-1960-p-1/

United Press International. “The Blizzard is Gone but its Bitter Effects Linger on.” Lowell Sun, MA. 12/14/1960, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=54656341

United Press International. “Too Cold to Open Door, He Dies.” Southwest Times, Pulaski, VA. 12-13-1960, p2. Accessed 11-12-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/pulaski-southwest-times-dec-13-1960-p-2/

Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1960. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Commerce. 1961. Accessed 11-9-2022 at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html?_finish=0.20393793522113945

Wikipedia. “December 1960 nor’easter.” 8-12-2022 update. Accessed 11-12-2022 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_1960_nor%27easter