1982 — Apr 5-8, Blizzards, Snow, Deep Cold, Midwest to New England, esp. IL, OH –61-67
— >81 UPI. “Mother Nature Turns Another Cold…” Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. 4-7-1982, 1.[1]
–61-67 Blanchard tally from State breakouts below.
— >64 UPI. “Enfeebled 2nd snowstorm…makes its way east.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-9-1982, A3.[2]
— >54 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East with second wintry blast.” 4-9-1982, A3.[3]
— >51 UPI. “April winter plans round 2.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-8-1982, A-4.[4]
— >7 National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982.
Summary of State Breakouts Below
Connecticut (4-5)
Delaware ( 1)
Illinois ( >9)
Indiana (1-2)
Iowa ( 5)
Maine ( 2)
Massachusetts ( 5)
Michigan ( 4)
Nebraska ( 2)
New Hampshire ( 1)
New Jersey ( 1)
New York (4-6)
Ohio (7-9)
Pennsylvania ( 7)
Rhode Island ( 3)
Virginia ( 1)
Wisconsin ( 4)
Total 61-67
Breakout of Fatalities by State and Localities (where I have seen reporting)
Connecticut (4-5)
–5 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–4 Mostly heart attacks. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.
–1 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
Delaware ( 1)
–1 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
Illinois ( >9)
—>6 UPI. “Record lows freeze Illinois.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 4-7-1982, p. 14.
–2 Heart attacks shoveling snow; man and woman.
–4 Vehicular “accidents on glazed roads obliterated by blowing snow.”
–3 Effingham area, I-57, April 8. Pickup with “19 illegal aliens hits an icy patch…spun into a ditch.”[5]
Indiana (1-2)
–2 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–2 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–1 Monon, Monon County, April 5. Pedestrian; driver said he was “blinded by blowing snow.”[6]
Iowa ( 5)
–5 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–5 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted:
–2 Allison area, Butler Co., April 5. Truck collide “in blowing wet snow.” Muller and Anderson.[7]
–2 Cedar Rapids area, Apr 6. Car/truck collide “on a snowy interstate highway.” Young women.[8]
–1 Pocahontas area, Pocahontas Co., Apr 7. Pickup slid into bridge on icy road; man killed.[9]
Maine ( 2)
–2 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–1 Falmouth, 6th-8th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 69. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, 1982, 41.[10]
–1 Greenville, 6th-8th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 70. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, 1982, 41.
Massachusetts ( 5)
–5 Blanchard tally based on cause of death breakouts below.
–4 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–4 The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.
–4 Heart attacks shoveling snow. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out…” 4-7-1982, 1.
–2 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–1 Chicopee, Apr 6. Heart attack in car in stalled traffic. Ambulance nearby but stuck is snow also.[11]
Michigan ( 4)
–4 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–4 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–1 Detroit, Apr 5. Exposure; found dead in snowbank; David McDaniels, 44.[12]
–1 Genesee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Car slides; Jessica Hoskey, 4.[13]
–1 Manistee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Darwin Maidens, 38.[14]
–1 Sterling Heights, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kiyoshi Matsui, 57.[15]
Nebraska ( 2)
–2 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
New Hampshire ( 1)
–1 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–1 Dover, April 7. Heart attack shoveling snow.[16] NCC/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, 24.
New Jersey ( 1)
–1 Plainsboro, Apr 6. Car hits utility pole “during the peak of the blizzard.” Frank Hume, 61.[17]
New York (4-6)
–6 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–4 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–2 Dryden, Apr 8. Vehicles collide; icy road conditions blamed; Diana Young/Marcella Winters.[18]
–1 Lenox area, Rt. 5, Apr 7. Cars collide on icy road; passenger, An Le, 43, of Canastota.[19]
–1 Queens, Apr 6. Heart attack clearing snow at home with snowblower; Vincent DiLandro, 53.[20]
Ohio (7-9)
–9 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–8 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
–7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–1 Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Count J. Palmisono, 59.[21]
–1 Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; unidentified male.[22]
–1 Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kazemier Tomaszewicz, 66.[23]
–1 Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Robert Nolan, 58.[24]
–1 Middleburg Heights, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; John Marinyak, 63.[25]
–1 Port Clinton, April 6. Exposure/asphyxiation; 3-feet of water in her home from lakeshore.[26]
–1 Seven Hills, Cuyahoga County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Andrew Kuhar, 58.[27]
Pennsylvania ( 7)
— 7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 5 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
— 3 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p24.
—>2 National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.
Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted.
–2 Corry area, PA Rt 6, Apr 7. Car skids “on an icy patch’ into 2nd car; Leroy Earle/Stanley Dynda.[28]
–1 Lower Gwynedd Township, Apr 7. Heart attack; motorist stops to help snowbound motorists.[29]
–1 Northampton Twp., Apr 6. 4-vehicle pileup; base of snow-covered hill; Harry Wise, 31.[30]
–2 Scandia Air Park, Warren County, April 6. Plane attempting to land in high-wind/snow.[31]
–1 Wyoming, Luzerne Co, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Warden Donald Dorris, 57.[32]
Rhode Island ( 3)
–3 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–3 Apr 7. Heart attacks shoveling snow; men, ages 51, 63, and 84 (acc Medical Examiner).
–2 UPI. “Blizzard ’82 woes hang on in Northeast.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-9-1982, p1.
–1 UPI. “New England bracing for another storm.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-8-1982, 12.
Virginia ( 1)
–1 Staunton, I-81, Apr 6. High wind, semi jack-knifes. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p. 34.[33]
Wisconsin ( 4)
–4 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–3 AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.
–3 AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.
Breakout of Wisconsin weather-related fatalities by locality where noted:
–1 Janesville, Apr 5. Heart attack while driving in hazardous driving conditions; James Fox, 48.[34]
–2 Janesville, Apr 5; Car fishtails into truck; hazardous weather conditions; O’Connor and Andrews.[35]
–1 Port Washington, April 5. Car “went out of control…on a snow-covered road…” (Elliot).[36]
Summary of Causes of Death
Exposure ( 2)
Heart Attacks Related to Snow Removal (25)
Heart Attacks not related to Snow Removal ( 3)
Plane Crash on takeoff during snowstorm ( 2)
Vehicular Accidents Related to Winter Weather (26)
Not Noted ( 9)
Breakout by Cause of Death
Exposure ( 2)
–1 MI, Detroit, Apr 5. Exposure; found dead in snowbank; David McDaniels, 44.
–1 OH, Port Clinton, April 6. Exposure/asphyxiation; 3-ft water in her home from lakeshore.
Heart Attacks Related to Snow Removal (25)
–4 CT. Mostly heart attacks. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.
–2 IL. Heart attacks shoveling snow; man and woman.
–1 ME, Falmouth, 6th-8th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 69. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, p. 41.
–1 ME, Greenville, 6th-8th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 70. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, p41.
–4 MA, Heart attacks shoveling snow. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out…” 4-7-1982, 1.
–1 MI, Sterling Heights, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kiyoshi Matsui, 57.
–1 NH, Dover, April 7. Heart attack shoveling snow. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, 24.
–1 NY, Queens, Apr 6. Heart attack operating snowblower at home; Vincent DiLandro, 53.
–1 OH, Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Count J. Palmisono, 59.
–1 OH, Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; unidentified male.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kazemier Tomaszewicz, 66.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Robert Nolan, 58.
–1 OH, Middleburg Heights, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; John Marinyak, 63.
–1 OH, Seven Hills, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Andrew Kuhar, 58.
–1 PA, Wyoming, Luzerne Co, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Warden Donald Dorris, 57.
–3 RI, April 7. Heart attacks shoveling snow; men, ages 51, 63, and 84 (acc Medical Examiner).
Heart Attacks not related to Snow Removal ( 3)
–1 MA, Chicopee, Apr 6. Heart attack in car in stalled traffic. Ambulance stuck is snow also.
–1 PA, Lower Gwynedd Twp., Apr 7. Heart attack; motorist stops to help snowbound motorists.
–1 WI, Janesville, Apr 5. Heart attack, driving in hazardous driving conditions; James Fox, 48.
Plane Crash ( 2)
–2 PA. Scandia Air Park, Warren County, April 6. Plane attempting to land in high-wind/snow.
Vehicular Accidents Related to Winter Weather (26)
–4 IL, April 7. Vehicular “accidents on glazed roads obliterated by blowing snow.”
–3 IL, Effingham area, I-57, Apr 8. Pickup with “19 illegal aliens hits an icy patch…spun into a ditch.”
–1 IN, Monon, Monon Co., April 5. Pedestrian; driver said he was “blinded by blowing snow.”
–2 IA, Allison area, Butler Co., Apr 5. Truck collide “in blowing wet snow.” Muller / Anderson.
–2 IA, Cedar Rapids area, Apr 6. Car/truck collide “on a snowy interstate highway.” Young women.
–1 IA, Pocahontas area, Pocahontas Co., Apr 7. Pickup slid into bridge on icy road; man killed.
–1 MI, Genesee Co., Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Car slides; Jessica Hoskey, 4.
–1 MI, Manistee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Darwin Maidens, 38.
–1 NJ, Plainsboro, Apr 6. Car hits utility pole “during…peak of the blizzard.” Frank Hume, 61.
–2 NY, Dryden, Apr 8. Vehicles collide; icy road conditions blamed; Diana Young/Marcella Winters.
–1 NY, Lenox area, Rt. 5, Apr 7. Cars collide on icy road; passenger, An Le, 43, of Canastota.
–2 PA, Corry area, PA Rt 6, Apr 7. Car skids “on an icy patch’ into 2nd car; Leroy Earle/Stanley Dynda.
–1 PA, Northampton Twp., Apr 6. 4-vehicle pileup; base of snow-covered hill; Harry Wise, 31.
–1 VA, Staunton, I-81, Apr 6. High wind, semi jack-knifes. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p.34.
–2 WI, Janesville, Apr 5; Car fishtails into truck; hazardous weather conditions; O’Connor / Andrews.
–1 WI, Port Washington, April 5. Car “went out of control…on a snow-covered road…” (Elliot).
Not Noted ( 9)
–1 CT
–1 DE
–1 IN
–2 NE
–2 NY
–2 OH
Narrative Information (by State, Alphabetical)
Connecticut
April 7 report: “….Elections were canceled, Connecticut Gov. William O’Neill called out the National Guard to help clear streets of abandoned cars…Four Connecticut cities were under a state of emergency and Hartford Hospital asked owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles to bring hospital employees to work as the state lay under 14 inches of snow. The emergency declarations in Hartford, New Haven, Danbury and Meriden allowed the cities to move abandoned cars that made some streets impassable. But there were no fatal accidents. ‘Nobody’s going fast enough to kill themselves,’ Sgt. Williams Wadsworth of the Hartford, Conn. state police barracks said.” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)
District of Columbia
NCC Storm Data: “[Apr] 7…Cold, Wind…A record low of 24 degrees was recorded at Washington National Airport, surpassing the previous record low of 29 degrees set back in 1881. This, combined with strong winds, destroyed from 30% to 50% of the cherry tree blossoms in the Tidal Basin.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)
Illinois
April 5: “With traffic already slowed to a crawl by a pair of railroad strikes, Chicago area commuters inched their way home Monday [Apr 5] through a blizzard that dumped 8.5 inches on the Northwest suburbs and most of the city. That’s little more than two inches away from a record-breaking April snowstorm. Some Southeast suburbs received up to a foot of snow in the storm. High winds and drifting snow hampered clearing efforts and made most roads hazardous, as temperatures stayed below freezing all day. Lake effect snow was expected to continue falling in the city through today [6th], making the morning rush hour hazardous.
“The storm subsided late Monday night, but the cold air will remain today, with temperatures no higher than the mid-30s, the National Weather Service predicted. No new snow is expected today [6th] but the temperature could plummet to five degrees above zero tonight. Wednesday is expected to continue cold. But spring is scheduled to return Thursday with a reading of up to 50 degrees expected by Friday.
“The cold winds that blew in from Canada over the weekend were to blame for the ill-timed snowstorm, which was created when that cold air clashed with rain clouds blowing up from the Gulf, said weather service meteorologist Greg Dickey. The Chicago area usually sees less than an inch of snow in April, with an average, including the occasional years of late snowfall, of only 1.8 inches for the entire month. The last significant April snowfall was in 1975, when 9.4 inches fell on April 2.
“It is usually much warmer by now, as well. The normal high temperature for April 5 is 55 degrees, with a low of 35 degrees, but on Monday the mercury ranged between a high of 31 in the early morning to 24 degrees by 10 p.m.
“The storm was all the more ferocious because it came on a day when two railroad strikes had forced more commuters than usual to take their cars to work. The strikes against the Chicago & North Western and Burlington Northern railroads were settled Monday afternoon, but drivers who had struggled through the extra traffic in the morning still had to battle the snow and winds going home….
“The winds gusting up to 30 miles an hour most of the day, drifting snow was the biggest problem on the expressways, said Charles McLean, operations engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He said 250 trucks were sent out to plow and salt Chicago area roads before the evening rush hour.
“Some businesses downtown closed early Monday in an effort to let employees beat the rush, said spokesmen of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, which closed an hour early itself….” (Daily Herald, Des Plaines (IL) Edition. “Snow’s no April Fool joke.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.)
Indiana
NCC Storm Data: “Northern Indiana [Apr] 5…Heavy Snow. 4 to 6 inches of snow were dumped on sections of northern Indiana by a late season storm.
“Section of northern and central Indiana. [Apr] 8…Heavy Snow. A late season winter storm dropped 5 to 7” of snow in a band across central and norther Indiana.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 17.)
Maine
NCC Storm Data: “April 1982…Statewide…[Apr] 06-08 Late Mrng EST…2 [killed]…Near Blizzard…An intense coastal storm dumped from 7 to 26 inches of snow over the state in about 24 hours. Winds gusted between 50 and 65 mph statewide. Augusta had gusts of 62 mph on the 6th and to 60 mph on the 7th, while Portland measured gusts of 54 mph on the 6th and to 53 mph on the 7th. Snowdrifts fo 6 feet were common with a 15 foot drift isolating Biddeford Pool from Biddeford for 24 hours. The blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero making travel nearly impossible. The Maine Turnpike closed Tuesday evening for 10 hours because of the blowing and drifting snow along with 100 disabled cars made the road impassable. Temperatures in the teens an 20s coupled with strong winds resulted in extreme cold wind chill factors. Most government agencies, schools, and businesses closed for up to 3 days. There were two deaths, a 69 ear old Falmouth man and a 70 year old Greenville man, both from heart attacks while shoveling snow. Parts of two green-houses in Biddeford collapsed from the snow and strong winds. Portland reported 16 inches in about 20 hours setting a single storm record for April. The old standard was 15 inches on the 9th and 10th of 1906. Caribou had a total of 26.3 inches from this storm. Other amounts reported around the state were: Milb – 6.5; Lovell – 8; Eastport – 8; Harmony – 8; Millinocket – 9; Guilford – 9; Livermore falls – 10; Winthrop – 10; Blanchard – 11; Houlton – 11 Phillips – 12; Kingfield – 12; New Sharon – 12; Fort Kent 1 12; Bangor – 12; Rumford – 13; Augusta – 15; Lewiston – 19; West Paris – 20; East Hiram – 20.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 7, July 1982, p. 41.)
Maryland
NCC Storm Data: “Western Maryland [Apr] 6…All Day…Blizzard. Up to 3 inches of snow from squalls was whipped into blizzard proportions by winds gusting to 75 mph. Zero visibility at times was responsible for numerous highway accidents in Garrett and Allegheny Counties.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)
Massachusetts
NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…Heavy Snow, High Winds, Lightning…An unprecedented April blizzard brought one to two feet of snow and wind gusts to 70 and 80 mph. Most notable were the exceptionally high frequency of simultaneous thunderstorms and heavy snow.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)
April 6: “….Boston virtually shut down Tuesday afternoon [Apr 6] under 10-inch snow that broke a 65-year-old record for an April storm. The weather service reported accumulations of 2 feet in western Massachusetts and Interstate 495 near Marlboro was shut down after 50 vehicles were involved in chain-reaction collisions. Logan International Airport in Boston was closed all day long…” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)
Nebraska
NCC Storm Data: “Nebraska…North Panhandle and Sandhills [Apr] 5 Morning…Heavy Snow…A band of heavy snow about 35 miles wide fell from near Rushville to around Arnold. Around 6 inches fell at Thedford.
“Southeast…[Apr] 5…Evening…Heavy Snow…Areas of 4 inch snowfalls were reported around Auburn and Pawnee City.
“North Central and Northeast…[Apr] 7…Daytime…Heavy Snow…Heavy snow was reported with 9 inches at Lynch, 6 inches at Norfolk and Wisner, and 5 inches at Niobrara.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 23.)
New Hampshire
NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6 Early Mrng EST-07…1 [killed]…Near Blizzard…An intense coastal storm dumped 12 to 26 inches of snow over central and southern sections and 6 to 12 inches over the north in about 24 hours. Winds gusted to near 50 mph at many locations causing numerous snowdrifts to 6 feet and blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero making travel nearly impossible at times. Temperatures in the teens and 20s coupled with strong winds resulted in extreme cold wind chill factors. Local and state governments, school, and businesses closed for up to 3 days. A 64 year old Dover resident died from a heart attack while shoveling snow. Pease AFB, in Portsmouth, reported 21.3 inches which was the heaviest in any 24 hour period since records began in 1956. The 14 inches recorded in Concord was the second largest April snowstorm on record which date back to 1871. Other amounts reported around the state were: Lancaster – 5.5; Big Diamond – 7; North Conway – 7; Stark – 7; Tamworth – 8; Lebanon – 9; Berlin – 11; Plymouth – 11; Lincoln — 11; Bethlehem – 12; Twin Mountain – 13; Rochester – 14; Durham – 14; Nashua – 14; Hillsborough – 14; Keene – 14; Lakeport – 15; MacDowell Dam – 15; Walpole – 15; Hampton – 16; Canterbury – 16; Keene – 17; Mt. Vernon – 17; Blackwater Dam – 18; Dover – 18; Salem – 18; Gilford – 18; Merrimack – 19; Claremont – 19.5; Enfield – 20; Barnstead – 20; Francestown – 20; Swanzey – 21; Sutton – 22; Marlow – 23; New London – 26. Snow removal costs for the state amounted to $700,000.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 24.)
New Jersey
NCC Storm Data: “Southern New Jersey…[Apr] 6 AM to PM…Light Snow with Freezing Temperatures and High Winds…The record-breaking April blizzard swept north of New Jersey, sparing the area from the foot of snow that covered the upper part of the state. Only traces of snow accompanied the record-low temperatures and piercing winds. The full fury of the severe storm was felt in northern and central New Jersey, closing schools, businesses, state agencies, and airports. The northern part of the state had the coldest and snowiest April on record.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 24.)
New York
NCC Storm Data: “Coastal…Extreme Southeast, Nassau, Suffolk Co., Metropolitan Area, Westchester Co. [Apr] 6 0300-1700 EST…Blizzard, High Winds, Lightning…This date was the first April blizzard in the history of New York City and the northern suburbs. It brought snow driven by gale force winds, which produced knee-high drifts and closed scores of schools and businesses. The life-threatening blizzard abated after dropping 9.6 inches of snow in the Metropolitan Area, and setting a new record at Central Park. Freezing temperatures, high winds, blowing snow, combined with a windchill factor as low as 25 degrees below zero paralyzed communities in the area.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, Apr 1982, p. 24.)
“Western…All of Western New York counties, the Finger Lakes and the South-Tier…[Apr] 6…Wind, snow…Just as Western New Yorkers were ready to store winter clothing away, nature dealt a late snowstorm. The ground which was already bare of snow to begin with, was again covered with up to a foot of snow. Damaging winds uprooted big trees which fell on houses and cars. Power lines were broken. Travel was interrupted. Poor visibility and slippery roads led to numerous vehicular accidents. Road closures were made.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 25.)
Newspapers on New York:
April 6: “Two storm systems collided over New York City on Tuesday [6th] — cold air from Canada that moved across the Midwest hit warm air from the South, gathering strength and causing thunderstorms in addition to snow. The 22-degree reading in New York City broke the 23-degree low set for the date in 1881, and Joe DiMaggio’s plans to throw the first ball Tuesday at Yankee Stadium were snowed out. The storm met the definition of a blizzard — sustained winds of 35 mph along with 6 inches of snow or more, said James Allen, deputy meteorologist in charge of the weather service in New York City.” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)
April 7 report: “New York (UPI) — The city’s first April blizzard in more than a century [1869] dumped almost a foot of snow, shut all three major airports and caused one death. An army of sanitation workers rushed today to clear buried streets as plunging temperatures turned slush to ice. The nation’s largest city was brought to a virtual halt Tuesday [April 6] by the ‘life-threatening’ 12-hour storm that hurled up to 10 inches of wind-driven snow between dawn and 6 p.m., smothering daffodils in Rockefeller Center and forcing thousands of residents indoors.
“A force of 1,000 sanitation workers used 700 snow plows and 250 salt spreaders early today [7th] to clear streets of snow and try to prevent ice from forming.
“The weather service said the temperature had dropped to 22 degrees by 8:50 p.m., breaking a record of 23 degrees set 101 years ago….
“Police reported one weather-related death, Vincent DiLandro, 53, of Queens, died of a heart attack while clearing snow in front of his home with a snow blower.
“The storm quickly grew in intensity until city transportation officials declared a snow emergency. The National Weather Service pronounced the storm a blizzard at noon….The City’s school children were sent home early as the storm worsened.” (United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4.)
Ohio
NCC Storm Data: “Northern Quarter…[Apr] 6…All Day…Heavy Snow…Up to a foot of snow fell on the northern quarter of the state and was shipped by winds up to 50 MPH. The late winter storm dumped the heaviest April snows on record in several areas.
“Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa and Lucas Counties…[Apr] 6…All Day…1 [killed]…Lakeshore flooding, High Winds…Gale force east to northeast winds caused extensive lakeshore erosion and flooding along the south shore of Lake Erie from Cleveland west. Ten to twelve foot waves and water levels 6 feet above low water datum flooded several low lying areas along the shore while erosion bit off huge pieces of the shoreline. Hundreds of people were evacuated as residential areas became flooded. A Port Clinton woman was found dead of exposure and asphyxiation in 3 feet of water in her home. The lakeshore flooding was the worst in several years and water levels were near record.” (NCC/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p26.)
Pennsylvania
NCC Storm Data: “Eastern Pennsylvania…[Apr] 6…0100 EST to [Jan] 7…2100 EST…Heavy Snow, Wind…A late season storm caused snow to fall from around midnight on the 5th until about 5:00 PM on the 6th. Accumulations were about 3 to 5 inches over the southern third, but 6 to 12 inches the remainder of Eastern Pennsylvania. The highest amounts of 11 to 12 inches were in the area from around Allentown north into the Pocono Mountains. Strong winds developed during the afternoon of the 6th and continued through most of the 7th. This caused considerable blowing and drifting of the snow. Slippery roads from falling and drifting snow combined with poor visibility from blowing snow to cause many automobile accidents. There were at least two deaths and many injuries. The drifting snow closed some roads and gave road crews considerable difficulty in keeping rods cleared or even passable. The snow drifted to 4 feet or higher in many places. The highest wind gust reported was 47 miles per hour at Allentown. The heavy wet snow combined with the strong winds to down tree limbs and utility lines. Over 30,,, customers had service interrupted.” (Nat. Climatic Cen./NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.)
Rhode Island
NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…All Day…Heavy Snow, High Winds, Lightning…A rare April coastal storm brought blizzard conditions for about 12 hours to all of Rhode Island. Winds gusted to 60 mph. Extensive thunderstorms accompanied the heavy snow of 8 to 12 inches. Lightning struck three houses in Barrington and several radio stations were knocked off the air.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.)
Virginia
NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…All Day…1 [killed]…Wind…Strong winds again developed as an intensifying low pressure center moved out of the Ohio Valley. Extensive wind damage to property, power lines and trees occurred as gusts ranged between 60 and 70 mph. There were at least two instances of vehicles being blown off the road. One of these accidents took the life of truck driver whose trailer jack-knifed on I-81, near Staunton, not long after he had been warned of dangerous wind conditions via CB radio. In Buffalo Gap, Augusta County, a high school was damaged to the extent of $20,000 to $40,000 and a nearby 80-year-old church was demolished. Damage estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars was reported in the Roanoke area. Four persons were injured, one of these a man who touched a downed 7,000-volt line near Winchester. Wind-blown dust created hazardous driving conditions near Smithfield…and another Isle of Wight County section experienced a wind-fanned brush fire that destroyed a house. Total damage was expected to be near one half million dollars.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 34.)
Wisconsin
NCC Storm Data: “Wisconsin…Southeast Quarter…[Apr] 5…0600-Midnight CST…Snow, Wind…Five to 10 inches of wet snow, driven by 45 mph winds. Lashed the area south and east of a Lone Rock – Sheboygan line. Madison reported 8.3 inches of snow; Milwaukee had 8.7 inches.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 34.)
Sources
Associated Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-times-reporter-apr-07-1982-p-3/
Associated Press. “Man dies in ambulance during blizzard traffic jam.” The Sun, Lowell, MA, 4-8-1982, p. 13. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-08-1982-p-13/
Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ironwood-daily-globe-apr-07-1982-p-15/
Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-apr-06-1982-p-6/
Associated Press. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-07-1982-p-21/
Associated Press. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-times-reporter-apr-07-1982-p-3/
Associated Press. “Snowstorm, record cold put spring on hold across nation.” Galveston Daily News, TX, 4-7-1982, 4C. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/galveston-daily-news-apr-07-1982-p-22/
Associated Press. “Winds to Subside, But Virginia May Get Snow,” Winchester Star, VA, 4-7-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/winchester-star-apr-07-1982-p-1/
Daily Herald, Des Plaines (IL) Edition. “Snow’s no April Fool joke.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-herald-suburban-chicago-apr-06-1982-p-29/
Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “‘Samaritan’ dies aiding motorists.” 4-9-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/doylestown-intelligencer-apr-09-1982-p-1/
Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL “Northern Illinois given weather reprieve.” 4-8-1982, p. 5. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-apr-08-1982-p-5/
Fairfield Ledger, IA. “The winter that wouldn’t quit.” 4-8-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairfield-ledger-apr-08-1982-p-1/
Janesville Gazette, WI. “Driver Dies of Heart Attack. Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-gazette-apr-06-1982-p-1/
Janesville Gazette, WI. “Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-gazette-apr-06-1982-p-1/
National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html
Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “April Showers Sticking to Ground.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-apr-06-1982-p-1/
Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “Snow Blamed for Traffic Death.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-apr-06-1982-p-1/
Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Passenger Killed,” 4-8-1982, B-2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at:
Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Roommates Killed in Route 13 Crash; Icy Road Cited.” 4-9-1982, B1. Accessed 12-5-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-apr-09-1982-p-41/
The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out after record April snow.” 4-7-1982, p. 1, City Edition. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-07-1982-p-76/
The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-08-1982-p-4/
The Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Area still reeling from blizzard…” 4-8-1982, p. 8. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nashua-telegraph-apr-08-1982-p-8/
Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “State Buried.” 4-7-1982, p. 2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/tyrone-daily-herald-apr-07-1982-p-2/
United Press International. “2 killed, 2 hurt in collision.” New Castle News, PA. 4-8-1982, p. 2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-castle-news-apr-08-1982-p-2/
United Press International. “Blizzard ’82 woes hang on in Northeast.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-9-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-journal-tribune-apr-09-1982-p-1/
United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/elyria-chronicle-telegram-apr-07-1982-p-4/
United Press International. “Enfeebled 2nd snowstorm of April makes its way east.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-9-1982, A3. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/elyria-chronicle-telegram-apr-09-1982-p-3/
United Press International. “New England bracing for another storm.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-8-1982, p. 12. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-journal-tribune-apr-08-1982-p-47/
United Press International. “Record lows freeze Illinois.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 4-7-1982, p. 14. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-apr-07-1982-p-14/
United Press International. “Winter reigning supreme here.” Daily Press, Escanaba, MI. 4-7-1982, 9-A. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/escanaba-daily-press-apr-07-1982-p-8/
[1] “At least 81 people have died across the nation in a week of blizzards, tornadoes and avalanches.”
[2] Includes deaths from tornadoes. In separate posting for April 2, we show thirty-one deaths from tornadoes.
[3] From The Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. Writes: “The second blast of a double-barreled cold snap that his killed at least 54 people hurtled eastward today after adding 3 inches to the Midwest’s snow cover and shattering cold-weather records from Montana to Maryland….Of the deaths blamed on the storms since Tuesday [Apr 6]. Most have been in crashes on slippery roads or from heart attacks while shoveling snow.”
[4] “At least 51 people have died in this week’s blast of winter that paralyzed cities from Maine to Maryland and set records for low temperatures as far south as Mississippi.” Might also include May 31 CA avalanche with 7 deaths.
[5] Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL “Northern Illinois given weather reprieve.” 4-8-1982, p. 5. Notes the accident happened “today” — April 8. The four vehicular deaths noted by the UPI were in April 7 newspaper, and thus could not have included these three deaths among the four.
[6] Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “Snow Blamed for Traffic Death.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Victim identified as Carmen Kinser, 78, of Monon.
[7] “Danny Lavern Muller, 30, of Dumont, Iowa, and Karl Layne Anderson, 28, of Minneapolis were killed west of Allison Monday morning when Muller’s…pickup truck collided with Anderson’s pickup, in blowing wet snow, the Iowa Highway Patrol said.” (Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6.)
[8] AP. “Snowstorm, record cold put spring on hold across nation.” Galveston Daily News, TX, 4-7-1982, 4C. Another paper identifies the victims as Marcia Bandstra, 26, of Stanwood, IA, and Allison Zimmerman, 17, of Olin, IA, both in a car which “collided in the storm with a truck about 20 miles west of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, troopers said.” (Assoc. Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6.)
[9] Fairfield Ledger, IA. “The winter that wouldn’t quit.” 4-8-1982, p. 1.
[10] From “Late Reports” section.
[11] Associated Press. “Man dies in ambulance during blizzard traffic jam.” The Sun, Lowell, MA, 4-8-1982, p. 13.
[12] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.
[13] Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.”
[14] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.
[15] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.
[16] Victim id’d as John Sullivan, 65. (Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Area still reeling from blizzard…” 4-8-1982, p. 8.)
[17] AP. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.
[18] Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Roommates Killed in Route 13 Crash; Icy Road Cited.” 4-9-1982, B-1.
[19] Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Passenger Killed,” 4-8-1982, B-2. “Trooper Michael Conroy, who was one of the investigating officers at the scent, said windy conditions combined with cold temperatures Wednesday night to glaze portions of Route 13 with a coating of ice.”
[20] United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4.
[21] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[22] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[23] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[24] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[25] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[26] National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 26.
[27] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.
[28] UPI. “2 killed, 2 hurt in collision.” New Castle News, PA. 4-8-1982, p. 2. Victims identified as Leroy Earle, 47, of Harrison Valley, Potter County, and Stanley Dynda, 55, of Austin, Potter County.
[29] Victim identified as Joseph F. Pinzka, 51. (Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “‘Samaritan’ dies aiding motorists.” 4-9-1982, p. 1.)
[30] AP. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.
[31] “Two people died with a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron airplane was buffeted by blowing snow and crashed as it attempted to land at the Scandia Air Park in Warren County, PA. Killed in the crash were the pilot, Nelson Klinek, and Douglas Bauer, 24, both of Bradford.” (Associated Press. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.)
[32] Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “State Buried.” 4-7-1982, p. 2.
[33] Press reported victim as Frank Roden Jr., 56, of Ardmore, TN. (Associated Press. “Winds to Subside, But Virginia May Get Snow,” Winchester Star, VA, 4-7-1982, p. 1.)
[34] Janesville Gazette, WI. “Driver Dies of Heart Attack. Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.
[35] Victims identified as Patricia A. O’Connor, 51, and a passenger, Jonathon S. Andrews, 34. (Janesville Gazette, WI. “Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.)
[36] Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6. Victim identified as Peter Elliot, 41, of Grafton, WI.