1994 — Jan 14-21, Winter Extreme Cold and Snow, Northeast, Midwest, South –78-110
— 142 AP. “Cold begins to loosen its grip on eastern…U.S.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, 1-22-1994, 1.[1]
—>130 Associated Press. “Cold wave easing to a ripple.” Kokomo Tribune, IN, 1-21-1994, p. 5.
— 113 AP. “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 1.
— 110 Blanchard tally of State breakouts using highest number of fatalities reported for State.
— >92 AP. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.[2]
— >79 Petterson (Associated Press). “Coldest Cold Hits Midwest, East,” 1-20-1994, p. 5.[3]
— 78 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts (thus allowing one to count individual deaths).[4]
— >58 AP. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— >25 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward; arctic cold follows.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, 1-18-1994.
Summary of Fatalities by State
Alabama ( 1)
District of Columbia ( 2)
Georgia ( 7)
Illinois ( 3)
Indiana ( 8)
Iowa ( 2)
Kentucky ( 6)
Maine ( 3)
Maryland ( 2)
Massachusetts ( 1)
Michigan ( 2)
Minnesota ( 1)
Missouri ( 2)
New Hampshire ( 1)
New Jersey ( 2)
New York (3-5)
North Carolina ( 10)
Ohio ( 16)
Oklahoma ( 2)
Pennsylvania ( 9)
South Carolina ( 5)
Tennessee ( 7)
Virginia ( 3)
West Virginia ( 4)
Wisconsin ( 6)
Breakout by States (where identified):
Alabama ( 1)
— 1 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 1 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
District of Columbia ( 2)
–2 Jan 14-15. Exposure; homeless men “after being kicked out of shelters for being disruptive.”[5]
Georgia ( 7)
— 7 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
— 7 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 7 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 3 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
Illinois ( 3)
— 4 Chicago, Jan 14. Space heaters cause apartment fire after gas heat had been turned off .[6]
–~3 State, by Jan 14. “The cold was blamed for several deaths [we convert into 3] in Chicago…”[7]
— 3 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 2 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
— 1 Chicago, Jan 14. Apartment where gas/electricity had been turned off; male, 79, frozen.[8]
— 1 Elgin, Cook Co., Jan 18. Male, low 80s, with Alzheimer’s wandered out of family home.[9]
— 1 Hazel Crest, Cook Co., Jan 17. Male, 37, found partially frozen outside office building.[10]
Indiana ( 8)
— 8 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 5 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 5 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
—>5 Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN. “Indiana experiences coldest day ever.” 1-20-1994, p. D4.
— 4 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
—>3 AP. “Record-breaking temperatures blamed in 3 deaths across state.” Herald, IN, 1-19-1994, D5.
— 2 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
— 1 Knox County, Vincennes, Jan 17. James Lance, 56, collapsed while shoveling snow.[11]
— 1 Marion County, Indianapolis, Jan 17-19. Donald Baxter, 73, after shoveling snow.[12]
— 1 Marion County, Indianapolis, Jan 17. Luther Brown, 77, collapsed while shoveling snow.[13]
— 1 Marion Co., Indianapolis, Jan 19. Exposure; T. Louise Cantrall, 82, after falling outside home.[14]
— 1 Porter County, Valparaiso, Jan 17. John Gelon, 61, collapsed while shoveling snow.[15]
— 3 Vanderburgh County, Jan 14-21. NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, V. 36, N. 1, Jan 1994, p. 19.
–1 Evansville, Jan 16 (found). Hypothermia; female, 79, home with broken windows.[16]
–1 Exposure; male, 77, working on his farm.
–1 Froze; male, 46, after passing out in his car.
Iowa ( 2)
— 2 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 1 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality.
— 1 Boone, Jan 14. Exposure; elderly female; front steps of her home. Storm Data, 36/1, p. 20.
— 1 Eagle Grove, Wright Co., Jan 16. Howard Egemo, 80, with Alzheimer’s, wandered out.[17]
Kentucky ( 6)
— 6 AP. “Traffic creeps, crawls toward normal.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-21-1994, p. 1.[18]
— 6 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 5 AP. “Getting ready for the rush.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-20-1994, p. 1.
— 5 State. Doina Chiacu/AP. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 3 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 2 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
— 1 Casey County, ~Jan 20. Heart attack, male, 62, running in deep snow, -27°, house fire.[19]
— 1 Grant County, Jan 17. Roy Gilbert, 54; heart attack after leaving his snow-mired car.[20]
— 1 Louisville, Jan 19. James Hyberger, 72, “froze to death at home.”[21]
— 1 Louisville, Jan 19. Thelma Baete, 89, found dead sitting next to a space heater; cold home.[22]
— 1 Oakland, Jan 17. James A. Stephens, 62; heart attack after pushing his car in the snow.[23]
— 1 Upton, LaRue County, Jan 17. Cecil Daughtery, 62, when his farm tractor overturned.[24]
Maine ( 3)
–3 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
–3 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
–2 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
–0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality:
–1 Vassalboro area, Jan 13 night. Exposure; female, walking through woods; car stuck in snow.[25]
Maryland ( 2)
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Massachusetts ( 1)
— 1 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
— 1 Worcester, Jan 15-16; Female, 69, on neighbor’s doorstep, where she went for help.[26]
Michigan ( 2)
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality:
— 1 Detroit (western), Jan 18. Female, 78, found frozen to death in front of her home.[27]
— 1 Kalamazoo, Jan 18. Male, 34, lost control of car on ice and slid into another car.[28]
Minnesota ( 1)
— 1 St. Paul suburb, Jan 18. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 69, after she fell outdoors.[29]
Missouri ( 2)
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
New Hampshire ( 1)
— 1 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
— 1 State. Doina Chiacu/AP. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality:
— 1 Mt. Jefferson, Jan 15. Exposure to extreme wind/cold; male hiker, 20. Storm Data, 36/1, 35.[30]
New Jersey ( 2)
— 2 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 0 State. National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
— 1 Newark, ~Jan 15-16. Male, “whose unheated apartment dropped to 36 degrees.”[31]
New York ( 5)
— 5 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 5 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
–3-5 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 4 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 1 NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 38.
Breakout by locality were noted:
— 2? Massena, St. Lawrence Co., Jan 18. “The extreme cold may have led to a furnace fire.”[32]
— 1 Mount Vernon, Jan 16. Homeless man, outdoors in subzero temperatures.[33]
— 1 Patterson, Jan 15. Male, 35, drove car into snowbank; sought help at house but was turned away.[34]
— 1 Woodstock, Jan 17. Ann Hubbard, 87, locked herself out of home; froze on front porch.[35]
North Carolina (10)
–10 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 9 State. Doina Chiacu/AP. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 9 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 9 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
Breakout by locality and/or cause:
— 2 Caswell County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 2 Guilford County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 2 Robeson County, Jan 15-17. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 1 Robeson County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 1 Rockingham County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 1 Wayne County, Jan 15-17. Hypothermia. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 40.
— 1 Location not noted. Fire; male, using blowtorch to try to thaw frozen water pipes. PI.[36]
Ohio (16)
–16 Blanchard tally.[37]
–15 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
–15 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
–15 Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “That cheer? It’s mom…schools reopen…” 1-21-1994, 4.[38]
–11 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
–10 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 0 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality:
— 1 Chester, Geauga County, Jan 17-21. Exposure; female, 97, found dead at her mailbox.[39]
— 1 Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Jan 17-21. Hypothermia; female, 53.[40]
— 1 Cleveland, Jan 17-21. Hypothermia; male, homeless.[41]
— 1 Dayton, Jan 17-18. “newborn boy in Dayton, Ohio, froze to death in [his]…home…” WP.[42]
— 1 Dayton area, Jan 19. Minn. male “who died…in a weather-related traffic accident.”[43]
— 1 Elyria, Jan 16-17. Apparent heart attack; male, 74, found dead in snowdrift in his driveway.[44]
— 1 Geauga Co., Jan 16-17. Recreational & storage facilities collapse; snow weight; teen boys.[45]
— 1 Interstate 90. Male, 23, from Cleveland in 12-vehicle collision on icy I-90. AP.[46]
— 1 Middlefield, Geauga Co., Jan 17. Boy, 14, crushed when snow-covered roof collapsed.[47]
— 1 Scioto County, Jan 17 (found). Elderly man (80s) found frozen to death in his home.[48]
— 1 Townsend Twp., Ohio Turnpike (I-80), Sandusky Co. Male, 21, lost control of vehicle, icy road.[49]
Oklahoma ( 2)
— 2 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Vehicular, ~Jan 15-16.[50]
Pennsylvania ( 9)
— 9 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 6 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 6 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 3 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 3 AP. “Blizzard sweeps eastward…” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8.
— 2 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
Breakouts by locality:
— 1 Allegheny Co., West Mifflin, Jan 18. Female, 81, froze to death outdoors retrieving mail.[51]
— 1 Columbia County, Beaver Township, ~Jan 16. Exposure; male, 43, trying to walk home.[52]
— 1 Delaware Co., Upper Darby Township (W. Philly). Male, 68, collapsed, shoveling snow.[53]
— 1 Delaware Co., Upper Darby, Drexel Hill. Male (Michael Gillane), 66, using snow blower.[54]
— 1 Elk County, Saint Marys, Jan 23. Roof collapse from heavy previous snow.[55]
— 1 Erie County, Jan 14-21. Hypothermia; female, 58, in her home. Storm Data, 36/1, p. 44.[56]
— 1 Lawrence County, New Castle, Jan 14-20. Female, 70, found frozen on her porch.[57]
— 2 Schuylkill County, Shenandoah, Jan 16-22. CO poisoning, males, 65, 73; vehicular.[58]
South Carolina ( 5)
— 5 Blanchard tally of NCDC Storm Data notations, p. 18.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
Breakout of fatalities by locality:
— 1 Anderson Co., Jan 17. Hypothermia; female, 48, under porch; apparently locked herself out.[59]
— 1 Charleston Co., Awendaw, Jan 16. Hypothermia; male, outside after truck bogged down.[60]
— 1 Colleton County, Jan 23. Cold exposure; female, 85. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, p. 48.
— 1 Pickens County, Jan 25. Cold exposure, male, 69. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, p. 48.
— 1 Spartanburg County, Jan 22. Cold exposure, female, 84. NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, p. 48.
Tennessee ( 7)
— 7 State. Assoc. Press/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 7 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 1 State. AP. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3.
— 0 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by locality (where noted):
— 1 Nashville, ~Jan 15-16. Homeless man.[61]
Virginia ( 3)
— 3 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 3 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
–“3” Fires caused by “improper use of space heaters and fuel-burning stoves, authorities said.”[62]
West Virginia ( 4)
— 4 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 4 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
— 2 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 2 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 1 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
Breakout of fatalities by locality:
— 2 Calhoun County, Jan 18-19. Carbon monoxide poisoning, overworked furnace; couple.[63]
— 1 Monroe Co., Jan 17. Female, 45, drowned; vehicle slid on ice, overturned into Rick Creek.[64]
— 1 Wood County, Jan 18-19. Male, 46, found frozen in his vehicle stuck in the snow.[65]
Wisconsin ( 6)
— 6 State. AP/Doina Chiacu. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.
— 6 Assoc. Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3.
— 4 Assoc. Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3.
— 2 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 0 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994.
Breakout by localities (where noted):
— 1 Farmington, Jefferson Co., Jan 16 (found). Hypothermia; male, 55, in unheated house.[66]
— 1 Northern WI, Jan 18. Female, 74; walking for help after car slid into ditch; -20° F. temp.[67]
Causes of Death (where specifically noted):
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 4)
–2 PA, Schuylkill County, Shenandoah, Jan 16-22. CO poisoning, males, 65, 73; vehicular.
–2 WV, Calhoun County, Jan 18-19. Carbon monoxide poisoning, overworked furnace; couple.
Fires ( 6)
–2 NY, Massena, St. Lawrence Co., Jan 18. “The extreme cold may have led to a furnace fire.”
–1 NC, Location not noted. Fire; male, using blowtorch to try to thaw frozen water pipes.
–3 VA. Fires caused by improper use of space heaters and fuel-burning stoves.[68]
Heart Attacks/Cardiac Arrest (10)
–1 IN, Knox County, Vincennes, Jan 17. Male, 56, collapsed while shoveling snow.
–1 IN, Marion County, Indianapolis, Jan 17-19. Male, 73, after shoveling snow.
–1 IN, Marion County, Indianapolis, Jan 17. Male, 77, collapsed while shoveling snow.
–1 IN, Porter County, Valparaiso, Jan 17. Male, 61, collapsed while shoveling snow.
–1 KY, Casey County, ~Jan 20. Heart attack, male, 62, running in deep snow, -27°, house fire.
–1 KY, Grant County, Jan 17. Male, 54; heart attack after leaving his snow-mired car.
–1 KY, Oakland, Jan 17. Male, 62; heart attack after pushing his car in the snow.
–1 OH, Elyria, Jan 16-17. Apparent heart attack; male, 74, buried in snowdrift in his driveway.
–1 PA, Delaware Co., Upper Darby Township. Male, 68, collapsed, shoveling snow.
–1 PA, Delaware Co., Upper Darby, Drexel Hill. Male, 66, using snow blower.
Hypothermia (49)
–2 DC, Jan 14-15. Homeless men “after being kicked out of shelters for being disruptive.”[69]
–1 IL, Chicago, Jan 14. Apartment where gas/electricity had been turned off; male, 79, frozen.
–1 IL, Elgin, Cook Co., Jan 18. Male, 80s, with Alzheimer’s wandered out of family home.
–1 IL, Hazel Crest, Cook Co., Jan 17. Male, 37, found partially frozen outside office building.
–1 IN, Marion Co., Indianapolis, Jan 19. Exposure; female, 82, after falling outside home.
–1 IN, Vanderburgh Co., Evansville, Jan 16 (found). Female, 79, home with broken windows.
–1 IN, Vanderburgh County. Exposure; male, 77, working on his farm.
–1 IN, Vanderburgh County. Froze; male, 46, after passing out in his car.
–1 IA, Boone, Jan 14. Exposure; elderly female; front steps of her home.
–1 IA, Eagle Grove, Wright Co., Jan 16. Male, 80, with Alzheimer’s, wandered outside home.
–1 KY, Louisville, Jan 19. Male, 72, “froze to death at home.”
–1 KY, Louisville, Jan 19. Female, 89, found dead sitting next to a space heater in cold home.
–1 ME, Vassalboro area, Jan 13 night. Female, walking through woods after car stuck in snow.
–1 MA, Worcester, Jan 15-16; Female, 69, on neighbor’s doorstep, where she went for help.
–1 MI, Detroit (western), Jan 18. Female, 78, found frozen to death in front of her home.
–1 MN, St. Paul suburb, Jan 18. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 69, after she fell outdoors.
–1 NH, Mt. Jefferson, Jan 15. Exposure to extreme wind/cold; male hiker, 20.
–1 NJ, Newark, ~Jan 15-16. Male, “whose unheated apartment dropped to 36 degrees.”
–1 NY, Mount Vernon, Jan 16. Homeless man, outdoors in subzero temperatures.
–1 NY, Patterson, Jan 15. Male, 35, drove car into snowbank; sought help at house but turned away.
–1 NY, Woodstock, Jan 17. Ann Hubbard, 87, locked herself out of home; froze on front porch.
–2 NC, Caswell County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia.
–2 NC, Guilford County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia.
–2 NC, Robeson County, Jan 15-17. Hypothermia.
–1 NC, Robeson County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia.
–1 NC, Rockingham County, Jan 19-22. Hypothermia.
–1 NC, Wayne County, Jan 15-17. Hypothermia.
–1 OH, Chester, Geauga County, Jan 17-21. Exposure; female, 97, found dead at her mailbox.
–1 OH, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Jan 17-21. Hypothermia; female, 53.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Jan 17-21. Hypothermia; male, homeless.
–1 OH, Dayton, Jan 17-18. “newborn boy in Dayton, Ohio, froze to death in [his]…home…”
–1 OH, Scioto County, Jan 17 (found). Elderly man (80s) found frozen to death in his home.
–1 PA, Allegheny Co., West Mifflin, Jan 18. Female, 81, fell and froze outdoors retrieving mail.
–1 PA, Columbia County, Beaver Township, ~Jan 16. Exposure; male, 43, trying to walk home.
–1 PA, Erie County, Jan 14-21. Hyperthermia; female, 58, in her home.
–1 PA, Lawrence County, New Castle, Jan 14-20. Female, 70, found frozen on her porch.
–1 SC, Anderson Co., Jan 17. Female, 48, under porch; apparently locked herself out of home.
–1 SC, Charleston Co., Awendaw, Jan 16. Hypothermia; male, outside after truck bogged down
–1 SC, Colleton County, Jan 23. Cold exposure; female, 85.
–1 SC, Pickens County, Jan 25. Cold exposure, male, 69.
–1 SC, Spartanburg County, Jan 22. Cold exposure, female, 84.
–1 TN, Nashville, ~Jan 15-16. Homeless man.
–1 WV, Wood County, Jan 18-19. Male, 46, found frozen in his vehicle stuck in the snow.
–1 WI, Farmington, Jefferson Co., Jan 16 (found). Hypothermia; male, 55, in unheated house.
–1 WI, northern, Jan 18. Female, 74; walking for help after car slid into ditch; -20° F. temp.
Structural Collapse from Snow Weight ( 3)
–1 OH, Middlefield, Jan 17. Boy, 14, crushed when snow-covered roof collapsed on him.
–1 OH, Geauga Co., Jan 16-17. Recreational & storage facilities collapse; snow weight; teen boys.[70]
–1 PA, Elk County, Saint Marys, Jan 23. Roof collapse from heavy snow accumulation.
Vehicular/Traffic Accidents ( 7)
–1 MI, Kalamazoo, Jan 18. Male, 34, lost control of car on ice and slid into another car.
–1 OH, Dayton area, Jan 19. Minn. male “who died…in a weather-related traffic accident.”
–1 OH, Interstate 90. Male, 23, from Cleveland in 12-vehicle collision on icy I-90.
–1 OH, Townsend Twp., OH Turnpike (I-80), Sandusky Co. Male, 21, lost control on icy road.
–2 OK, Vehicular, ~Jan 15-16.
–1 WV, Monroe Co., Jan 17. Female, 45, drowned; vehicle slid on ice into Rick Creek.
Unclear ( 1)
–1 KY, Upton, LaRue County, Jan 17. Male, 62, when his farm tractor overturned.
General Narrative Information
AP, Jan 18: “Arctic air with wind chills up to 65 below zero swept across the central and eastern United States today in the wake of a blizzard that dumped up to 2½ feet of snow and paralyzed much of the Ohio Valley. Kentucky and Ohio were especially hard hit by snow and ice Monday that shut down highways, closed businesses and knocked out power. National Guardsmen were called out in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia to clear roads and help people dig out….
“Today’s numbing blast was the latest in a series of brutal fronts from Canada that have tormented the East in the past week.
“At least 14 deaths have been blamed on snow, ice and cold in the past four days. Also, a 14-year-old boy was killed Monday when a snow-covered roof collapsed on him as he tried to climb out of an apartment complex swimming pool in Middlefield, Ohio.
“The temperature dropped to 20 below in parts of Minnesota early today and into the single digits across much of the Ohio Valley. Wind chills of minus 65 were reported in Mason City, Iowa. The front was expected to reach the Northeast by this afternoon. Sub-zero temperatures were expected from the Plains to the Northeast and as far south as the Gulf Coast.
“Schools closed in several states because of the cold and ice. “When it gets this cold, it is just too dangerous,” said Robert Hanson, school superintendent in Rhinelander, Wis. “If in this weather one of the buses goes down, you don’t have much time to get those 60 to 70 kids somewhere with heat.”
“The snow tapered off across most of the East early today, turning into freezing rain in places. Near Portland, Maine, 40 miles of interstate highway were closed because of ice.
“Icy, snowy roads gave motorists trouble Monday from Indiana to Maryland. Numerous accidents were reported, including 55 in Maine and 80 in Georgia….
“The Louisville, Ky., area, got a record 19 inches of snow and up to 20,000 people lost power. People without electricity were urged to go to shelters as the dangerous cold moved in. Traffic was at a standstill throughout most of the area, and even some snowplows got stuck.” (Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Freezes East,” Rome News-Tribune, GA, 1-18-1994, p. 7A.)
AP/Petterson, Jan 20: “At least 79 deaths have been blamed on the latest barrage of cold and snow over a six-day period beginning Friday. Most of the victims were killed on icy roads or had heart attacks shoveling snow. Some froze to death.” (Petterson (AP). “Coldest Cold Hits Midwest, East,” 1-20-1994.)
WP, Jan 20: “….At least 87 deaths have been blamed on the latest six-day barrage of cold and snow that began Friday. Most of the victims were killed on icy roads or had heart attacks shoveling snow. But some, including two elderly people in Louisville and a newborn boy in Dayton, Ohio, froze to death in their homes….” (Washington Post. “Eastern U.S. Enshrouded in Cold, Ice; 87 Deaths Blamed on Six-Day Siege.” 1-20-1994.)
AP, Jan 21: “The weather was blamed for 15 deaths in Ohio; nine in North Carolina; seven each in Georgia and Tennessee; six in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania; five each in Indiana, Kentucky and New York; three each in Virginia and Maine; two each in Iowa, South Carolina, New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Maryland; and one each in Alabama, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.” (Chiacu, Doina/AP. “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994.)
Massachusetts
“In Worcester, Mass., 69-year-old Stella Bilzerian couldn’t get into her house because the lock was frozen in the 5-degree weather and died after her neighbor was too afraid to answer a knock at the door.”
Pennsylvania
“Three weather-related deaths were reported across Pennsylvania….In Erie, a woman who had been wearing several jackets to keep warm in a house with no heat, was found dead. Erie County Coroner Merle Wood said Carol Morris, 58, may have died of hypothermia….In suburban Philadelphia, Ted Capaldi, 68, collapsed while shoveling snow in front of his Upper Darby home. Michael Gillane, 66 of Drexel Hill, died while using his snow blower.” (Coates (AP), 1-19-1994.)
AP, Jan 24. “Philadelphia (AP)….The snow and ice continued to claim victims. Snow stuck in auto exhaust pipes caused two Schuylkill County men to die of carbon monoxide poisoning last week. John Fonslick, 65, and Walther J. Sadusky, 73, both of Shenandoah, died because they failed to remove snow from the tailpipes, authorities said….And Doyle Hauser, 43, died of exposure while trying to walk home after getting into a car accident near his Columbia County home, state police said. Hauser’s body was found Saturday near his Beaver Township home, nearly a week after his family reported him missing.” (Associated Press. “Thaw Brings New Headaches,” Valley Independent (Monessen, PA), 1-24-1994, p. 5.)
Sources
Aiken Standard, SC. “Weather Teasing Continues.” 1-18-1994, p. 5A. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=253405280&sterm=cold
Associated Press. “An Arctic blast. Ohio residents are so cold it hurts.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-19-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-4-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=228990002&sterm
Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Freezes East,” Rome News-Tribune, GA, 1-18-1994, p. 7A. Accessed 3-1-2016 at: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=348&dat=19940118&id=ELRMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GTMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3191,4440603&hl=en
Associated Press. “Arctic chill freezes most of nation.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL. 1-18-1994, A3. Accessed 3-2-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=116717677&sterm
Associated Press (Michael Warren). “`Awful’ cold grips much of U.S.” Garden City Telegram, KS, 1-15-1994, p. 2. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=135841667&sterm
Associated Press. “Blizzard sweeps eastward; arctic cold follows.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-18-1994, p. A8. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=27954136&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Cold begins to loosen its grip on eastern and central U.S.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-22-1994, 1. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=27954607&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Cold has taken 66 lives.” Daily Globe, Ironwood, MI, 1-19-1994, p. 6. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=81836158&sterm
Associated Press. “Cold wave easing to a ripple.” Kokomo Tribune, IN, 1-21-1994, p. 5. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=115589280&sterm
Associated Press. “Death toll rises from record cold.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-19-1994, p. 2. Accessed 3-3-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=294213925&sterm
Associated Press. “Eagle Grove man dies in cold.” Cedar Rapids Gazette, 1-17-1994, 6A. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=262311774&sterm
Associated Press. “Frigid day means more danger.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-18-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=223874952&sterm
Associated Press. “Frigid temps move east.” Frederick Post, MD, 1-15-1994, p. A2. Accessed 3-3-2014 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=19649198&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Getting ready for the rush.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-20-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=223873907&sterm
Associated Press. “Ice cold: Death toll rises to 58.” The Telegraph, Alton, IL, 1-19-1994, A3. Accessed 3-2-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=254756482&sterm
Associated Press. “Local power demands being met.” Greensburg Daily News, 1-20-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=296764608&sterm
Associated Press. “Mount Jefferson. Missing hiker found dead of exposure.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-17-1004, p. 6. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=294213875&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Ohio staggers in deep snow, cold.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-18-1994, A-6. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=228989975&sterm
Associated Press. “Power cutbacks across East.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 1-20-1994, A3. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=26346039&sterm
Associated Press, South Bend, Ind. “Record-breaking temperatures blamed in 3 deaths across state.” Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, 1-19-1994, D5. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=256968128&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Record lows leave folks shivering; business creeping.” Marshall Chronicle, MI, 1-20-1994, p. 3. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=207509841&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Snow, cold shut down much of Midwest, East and South.” Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, 1-18-1994, A3. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=256968084&sterm=cold+snow
Associated Press. “Thaw Brings New Headaches,” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA. 1-24-1994, p. 5. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=24279037
Associated Press. “Traffic creeps, crawls toward normal.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-21-1994, 1. Accessed 3-4-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=223873917&sterm
Associated Press (Michael Bass). “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=294214016&sterm=nashua
Associated Press (Roger Petterson). “Winter storm slams eastern United States.” The Telegraph, Nashua NH, 1-18-1994, p. 3. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=294213898&sterm=cold+snow
Chiacu, Doina (AP). “Death Toll Rising as Cold Spell Continues,” 1-21-1994. Del Rio News-Herald (TX), p. 6. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=111873631
Chronicle-Telegram (Jack Lucentini and Julie Wallace), Elyria, OH. “All-Time Low: -22!” 1-19-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-4-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=8043859&sterm
Chronicle-Telegram (Madelyn Dinnerstein and John Kohlstrand), Elyria, OH). “That cheer? It’s mom, as schools reopen, at last.” 1-21-1994, pp. 1 and 4. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=8044585&sterm=cold+snow
Coates, Claudia (Assoc. Press). “Farmers, Motorists, Students Battle Subzero Temperatures,” Gettysburg Times, 1-19-1994, p. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=766725
Daily Herald (Anne Gasior and Jeff Hodson), Arlington Heights, IL. “In the icy grip of the Siberian Express, DuPage copes.” 1-19-1994, p. 4. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=20607444&sterm=cold
Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. “Well, it’s most definitely winter.” 1-15-1994, Section 1, p. 8. Accessed 3-1-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=263340306&sterm
Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Heating-Related Fire Deaths Mount,” 1-17-1994, p. 7. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=150571393&sterm
Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN. “Indiana experiences coldest day ever.” 1-20-1994, p. D4. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=183665301&sterm
Lowell Sun, MA. “Record cold becomes a nationwide killer (cont. from p. 1.),” 1-21-1994, p. 4. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=293593335&sterm
National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan 1994. Asheville, NC: NCDC NOAA. Accessed 3-1-2016 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-C0489524-A2A6-4470-BD64-997C0FEA72FB.pdf
National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data (Late Reports from Jan), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994. Asheville, NC: NCDC NOAA. Accessed 3-1-2016 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-BC0A4775-3147-4DBF-8D2C-7EFCEA5FD483.pdf
Orland Park Star, IL. “Arctic blast breaks weather records, leaves us reeling.” 1-20-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-2-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=286592225&sterm
Petterson, Roger (Associated Press). “Coldest Cold Hits Midwest, East.” Gettysburg Times, PA, 1-20-1994.
Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “2 Deaths Reported as Record Cold Blast Grips Indiana.” 1-18-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-2-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=109402698&sterm
Philadelphia Inquirer. “Frigid Weather Keeps a Grip on the East. The Snow and Cold Continued to Disrupt Daily Routines; The Death Toll Rose to 130.” 1-21-1994. Accessed 3-2-2016: http://articles.philly.com/1994-01-21/news/25825704_1_shower-mandatory-water-restriction-icy-weather
Sandusky Register, OH. “Fremont. Speed, icy road cause death.” 1-18-1994, A9. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=228989960&sterm=cold+snow
Sandusky Register (Ryan DuBosar), OH. “VOA provides shelter from cold.” 1-16-1994, pp. A1-A2. Accessed 3-4-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=228989888&sterm
Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Biting cold howls across much of U.S.” 1-19-1994, A4. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=27954252&sterm
Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Watertown, at 43 below zero, is coldest spot in Lower 48” (continued from A1. 1-17-1994, A5. Accessed 3-3-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=28605767&sterm=cold+snow
Washington Post. “Eastern U.S. Enshrouded in Cold, Ice; 87 Deaths Blamed on Six-Day Siege.” 1-20-1994. Accessed 3-1-2016 at: https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-871836.html
Wisconsin State Journal/AP, Madison. “Lingering cold wave deepens.” 1-18-1994, p. 1. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=164431308&sterm
Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “Regional. Hypothermia death.” 1-19-1994, p. 20. Accessed 3-4-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=162230008&sterm=cold
[1] Highlighting in yellow and not using as tally of deaths because we have not been able to substantiate these numbers. Even using the highest number of fatalities reported as extreme cold/snow/winter weather-related deaths within individual states and then tallying the number we show only 108.
[2] “The cold spell has been blamed for at least 92 deaths since Friday [Jan 14].”
[3] “At least 79 deaths have been blamed on the latest barrage of cold and snow over a six-day period beginning Friday. Most of the victims were killed on icy roads or had heart attacks shoveling snow. Some froze to death.”
[4] Differs from State tally of 108 in that we only count individualized deaths – those in which some degree of detail has been provided other than a statement that “X” number of people died a weather-related death in a given State.
[5] Sandusky Register (Ryan DuBosar), OH. “VOA provides shelter from cold.” 1-16-1994, pp. A1-A2. The dates are ours based on statement that the Associated Press reported deaths of two homeless men in DC “earlier in the week.” This statement appears in the Sunday, January 16 edition of The Register.
[6] “…several deaths were attributed to the cold. Four people were killed in a fire in a Chicago apartment….” (Associated Press. “Frigid temps move east.” Frederick Post, MD, 1-15-1994, p. A2.) Highlighted in yellow to denote we are not including in tally.
[7] Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. “Well, it’s most definitely winter.” 1-15-1994, Section 1, p. 8.
[8] Associated Press (Michael Warren). “`Awful’ cold grips much of U.S.” Garden City Telegram, KS, 1-15-1994, p2.
[9] Daily Herald (Gasior/Hodson), Arlington Heights, IL. “In the icy grip of the Siberian Express…” 1-19-1994, p. 4.
[10] Orland Park Star, IL. “Arctic blast breaks weather records, leaves us reeling.” 1-20-1994, p. 1. ID: Willie Pegue.
[11] Associated Press. “Record-breaking temperatures blamed in 3 deaths across state.” Herald, IN, 1-19-1994, D5.
[12] Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN. “Indiana experiences coldest day ever.” 1-20-1994, p. D4.
[13] Associated Press. “Record-breaking temperatures blamed in 3 deaths across state.” Herald, IN, 1-19-1994, D5.
[14] Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN. “Indiana experiences coldest day ever.” 1-20-1994, p. D4.
[15] Associated Press. “Record-breaking temperatures blamed in 3 deaths across state.” Herald, IN, 1-19-1994, D5.
[16] Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN. “Indiana experiences coldest day ever.” 1-20-1994, p. D4. Identifies victim as Marcella Morris, noting her home had heat, but that the broken windows “allowed frigid air to stream in.”
[17] AP. “Eagle Grove man dies in cold.” Cedar Rapids Gazette, 1-17-1994, 6A. Notes the Alzheimer’s disease sufferer “wandered away from his home early Sunday [about 2 a.m. Jan 16] and died from exposure.”
[18] “So far six deaths have been blamed on the storm, including two elderly Louisville residents who froze to death in their homes.”
[19] AP. “Traffic creeps, crawls toward normal.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-21-1994, p. 1. AP notes: “The winter storm was blamed for another death. A 62-year old dairy farmer died of an apparent heart attack as he tried to get water from a milking parlor to put out a house fire. Casey County Coroner J. C. Atwood said ‘the excitement and extreme weather conditions definitely caused’ Erwin Lutz’ heart attack. Lutz’ water pipes in his home were frozen, Atwood said. Lutz had to run 150 yards in deep snow and minus 27 degree temperatures to try and get water from the milking parlor, the coroner said. So far, six deaths have been blamed on the storm…”
[20] Associated Press. “Frigid day means more danger.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-18-1994, p. 1.
[21] Associated Press. “Getting ready for the rush.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-20-1994, p. 1. Cites Assistant Jefferson County Coroner to effect that the house was so cold “you could see your own breath.”
[22] Associated Press. “Getting ready for the rush.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-20-1994, p. 1.
[23] Associated Press. “Frigid day means more danger.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-18-1994, p. 1.
[24] Associated Press. “Frigid day means more danger.” Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY, 1-18-1994, p. 1. Listed as the first of three deaths blamed on the snow storm in Kentucky.
[25] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 24.
[26] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 25. Newspaper article notes: “In Worcester, Mass., 69-year-old Stella Bilzerian couldn’t get into her house because the lock was frozen in the 5-degree weather and died after her neighbor was too afraid to answer a knock at the door.”
[27] AP. “Record lows leave folks shivering; business creeping.” Marshall Chronicle, MI, 1-20-1994, p. 3. Cites Medical Examiner’s Office spokesperson to effect she “died Tuesday while sweeping snow from her walkway.”
[28] AP. “Record lows leave folks shivering; business creeping.” Marshall Chronicle, MI, 1-20-1994, p. 3. Victim identified as Junior K Wings hockey coach Seven Banonis.
[29] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 30. An AP story notes that “…a Minnesota woman…fell as she stepped outside [minus 18-degrees] to…refill bird feeder…” and was found dead about 90 minutes later. (AP/Michael Bass. “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 7.)
[30] AP article notes his companion walked four miles “in deep snow in wind chills of more than 100 degrees below zero” to Mount Washington Observatory seeking help for his companion Derek Tinkham, 20, of Saunderstown, RI. AP. “Mount Jefferson. Missing hiker found dead of exposure.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-17-1004, p. 6.
[31] Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Watertown, at 43 below zero…coldest…in Lower 48” cont. A1. 1-17-1994, A5.
[32] Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Biting cold howls across much of U.S.” 1-19-1994, A4. The article does not indicate how “the extreme cold” may have led to the furnace fire which led to deaths of two children, 3 and 5.
[33] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 38.
[34] Lowell Sun, MA. “Record cold becomes a nationwide killer (cont. from p. 1.), 1-21-1994, p. 4. Identifies victim as Jeffrey Barrett, whose “body was found in the woods by a rabbit hunter Tuesday night [Jan 18]. Also, AP (Michael Bass). “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 7.
[35] AP (Michael Bass). “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 1. Paper notes the outdoor temp was minus-11 and notes: “Police said Hubbard, who lived alone and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, tried breaking into her one-story house by shattering a front window. ‘She had the strength to break the glass, but she couldn’t push the screen in,’ Police Chief…said. She later slipped on ice and injured her hip while trying to force open the front door with a broomstick.”
[36] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Frigid Weather Keeps a Grip on the East…Death Toll Rose to 130.” 1-21-1994.
[37] Our compilation of 15 weather-related deaths reported by State Hwy Patrol and one weather-related traffic accident reported afterwards by the State Emergency Management Agency.
[38] “The State Highway Patrol said the weather contributed to at least 15 deaths this week [date of article is Friday, Jan 21], including people who died while shoveling snow.” The list did not yet include a Minnesota man who died Wednesday in a weather-related traffic accident near Dayton, according to State Emer. Mgmt. Agency.
[39] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64.
[40] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64.
[41] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64.
[42] Washington Post. “Eastern U.S. Enshrouded in Cold, Ice; 87 Deaths Blamed on Six-Day Siege.” 1-20-1994. Dating is from AP. “Cold has taken 66 lives.” Daily Globe, Ironwood, MI, 1-19-1994, p. 6, which writes some of the “cold snap” victims “froze to death, including a baby born Monday [Jan 17] in an unheated house in Dayton, Ohio, where it was a record 25 below zero Tuesday [Jan 17].” Also: NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64 (for Jan 17-21 time-frame).
[43] Chronicle-Telegram (Madelyn Dinnerstein and John Kohlstrand), Elyria, OH). “That cheer? It’s mom, as schools reopen, at last.” 1-21-1994, pp. 1 and 4. Cites State Emergency Management Agency for information and note that this death and not yet been added to list of “at least 15 deaths this week” reported by the State Highway Patrol.
[44] Associated Press. “An Arctic blast. Ohio residents are so cold it hurts.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-19-1994, p. 1. The victim, Michael Gawura, was found Tuesday, Jan 18. Article writes he could have been there since Sunday. Another article notes that when the police found him he was “still clutching a shovel.” Police had been called because a neighbor had not seen the victim recently. (Chronicle-Telegram (Jack Lucentini and Julie Wallace), Elyria, OH. “All-Time Low: -22!” 1-19-1994, p. 1.) Also: NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), 36/2, Feb 1994, p. 64.
[45] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64.
[46] Assoc. Press (Michael Warren). “`Awful’ cold grips much of U.S.” Garden City Telegram, KS, 1-15-1994, p2.
[47] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), 37/2 Feb 1994, p. 64 notes the deaths of two teenage boys in Geauga County due to structural failures – one when a recreational facility collapsed and another when a storage facility collapsed due to “the accumulated weight of two feet of compacted snow…” Localities are not noted. However, an Associated Press report (“Arctic Chill Freezes East,” Rome News-Tribune, GA, 1-18-1994, p. 7A.) notes the death of a 14-year-old boy due to structural collapse due to snow weight in Middlefield.
[48] NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), 36/2, Feb 1994, p. 64; AP. “Ohio staggers in deep snow, cold.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-18-1994, A-6.
[49] Sandusky Register, OH. “Fremont. Speed, icy road cause death.” 1-18-1994, A9. Victim identified as Jeffrey Bendekgey of Canton OH, who, according to State highway patrol was driving too fast for icy conditions.
[50] Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Watertown, at 43 below zero…coldest…in Lower 48” cont. A1. 1-17-1994, A5.
[51] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 44. Date is from Philadelphia Inquirer. “Frigid Weather Keeps a Grip on the East…Death Toll Rose to 130.” 1-21-1994. Writes “A Pittsburgh shut-in Natalie Beroscak…ventured outside in slippers on the coldest night of the year. Ignoring her brother’s advice, she retrieved an IRS tax form…from her mailbox, then fell in her driveway 10 feet from an open garage door in the Pittsburgh suburb of West Mifflin. By a neighbor’s count, Beroscak lay for at least 45 minutes in air 5 degrees below zero. She died of hypothermia shortly after she was found early Tuesday evening.”
[52] AP. “Thaw Brings New Headaches,” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA, 1-24-1994, p. 5. Notes: “….Doyle Hauser, 43, died of exposure while trying to walk home after getting into a car accident near his Columbia County home, state police said. Hauser’s body was found Saturday [Jan 22] near his Beaver Township home, nearly a week after his family reported him missing.”
[53] Coates/AP. “Farmers, Motorists, Students Battle Subzero Temperatures,” Gettysburg Times, 1-19-1994, p. 3.
[54] Coates/AP. “Farmers, Motorists, Students Battle Subzero Temperatures,” Gettysburg Times, 1-19-1994, p. 3.
[55] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 44.
[56] Coates/AP article notes Carol Morris found dead wearing several jackets to keep warm in a house with no heat.
[57] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 44.
[58] AP. “Thaw Brings New Headaches,” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA, 1-24-1994, p. 5. Notes: “Snow stuck in auto exhaust pipes caused two Schuylkill County men to die of carbon monoxide poisoning last week. John Fonslick, 65, and Walther J. Sadusky, 73, both of Shenandoah, died because they failed to remove snow from the tailpipes, authorities said….”
[59] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 48. Newspaper article identifies the woman as Mary Ann Johnson, 50. (Aiken Standard, SC. “Weather Teasing Continues.” 1-18-1994, p. 5A.)
[60] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 48.
[61] Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “Watertown, at 43 below zero…coldest…in Lower 48” cont. A1. 1-17-1994, A5.
[62] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Heating-Related Fire Deaths Mount,” 1-17-1994, p. 7. We note “3” in attempt to convert “several” to a number. The article reads: “Roanoke – Several people trying to stay warm in the cold weather have died because of improper use of space heaters and fuel-burning stoves, authorities said. In western Virginia, seven people have died over the past two weeks in heating-related fires. Some people are tempted to plug in auxiliary space heaters when temperatures drop into the single digits….”
[63] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 56.
[64] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 55.
[65] NCDC Storm Data, 36/1, Jan 1994, p. 56.
[66] Wisconsin State Journal/AP, Madison. “Lingering cold wave deepens.” 1-18-1994, p. 1. Writes “While no deaths had been officially attributed to the bitter cold, which began last week, Jefferson County officials were investigating th death of Lyle Seaborn, 55, of the town of Farmington…found in an unheated house about 5 p.m. Sunday…” A subsequent report cites the Jefferson County Coroner to effect that Mr. Seaborn fell, struck his head on a bathtub and froze to death: “He died of hypothermia because his heater went out.” (Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “Regional. Hypothermia death.” 1-19-1994, p. 20.)
[67] AP (Michael Bass). “Weather claims more than 100 lives.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-21-1994, p. 1. Victim identified as Toini Oberg who along with her husband were 500 yards from son-in-laws home. Notes that while she “had undergone heart bypass surgery…her husband was older and frailer and needed a walker.” She didn’t make it.
[68] Some ambiguity here. Newspaper account notes seven deaths in previous two weeks, citing “authorities.” In that other newspaper accounts note three weather-related fatalities for the week under consideration, without further specificity, we use “three” for our count and place under “fires.”
[69] We only have one source (newspaper) for this death.
[70] Two structural failure due to snow-weight deaths of teenage boys in Geauga County are reported in NCDC Storm Data (Late Reports), Vol. 36, No. 2, Feb 1994, p. 64. We know that one was in Middlefield and report it separtately.