1961 — Feb 2-6, snow, blizzards, esp. Northeast, Midwest, esp. NY/22, MA/19 OH/12–131-136

–131-136 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below.

–>107 UPI. “New Storm Gathering Strength as East Continues to Dig Out.” Berkshire Eagle, MA. 2-6-1961, p3.
–~100 Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID. “East Digs Out From Storm,” 2-5-1961, 1.
–>100 UPI. “New Storm Sweeps Across Middle West.” Times Recorder, Zanesville OH, 2/7/61
— ~99 UPI. “New England digs out as new storm gathers.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA. 2-6-1961, p.1.
— 80 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961.
— 73 NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” Oct 17, 2005.
— 62 UPI . “Snow Buries East U.S.,” Clovis News-Journal, NM, Feb 5, 1961, 1.

Summary of Winter Storm Summary of Causes of Death (ranked high to low):
and Related Deaths by State:

Colorado ( 2) –80 Heart Attacks
Connecticut ( 10) — 2 Pushing snow-bound/snow-stalled vehicles
Georgia (0-1) –36 Snow Removal
Idaho ( 3) –13 Walking through deep snow
Illinois ( 12) –29 Overexertion; most probably heart attacks
Indiana ( 4) –31 Vehicular
Iowa ( 2) — 9 Exposure
Kentucky (0-1) — 4 Carbon monoxide poisoning
Maine (0-1) — 4 Cause not noted
Massachusetts ( 19) — 2 Sledding accidents
Michigan (2-3) — 1 Ambulance delayed by deep-snow-covered roads
Missouri ( 6) — 1 Plane crash during snow storm
New Jersey ( 4)
New York ( 22)
Ohio ( 12)
Pennsylvania ( 18)
Rhode Island ( 2)
South Carolina (0-1)
Tennessee ( 2)
Texas ( 1)
Utah ( 1)
Virginia ( 4)
Wisconsin ( 1)
Wyoming ( 4)

Total: 131-136

 
Breakout of Winter Storm Related Deaths by State (and locality and cause, where noted):

Colorado ( 2)
— 2 Colorado Springs (auto col.) Racine Journal-Times. “2 Storms Join Forces,” Feb 4, 1961, 2
— 2 Colorado Springs, Feb 3. “…high school students…when a car went off the road in blinding snow.”

Connecticut ( 10)
–10 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 8.
— 1 Bolton. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Esther Brindle, 66.
— 1 Bristol. Heart attack shoveling snow; George S. Lawrence, 62.
— 1 Greenwich. Heart attack shoveling snow; Henry P. Crawford, Jr., 53.
— 1 Middletown. Heart attack shoveling snow; Concetto S. Augeri, 69.
— 1 New Haven. Heart attack shoveling snow; Nicholas Luysterboroughs, 55.
— 1 Newington. Heart attack shoveling snow; Peter DelGreco, 27.
— 1 Norwich. Heart attack shoveling snow; Stanley Vounce, 55.
— 1 Stamford. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Rose Dombroski, 54.
— 1 Waterbury. Heart attack shoveling snow; Leonard A. Soley, 53.

Georgia (0-1)
–1 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–0 Blanchard. We could find no information on a winter-weather-related death in Georgia.

Idaho ( 3)
— 3 East ID (Car/truck col.). Racine Journal-Times. “2 Storms Join Forces,” Feb 4, 1961, 2.

Illinois ( 12)
–12 Blanchard tally from locality and cause of death breakouts below.
–11 UPI. “Roads Are Snow-packed and Slippery.” Daily Illinoian-Star, Beardstown, 2-4-1961, 5.
— 8 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 8.
–5 Over exertion from shoveling snow
–3 A result of auto or truck accidents.
— 5 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
Breakout of Illinois winter weather fatalities by locality when noted:
— 7 Chicago area. Heart attacks shoveling snow.
— 3 Feb 3. Heart attacks while shoveling snow or attempting to push stalled autos.”
— 1 Collinsville. Sledding accident.
— 1 Harvey, Pedestrian killed. Noted as snow and slippery roads related death.
— 1 Hillsboro area, Feb 2. “…auto crash…on snow-packed highway near Hillsboro.”
— 1 Markham, Feb 3. “Cold weather and snow-shoveling contributed to the death of a Markham man…”
— 1 Roxana. “…woman died while shoveling snow…”
— 1 Southern IL, Feb 2. Vehicular accident on road “packed with snow.”

Indiana ( 4)
–7 State. Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4.
–4 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
–2 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–2 Clay-Putnam County line area. Cars collide “on a snow-covered hill crest.
–2 Muncie area. Car skids into path of train; two young sisters in mother’s car.

Iowa ( 2)
–2 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–1 Eldora, Feb 2. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; John L. Davis, 84.
–1 Greenfield, Feb 2. Man hit crossing road; car could not stop in time; slippery snow-packed road.

Kentucky (0-1)
–1 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–0 Blanchard. We could find no information on a winter-weather-related death via newspaper search.

Maine (0-1)
–1 AP. “Snowstorm Shuts Schools; Drifts Hobble Traffic.” Jacksonville Journal, IL. 2-3-1961, p.1.
–0 Blanchard. Could find no information on any winter-weather-related deaths in Maine.

Massachusetts (19)
–19 Feb 4. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 9.
— 4 Exposure
–15 Storm related, “most resulting from over-exertion.”
–17 UPI. “New England digs out as new storm gathers.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA. 2-6-1961, p1.
— 1 Fitchburg, Feb 5. “Car stalls in snow, Walter Pera, 52, walked ½ mile through deep snow; collapsed.

Michigan (2-3)
–3 Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961, p. 1.
–2 Blanchard tally of locality and cause of death breakouts below.
–1 Branch County, US 112. Auto crash on snow slickened road; Frank Larry Noyes, 23.
–1 Jackson. Auto skids on snow slickened street; crashed into a tree; Merle T. Masquelier, 28.

Missouri ( 6)
— 6 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 5 AP. “Four-Inch Snow Blankets Mattoon…Storm Buries Midwest.” Daily Journal-Gazette, Mattoon, IL. 2-3-1961, p.1.
— 3 AP. “Snowstorm Shuts Schools; Drifts Hobble Traffic.” Jacksonville Journal, IL. 2-3-1961, 1.
— 2 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
Breakout of Missouri winter weather related fatalities by locality and cause of death where noted
— 1 Palmyra area, Feb 2. Auto collides “with a pickup truck during a heavy snow storm…”
–>4 St. Louis. “At least four persons died of overexertion from shoveling snow.”
–2 “…two elderly women fell dead in St. Louis Thursday while shoveling snow.”
— 1 Southeastern MO. Vehicular accident on highway “packed with snow.”

New Jersey ( 4)
–4 State. Blanchard tally based on locality and cause of death breakouts below.
–4 State. Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4.
–3 State. San Mateo Times, CA. “Fierce Snowstorm Cripples East,” Feb 4, 1961, p, 1.
–2 State. NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” Oct 17, 2005.
–1 Keansburg, Feb 5. Heart attack shoveling snow; died at hospital; Rudolph Eilers, 74.
–1 Long Branch, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; Vincent Spadafora, 62.
–1 Rumson, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Jennie Sickler, 59.
–1 Wall Township, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; James F. Leather, 58.

New York (22)
–22 Blanchard tally from locality and/or cause of death breakouts below.
–22 Feb 3-5. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 10.
–20 Overexertion
— 2 Traffic deaths “as indirect consequences of the severe weather.”
Breakout of New York winter weather related fatalities by locality/cause of death where noted.
— 1 Albany. Patrolman Francis Castle, 30, crushed by snow-removal machine on traffic duty.
— 1 Allegheny, Feb 3. Heart attack walking dog in snow and cold, male.
— 1 Fulton, Feb 4. Heart attack after shoveling snow from driveway; Edward Abel, 57.
— 2 Grand Gorge. Carbon monoxide poisoning in car which had slid into snowbank.
— 1 Lakeside, Feb 4. Ambulance delayed in reaching house due to deep snow; boy, 5-months.
— 1 Loudonville. Heart attack shoveling snow; Lorne A Taylor.
–10 NYC. “Heart attacks brought on by the exertion of walking through deep snow.”
— 1 NYC. Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Feb 3. Snowplow skids, hits pole; Dominick Parco thrown.
— 1 Syracuse, Feb 4. Heart attack after helping push snow-stalled car; Edmund Pietruniak, 36.
— 1 Syracuse, Feb 4. Heart attack after walking through waist-deep snow; Emil Kiehl.
— 2 Locales not noted. Feb 4 auto accidents attributed to the storm.

Ohio (12)
–12 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
–10 State. San Mateo Times, CA. “Fierce Snowstorm Cripples East,” Feb 4, 1961, p, 1.
— 8 Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4.
— 6 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
Breakout of Ohio winter weather related fatalities by locality, where noted.
–1 Cincinnati, Feb 3. Heart attack after shoveling snow; George S. Meyer, 73.
–1 Cincinnati, Feb 3. Heart attack sweeping snow off walk; Octavia Metcalfe, 80.
–1 Cincinnati area. Car and tractor-trailer collide “on a snow-slick street.” Mrs. Della Johnson, 70.
–1 Cleveland. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Arthur Wischmeyer, 58.
–1 Columbus (freezing). Racine Journal-Times, WI. “2 Storms Join Forces,” Feb 4, 1961, 2.
–1 Delaware. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Esther A. Slack, 53.
–2 Hamilton, area. Two-car collision on slippery OH-128; Doyle V. McCloskey 71, wife Myrtle, 70.
–1 Ottawa area. Car skids on snowy highway into path of truck; Robert Lanwehr, 26.
–1 Sandusky. Stroke while sweeping snow from sidewalk; Rev. Sumner E. LaFollette, 68.
–1 Springfield. Carbon monoxide fumes; gas heater clogged flue; Frederick Dukes, 26.
–1 Warren, Feb 4. Heart attack shoveling snow; Frank J. Boldt, 69.
–1 Zanesville, Feb 2. Exposure; Mrs. Beatrice Thompson, 58; body found at home doorstep.

Pennsylvania (18)
–18 Blanchard tally based on locality and/or cause of death breakouts below.
–15 Feb 3-4. NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” 10-17-2005.
–10 UPI. “Storm Staggers East Coast.” Terre Haute Tribune-Star, IN. 2-5-1961, pp. 1 and 6.
Breakout of Pennsylvania winter weather related deaths by locality and/or cause where noted:
— 1 Chester area. Snow sled runs into auto; Roy Johnson, 13.
— 1 Connellsville area. Exposure; Grayson Patterson, 68 found dead in converted coke oven.
— 1 Erie (Carbon Monoxide). Simpson’s Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “PA West…,” 2/4/61.
–15 Locales not noted. Over-exertion shoveling snow. Weather Bureau Storm Data 3/2 Feb 61, 11.

Rhode Island ( 2)
— 2 State. San Mateo Times, CA. “Fierce Snowstorm Cripples East,” Feb 4, 1961, p, 1.
— 1 Exeter. “freezing in snowbank.” Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, Feb 1961, p.8.
— 1 Pawtucket (heart attack freeing car from drift). Lowell Sun, MA. “Storm Death,” 2/4/61 1.

South Carolina (0-1)
–1 Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4.
–0 Blanchard. Could not find weather related death in SC newspaper search.

Tennessee ( 2)
–3 State Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–2 Woodbury area. “…a Trailways bus plunged off an icy highway near Woodbury Tenn. …”

Texas ( 1)
–1 Dumas area. Truck stalled in snow, motorist tried to walk to safety; died of exposure.

Utah ( 1)
–2 Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4.
–1 Blanchard. We could find information on only one weather related death in Utah.
–1 Magpie Peak (plane crash). Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID. “Man Found Dead,” 2-5-1961, 1.

Virginia ( 4)
–4 State, Feb 3. Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 12.
–1 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–1 Lake Jordan area. “…ice…contributed to a fatal accident…” H. Briggs Wray.
–3 Locales and cause of death not noted

Wisconsin ( 1)
–1 State. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
–1 Racine, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; Albert H. Niesen, 55.

Wyoming ( 4)
— 4 State Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961.
— 4 Rock Springs (bus/car/truck col.). Tyrone Herald, PA. “Worst of Three Storms…” 2/4/61.

Causes of Deaths

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 4)
–2 NY, Grand Gorge. Carbon monoxide poisoning in car which had slid into snowbank.
–1 OH, Springfield. Carbon monoxide fumes; gas heater clogged flue; Frederick Dukes, 26.
–1 PA, Erie (Carbon Monoxide). Simpson’s Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “PA West…,” 2/4/61.

Emergency Medical Assistance Delayed by Snow-Covered Road ( 1)
–1 NY, Lakeside, Feb 4. Ambulance delayed getting to house due to deep snow; boy, 5-months.

Exposure ( 9)
–4 MA, Exposure
–1 OH, Columbus (freezing). Racine Journal-Times, WI. “2 Storms Join Forces,” 2-4-1961, 2.
–1 OH, Zanesville, Feb 2. Exposure; Mrs. Beatrice Thompson, 58; body found at home doorstep.
–1 PA, Connellsville area. Exposure; Grayson Patterson, 68 found dead in converted coke oven.
–1 RI, Exeter. “freezing in snowbank.” Weather Bureau. Storm Data, 3/2, Feb 1961, p.8.
–1 TX, Dumas area. Truck stalled in snow, motorist tried to walk to safety; died of exposure.

Heart Attacks (80)

Heart Attacks Pushing or Attempting to Free Snow-Stalled Vehicles ( 2)
–1 NY, Syracuse, Feb 4. Heart attack after helping push snow-stalled car; Edmund Pietruniak, 36.
–1 RI, Pawtucket (heart attack freeing car from drift). Lowell Sun, MA. “Storm Death,” 2/4/61 1.

Heart Attacks Removing Snow – Shoveling (one described as a stroke) (36)
— 1 CT, Bolton. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Esther Brindle, 66.
— 1 CT, Bristol. Heart attack shoveling snow; George S. Lawrence, 62.
— 1 CT, Greenwich. Heart attack shoveling snow; Henry P. Crawford, Jr., 53.
— 1 CT, Middletown. Heart attack shoveling snow; Concetto S. Augeri, 69.
— 1 CT, New Haven. Heart attack shoveling snow; Nicholas Luysterboroughs, 55.
— 1 CT, Newington. Heart attack shoveling snow; Peter DelGreco, 27.
— 1 CT, Norwich. Heart attack shoveling snow; Stanley Vounce, 55.
— 1 CT, Stamford. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Rose Dombroski, 54.
— 1 CT, Waterbury. Heart attack shoveling snow; Leonard A. Soley, 53.
— 7 IL, Chicago area. Heart attacks shoveling snow
— 1 IL, Markham, Feb 3. “Cold weather and snow-shoveling contributed to the death of a Markham man…”
— 1 IL, Roxana. “…woman died while shoveling snow…”
— 1 IA, Eldora, Feb 2. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; John L. Davis, 84.
–>4 MO, St. Louis. “At least four persons died of overexertion from shoveling snow.”
— 1 NJ, Keansburg, Feb 5. Heart attack shoveling snow; died at hospital; Rudolph Eilers, 74.
— 1 NJ, Long Branch, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; Vincent Spadafora, 62.
— 1 NJ, Rumson, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Jennie Sickler, 59.
— 1 NJ, Wall Township, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow; James F. Leather, 58.
— 1 NY, Fulton, Feb 4. Heart attack after shoveling snow from driveway; Edward Abel, 57.
— 1 NY, Loudonville. Heart attack shoveling snow; Lorne A Taylor.
— 1 OH, Cincinnati, Feb 3. Heart attack after shoveling snow; George S. Meyer, 73.
— 1 OH, Cincinnati, Feb 3. Heart attack sweeping snow off walk; Octavia Metcalfe, 80.
— 1 OH, Cleveland. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Arthur Wischmeyer, 58.
— 1 OH, Delaware. Heart attack shoveling snow; Mrs. Esther A. Slack, 53.
— 1 OH, Sandusky. Stroke while sweeping snow from sidewalk; Sumner E. LaFollette, 68.
— 1 OH, Warren, Feb 4. Heart attack shoveling snow; Frank J. Boldt, 69.
— 1 WI, Racine, Feb 3. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; Albert H. Niesen, 55.

Heart Attacks Walking Through Deep Snow (13)
— 1 MA, Fitchburg, Feb 5. Car stalls in snow, Walter Pera, 52, walked ½ mile through deep snow; collapsed.
— 1 NY, Allegheny, Feb 3. Heart attack walking dog in snow and cold, male.
–10 NY, NYC. “Heart attacks brought on by the exertion of walking through deep snow.”
— 1 NY, Syracuse, Feb 4. Heart attack after walking through waist-deep snow; Emil Kiehl.

Overexertion (most probably heart attacks as the cause of death) (29)
–14 MA. Locales not noted.
–15 PA. Locales not noted. Over-exertion shoveling snow. Weather Bureau Storm Data 3/2 Feb 61, 11.

Plane Crash in Snow Storm ( 1)
–1 UT, Magpie Peak. Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID. “Man Found Dead,” 2-5-1961, 1.

Sledding Accidents ( 2)
— 1 IL, Collinsville. Sledding accident
— 1 Chester area. Snow sled runs into auto; Roy Johnson, 13.

Vehicular (31)
–2 CO, Colorado Springs, Feb 3. “…students…when a car went off the road in blinding snow.”
–3 ID (Car/truck col.). Racine Journal-Times. “2 Storms Join Forces,” Feb 4, 1961, 2.
–1 IL, Harvey, Pedestrian killed. Noted as snow and slippery roads related death.
–1 IL, Hillsboro area, Feb 2. “…auto crash…on snow-packed highway near Hillsboro.”
–2 IN, Clay-Putnam County line area. Cars collide “on a snow-covered hill crest.
–2 IN, Muncie area. Car skids into path of train; two young sisters in mother’s car.
–1 IA, Greenfield, Feb 2. Man hit crossing road; car could not stop in time; slippery snow-packed road.
–1 MI, Branch County, US 112. Auto crash on snow slickened road; Frank Larry Noyes, 23.
–1 MI, Jackson. Auto skids on snow slickened street; crashed into a tree; Merle T. Masquelier, 28.
–1 MO, Palmyra area, Feb 2. Auto collides “with a pickup truck during a heavy snow storm…”
–1 MO, southeastern. Vehicular accident on highway “packed with snow.”
–1 NY, Albany. Patrolman Francis Castle, 30, crushed by snow-removal machine on traffic duty.
–1 NY, NYC. Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Feb 3. Snowplow skids, hits pole; Dominick Parco thrown.
–2 NY, Locales not noted. Feb 4 auto accidents attributed to the storm.
–1 OH, Cincinnati area. Car and tractor-trailer collide “on a snow-slick street.” Mrs. Della Johnson, 70.
–2 OH, Hamilton, area. Two-car collision on slippery OH-128; Doyle V. McCloskey 71, wife Myrtle, 70.
–1 OH, Ottawa area. Car skids on snowy highway into path of truck; Robert Lanwehr, 26.
–2 TN, Woodbury area. “…Trailways bus plunged off an icy highway near Woodbury …”
–1 VA. Lake Jordan area. “…ice…contributed to a fatal accident…” H. Briggs Wray.
–4 WY, Rock Springs (bus/car/truck col.). Tyrone Herald, PA. “Worst of Three Storms…” 2/4/61.

Not Noted ( 4)
–1 Connecticut
–3 VA. Locales and cause of death not noted

Narrative Information

NWS FO Philadelphia: “1961…(Feb 3-5) NC-VA-DC-PA-NJ-NY-New England. Snowstorm, of blizzard intensity with severe cold and gale force winds. Snowfall 10 to 24″ in PA, and 12 to 27″ in NJ. Transportation facilities paralyzed, many roofs collapsed. State of emergency
declared in some communities. 73 dead, 15 in PA and 2 in NJ. Damage in millions
of dollars. (LS6211).” (NWS FO, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “Historical Weather Facts…,” Oct 17, 2005.)

Weather Bureau Storm Data on Connecticut: “…4 [Feb]…Entire Day…10 [killed]…Blizzard

“Storm which reached blizzard proportions in some interior areas, disrupted transportation throughout state. New snow totals generally 15 to 20 inches except a few widely scattered 8 to 14 inches. Sustained strong winds drove snow into drifts 7 to 15 feet high. Scattered power failures throughout state. Some collapsed roofs and shattered plate glass windows because of weight of snow and force of wind. Several minor injuries attributable to storm.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 8.)

Weather Bureau Storm Data on Massachusetts: “Entire state…4 [Feb]…All day…4 [killed]…Heavy snow, wind.

“This was the 3d major snowstorm of the season at coastal areas, and the 4th over the interior. The storm dumped from 10 to 25 inches over the State. Transportation was choked, and flights cancelled. Mail deliveries were cancelled as were most scheduled group meetings. Elementary school sessions were called off in many communities on Monday, the second day after the storm, due to hazardous walking conditions. Worcester County received the heaviest yields of 20 to 25 inches, while the eastern slopes of the Berkshires were smothered under 15 to 20 inches. Drifts up to 10 feet deep were reported in areas removed from the coast, where colder weather prevailed. Heavy snow accumulation collapsed the roof of a factory in Norwood, Mass. State of emergency was declared in some communities. Some 30,000 homes, mostly in eastern sections, were without heat or light for 12 to 36 hours and even longer and emergency crews were flown to trouble spots by helicopter….Four deaths from exposure were attributed directly to the storm while 15 additional fatalities were storm-related, most resulting from over-exertion….New snow fell on a residue of previous accumulations to produce total depths ranging up to 45 to 50 inches over the higher elevations of central and western parts of the state.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 9.)

Weather Bureau Storm Data on New York: “Statewide…3-5 [Feb]…Heavy snow, high wind, severe cold.

“Southwestern storm center moved across the Northern Gulf States and northeastward across the Virginias and Carolinas then northeastward along the coast. The storm was of blizzard intensity with severe cold and strong-to-gale force winds. Snowfall was heaviest in the central and southeastern counties where most sections recorded amounts of 1½ to 2 feet. Some central county areas reported a fall of over 3 feet. The New York City area was at a near paralysis in modes of transportation with a fall of 1½ feet. The fall tapered off to 5 inches at Buffalo and little or none in the extreme north-eastern counties near the Canadian border. Many communities in central New York declared a state of emergency for 24 to 48 hours. On Long Island 40,000 homes were without power for 12 to 24 hours and sections of the Island were isolated. Highway traffic in the New York City area was restricted to only essential vehicles for several days. Widespread disruption to transportation and business occurred with great economical losses. Courtland reported a fall of 40″; Syracuse reported a fall of 7″ in one hour. Drifting was severe in some sections…20 deaths occurred from overexertion and 2 traffic deaths as indirect consequences of the severe weather.”
(Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 10.)

Weather Bureau Storm Data on Pennsylvania: “State-wide…3-4…15 [killed]…Snowstorm.

“The one to two feet of new snow deposited by the storm nearly paralyzed transportation facilities in all sections. Strong winds piled the snow into drifts up to ten feet high. Numerous minor auto accidents were reported, in which 6 persons were injured. All of the reported deaths were due to over-exertion while shoveling snow. Numerous garage and carport roofs caved in, due to the weight of the snow. In Claysburg a theater roof also collapsed under the excessive snow accumulation.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 11.)

Weather Bureau Storm Data on Texas: “West Texas…4-6 [Feb]…1 [killed]…Snow.

“Heavy snow began in the Panhandle on the 4th, and spread southward into the Big Bend, and eastward as far as Dallas on the 5th and 6th. One person died of exposure north of Dumas when he set out on foot after his truck stalled in the snow. Heaviest snowfall occurred in Nolan, Coke, and Tom Green Counties, with 8-10 inches common. Snowfall near Sweetwater was measured at 12 inches, while from 7-11 inches fell in the eastern Panhandle.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961, p. 12.)

Sources

Altoona Mirror, PA. “Pennsylvanians Dig Out After Big Snowfall.” 2-4-1961, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=69313727

Associated Press. “2 Fatal Crashes Blamed on Snow.” Steubenville Herald-Star, OH. 2-4-1961, p. 16. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/steubenville-herald-star-feb-04-1961-p-16/

Associated Press. “8-Inch Snow Disrupts St. Louis.” The Joplin Globe, MO. 2-4-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-feb-04-1961-p-7/

Associated Press. “Cars Collide; Two Are Killed.” Kokomo Tribune, IN. 2-7-1961, p. 2. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kokomo-tribune-feb-07-1961-p-22/

Associated Press. “Dies Shoveling Snow.” Kenosha Evening News, WI. 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-30-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kenosha-evening-news-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Eight Inch Snow Hits St. Louis.” Jacksonville Courier, IL, 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-daily-journal-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Exposure Blamed in Woman’s Death.” Record-Herald, Washington Court House, OH. 2-3-1961, p. 2. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-c-h-record-herald-feb-03-1961-p-2/

Associated Press. “Four-Inch Snow Blankets Mattoon As Winter Storm Buries Midwest.” Daily Journal-Gazette, Mattoon, IL. 2-3-1961, p.1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mattoon-daily-journal-gazette-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Heavy Snow Hits Spencer Region Atlantic News-Telegraph, IA..” 2-3-1961m p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/atlantic-news-telegraph-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Lighter Credited for Lives of 3 Plane Crash Victims.” Kokomo Tribune, IN. 2-6-1961, p5. Accessed 10-27-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kokomo-tribune-feb-06-1961-p-5/

Associated Press. “Miscellaneous.” Daily Reporter, Dover, OH. 2-4-1961, p. 11. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-weekend-daily-reporter-feb-04-1961-p-11/

Associated Press. “Rugged Weather Continues Today to Dominate Nation.” The Daily Gazette, Sterling, IL. 2-6-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-gazette-feb-06-1961-p-2/

Associated Press. “Snow Shoveler Dies.” Middletown Journal, OH. 2-5-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/middletown-journal-feb-05-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Snowstorm Shuts Schools; Drifts Hobble Traffic.” Jacksonville Journal, IL. 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-daily-journal-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Associated Press. “Wind Piles Snow Drifts in Illinois.” Jacksonville Journal, IL. 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-daily-journal-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Atlantic News-Telegraph, IA. “Aged Greenfield Man Killed by Pastor’s Car.” 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/atlantic-news-telegraph-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Catskill Mountain News, Margaretville, NY. “Monoxide Gas Asphyxiates Man, Woman.” 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/margaretville-catskill-mountain-news-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Worst Snow of Winter Hits East.” 2-4-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-30-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/doylestown-intelligencer-feb-04-1961-p-11/

Daily Times, New Philadelphia, OH. “County Again Fortunate Despite Heavy Snowfall.” 2-4-1961, p. 3. Accessed 10-29-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-philadelphia-daily-times-feb-04-1961-p-3/

Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, IA. “Storm Cripples Northeast.” 2-5-1961, p. 4. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dubuque-telegraph-herald-feb-05-1961-p-4/

Fitchburg Sentinel, MA. “Walter Pera, 52, Stricken Fatally after Shoveling.” 2-6-1961, p. 12.Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fitchburg-sentinel-feb-06-1961-p-12/

Jacksonville Journal, IL. “Storm Paralyzes Northeast-Death Toll Mounts (continued from p.1).” 2-5-1961, p9. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-daily-journal-feb-05-1961-p-9/

Lowell Sun, MA. “Storm Death,” Feb 4, 1961, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=54640172

Morning Herald, PA. “State Reels Under Severe Frigid Blast.” 2-4-1961, p. 12. Accessed 10-30-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/uniontown-morning-herald-feb-04-1961-p-12/

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Philadelphia/Mount Holly. “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

New York Times. “City Keeps Ban on Autos but Lifts it for Trucks; Trains Packed with Commuters.” 2-7-1961, p. 28. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/07/118898855.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0

New York Times. “Patrolman Is Killed. Thrown From Snow Plow on Bronx-Whitestone Bridge.” 2-6-1961, 17. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/06/118898337.html?pageNumber=17

New York Times. “Snow Machine Kills Policeman.” 2-7-1961, p. 28. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/07/118899020.html?pageNumber=28

North Adams Transcript, MA. “Obituary…Lorne A. Taylor.” 2-6-1961, p. 13. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/north-adams-transcript-feb-06-1961-p-13/

Palladium Times, NY. “Oswego Gets…” 2-4-1961, p. 3. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/palladium-times-feb-04-1961-p-3/

Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID. “East Digs Out From Storm,” 5Feb1961, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=62448820

Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID. “Man Found Dead in Crashed Plane,” 5Feb1961, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=62448820

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Storm Cripples City; 3 Die.” 2-5-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-feb-05-1961-p-51/

Progress-Index, Petersburg, VA. “Fatal Mishap in Dinwiddie Blamed on Ice.” 2-3-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-30-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/petersburg-progress-index-feb-03-1961-p-1/

Racine Journal-Times, WI. “2 Storms Join Forces to Slam New England,” Feb 4, 1961, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=142361048

Red Bank Register, NJ. “Area Digging Out After Major Storm.” 2-6-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-22 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/red-bank-register-feb-06-1961-p-1/

San Mateo Times, CA. “Fierce Snowstorm Cripples East,” Feb 4, 1961, p, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=47425479

Simpson’s Daily Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “PA West Takes Storm’s Worst,” 2/4/1961, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=88738639

Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Massive Storm Batters Atlantic Coast,” 2-4-1961, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=64081890

Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “Worst of Three Storms Moving Into Northwest,” 2/4/1961, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=135429686

United Press International. “10-Foot Drifts, Twin Storms Explode North and Eastward.” The Illinoian-Star, Beardstown. 2-3-1961, pp. 1, 5. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/beardstown-illinoian-star-feb-03-1961-p-1/

United Press International. “Conn. Faces Prospects of More Snow.” Naugatuck Daily News, CT. 2-6-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-27-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/naugatuck-daily-news-feb-06-1961-p-1/

United Press International. “Near Blizzard Deals Blow to New York.” The Times Record,, Troy, NY. 2-4-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-29-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/troy-times-record-feb-04-1961-p-1/

United Press International. “New England digs out as new storm gathers.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA. 2-6-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ames-daily-tribune-feb-06-1961-p-1/

United Press International. “New Storm Gathering Strength as East Continues to Dig Out.” Berkshire Eagle, MA. 2-6-1961, p.3. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/pittsfield-berkshire-eagle-feb-06-1961-p-3/

United Press International. “New Storm Sweeps Across Middle West.” Times Recorder, Zanesville OH, 2-7-1961. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=4383141

United Press International. “Roads Are Snow-packed and Slippery.” Daily Illinoian-Star, Beardstown, 2-4-1961, p. 5.Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/beardstown-illinoian-star-feb-04-1961-p-5/

United Press International. “Snow Buries East U.S.,” Clovis News-Journal, NM, Feb 5, 1961, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=120780032

United Press International. “Snow, Ice Paralyze Big Cities.” Lima News, OH. 2-4-1961, p. 2. Accessed 10-29-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lima-news-feb-04-1961-p-2/

United Press International. “Storm Death.” Lowell Sun, 2-4-1961, p. 1. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-feb-04-1961-p-13/

United Press International. “Storm Staggers East Coast.” Terre Haute Tribune-Star, IN. 2-5-1961, pp. 1, 6. Accessed 10-27-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/terre-haute-tribune-star-feb-05-1961-p-1/

United Press International. “Two Killed in State Traffic.” Record-Eagle, Traverse City, MI. 2-4-1961, p. 13. Accessed 10-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-feb-04-1961-p-13/

Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1961. Accessed 10-27-2022 at:
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html?_finish=0.8944676966969669