11, IL, WI-65-77

lornajarrettblanchard January 2, 1971

–65-77 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below:

The low-end of the range of 65-77 is based on named fatalities and cause of death (65). The high-end (77) is based on media reporting of death tolls which do not provide specificity. For example, we cite two newspapers (the New York Times and a United Press International Press story in the Kenosha Times, noting twelve storm-related deaths in Illinois, and an Illinois paper noting nine deaths in the Chicago area alone, most, if not all, attributed to apparent heart attacks shoveling or removing snow. We have been able to identify seven specific deaths by name, place, and cause. Thus we show a range of 7-12 in Illinois.

–>48 UPI. “Frigid blasts tumble state’s temperatures.” Kenosha News, WI. 1-5-1971, p. 1.
–12 IL
–19 IA
— 2 KS
— 1 MN
— 6 NE
— 1 NM
— 7 WI
— 27 Ludlum, David M. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 6.

Summary of State Breakouts

Illinois ( 7-12)
Iowa (30-31)
Kansas ( 8)
Minnesota ( 1)
Missouri ( 1)
Nebraska (10-11)
New Mexico ( 1)
Wisconsin ( 7-12)

Total (65-77

Summary of Causes of Death

— 6 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
— 4 Exposure
–48 Heart attacks (or apparent) related to snow removal
–10 Vehicular
— 5 Cause not noted

Breakout of Winter Storm and Blizzards by State and Locality:

Illinois (7-12)
–12 New York Times. “Huge Snowstorm Strikes Midwest.” 1-5-1971, p. 70.
–12 UPI. “Frigid blasts tumble state’s temperatures.” Kenosha News, WI. 1-5-1971, p. 1.
— 9 Chicago area. Most “attributed to heart attacks following snow shoveling…”
— 7 Blanchard tally of named fatalities.
— 1 Arlington Heights. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow. Hershel A. Howells, 62.
— 1 Arlington Heights, Northwest Hwy. Apparent heart attack. Richard Kehe, 65.
— 1 Chicago. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Alfred Konow, 52.
— 1 Hanover Park, Jan 3. Apparent heart attack operating snow blower. Gary P. Brewster, 57.
— 1 Hometown. Apparent heart attack “while shoveling snow…” Jack DePuy, 60.
— 1 Norridge. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow. Anthony Steiber, 62.
— 1 North Riverside. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Mrs. Mary Prado, 57.

Iowa (30-31)
–>31 Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA. “Saturday Classes For Many Pupils in NE Iowa.” 1-7-1971, 3.
— 31 Des Moines Register, IA. “Conditions Ripe for More Snow in Iowa’s Future.” 1-7-1971, 1.
–26 heart attacks
— 1 carbon monoxide poisoning
–>30 AP. “All state roads open. Keep eye on weather.” Ottumwa Courier, IA, 1-7-1971, p. 1.
–25 heart attacks
— 2 traffic accidents
— 3 carbon monoxide poisoning
–30 Blanchard tally of fatalities identified by name and cause of death.
–27 Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 3.
(“…indirectly linked to the storm, mostly due to over-exertion.”)
–26 AP. “Two state schools now opened…” Daily Gate City, Keokuk, IA. 1-6-1971, 16.
–22 “apparent heart attacks after shoveling snow.”
— 2 traffic accidents
— 2 carbon monoxide poisoning
–19 AP. Sub-zero temperatures follow storm.” Oelwein Daily Register, IA. 1-5-1971, p. 1.
–15 “over-exertion by shoveling snow…”
— 2 traffic accidents
— 2 carbon monoxide poisoning
–19 Des Moines Register, IA. “Deaths of 19 Are Blamed on Blizzard.” 1-5-1971, p. 1.
Breakout of Fatalities by Locality and Cause of Death (where noted):
— 1 Boxholm. Carbon monoxide poisoning; Dave Nordholm.
— 1 Castalia, 3M north. Carbon monoxide poisoning operating snowplow. Charles W. Brown.
— 1 Cedar Rapids. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion. Vernon Gilmore, 62.
— 1 Cedar Rapids. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion. Sidney Griswold, 85.
— 1 Centerville. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion. Lyle Scott Hopkins, 69.
— 1 Charles City. Weather-related heart attack. Walter Vetter, 75.
— 1 Clinton. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion. Ewalt Vickau, 67.
— 1 Colfax. Body found in field; apparent heart attack after feeding cows. Walter Ellis.
— 1 Council Bluffs. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Wilford Boarts, 44.
— 1 Council Bluffs. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Francis Foreman, 60.
— 1 Davenport. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Francis Cowell, 67.
— 1 Davenport. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Willard Holman, 64.
— 1 Davenport. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Angus D. Morrison.
— 1 Des Moines. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Leonard Varne, 65.
— 1 Earlville. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Robert Sellner, 20.
— 1 Fort Dodge. “…apparent heart attack after shoveling snow.” Byron L. Cartwright, 72.
— 1 Frankville. Heart attack or CO poisoning getting car out of driveway; Lester Kamine, 63.
— 1 High Amana area. Tractor flips/pins man aiding snow-stalled motorist; John LeGrange, 22.
— 1 Knoxville. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Derold Dodds, 58.
— 1 Lenox. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Roland Buxton, 67.
— 1 Manchester. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Dale Smith, 60.
— 1 Moore. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Erle LeGrand, 63.
— 1 Ottumwa. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Charles Jones, 64.
— 1 Ottumwa. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Charles Wright, 66.
— 1 Red Oak. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Raymond C. Morris, 60.
— 1 Rhodes area. One-car storm-related crash on hwy. 330. Lela Walden, 57.
— 1 Sioux City. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Arthur S. Lyman, 69.
— 1 Sioux City. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Mrs. Edward McLaughlin, 66.
— 1 Sioux City. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Milton O. Meyers, 74.
— 1 West Des Moines. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Ercel Willett, 58.

Kansas ( 8)
–8 Blanchard tally of fatalities by locality and cause of death noted below.
–2 Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p3. [Both direct]
–1 “…woman froze to death 17 miles southeast of Russell…”
–1 “a man died of exposure 5 miles southwest of Larned.”
–1 Fort Riley, Jan 5. Snow sled and car collide, boy pinned beneath car. Robert B. Hughes, 13.
–1 Glen Elder, Jan 4. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow; Richard Nesmith, 72.
–1 ~Huron, US 73. Salt spreader truck driver, at his vehicle, hit by car; snow falling; Edgar R. Edds, 59.
–1 Hutchinson. Heart attack “while…shoveling snow at a friend’s house…”
–1 Manhattan. Apparent heart attack “while shoveling snow.” Walter Reed Gage, Sr., 74.
–1 Russell area (10M east). Exposure; snow-stalled car, tried to walk home; Mrs. Alvie Reichard, 44.
–1 Victoria area, I-70. “…11-vehicle pileup…during the blizzard Sunday.” Howard Reitan, 38.
–1 Body found 100 yards from car stalled in deep snow; apparent heart attack. George Sherbert.

Minnesota ( 1)
–1 Heart attack during storm; taxicab driver. (EDS. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 4.)

Missouri ( 1)
–1 Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 5.
“A man was reported killed when he lost control of his car on an icy road.”
–1 Boone Co., late Jan 2. Snowing; car goes off snow-covered road; Ellis Anderson Roberts, 51.

Nebraska (10-11)
–11 Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 5.
— 1 Man; “exhaustion and exposure.”
–10 “…indirect causes including monoxide poisoning, heart attacks, etc.”
–10 Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star, NE. “Blizzard Left Stranded, Dead.” 1-10-1971, p. 5-C.
–1 Asphyxiation.
–1 Exposure
–6 Heart attacks during or after shoveling snow.
–2 Traffic accident injuries on ice and snow covered roads.
–10 Blanchard tally of fatalities identified by name and cause of death.
— 8 Lincoln Journal, NE. “Nebraska’s Storm Death Toll at 8; 4 by Heart Attack.” 1-5-1971, p6.
— 1 David City. Exposure; man found in field southwest of his home. Emil L. Stava, 48.
— 1 Herman, Jan 3. “…apparent heart attack while shoveling snow.” Arnold F. Rogert, 49.
— 1 Kenesaw, Jan 4. “…heart attack while shoveling snow.” Burl Gillaspie, 82.
— 1 Lincoln. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Louis Gianasi, 62.
— 1 Millard area. CO poisoning in snowplow truck stuck in snow. Fred Seefus, 60.
— 1 Monroe. Man found dead, stalled car/still running, ~2M NW of. Lawrence E. Rupp, 64.
— 1 Omaha, Jan 3 evng. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Doyle Couchman, 47.
— 1 Omaha. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Joseph Centamore, 37.
— 1 Riverdale area, NE 40. Car hits ice patch, slides into truck. Mrs. Verma L. Ridder, 50.
— 1 Wayne area. One-car storm-related accident north of Wayne. Terry Macke, 14.

New Mexico ( 1)
–1 U.S. 64 north of Santa Fe. Female; car slid off snow-packed road into Rio Grande river.

Wisconsin (7-12)
–12 UPI. “Frigid blasts tumble state’s temperatures.” Kenosha News, WI. 1-5-1971, p. 1.
–>11 “…heart attacks while cleaning up after the storm…”
— 1 “…Oshkosh woman was killed when a wind gust blew her small car into the path of another.”
— 7 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
–~3 Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 10.
“Several deaths due to heart attacks while shoveling snow.”
— 1 Beloit, Jan 3. Heart attack while shoveling snow. Walter Staron, 61.
— 1 Montello area. Exposure? “…apparently frozen to death.” Darryle S. Olah, 20.
— 1 Neenah, Jan 4. Heart attack while shoveling snow at home. Sylvester Swedesky, 66.
— 1 Neenah, Jan 4. Heart attack operating snow blower; died at hosp. Francis Vedra, 45.
— 1 Oshkosh, Jan 4. Wind gust blew small car into path of car. Woman.
— 1 Silver Lake. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow; found frozen. John K. Barhyte, 92.
— 1 Tomah, Jan 4. Apparent heart attack walking through snow to neighbor. Alois Schaub, 51.

Breakout of Deaths by Cause

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
–1 IA Boxholm. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Dave Nordholm.
–1 IA Castalia, 3M north of. Carbon monoxide poisoning operating snowplow; Charles W. Brown.
–1 IA Earlville. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Robert Sellner, 20.
–1 IA Frankville. Heart attack or CO poisoning getting car out of driveway. Lester Kamine, 63.
–1 NE Millard area. CO poisoning in snowplow truck stuck in snow. Fred Seefus, 60.
–1 NE Monroe area. Man dead in stalled car/still running, CO or heart. Lawrence E. Rupp, 64.

Exposure
–1 KS Russell area (10M east). Exposure; snow-stalled car, tried to walk home; Mrs. Alvie Reichard, 44
–1 KS Body found 100 yards from car stalled in deep snow; heart attack or exposure. George Sherbert.
–1 NE David City. Exposure; man found in field southwest of his home. Emil L. Stava, 48.
–1 WI Montello area. Exposure? “…apparently frozen to death.” Darryle S. Olah, 20.

Heart attacks (or apparent) related to snow removal
–1 IL Arlington Heights. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow. Hershel A. Howells, 62.
–1 IL Arlington Heights, Northwest Hwy. Apparent heart attack. Richard Kehe, 65.
–1 IL Chicago. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Alfred Konow, 52.
–1 IL Hanover Park, Jan 3. Apparent heart attack operating snow blower. Gary P. Brewster, 57
–1 IL Hometown. Apparent heart attack “while shoveling snow…” Jack DePuy, 60.
–1 IL Norridge. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow. Anthony Steiber, 62.
–1 IL North Riverside. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Mrs. Mary Prado, 57.

–1 IA Cedar Rapids. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion; Vernon Gilmore, 62
–1 IA Cedar Rapids. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion; Sidney Griswold, 85.
–1 IA Centerville. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion; Lyle Scott Hopkins, 69
–1 IA Charles City. Weather-related heart attack. Walter Vetter, 75.
–1 IA Clinton. Apparent heart attack due to snow removal/overexertion. Ewalt Vickau, 67.
–1 IA Colfax. Body found in field; apparent heart attack after feeding cows. Walter Ellis.
–1 IA Council Bluffs. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Wilford Boarts, 44.
–1 IA Council Bluffs. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Francis Foreman, 60.
–1 IA Davenport. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Francis Cowell, 67.
–1 IA Davenport. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Willard Holman, 64.
–1 IA Davenport. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Angus D. Morrison.
–1 IA Des Moines. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Leonard Varne, 65.
–1 IA Fort Dodge. “…apparent heart attack after shoveling snow.” Byron L. Cartwright, 72.
–1 IA Frankville. Heart attack or CO poisoning getting car out of driveway. Lester Kamine, 63.
–1 IA Knoxville. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Derold Dodds, 58.
–1 IA Lenox. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Roland Buxton, 67.
–1 IA Manchester. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Dale Smith, 60.
–1 IA Moore. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Erle LeGrand, 63.
–1 IA Ottumwa. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Charles Jones, 64.
–1 IA Ottumwa. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Charles Wright, 66.
–1 IA Red Oak. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Raymond C. Morris, 60.
–1 IA Sioux City. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Arthur S. Lyman, 69.
–1 IA Sioux City. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Mrs. Edward McLaughlin, 66.
–1 IA Sioux City. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Milton O. Meyers, 74.
–1 IA West Des Moines. Apparent heart attack; snow removal/overexertion. Ercel Willett, 58.

–1 KS Glen Elder, Jan 4. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Richard Nesmith, 72.
–1 KS Hutchinson. Heart attack “while…shoveling snow at a friend’s house…”
–1 KS Manhattan. Apparent heart attack “while shoveling snow.” Walter Reed Gage, Sr., 74.
–1 KS Body found 100 yards from car stalled in deep snow; heart attack or exposure. George Sherbert.

–1 MN Heart attack during storm. (EDS. Storm Data, V13, N1, Jan 1971, p. 4.) Taxicab driver.

–1 NE Herman, Jan 3. “…apparent heart attack while shoveling snow.” Arnold F. Rogert, 49.
–1 NE Kenesaw, Jan 4. “…heart attack while shoveling snow.” Burl Gillaspie, 82.
–1 NE Lincoln. Heart attack after shoveling snow. Louis Gianasi, 62.
–1 NE Monroe area. Man dead in stalled car/still running, CO or heart. Lawrence E. Rupp, 64.
–1 NE Omaha, Jan 3 evening. Apparent heart attack shoveling snow. Doyle Couchman, 47.
–1 NE Omaha. Apparent heart attack while shoveling snow. Joseph Centamore, 37.

–1 WI Beloit, Jan 3. Heart attack while shoveling snow. Walter Staron, 61.
–1 WI Neenah, Jan 4. Heart attack while shoveling snow at home. Sylvester Swedesky, 66.
–1 WI Neenah, Jan 4. Heart attack operating snow blower; died at hosp. Francis Vedra, 45.
–1 WI Silver Lake. Apparent heart attack after shoveling snow; found frozen. John K. Barhyte, 92
–1 WI Tomah, Jan 4. Apparent heart attack walking through snow to neighbor. Alois Schaub, 51.

Vehicular
–1 IA High Amana area. Tractor flips/pins man aiding snow-stalled motorist; John LeGrange, 22.
–1 IA Rhodes area. One-car storm-related crash on highway 330. Lela Walden, 57.
–1 KS Fort Riley, Jan 5. Snow sled / car collide, boy pinned beneath car. Robert B. Hughes, 13.
–1 KS ~Huron, US 73. Salt spreader truck driver at his vehicle hit by car; snow falling; Edgar R. Edds, 59
–1 KS Victoria area, I-70. “…11-vehicle pileup…during the blizzard Sunday.” Howard Reitan, 38.
–1 MO Boone Co., late Jan 2. Snowing; car goes off snow-covered road. Ellis Anderson Roberts, 51.
–1 NE Riverdale area, NE 40. Car hits ice patch, slides into truck. Mrs. Verma L. Ridder, 50.
–1 NE Wayne area. One-car storm-related accident north of Wayne. Terry Macke, 14.
–1 NM U.S. 64 north of Santa Fe. Female; car slid off snow-packed road into Rio Grande river.
–1 WI Oshkosh, Jan 4. Wind gust blew small car into path of car. Woman.

Cause not noted
–5 IL

Narrative Information

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Iowa: “Iowa Statewide…3-4 [Jan] …Heavy snowstorm and blizzard. Heavy snowfalls of 10-15 inches, locally to 20 inches were measured in all but the NW counties where amounts were less. The snowstorm reached blizzard proportions on the 4th as winds reached 35 to 40 mph, with gusts exceeding 50 mph, and temperatures dropped into the subzero range. Highways were closed, thousands of motorists were stranded and activities associated with travel ceased. 27 deaths were indirectly linked to the storm, mostly due to over-exertion.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 3.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Kansas: “Kansas. Northern one-third, western two-thirds…2-3 [Jan]…2 [killed]…Blizzard, ice. This was one of the most severe winter storms in years. A blizzard raged over much of the area as snow, blowing snow, winds 30 to 50 mph with strong gusts, and temperatures in the teens or 20’s occurred. Three to 15 inches of badly drifted snow made most roads impassable. Worst blizzard conditions were probably in the area from Ellis and Russell Counties northeast to Republic and Washington Counties; very severe weather was also reported in southwestern Kansas from Ford County southwestward into Meade and Seward Counties. Agenda, in north central Kansas, received 15 inches of snow; drifts 15 to 20 feet were reported in the Belleville area. About 1500 motorists were stranded at Russell; travelers were also snow-bound at Hays, Liberal, Osborne, Sabetha, and at scattered other locations. Many schools were closed January 4, and it was several days before all roads and schools were open. One woman froze to death 17 miles southeast of Russell while seeking shelter; a man died of exposure 5 miles southwest of Larned. Ice accumulated on utility lines from Jefferson County southwestward into McPherson County, downing poles and causing some line breaks. Scattered, light cattle losses occurred as a result of the storm; hog losses in Washington, Rush, and Ellis Counties totaled several hundred.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 4.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Minnesota: “Minnesota. Southeast and the Southeastern Part of South Central District…3-4 [Jan]…Blizzard. Strong winds with very heavy snows of 18 inches in Houston County that gradually decreased to the northwest to less than 4 inches on a Fairmont-Faribault-Red Wing line. This caused blizzard conditions across the above area. The snowfall began near noon on Sunday the 3rd and continued until about noon the 4th. Most all roads and streets were blocked generally from late afternoon on the 3rd into the 5th. All schools and most businesses were closed on the 4th and many on the 5th. Thousands of motorists were stranded through all parts of the area effected by the storm. Maximum winds recorded were: 55 mph at Fairmont, 40 mph at Austin and 42 mph at Rochester. Temperatures were generally in lower 20’s and upper teens on the 3rd and gradually lowered to zero late on the 4th. One taxicab driver died due to a heart attack. Snow removal costs were high.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 5.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Missouri: Missouri. Northern third of State. 2-3 [Jan]…1 [killed]…Snow. Snowfall totals of over 12 inches were accompanied by cold temperatures and strong winds which created near-blizzard conditions for much of the area. Numerous holiday travelers were stranded. A man was reported killed when he lost control of his car on an icy road.” (Environmental Data Svc., NOAA. Storm Data, V. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 5.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Nebraska: “Nebraska. Southeastern Nebraska. 3-4 [Jan]…1 [killed]…Blizzard. Snowfall over entire State but blizzard conditions were confined to area southeast of Superior-Decatur line. Visibility was extremely low over an extended period due to high winds and heavy snow that was susceptible to blowing and drifting. Thousands of motorists stranded rescue units were active. Large buildings in Omaha and Humphrey collapsed under combined effects of heavy snow and high wind. One man died as a direct result of the storm from exhaustion and exposure. Ten others died from indirect causes including monoxide poisoning, heart attacks, etc. Uncountable cases of frostbite and minor injuries.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 5.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on New Mexico: “New Mexico. Statewide. 3-9 [Jan]…Extreme cold. Extreme cold spell over the state from the 3rd to 9th, with lowest temperatures mostly on 6th and 7th. Record minimum temperatures at many central and northern mountain stations. Damage from frozen water pipes and systems in central New Mexico from Belen to Colorado border totaled an estimated $2 million. More than 3000 locations had frozen pipes in Albuquerque. Many schools and offices were closed to conserve gas, and some communities in vicinity of Santa Fe were without gas. Some deciduous fruit trees were damaged by cold. Losses to zoo and other animals. In Carlsbad area, potash mines were closed because of frozen fuel supply.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, pp. 5-6.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Oklahoma: “Oklahoma. Panhandle and Extreme Northwest area. 2-4 [Jan]…Snow. An intense winter storm moved into the area during the night of the 2nd, and by the evening of the 3rd an official 3 to 6 inches of snow had fallen in the Panhandle. In Ellis, Harper, and western Woodward Counties to the east, snowfall averaged around 1 inch. Unofficial measurements up to 12 inches were reported near the Kansas line in the central Panhandle. Snow drifts up to 8 feet made roads impassable and stranded several hundred travelers. Skies cleared on the 4th, allowing roads to thaw enough for travel to resume.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, pp. 6-7.)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Texas: “Texas Panhandle. 3 [Jan]… Blizzard. Blizzard conditions paralyzed travel and caused considerable suffering of livestock in the Texas Panhandle. Worst conditions were north of the Canadian River. A wind speed of 37 miles per hour was recorded at the National Weather Service at Amarillo before the anemometer became coated with ice and therefore inoperative. Although cattle losses were not extreme, ranchers had trouble rounding up strays which followed the storm south. Total losses of cattle and hogs due to suffocation or freezing was estimated at $56,000. Between 2 and 4 inches of snow fell during the blizzard. Lowest temperatures during the cold spell occurred on the 5th and 6th, with -11⁰F at Dumas on the 5th, and -12⁰F at Sunray on the 6th. An estimated 1,500 motorists were stranded in Dalhart for a brief period.” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 9)

Environmental Data Service, NOAA, Storm Data, on Wisconsin: “Entire State…3-4 [Jan]… Snow storm, Lightning. Heavy snowstorm with snowfall ranging from 7 inches in extreme southeast to nearly 20 inches along line from LaCrosse to Marinette then tapering off to an inch or so in extreme northwest corner of state. This snow added to December’s snow still on ground caused roof damage and collapses to mount across state. Several deaths due to heart attacks while shoveling snow…” (Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971, p. 10.)

Ludlum: “1971. Blizzard raged from Kansas to Wisconsin; in Iowa, 27 story-related deaths; 20 in (51 cm) of snow fell and gales mounted to 50 mi/h (80 km/h).” (Ludlum, David M. The American Weather Book. 1982, P. 6.)

Newspapers

Jan 4: “By the Associated Press. A raging winter storm that spread a foot-deep toping of snow from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, stranding thousands of homeward-bound holiday travelers, dumped more snow today on the nation’s midsection. More than a score [20] of deaths were blamed on the storm. Most of the victim were persons who overexerted themselves while shoveling snow. Others died in traffic accidents or were found in cars stranded on snow-clogged highways.

“Thousands of motorists who expected to return home Sunday night from New Year’s weekend trips gave up and sought whatever shelter was available. Roads were closed in states from Montana and Utah to Missouri. Long lines of cars were stalled in roads or stuck in drifts. Motels were jammed and makeshift shelters sprang up in diners and service stations.

“The storm aimed its pinch at Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas which were hit by blizzard conditions. Iowa authorities reported that 20 inches of snow blanketed Mason City, 16 inches covered waterloo and 14 inches fell on Dubuque and Des Moines.

“Winds up to 50 miles an hour continued in parts of the Great Plains states and Burlington Northern Railroad officials reported 25-foot snow drifts in sections of Nebraska.

“The storm dumped heavy snow outside the blizzard belt. A record 16.4 inches fell in a 24-hour period on Moline, Ill., and 16 inches blanketed Harmony, Minn., White Rock, N.M., near Santa Fe, reported 15 inches.

“The National Weather Service saw little letup of the wintry fury and issued heavy snow warnings for at least four inches from northeastern Iowa across Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“A New Mexico woman was killed when h4r car slid off snow-packed U.S. 64 and into the Rio Grande north of Santa Fe, and in Kansas the body of a motorist was found 100 yards from where his car had stalled in deep snow. He apparently was a heart attack victim, police said.

“In Nebraska, a 47-year-old Omaha man died Sunday night after apparently suffering a heart attack while shoveling snow. A truck converted to a snow plow became stuck near Millard and one of two men inside died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“The blizzard described by veterans as perhaps the most severe in the Lincoln and Omaha area in a quarter of a century ground travel, business and industry to a halt. The homecoming welcome for the University of Nebraska’s Orange Bowl champions, stranded in Miami, was postponed for at least a day. Lincoln got 13 inches of snow and Omaha 10. State police reported that more than 1,000 motorists were stranded by the storm in a 25 to 30 mile stretch of Interstate 80 near Omaha. Most of the travelers found refuge in truck stops and state police asked farmers to keep their lights burning through the night so their homes would be visible to stalled motorists.

“Southeastern Nebraska and western Iowa were paralyzed as blowing snow reduced visibility to zero. Airports were shut down in Des Moines and Council Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha and Lincoln.

“Nine inches of snow piled up on the ground in Trenton, Mo., and 8 inches in many surrounding communities. Totals of 6 inches were measured in Moline, Ill., and Chicago. Midway Airport in Chicago closed, O’Hare International sent inbound flights elsewhere for a time and Mitchell Field in Milwaukee cut back on operations, stranding 45 members of the road cast of the show ‘1776’ who were headed for Des Moines.

“Schools throughout the Midwest, set to reopen after Christmas vacation, called delays as snow snarled transportation systems. Travel warnings were posted from Texas to Michigan, where flurries froze to highways coating them with a treacherous glaze. Seven to eight inches of snow accumulated in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Rain fell from the southern edge of the snowline, a windstorm overturned three trailer homes and a tornado damaged houses in Arkadelphia. High winds and large hail walloped other areas of Arkansas.” (Daily Tribune, Great Bend, KS. “Snow Blankets Nation Stranding Thousands.” 1-4-1971, p. 2.)

Sources

Arlington Heights Herald, IL. “Weekend Snow Takes Its Toll. Two Deaths, Numerous Injuries…” 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-7-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/arlington-heights-daily-herald-suburban-chicago-jan-05-1971-p-34/

Associated Press. “All state roads open. Keep eye on weather.” Ottumwa Courier, IA, 1-7-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-courier-jan-07-1971-p-1/

Associated Press. “Storm-Connected Deaths.” Boone News-Republican, IA, 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boone-news-republican-jan-05-1971-p-1/

Associated Press. “Sub-zero temperatures follow storm.” Oelwein Daily Register, IA. 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oelwein-daily-register-jan-05-1971-p-1/

Associated Press. “Two state schools now opened; snow-dump in rivers a problem.” Daily Gate City, Keokuk, IA. 1-6-1971, p. 16. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/keokuk-daily-gate-city-jan-06-1971-p-16/

Atchison Daily Globe, KS. “Edds Funeral Tomorrow.” 1-5-1971, p. 7. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/atchison-daily-globe-jan-05-1971-p-7/

Beatrice Daily Sun, NE. “Blizzard puts stranglehold on southeastern Nebraska.” 1-4-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-5-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/beatrice-daily-sun-jan-04-1971-p-1/

Capital Times. Madison, WI. “Obituaries.” 1-6-1971, p. 37. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/madison-capital-times-jan-06-1971-p-63/

Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA. “Nine Deaths Are Blamed On Blizzard.” 1-4-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cedar-rapids-gazette-jan-04-1971-p-1/

Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA. “Saturday Classes For Many Pupils in NE Iowa.” 1-7-1971, p. 3. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cedar-rapids-gazette-jan-07-1971-p-3/

Chicago Tribune. “4 Deaths Blamed on 7.1 Inch Fall.” 1-4-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/chicago-tribune-jan-04-1971-p-1/

Daily News, Olathe, KS. “Kansas residents dig out after blizzard hits area.” 1-5-1971, p. 9. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/olathe-daily-news-jan-05-1971-p-9/

Daily News, Rhinelander, WI. “Man Dies While Hiking to Work.” 1-5-1971, p. 2. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/rhinelander-daily-news-jan-05-1971-p-2/

Daily Tribune, Great Bend, KS. “Snow Blankets Nation Stranding Thousands.” 1-4-1971, p. 2. Accessed 3-5-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/great-bend-daily-tribune-jan-04-1971-p-2/

Des Moines Register, IA. “Conditions Ripe for More Snow in Iowa’s Future.” 1-7-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/des-moines-register-jan-07-1971-p-1/

Des Moines Register, IA. “Deaths of 19 Are Blamed on Blizzard.” 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/des-moines-register-jan-05-1971-p-1/

Environmental Data Service, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 13, No. 1, Jan 1971. Asheville, NC: EDS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Accessed 3-5-2022 at: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-A51D0FC9-A9E3-4F67-A762-34B306DEDF84.pdf

Harvey Tribune, IL. “Chill Factor Plunges Below 40 Degree Mark.” 1-7-1971, p. 3. Accessed 3-7-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harvey-tribune-jan-07-1971-p-3/

Hays Daily News, KS. “Boy Dies As Result Of Sledding Mishap.” 1-6-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hays-daily-news-jan-06-1971-p-1/

Hays Daily News, KS. “Man Dies Here Result Of Wreck.” 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hays-daily-news-jan-05-1971-p-1/

Hutchinson News, KS. “Farm Wife Dies In Blinding Snow. Lost Near Home.” 1-5-1971, p. C-1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-jan-05-1971-p-13/

IAGenWeb.org. “Brown, Charles William – 1929-1971.” Accessed 3-6-2022 at: http://iagenweb.org/boards/winneshiek/obituaries/index.cgi?read=405988

Kenosha News, WI. “Silver Lake man, 92, apparent snow victim.” 1-7-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kenosha-news-jan-07-1971-p-1/

Lincoln Journal, NE. “Nebraska’s Storm Death Toll at 8; 4 by Heart Attack.” 1-5-1971, p. 6. Accessed 3-5-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-evening-journal-jan-05-1971-p-6/

Lincoln Journal, NE. “Two Killed in Traffic Accidents. Car Slides on Ice Patch.” 1-5-1971, p. 6. Accessed 3-5-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-evening-journal-jan-05-1971-p-6/

Lincoln Journal, NE. “Two Men Die After Shoveling Snow.” 1-8-1971, p. 11. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-evening-journal-jan-08-1971-p-11/

Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star, NE. “Blizzard Left Stranded, Dead.” 1-10-1971, p. 5-C. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-sunday-journal-and-star-jan-10-1971-p-25/

Ludlum, David M. The American Weather Book. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1982.

Manhattan Mercury, KS. “Death claims two prominent local lawyers.” 1-4-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/manhattan-mercury-jan-04-1971-p-1/

New York Times. “Huge Snowstorm Strikes Midwest.” 1-5-1971, p. 70. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://www.nytimes.com/1971/01/05/archives/huge-snowstorm-strikes-midwest-thousands-stranded-amid-drifts-as.html

Oelwein Daily Register (AP), IA. “Iowans watch weather man; Castalia man dies.” 1-7-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oelwein-daily-register-jan-07-1971-p-1/

Post-Crescent, Appleton, WI. “City Resumes Activities Amid Mounds of Snow.” 1-5-1971, p. B-1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/appleton-post-crescent-jan-05-1971-p-17/

Post Tribune, Jefferson City, MO. “Two Mid-Missourians included in traffic toll.” 1-4-1971, p. 3. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-city-post-tribune-jan-04-1971-p-3/

Salina Journal, KS. “Deaths and Funerals.” 1-5-1971, p. 13. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salina-journal-jan-05-1971-p-13/

Shelby Sun, NE. “Farmer Dies of Exposure During Storm.” 1-7-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/shelby-sun-jan-07-1971-p-1/

United Press International. “Frigid blasts tumble state’s temperatures.” Kenosha News, WI. 1-5-1971, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kenosha-news-jan-05-1971-p-1/

Wisconsin State Journal. “Drifting Snow Adds to State Storm Woe.” 1-5-1971, section 2, p. 1. Accessed 3-6-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/madison-wisconsin-state-journal-jan-05-1971-p-38/