1996 — Jan 6-9; Blizzard/Snow; Midwest/South/& esp. East Coast/Northeast –154-208
–204-208 Blanchard tally of State Breakouts below.
–154-208 Blanchard range based on reporting below.[1]
— 187 Cutter. American Hazardscapes: Regionalization of Hazards…Disasters. 2001, p.103.[2]
— 187 NCDC 2007 (Compilation of Blizzard and Mid January Flooding Fatalities)
— 187 Peninsula Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (VA). Jan 2006, p. 36.[3]
— 154 History. Com. This Day in History, January 6, 1996. “Blizzard of 1996 Begins.”
— 154 Leberfinger, Mark. “Blizzard of 1996: Over 150 killed…” AccuWeather.com, 1-8-2016.
— 154 Lott (NCDC). The Winter of ’95-’96 … A Season of Extremes. April 1996 (Blizzard)
— 154 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 5.
— 154 Schwartz and Schmidlin, 2002, “Climatology of Blizzards…”(Just the Jan 6-8 Blizzard)
— 154 Wikipedia, North American Blizzard of 1996 (Just the Jan 6-8 Blizzard).
–>100 AP. “New storm ready to pummel East.” Kokomo Tribune, IN. 1-11-1996, p. A6.
–>100 National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). All About Snow. 2016. Accessed 9-9-2016.
–~100 The Trentonian, Trenton, NJ. “Blizzard of ’96. A Commemorative Edition.”
— 96 Assoc. Press. “Storm’s death toll at 96.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-10-1996. p. 1.
— >95 AP. “Blizzard Death Toll Climbs to 95.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 60 NWS, NOAA. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, p. viii.
— 13 Blizzard. NCDC. Storm Events Database. Blizzard. Search results all U.S. Jan 6-9, 1996.
–1 Cold/Wind Chill. NCDC. Storm Events Database. Cold/Wind Chill. All U.S. States.
–3 Heavy Snow. NCDC Storm Events Database. Heavy Snow. All U.S. States search results.
–3 Winter Storm. NCDC Storm Events Database. Winter Storm. All U.S. States search results.
Summary of Fatalities by State
Alabama 2
Arkansas 4
Connecticut 4
Delaware 10
District of Columbia 1
Georgia 1
Indiana 3
Kentucky 6
Maryland 14
New Jersey 28
New York 11
North Carolina 6-9
Ohio 4-5
Pennsylvania 80
South Carolina 2
Tennessee 4
Virginia 18
West Virginia 6
Total 204-208
Breakout of Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):
Alabama ( 2)
— 2 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 2 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 1 Calhoun Co., Jan 7. Automobile/train collision “attributed to icy roads.” Teenage driver.[4]
Arkansas ( 4)
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, p.5.
— 4 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
Connecticut ( 4)
— 4 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 4 NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996…19 Deaths in…Region…Attributed to…Blizzard.” 1-10-1996.
— 3 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 0 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
— 1 Branford. Male, 70; heart attack while shoveling snow.[5]
— 1 Waterbury. Male; apparent heart attack while clearing snow.[6]
Delaware (10)
–10 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 23.[7]
— 7 Heart attacks. AP, Dover, Del. “Flooding feared in Del…” The Capital, MD, 1-13-1996, 4.[8]
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 4 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 0 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
District of Columbia ( 1)
— 1 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 1 The Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Blizzard paralyzes East Coast.” 1-8-1996, pp. 1 & 11.[9]
— 0 National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 25.
Georgia ( 1)
— 1 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 1 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 1 Hart County near Hartwell Dam, Jan 7. Hypothermia; male, 24, after leaving car in water.[10]
Indiana ( 3)
— 3 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 2 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 0 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
— 1 Russiaville, Jan 6. Male, 14, when driver of van he was in lost control on icy road; hit head-on.[11]
Kentucky ( 6)
–6 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
–6 AP, Louisville. “The weather outside is frightful.” Corbin Times Tribune, KY, 1-8-1996, p2.[12]
–6 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
–5 Weather-related traffic accidents. AP. “States affected by winter storm.” 1-8-1996.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
–2 I-75, Jan 7. AP. “The weather outside is frightful.” Corbin Times Tribune, KY, 1-8-2016, p2.
–1 Logan Co., Jan 7. Co. Road Supervisor, male, 55, while grading roads with county tractor.[13]
–1 Lyon Co., Eddyville, Jan 6. Female; her vehicle hit stopped police cruiser on Interstate.[14]
Maryland (14)
–14 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
–13 Snow-shoveling snow. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Chapter 1, p. 4.
— 1 Metro-rail accident, weather-related. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. Ch. 1, p. 4.
— 8 Blanchard tally based on breakouts below.
— 6 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 4 Nat. Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, pp. 51, 54-55.
— 2 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
Breakout of fatalities by locality:
— 1 Anne Arundel County, Crofton, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest clearing snow at home; male, 80.[15]
— 1 Anne Arundel County, Gambrills, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest, shoveling snow; male, 74.[16]
— 1 Anne Arundel County, Harmans, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest, shoveling snow at home; male, 71.[17]
— 1 Anne Arundel County, Pasadena, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest shoveling snow at home; male, 63.[18]
— 1 Baltimore, Jan 8. Hypothermia; male, 50, outdoors. NCDC SED. MD, Blizzard.[19]
— 1 Cecil County on Eastern Shore, Jan 7-8. Male; heart attack after shoveling snow.[20]
— 1 Montgomery County, Jan 7. Train slides into another train, killing the driver. NCDC SED.
— 1 Prince Georges, Jan 8. Hypothermia; male, 52, outdoors. NCDC. SED, Blizzard, MD.
New Jersey (28)
–28 State. NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 77.[21]
— 7 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 4 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 4 NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996…19 Deaths in…Region…Blizzard.” 1-10-1996.
— 4 Three heart attacks while shoveling snow and one in an auto accident.[22]
— 0 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
Breakout of storm-related fatalities by locality:
— 1 Atlantic County, Hammonton, Atlantic City Expressway, Jan 7. Car slid off road into tree.[23]
— 1 Atlantic County (western), Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, outdoors. NCDC SED. NJ.[24]
— 1 Bergen County, Paramus. Male, 77; heart attack; had been clearing snow.[25]
— 1 Burlington (NW), Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 88, outdoors. NCDC SED and Storm Data.
— 1 Mercer Co., Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 47, outdoors. NCDC SED; Storm Data, p. 77.
— 1 Middlesex County, Edison. Heart attack; male, 54; had been clearing snow.[26]
— 1 Ocean County (western), Jan 7-8, 1996. Hypothermia; female, age not noted, outdoors.[27]
–21 Locality not noted; heart attacks related to snow clearing or trying to walk in deep snow.[28]
New York (11)
–11 Blanchard compilation from locality breakouts below.
— 7 State. Lott, Ross, Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 5 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 0 State. (Meaning none noted). NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, V. 38, N. 1, Jan 1996, pp. 83-97.
Breakout of fatalities by locality:
— 4 Long Island. NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996…19 Deaths in…Region…Blizzard.” 1-10-1996.
–1 St. James. Male, 53; heart attack while trying to dig his car out of snow.[29]
–3 Found unconscious in the snow or died shortly after working in snow; heart attacks?
— 3 Long Island, Suffolk County. Heart attacks while shoveling snow; males.[30]
— 3 Queens. NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996…19 Deaths in…Region…” 1-10-1996.
–1 Flushing, Jan 8. Paul Lherrison, 58; CO poisoning?; found near death in car.[31]
–1 Jan 9. Male, 58; CO poisoning?; found dead in snow-covered car, tail-pipe blocked.
–1 Jan 9. Female; after her car hit patch of ice and skid into a pole.
— 1 Harlem, Upper Manhattan. Male, 29, died from hypothermia after being found in snow.[32]
— 1 Harlem, Upper Manhattan, Jan 8. Heart attack; male, found in the snow on East 120th St.[33]
— 1 Orange County, Wallkill, Jan 8. Boy, 11, hit by plow as he played in the snow.[34]
— 1 Westchester Co., Yorktown, Jan 8. Male, 60, collapsed while shoveling snow; heart attack.[35]
North Carolina (6-9)
— 9 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below and NWS note that 6 were traffic or sledding.[36]
— 8 Traffic/sledding accidents. Twcnews.com. “20 Years Ago…Blizzard of 1996.” 1-6-2016.[37]
— 6 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
— 6 Traffic and sledding accidents. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Ch. 1, p. 3.
— 5 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 3 Assoc. Press. “States affected by winter storm.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 1-8-1996, p. 2.
Breakout of NC fatalities by County and or cause (where noted):
— 1 Buncombe Co., Alexander, Jan 6-7. Man crushed; outbuilding collapse from snow-weight.[38]
— 1 Cleveland Co., NC 226, Jan 6. Car goes out of control, icy road; male, 5 (A. J. Roussell).[39]
— 1 Stokes County, Pinnacle, Jan 6-7. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 71.[40]
— 1 Surry County, Westfield, Jan 6-7. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 72.[41]
— 2 Surry Co., Mount Airy. Traffic accident. NCDC. Storm Data, V39, N1, Jan 1996, p. 102.[42]
Ohio (4-5)
–4-5 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below (range has to do with Fairport death).
— 3 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 3 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 3 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
Breakout of Ohio fatalities by locality:
— 1? Fairport Harbor, Jan 6-7. Male, driving snowmobile, hits utility pole.[43]
— 1 Miami Co., Jan 6-8. Hypothermia; male, 47, under an overpass. NCDC SED winter stm.[44]
— 1 Montgomery Co., Jan 6-8. Exposure; Male, 76, on his front porch. NCDC SED, winter stm.
— 2 Montgomery Co., Jan 7. Van with 8 people, slides across snow-covered road into plow.[45]
Pennsylvania (80)
— 80 State. Lott, Ross, Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. 1996, p. 3.[46]
–~80 DisasterProject9. “The Blizzard of 1996.” Wikispaces.com. 2016 ©.[47]
— 66 AP, Harrisburg PA. “Ridge pushes for federal aid…” Indiana Gazette, PA, 1-23-1996, 4.[48]
— 42 State. NCDC. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996.[49]
— 42 State. NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 120.
— 3 Carbon monoxide poisoning.
— 1 Fire (snow-blocked fire hydrant contributed to a loss of life from fire).
–29 Heart attacks related to snow removal or walking in deep snow.
— 6 Hypothermia.
— 1 Sledding accident.
— 1 Structural failure under weight of snow.
— 1 Vehicular crash.
— 36 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 22 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 13 NWS. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chap. 1, p. 2.[50]
–12 Heart attacks related to snow shoveling. NWS Service Assessment, p. 6.
— 7 State. NCDC. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Pennsylvania.
Breakout of fatalities by locality (where noted):
— 3 Adams County. Snow-related. Gettysburg Times, 1-19-1996, p. 1., citing Adams Co. EMA.
–1 Orrtanna; Male, 76; apparent heart attack while running snow-blower in driveway.[51]
— 1 Allegheny County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).[52]
— 1? Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Jan 13. Buses collide on snowy road.[53]
— 1 Berks Co., Exeter Twp. Man killed when snow weight causes greenhouse roof collapse.[54]
— 1 Bucks Co. Fire; snow-blocked fire hydrant contributed. NCDC Storm Events Database.
— 1 Bucks County. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”[55]
— 1 Cambria County. Snow shoveling-related, thus apparently a heart attack; PEMA cited.[56]
— 1 Dauphin County. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”[57]
— 1 Delaware Co., Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 60, outdoors. NCDC Storm Events Database.
— 1 Delaware County. CO poisoning; male in vehicle; tailpipe blocked by snow.[58]
— 1 Delaware Co., Darby, post-blizzard. Heart attack; female; ambulance delayed by snow-blocked road.[59]
— 1 Delaware County. Storm-related dwelling fire; citing PA Emergency Mgmt. Agency.[60]
— 1 Fayette County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow). NCDC SD.[61]
— 1 Franklin Co. Cardiac arrest shoveling snow; cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.[62]
— 1 Indiana County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow). NCDC SD.[63]
— 1 Jefferson County. Truck accident. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.[64]
— 1 Lehigh Co., Allentown. Hypothermia; female accidentally locked herself out of house.[65]
— 3 Lehigh Co. Heart attacks shoveling snow. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.[66]
— 1 Montgomery Co.. Man sliding on an inner tube killed when he slid underneath parked car.[67]
— 1 Montgomery Co., Upper Dublin Township, PA Rt. 309, Jan 7-8. Male, 53, vehicle crash.[68]
— 1 Northumberland Co. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PEMA].”[69]
— 2 Philadelphia. Carbon monoxide poisoning in home. NCDC Storm Events Database. PA.
— 4 Philadelphia, Jan 7-8. Hypothermia. Female, 64; males, 50, 59, 62; all outdoors.[70]
— 1 Pike County. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”[71]
— 1 Washington County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).[72]
— 3 Westmoreland County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).[73]
— 1 York County. Cardiac arrest. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.[74]
South Carolina (2)
— 2 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 2 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 1 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
— 1 Upstate SC. Weather-related traffic fatality. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. p. 3.
Tennessee ( 4)
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 4 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 0 State. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
— 3 Maynardville, Union County. Auto accident. NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 136.
Virginia (18)
–18 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.[75]
–13 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
–11 By Jan 8. Washington Post (Michael Janofsky). “The Blizzard of 1996…” 1-9-1996.[76]
–10 State. Heart failure after shoveling snow. NCDC, Storm Events Database. Blizzard, VA.
Breakout of fatalities by cause:
–10 Heart attacks while shoveling snow. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Ch. 1, p. 4.
–3 Heart attacks related to snow shoveling. NWS, Wakefield County Warning Area.[77]
— 3 Hypothermia. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 3.[78]
— 4 Vehicle accidents. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 4.
–1 Traffic accident. NWS, Wakefield County Warning Area.[79]
— 1 Tree fall onto vehicle. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 4.
Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted:
— 1 Carroll Co., Jan 6-7. Hypothermia; male, 80, outdoors. NCDC SED. VA, Heavy snow.[80]
— 1 Fairfax County, Jan 9. Exposure; male, 67, outdoors. NCDC, SED. Blizzard, VA.
— 1 Montgomery County, Jan 6-7. Traffic accident; truck driver. NCDC Storm Data, 38/1, 155.
— 1 Rockbridge Co., Jan 6-7. Traffic accident; male. NCDC Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, 155.
West Virginia ( 6)
— 6 Lott, Ross and Sittel (NCDC). Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes. April 1996, p. 3.
— 4 AP. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, 5.
— 2 NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1.
–1 Tree-fall onto car.
–1 Charleston area. Heart attack related to shoveling snow.
— 4 Charleston, Jan 6-8. Heart attacks related to shoveling snow; males. Storm Data, 38/1, 166.
Summary of Fatalities by Cause of Death (by leading cause of death; details below):
— 98 Heart attack/cardiac arrest related to snow removal or walking in deep snow
— 52 Cause not noted (though identified as storm-related)
— 26 Vehicular
— 19 Hypothermia
— 4 Carbon Monoxide poisoning (two in homes and two in vehicles)
— 3 Unclear
— 2 Fire
— 2 Structural collapse due to snow weight
— 2 Tree Falls
— 1 Rail
— 1 Sledding
— 1 Other (Ambulance delayed by snow-blocked road.)
— 2 Not clear if storm-related.
Breakout of Fatalities by Cause of Death (where noted):
Carbon Monoxide poisoning (home): — 2
–2 PA, Philadelphia. Carbon monoxide poisoning in home. NCDC Storm Events Database. PA.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning (vehicular): — 2
–1 NY, Queens, Flushing, Jan 8. Male, 58; CO poisoning?; found near death in car.[81]
–1 PA, Delaware County. CO poisoning; male in vehicle; tailpipe blocked by snow.
Fire: — 2
–1 PA, Bucks Co. Fire; snow-blocked fire hydrant contributed. NCDC Storm Events Database.
–1 PA, Delaware County. Storm-related dwelling fire; citing PA Emergency Mgmt. Agency.
Heart attack/cardiac arrest related to snow removal or walking in deep snow: — 98
— 1 CT, Branford. Male, 70; heart attack while shoveling snow.
— 1 CT, Waterbury. Male; apparent heart attack while clearing snow.
— 7 DE. Heart attacks. AP, Dover, DE. “Flooding feared in Del…” The Capital, 1-13-1996, 4.
— 1 MD, Anne Arundel County, Crofton, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest clearing snow at home; male, 80.
— 1 MD, Anne Arundel County, Gambrills, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest, shoveling snow; male, 74.
— 1 MD, Anne Arundel Co., Harmans, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest, shoveling snow at home; male, 71.
— 1 MD, Anne Arundel Co., Pasadena, Jan 8. Cardiac arrest shoveling snow at home; male, 63
— 1 MD, Cecil County on Eastern Shore, Jan 7-8. Male; heart attack after shoveling snow.
— 7 MD (in addition to breakouts above). NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Ch. 1, p.4.
— 1 NJ, Bergen County, Paramus. Male, 77; heart attack; had been clearing snow.
— 1 NJ, Middlesex County, Edison. Heart attack; male, 54; had been clearing snow.
–21 NJ. Locations not noted. Heart attacks related to snow clearing or walking in deep snow.[82]
— 1 NY, LI, Suffolk Co., St. James. Male, 53; heart attack while digging his car out of snow.
— 3 NY, Long Island, Suffolk County. Heart attacks while shoveling snow; males.
— 3 NY, LI. Found unconscious in snow or died shortly after working in snow; heart attacks?
— 1 NY, Harlem, Upper Manhattan, Jan 8. Heart attack; male, found in snow on East 120th St.
— 1 NY, Westchester Co., Yorktown, Jan 8. Male, 60, collapsed shoveling snow; heart attack/
— 1 NC, Stokes County, Pinnacle, Jan 6-7. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 71.
— 1 NC, Surry County, Westfield, Jan 6-7. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 72.
— 1 PA, Adams Co., Orrtanna; Male, 76; apparent heart attack; running snow-blower in driveway.
— 1 PA, Allegheny County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).
— 1 PA, Bucks County. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”
— 1 PA, Cambria County. Snow shoveling-related, thus apparently a heart attack; PEMA cited.
— 1 PA, Dauphin Co. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”
— 1 PA, Fayette County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow). NCDC SD.
— 1 PA, Franklin Co. Cardiac arrest shoveling snow; PEMA storm-death breakdown release cited.
— 1 PA, Indiana County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow). NCDC SD.
— 3 PA, Lehigh Co. Heart attacks shoveling snow. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release
— 1 PA, Northumberland Co. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PEMA].”
— 1 PA, Pike County. Heart attack “associated with the blizzard…according to [PA EMA].”
— 1 PA, Washington County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).
— 3 PA, Westmoreland County. Cardiac arrest related to snow removal (shoveling snow).
— 1 PA, York County. Cardiac arrest. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.
–11 PA. Locality not noted. Heart attacks related to snow removal; walking in deep snow. NCDC.
–10 VA. Heart failure after shoveling snow. NCDC, Storm Events Database. Blizzard, VA.
— 4 WV, Charleston, Jan 6-8. Heart attacks related to shoveling snow; males. Storm Data, 38/1, 166.
Hypothermia: — 19
–1 GA, Hart Co, near Hartwell Dam, Jan 7. Hypothermia; male, 24, after leaving car in water.
–1 MD, Baltimore, Jan 8. Hypothermia; male, 50, outdoors. NCDC SED. MD, Blizzard.
–1 MD, Prince Georges, Jan 8. Hypothermia; male, 52, outdoors. NCDC. SED, Blizzard, MD.
–1 NJ, Atlantic County (western), Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, outdoors. NCDC SED. NJ.
–1 NJ, Burlington Co., Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 88, outdoors. NCDC SED and Storm Data.
–1 NJ, Mercer Co., Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 47, outdoors. NCDC SED; Storm Data, p.77.
–1 NJ, Ocean County (western), Jan 7-8, 1996. Hypothermia; female, age not noted, outdoors.
–1 NY, Harlem, Upper Manhattan. Male, 29, died from hypothermia after being found in snow.
–1 OH, Miami Co., Jan 6-8. Hypothermia; male, 47, under an overpass. NCDC SED winter stm.
–1 OH, Montgomery Co., Jan 6-8. Exposure; Male, 76, on front porch. NCDC SED, winter stm.
–1 PA, Delaware Co., Jan 7-8. Hypothermia; female, 60, outdoors. NCDC Storm Events Database.
–1 PA, Lehigh Co., Allentown. Hypothermia; female accidentally locked herself out of house.
–4 PA, Philadelphia, Jan 7-8. Hypothermia. Female, 64; males, 50, 59, 62; all outdoors. NCDC.
–1 VA, Carroll Co., Jan 6-7. Hypothermia; male, 80, outdoors. NCDC SED. VA, Heavy snow.
–1 VA, Fairfax County, Jan 9. Exposure; male, 67, outdoors. NCDC, SED. Blizzard, VA.
–1 VA, Hypothermia. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 3.[83]
Rail: — 1
–1 MD, Montgomery Co., Jan 7. Train slides into another train, killing the driver. NCDC SED.
Sledding/tube sliding: — 1
–1 PA, Montgomery Co.. Man sliding on inner tube killed when he slid underneath parked car.
Structural collapse due to snow weight: — 2
–1 NC, Buncombe Co., Alexander, Jan 6-7. Man crushed; outbuilding collapse; snow-weight.
–1 PA, Berks Co., Exeter Twp. Man killed when snow weight causes greenhouse roof collapse.
Tree Fall: — 2
–1 VA. Tree fall onto vehicle. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. Jan 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 4.
–1 WV. Tree-fall onto car. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. Jan 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Ch. 1, p. 2, Table 1.
Vehicular: — 26
–1 AL, Calhoun Co., Jan 7. Automobile/train collision “attributed to icy roads.” Teenage driver.
–1 IN, Russiaville, Jan 6. Male, 14; driver of van he was in lost control on icy road; hit head-on.
–2 KY, I-75 crash.
–1 KY, Lyon Co., Eddyville, Jan 6. Female; her vehicle hit stopped police cruiser on Interstate.
–1 NJ, Atlantic Co., Hammonton, Atlantic City Expressway, Jan 7. Car slid off road into tree.
–1 NY, Queens, Jan 9. Female; after her car hit patch of ice and skid into a pole.
–1 NY, Orange County, Wallkill, Jan 8. Boy, 11, hit by plow as he played in the snow.
–1 NC, Cleveland Co., NC 226, Jan 6. Car goes out of control, icy road; male passenger, 5.
–2 NC, Surry Co., Mount Airy. Traffic accident. NCDC. Storm Data, 39/1, Jan 1996, p. 102.
–3 NC, locality not noted. (NCDC notes six traffic/sledding accidents; we note three above.)
–2 OH, Montgomery Co., Jan 7. Van with 8 people, slides across snow-covered road into plow.
–1 PA, Jefferson County. Truck accident. Cites PEMA storm-death breakdown release.
–1 PA, Montgomery Co., Upper Dublin Township, PA Rt. 309, Jan 7-8. Male, 53, vehicle crash
–1 SC, Upstate. Weather-related traffic fatality. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. p. 3.
–3 TN, Maynardville, Union Co. Auto accident. NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 136.
–1 VA, Montgomery Co., Jan 6-7. Traffic accident; truck driver. NCDC Storm Data, 38/1, 155.
–1 VA, Rockbridge Co., Jan 6-7. Traffic accident; male. NCDC Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, 155.
–2 VA. Vehicle accidents. NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chap. 1, p. 4.[84]
Other: — 1
–1 PA, Delaware Co., Darby, post-blizzard. Heart attack; female; ambulance delayed by snow-blocked road.
Unclear: — 3
–1 KY, Logan Co., Jan 7. Co. Road Supervisor, male, 55; grading roads with county tractor.
–2 PA, Adams Co. Snow-related. Gettysburg Times, 1-19-1996, p. 1., citing Adams Co. EMA.
Not clear if storm related: — 2
–1 OH, Fairport Harbor, Jan 6-7. Male, driving snowmobile, hits utility pole.
–1 PA, Allegheny Co., Pittsburgh, Jan 13. Buses collide on snowy road (not clear if storm related).
Cause Not Noted: — 52
— 1 AL
— 4 AR
— 2 CT
— 3 DE
— 1 DC
— 2 IN
— 2 KY
— 2 NJ
— 1 NY, Queens.
–32 PA
— 1 SC
— 1 TN
Narrative Information
(General)
CPC/NWS/NOAA: “The Blizzard of 1996: January 6-9, 1996. The winter season featured several episodic, severe weather events throughout North America. In the East, the most notable of these events was the Blizzard of 1996″ which occurred during January 6-9… During this event, 20-48 inches of snow covered the Eastern Seaboard from the middle Ohio Valley eastward to eastern Virginia and northward into southern Massachusetts. Snowfall totals topped 30 inches at Philadelphia, PA, establishing a new single-storm record, while totals reached 35 inches in west- central New Jersey and 48 inches in Pocahontas County, WV. Most areas from Washington, DC northeastward to Providence, RI reported one of the five biggest snowfalls of all time. The extreme snowfall forced many businesses and most governments to close for several days. It also shut down most airports on the East Coast from Virginia northward, and made other modes of transportation virtually impossible.” (Climate Prediction Center. Special Climate Summary – 96/1. CPC, National Weather Service, NOAA. March 1996.)
DisasterProject9/Wikispaces.com: “….The majority of storm deaths were due to traffic accidents, collapsed trees, and homeless people who had died as a result of hypothermia. There were a few reports of people dying from being trapped in their cars and obtaining carbon monoxide poisoning. Overall, Pennsylvania suffered the most deaths, with approximately eighty.
“At the time, President Bill Clinton was forced to shut down the federal government for nearly a week as a result of the storm. He declared D.C. and nine states disaster areas. Eleven days after the areas were considered disasters, schools and businesses reopened….” (DisasterProject9. “The Blizzard of 1996.” Wikispaces.com. 2016 ©.)
History.com: “Barns all over Pennsylvania collapsed under the weight of so much snow. As a precaution, many supermarkets, which often feature large flat roofs, closed across the region. Two buses collided in Pittsburgh and 52 were seriously injured. The storm deaths were mainly the result of traffic accidents, collapsed trees and homeless people dying from hypothermia. In a few instances, people who were trapped in their cars died from carbon monoxide poisoning….
“President Bill Clinton was forced to shut down the federal government for nearly a week because of the storm. He declared D.C. and nine states to be disaster areas. Estimates of the total property damage suffered ranged from $600 million to $3 billion.” (History.com. This Day in History, Disaster, January 6, 1996. “Blizzard of 1996 Begins.”)
Lott, et al./NCDC, 1996: “January proved to be quite cold over much of the nation…with unusually heavy snowfall over most of the East. From January 6-8, much of the eastern seaboard received from 1 to 3 feet of snow during the “Blizzard of ’96.” A large area from the southern Appalachians to southern New Hampshire and Maine received a foot or more, with 20 inches or more very common over the major metropolitan areas of the east…. Storm total snowfall records set by the blizzard included:
Elkins, WV–23.4 inches (old record–20.7 on Nov 24-25, 1950)
Charleston, WV–20.5 inches (old record–18.9 on Mar 13-14, 1993)
Cincinnati, OH–14.4 inches (old record–11.3 on Jan 16-17, 1978)
Newark, NJ–27.8 inches (old record–26.0 on Dec 26-27, 1947)
Philadelphia, PA–30.7 inches (old record–21.3 on Feb 11-12, 1983)
Scranton, PA–21.0 inches (old record–20.5 on Nov 24-25, 1971)
New Jersey state record–White House Station, NJ–35 inches (old record–34.0 in Feb 1899).”
(Lott, et al./NCDC 1996, The Winter of ’95-’96 … A Season of Extremes, p. 2-3)
Lott, et al./NCDC, 1996: “Following are some state by state impacts of the January 6-8 snowstorm. Death tolls include direct and indirect causes, and some states, such as Pennsylvania, keep very detailed records of these statistics.
Alabama–2 deaths, some roads closed by ice.
Arkansas–4 deaths.
Connecticut–4 deaths, 27 inches at Darien.
Delaware–4 deaths, 22 inches at New Castle, a record for January.
District of Columbia–Federal and local governments closed.
Georgia–1 death, up to 12 inches in mountains of northeastern Georgia.
Indiana–3 deaths, up to 9 inches in southern portion of state.
Kentucky–6 deaths, 28 inches at Pine Mountain.
Maryland–6 deaths, 33 inches at Frostburg.
New Jersey–4 deaths, 27.8 inches at Newark Airport.
New York–7 deaths, 27.5 inches in New York City on Staten Island, 20.2 inches in Central Park.
North Carolina–5 deaths, up to 30 inches in northern mountains.
Ohio–3 deaths, up to 18 inches in southeastern counties, 14.4 inches at Cincinnati.
Pennsylvania–80 deaths, 30.7 inches in Philadelphia.
South Carolina–2 deaths, 10 inches in mountains of Pickens County.
Tennessee–4 deaths, up to 30 inches in higher mountains.
Virginia–13 deaths, 47 inches in Shenandoah National Park.
West Virginia– 6 deaths, 48 inches at Snowshoe–highest total for the storm.
Overall snowstorm death toll–154.” (Lott et al./NCDC. Winter of ’95-’96… 1996, p. 3.)
NCDC Storm Data: “The Blizzard of 1996 began on January 6 as an upper level trough located in the Southern Plains states pumped warm moist air northward to the east of a cold front located in the southeast United States. The upper level trough quickly deepened into a closed low with the surface pressure dropping to 29.65 inches (1004 mb) by 7:00AM Sunday, January 7. The ‘Nor’easter’ tracked out of the Gulf of Mexico, across southern Georgia, and then up the Atlantic seaboard. Strong northerly winds behind the cold front dropped temperatures quickly and brought heavy snow throughout the Middle Atlantic states. By Monday morning, January 8, the low had deepened to 29.06 inches (984 mb) as it reached the southern tip of New Jersey. The winds increased in response to the pressure drop and gusts of 49 MPH were reported at Wilmington, Delaware on the 8th. By the time the storm had departed the coast of New England late on January 8, record snows had accumulated in much of the Middle Atlantic including 48 inches in Snowshoe, WV and a New Jersey state record of 35 inches at White House Station. The Blizzard of 1996 was directly and indirectly responsible for 154 deaths.” (National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 5.)
NWS Service Assessment: “On January 6-8, 1996, a large portion of the eastern United States was struck by a major winter storm that buried the heavily populated Northeast Corridor under one of the greatest snowfalls of the 20th century. The metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston were virtually paralyzed as snowfalls of 19 to 31 inches were whipped into 5- to 8-foot snow drifts. In the mountains of western Virginia and West Virginia, 40- to 48-inch snowfalls were common. Hazards associated with the winter storm included blizzard conditions, strong winds, extreme wind chills, and minor to moderate coastal flooding. The storm caused over $500 million in insured losses, contributed to 60 fatalities, and shut down or hampered travel and commerce for 5 days after it ended.
“The storm was caused by a low pressure system that developed in the Gulf of Mexico on January 6. From there it moved northeastward along the East Coast, leaving a swath of snowfall in excess of 10 inches from eastern Kentucky northeastward across the Mid-Atlantic States into southern and central New England….” (p. viii.)
“The East Coast blizzard of January 6-8, 1996, goes down in history as one of the “great ones” of the century. This paralyzing winter storm, packed with strong winds, very heavy blowing and drifting snows, extreme wind chills, and minor to moderate coastal flooding, brought most private and government activity to a halt for the better part of a week. Some of the heaviest snowfall amounts of the late 20th century blanketed the urban corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston….” (NWS. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. Jan 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, p. 31.)
Wikipedia: “Wind gusts of over 50 mph were rather common also, and resulted in blizzard conditions for much of the area….
“The sudden warm-up that followed proved to be almost as deadly and damaging as the blizzard itself. The flooding killed 33 people, forced over 200,000 from their homes, and destroyed or damaged hundreds of roads and bridges.” [See January 19]
“On this day [Jan 6] in 1996, snow begins falling in Washington, D.C., and up the Eastern seaboard, beginning a blizzard that kills 154 people and causes over $1 billion in damages…
“The Blizzard of 1996 began in typical fashion, as cold air from Canada pushed down and collided with relatively warm winds from the Gulf of Mexico. The clashing weather fronts caused a terrible combination of snow and wind. Snow began to fall in the District of Columbia about 9 p.m.; 12 inches fell over the course of the next 24 hours. In Lynchburg, Virginia, it was worse: A record 20 inches of snow fell in a single day. Since wind gusts were reaching up to 50 miles per hour, snow drifts piled up in many areas and travel was nearly impossible.
“As the storm moved northeast, it continued to break records. Newark, New Jersey, received a total of 28 inches over several days.” (History.com) “All roads in the state were closed, including the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike for the first time in that road’s history. Over two-thirds of the state was buried under 2 or more feet (60 or more cm) of snow, making this storm the state’s most paralyzing snowstorm of the 20th century.” (Wikipedia)
“Providence, Rhode Island, received 32 inches and Philadelphia was inundated with 30 inches. The Philadelphia schools were closed until January 16 due to the city’s inability to clear the heavy snow promptly from the streets.” (History.com.) “The mayor declared a state of emergency, and only police and other emergency workers were permitted to drive on city streets leaving the city to pedestrians.” (Wikipedia, Blizzard of 1996)
Narrative Information by State
Alabama
NCDC Storm Data, North Central AL, Jan 6-7: “A winter storm brought a mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow to the northern two-thirds of Alabama. Precipitation began as freezing rain and sleet but quickly changed to snow. The precipitation coated roads and caused serious travel problems across the northern sections of the state that lasted into Monday morning (the 8th). Some higher elevations of the northeast corner of Alabama had travel problems into Tuesday. Amounts were generally light with the highest snowfall reported at Huntsville International Airport with 2 inches. Most other locations across North Alabama reported one-quarter of an inch to an inch and a half. On Sunday the 7th, one fatality occurred in an automobile/train collision in Calhoun County that was attributed to icy roads. The teenage driver of the car was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle.” (National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 7.)
Jan 8: “….snow fell from northern Alabama and Georgia north into New England.” (Sandusky Register, OH. “Weather…Nation.” 1-8-1996, p. A5.)
Jan 8: “…ice and snow closed I-65 around Birmingham for hours during the morning.” (Assoc. Press. “One of worst snowstorms hits East.” Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV, 1-8-1996, A2.)
Connecticut
NCDC Storm Data: “….This storm was one of the most significant winter storms to hit southern New England in the past 20 years and was named the “Blizzard of ’96” from the Middle Atlantic states to southern New England. However, by National Weather Service definition, no actual blizzard conditions occurred in the state. Snowfall across the north and northeast portions of the state ranged from 15 to 23 inches. In Hartford County, Bradley International Airport recorded 18.2 inches. New Britain had 18 inches and Wethersfield, 15.3 inches. In Tolland County, there was 22.5 inches in Mansfield and in Windham County, 22.5 inches at Putnam. This storm disrupted transportation systems and closed schools and businesses….” (NCDC. Storm Data, “Connecticut, Northeast…Hartford – Tolland – Windham…07-08…Heavy Snow.” Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 20.)
Delaware
NCDC Storm Data: “Inland Sussex – Delaware Beaches…07-08…High Wind…. The Blizzard of ’96, the second coined “STORM OF THE CENTURY” of this decade, brought record breaking snow to the northern half of Delaware and paralyzed the state for a couple of days and caused most municipalities to exceed their annual snow budgets during this one storm. Its high winds caused 5,000 homes to lose power, suspended operations on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for five days, caused directly or indirectly 10 deaths and numerous injuries and produced moderate flooding with moderate to severe beach erosion along the shore. All the deaths were caused by persons shoveling, using snow blowers or trying to walk through the snow….
“Precipitation was mainly snow in New Castle County; fell as snow and sleet through sunset on the 7th, then some freezing rain the night of the 7th before changing back to snow before ending on the 8th in Kent County; it started as snow, but changed to sleet and freezing rain and then rain for a while Sunday evening (7th) before ending as snow the morning of the 8th in Sussex County. Snow began falling around Midnight in Sussex County and spread through the rest of the state during the predawn hours on the 7th and became heavy at times by sunrise. Blizzard conditions developed during the afternoon and evening in New Castle County as strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low. Precipitation was lighter after midnight on the 8th, before some wraparound snow returned during the daylight hours.
“A state of emergency was declared by Governor Carper on the 7th, was replaced by a limited state of emergency the morning of the 9th and was not lifted completely until the evening of the 10th. The state was also declared a disaster area with storm related costs topping 4 million dollars, $725,000 within Wilmington. This damage estimate did not include the amount of sand lost by erosion. Some colleges started opening on Wednesday the 10th with some elementary schools opening on the 11th. The National Guard helped with snow removal and four wheel drive vehicles were used to transport medical personnel and patients to and from hospitals. The high winds and powdery snow made it very difficult for road crews to keep roadways open. Drifts reached around 6 feet. The weight of the snow caused several building collapses, one of the worst was the roof collapse of the Talleyville Shopping Center on the 10th.
“Snowfall accumulations averaged 18 to 24 inches in New Castle County, 12 to 20 inches in Kent County and 6 to 16 inches in Sussex County with the highest amounts well inland. The 22.7 inches of snow that fell at the New Castle County Airport set a new 24 hour snowfall and all-time single storm snow record. Other accumulations from around the state included 24 inches in Odessa and Prices Corner, 22 inches in Middletown and Newark, 20 inches in Pennyhill and Smyrna, 18 inches in Newark and Harrington, 11.5 inches in Georgetown, 10 inches in Lewes and Bridgeville and 8 inches in Dewey Beach.
“In addition to the heavy snow, wind gusts reached hurricane force along the coast during the evening of the 7th. An 84 mph gust was recorded at the Pilot Tower at Cape Henlopen and wind gusts reached 60 mph in Bethany Beach. The strong winds helped topple power lines in Sussex County and the freezing rain caused some power outages in Kent County. The Delaware Electric Cooperative reported about 5,000 homes without power mainly between 7 pm and midnight on the 7th. The wind was strong enough to overturn a tractor trailer in Sussex County.
“While accumulations were lighter along the shore, the strong northeast flow around the low produced moderate tidal flooding around the high tide the evening of the 7th. Tides were three to four feet above normal. Luckily this did not coincide with spring tides or the higher of the two high tides for the day. Dunes were breached in Dewey Beach, South Bethany Beach and along “the curve” just north of Fenwick Island. In Dewey Beach there was a washover onto Delaware State Route 1. Debris clogged the roadway. Flooding from both the ocean and Assawoman Bay closed both Delaware State Routes 1 and 54. Tidal flooding from Assawoman Bay flooded side streets on Fenwick Island and South Bethany Beach. Two feet of water was reported along side streets in Bethany Beach. Northwest winds Monday morning prevented tidal flooding from getting worse.
“The worst problem was the severe beach erosion, especially on the ocean side of Sussex County. In Dewey Beach, 75 percent of a $3 million dollar beach replenishment project was washed away. In South Bethany the erosion rivaled the January 1992 storm. In Bethany Beach a $23,000 plastic mesh fence was ruined. Seven staircases and two wave bulkheads were damaged. The sea wall in Rehobeth Beach was damaged and a set of stairs were washed away.
“The state was declared a disaster area on the 16th.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, pp. 23-24.)
District of Columbia
NCDC Storm Data on Jan 7-8 “Blizzard”: “An historic winter storm, known as the “Blizzard of ’96”, crippled the Greater Washington, DC metropolitan region during the first full weekend of January. In general, snow totals ranged from 17.1 inches at Washington/National airport (DCA) to 21 inches in Northwest Washington. Gusty winds produced drifts to 5 feet in some places. The storm produced the largest storm total since the “Megalopolitan Storm” of February 11th, 1983. Numerous 24-hour accumulation records were shattered at airports from southwest Virginia through New England. For the city as a whole, the storm ranked 4th all-time; for modern records (taken at DCA), the storm ranked 2nd, with only the “Presidents Day” storm of February 18th-19th, 1979, dumping more (18.7 inches)…. All major highways were effectively closed through the 7th, as snow removal equipment fought a losing battle with the considerable blowing and drifting snow. However, residential areas remained unplowed for up to one week following the storm; FEMA provided funding for additional snow removal equipment to clear the streets by the weekend of the 13th/14th. Subway transit was impacted as well, as the Washington subway system was effectively shut down through Tuesday, and above-ground stations opened sporadically throughout the following work week. The combination of warming temperatures and concerted snow removal efforts opened all roads by the 17th. All federal, state, and local governments, as well as public schools, were closed Monday (the 8th) and Tuesday (the 9th). Road damage – especially from potholes and related pavement failures – was excessive. Estimated commercial losses to the northeastern U.S. for the week of January 7-13 were between $7 and $10 billion – this on top of a sluggish holiday season and federal government shutdowns.”
(NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 25.)
Georgia
NCDC Storm Data on Central Georgia, Jan 6-7 Winter Storm: “….Precipitation in Georgia began on the 6th as rain except as a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow in the higher elevations. The heavy snow track was generally north of a line from Rome to Toccoa. Amounts were around 3 inches in northwest and north central Georgia but increased to 3 to 6 inches in Union, Towns, and Rabun counties of northeast Georgia. From 7 to 12 inches were reported on the ground in the higher elevations of northeast Georgia by mid-afternoon on the 7th. A state of emergency was declared in Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and White counties where property damage was reported. 2500 homes in northeast Georgia were without power because of accumulating snow and falling trees knocking down power lines. Snow fell in the Atlanta and Athens areas but amounted to only an inch, which was still enough to cause traffic problems.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 29.)
Indiana
AP, Jan 8: “A major winter storm clobbered Indiana on its way to the East Coast, leaving much of the state under snow emergencies today. At one point, 43 counties had declared snow emergencies, giving authorities the right to close all roads and ticket drivers who did venture out.
By 6 a.m. today, 38 counties were still under snow emergencies, said Don Smith of the State Emergency Management Agency….Central and southern Indiana were hardest hit….
“State police reported snowdrift problems in many parts of central and southern Indiana, especially east-west roads, causing many secondary roads to be impassable. In southern Indiana, Interstate 64 was said to be snow-covered and hazardous because of drifting, and only one lane was clear in each direction at Sellersburg. 1-65 and Interstate 74 were also reported hazardous.” (Assoc. Press. “Indiana has its share of weather problems.” Kokomo Tribune, IN, 1-8-1996, p. 1.)
NCDC Storm Data on Central IN, Jan 6-8, Winter Storm: “A major winter storm produced one to ten inches of snow across central and southern Indiana. Five to ten inch snows were concentrated in south central Indiana from Bloomington east to Greensburg. Strong winds also caused three to ten foot drifts leaving many roads impassable. Snow emergencies were declared in 41 counties.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 37.)
Kentucky
AP, Jan 8: “Louisville (AP)….the newest winter storm pounded Kentucky with heavy snow, gusting winds and bone-chilling temperatures…which dumped more than 2 feet of snow in portions of southeastern Kentucky and left a thick blanket of snow elsewhere in the state….Kentuckians spent Sunday [Jan 7] digging out from the storm, which stranded motorists, canceled church services and sent National Guardsmen into action to help clear snow-clogged highways.
“Emergency declarations were issued in at least 15 Kentucky counties and five cities. Dozens of school districts canceled classes today as brisk northerly winds complicated snow-removal efforts in scenes reminiscent of th record-setting blizzard two years earlier. Accidents happened so frequently this weekend that state police had difficulty keeping track of the total count. The wintry road conditions may have caused at least five weekend traffic fatalities, including two on Interstate 75 on Sunday, state police said….
“The heaviest snow fell in eastern Kentucky. The largest amount appeared to be 28 inches on Pine Mountain in southeastern Kentucky, the National Weather Service said. Snowfall reached 24 inches in parts of Clay and Pike counties, while up to 20 inches fell in Floyd, Jackson, Knox, Letcher and Peny counties, the weather service said….In east central Kentucky, snowfall ranged from 11 inches in Jessamine, Boyle and Bourbon counties to 16 inches in Estill and Garrard counties, the weather service said. A dozen inches fell in Fayette County and 10 in Louisville….
“Local emergency declarations were issued in the following counties: Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Carter, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Greenup, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Pike, Whitley and Woodford. The cities of Owingsville, Lexington, Paris, Salt Lick and Salyersville issued their own declarations.” (Associated Press. “The weather outside is frightful.” Corbin Times Tribune, KY, 1-8-2016, p. 2.)
NCDC Storm Data on Central KY, Jan 6-7, Heavy Snow: “A major snow storm hit Kentucky on January 6-7, 1996. The snow began around noon EST and effected all of the counties in the Louisville CWA before it stopped Sunday afternoon. The heavy snow began around 1500 EST on the 6th and ended around 6 am EST on the 7th…. The snow became light and moved East of the CWA by 0000 EST on the 8th. Between 2 and 6 inches of snow fell across the CWA by 2030 est. Meade, Breckinridge, Larue, Bullitt and Hardin Counties all reported up to 6 inches across their respective counties, while Spencer County led the way with 7 inches of accumulation. By 0200 EST, between 5 and 12 inch total accumulations were reported. Green and Laurel counties had 12 inches. By 0600 EST on the 7th, totals were from 6 inches at several locations to 16 inches in Laurel County. Totals were from 7 to 12 inches across east central Kentucky to 7 to 16
inches across south central Kentucky to 6 to 12 inches across north central Kentucky. Little additional snow was reported after 0600 EST. Laurel County still led the way with 16 inches in spots.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 45.)
Maine
NCDC Storm Data, Jan 8 Heavy Snow: “Southern and coastal sections of Maine received up to a foot of snowfall in the northern fringes of an intense winter storm that moved up the East Coast before turning out to sea south of New England….” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 50.)
Maryland
NCDC Storm Events Database: “An historic winter storm, known as the “Blizzard of ’96”, crippled all of Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay during the first full weekend of January. In general, snow totals were as follows: 20 inches in lower southern Maryland…20 to 26 inches in central Maryland…and 26 to 36 inches to over the northern tier…To complicate matters, winds gusting in excess of 35 mph produced drifts of 4 to 7 feet, except over 10 feet in the mountains. The storm produced the larges statewide storm totals since the “Megalopolitan Storm” of February 11th, 1983. Numerous 24-hour accumulation records were shattered at airports from southwest Virginia through New England; Baltimore/Washington International…nearly equaled its record of 22.8 inches in 24 hours (22.5 inches fell), set in 1983.
“The storm was induced by a digging upper level trough over the eastern Great Plains. At the surface, an inverted trough extended from the Gulf of Mexico through the Deep South. Surface pressures began falling as the upper trough approached on the afternoon of the 7th. Meanwhile, confluent flow, behind an upper-level arctic vortex over the Canadian Maritimes, maintained strong (1034 mb) surface high pressure over northern New York state. As the upper-level trough approached the southeast U.S. on the 8th, a new surface low developed along the Georgia coast. The low deepened explosively while the arctic high remained in place. Copious Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic moisture was entrained into the system, producing heavy snow; the increasing gradient between the intensifying low and the arctic high caused winds to strengthen to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
“The system moved slowly from South Carolina to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay overnight on the 7th. The slow movement prolonged near-blizzard conditions into the 8th. The storm finally moved towards New England later on the 8th, ending the snow but maintaining gusty north winds (and substantial blowing and drifting snow) until evening.
“The storm effectively closed all major highways on the 7th, but interstates were “open” by the 8th, even though snow removal equipment fought a losing battle with the considerable blowing and drifting snow. The Washington subway system suffered several above-ground mishaps in Maryland. Shortly after the onset of the storm, a train, with three persons aboard (including the driver), slid into another in central Montgomery Co…killing the driver. The following evening, 80 passengers were stranded when a train got stuck between stations. Many above-ground stations remained closed throughout the following work week.
“Two persons perished directly from hypothermia the day after the blizzard. Over 150 injuries were reported at area hospitals and clinics shortly after the blizzard, most due to over-exertion from shoveling snow, but some due to slipping on ice.
“The weight of the snow caused several area roofs to collapse. In Clinton…the roof of a nursing home dining room caved in at 0730 EST on the 8th, displacing up to 120 residents. Fortunately, disaster was averted because breakfast was served in the dormitories rather than in the dining room due to staff shortages. No injuries were reported. In Frederick Co…a barn collapsed, killing 100 cows and injuring about 100 more….” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, MD, Prince Georges County, Jan 7-8, 1996.)
Massachusetts
AP, Jan 8: “15 inches in Southern Massachusetts. Nearly 7 inches at Logan International Airport. 15-24 inches expected in Boston and central parts of state: up to 25 inches expected in parts of Southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island…Airport closed until noon… Schools closed…No statewide emergency: Boston and other cities have declared individual emergencies…Nonessential state workers told to stay home.” (Associated Press. “States affected by winter storm.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 1-8-1996, p. 2.)
NCDC Storm Data on Jan 7-8 Heavy Snow: “….Very heavy snowfall, which was measured in feet, was the main effect of this storm. It was the most region-wide heavy snowfall since the “Blizzard of ’78.” Totals ranged from 15 to 25 inches, with many totals of 20 to 25 inches in parts of Plymouth and Bristol Counties. Totals of 13 to 18 inches were reported from Cape Cod and the Islands. There was a brief change to rain on parts of the Cape. More than 20 inches were reported in parts of Hampden and Hampshire Counties of western Massachusetts with more than 30 inches in some places in the Berkshires. Snowfall from this storm totaled 18 inches at Boston and the total snow depth on the ground hit 30 inches, breaking the all-time record of 29 inches set at the end of the “Blizzard of ’78.”
“Strong to gale force northeast winds along the coast threatened to bring coastal flooding, but a wind shift to the north and parallel to the Massachusetts east coast resulted in a decreasing storm surge from around 2.7 feet to 1.9 feet at the Boston tide gauge by the time of the early afternoon high tide on January 8th. Only a few coastal roads were closed due to flooding. However, on the eastern shore of Nantucket Island, high waves and stronger than usual ocean currents eroded sand dunes and did an estimated $200,000 damage to cottages in an area that suffered damage from previous nor’easters. A building inspector on Nantucket stated that the Gulf Stream had been displaced farther to the north than usual and that greater sea surface temperature differences caused faster currents along the shore. The main impact of this storm, though, was the closure of schools, businesses, airports, and transportation systems for a long duration. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported damage claims of $32 million from approximately 350 communities, mostly for the costs of snow removal…” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 56.)
New Hampshire
NCDC Storm Data on Jan 7-8 Heavy Snow: “From 6 to 16 inches of snow fell over southern New Hampshire from the northern fringes of an intense winter storm that moved up the East Coast before turning out to sea south of New England. There were numerous traffic collisions, including a 25 car pile-up on Interstate 95 in Londonderry….
“….This storm dropped from 9 to 17 inches of snow on Cheshire and Hillsborough Counties. A few selected totals included: Peterborough, 16.3 inches; Nashua, 11.8 inches; Hillsborough, 9.0 inches; and Jaffrey, 16.5 inches. The total snow depth on the ground reached 38 inches at Jaffrey when the snow ended. This storm disrupted transportation systems, closed schools, and closed some businesses.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 74-75.)
New Jersey
AP, Jan 8: “26.4 inches at Newark International Airport. Up to 30 inches expected…closed indefinitely…State of emergency declared: Highway emergency declared by state police, banning all but emergency vehicles from state roads…State government closed today; Legislature’s final session postponed…” (Associated Press. “States affected by winter storm.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 1-8-1996, p. 2.)
NCDC Storm Data on Northeast NJ Jan 7-8 Heavy Snow: “….Extremely heavy snow accompanied this storm. Snowfall totals ranged from 20 to 30 inches. For some areas, this was a record snowfall. The heavy snow combined with strong winds to create blizzard conditions for several hours. All forms of transportation were crippled. All area airports were closed, some for a couple of days. Millions of dollars were spent for snow removal. Millions of dollars were lost for area businesses that had to close. Schools were closed throughout the region. Several people were injured during the next several days as numerous roofs collapsed due to the extremely heavy load of snow. A state of emergency was declared for this storm that was dubbed the BLIZZARD OF ’96.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 75.)
NCDC Storm Data on South and Northwest NJ, Jan 7-8: “The Blizzard of ’96, the second coined “STORM OF THE CENTURY” of this decade brought record breaking snow to most of New Jersey and paralyzed the region for several days, caused most municipalities to exceed their annual snow budgets during this one storm, caused several building collapses, its high winds caused 57,000 homes to lose power, caused directly or indirectly 28 deaths and countless injuries and produced moderate flooding with moderate to severe beach erosion from Manasquan south along the New Jersey Shore. Four women died of hypothermia, one each in Atlantic, Burlington, Mercer and Ocean Counties. Twenty-three persons suffered heart attacks and died while shoveling snow, using snowblowers or trying to walk in the deep snow. One traffic fatality occurred early in the storm as a car slid off the Atlantic City Expressway and hit a tree during the predawn hours of the 7th in Hammonton.
“The number of deaths and injuries was reduced by the storm starting before dawn on Sunday with blizzard conditions in full force during the afternoon. The storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico on the morning of the 6th, moved south of Alabama the evening of the 6th, reached Savannah Georgia the morning of the 7th, Cape Hatteras the evening of the 7th, moved just to the west of the Delaware Bay Buoy the morning of the 8th before reaching the Southern New England coastal waters the evening of the 8th. This was a classic a storm track for heavy snow. Precipitation was all snow in Northwest New Jersey, fell as mostly snow with some sleet in Central and Southwest New Jersey and started as snow, but changed to sleet and freezing rain before ending as snow in Southeast New Jersey. Snow began falling during the predawn hours on the 7th and became heavy at times during the morning. Blizzard conditions developed during the afternoon and evening as strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low. There was a lull in the precipitation after midnight on the 8th, before some wraparound snow returned during the daylight hours.
“A state of emergency was declared by Governor Whitman on the 7th and was not lifted until the 13th. The state was also declared a disaster area with storm related costs topping 50 million dollars. A driving ban was in effect from the 7th to the morning of the 9th. There was no postal delivery on the 8th. Some schools started opening on Wednesday the 10th. The National Guard helped with snow removal and four wheel drive vehicles were used to transport medical personnel and patients to and from hospitals. The New Jersey Turnpike was closed for its entire length the first time in its 48 year history. More than 1000 cars had to be towed from major New Jersey highways on Sunday. Persons were trapped at rest stops, especially in the northern half of the state. The high winds and powdery snow made it very difficult for road crews to keep roadways open. Drifts reached 12 feet.
“Snowfall accumulations averaged 18 to 28 inches with a few higher amounts across North Central New Jersey and lower amounts in Southeast New Jersey. Accumulations averaged 24 to 27 inches in Sussex County, 20 to 27 inches in Warren County, 23 to 28 inches in Morris County, 20 to 30 inches in Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Monmouth Counties, 19 to 32 inches in Middlesex County, 18 to 31 inches in Burlington County, 16 to 24 inches in Salem, Gloucester and Camden Counties, 24 inches inland and 10 to 14 inches at the coast in Ocean County and 10 to 18 inches in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties. Specific accumulations included 32 inches in Edison, 31 inches in Bordentown, 30 inches in Whitehouse Station, Raritan and Howell, 28 inches in Long Valley and Freehold, 27 inches at McGuire AFB, Charlotteburg, Hackettstown and Newton, 24 inches in Pennsauken, Chatham and Dover (Ocean County), 22 inches in Belle Mead, New Brunswick, Mount Holly and Somerdale, 15 inches in Beach Haven, Millville and Pomona and 12 inches in Pleasantville and Cape May City.
“In addition to the heavy snow, wind gusts reached hurricane force along the coast during the evening of the 7th. An 81 mph gust was recorded in Ocean Grove. Eight housing additions in Manasquan collapsed. Navigation Tower aides at Point Pleasant and Manasquan were toppled. Jersey Central Power and Light reported 14,500 homes lost power, 8,000 occurred in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Atlantic Electric reported 45,000 homes lost power between 10 p.m. on the 7th and 2 a.m. on the 8th, 20,000 within Cape May County. The power problems were exacerbated in Southeast New Jersey by the combination of freezing rain and sleet that was falling during the high winds. Public Service Electric and Gas reported about 3,000 homes lost
power, mainly in Somerset County.
“While accumulations were lighter along the shore, the strong northeast flow around the low produced moderate tidal flooding around the evening high tide on the 7th. Tides were three to four feet above normal. Luckily this did not coincide with spring tides and was the lower of the two high tides for the day. The tide reached 7.5 ft above mean low water in Atlantic City and 8.5 ft above mean low water in Cape May. The winds shifted to the northwest Monday morning just in time to prevent worse flooding.
“Evacuations of some coastal residents occurred in Belmar, Port Monmouth, Sea Bright and Manasquan in Monmouth County. Street flooding was reported in these areas and also in Avon. In Sea Bright, flooding from the Shrewsbury River exacerbated the flooding. New Jersey State Route 36 was closed from the Highlands/Sea Bright Bridge through Monmouth Beach. In Ocean
County, there was bayside flooding in Point Pleasant. Shelters were open in Stafford and Berkley Townships. In Atlantic County, the Black Horse Pike was closed because of tidal flooding. The 34th St. Causeway flooded in Margate. Red Cross Shelters were opened in Brigantine, Atlantic City, Somers Point and Ventnor. Evacuations included a nursing home in Atlantic City. Minor tidal flooding was reported elsewhere in Atlantic City and also in Longport, Margate and Ventnor. Large sand-filled “geotubes” were given credit for saving Atlantic City from further property damage. In Cape May County, about 60 persons were evacuated from North Wildwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and West Wildwood. Cars were stuck in the tidal flooding in North Wildwood. About 100 homes were damaged by bay flooding in West Wildwood. Some tidal flooding was also reported in Avalon on Ocean and Dune Drives. Other roads closed due to flooding were the 9th Street Bridge and West Avenue in Ocean City and the George Redding Bridge in Wildwood.
“By far the worst damage done along the coast was the erosion. Its estimated about $26 million worth of sand was scoured away by the blizzard leaving some locations vulnerable to future storms with the worst damage from Manasquan southward. In Manasquan the storm scoured vertically about four feet of beach for a 500 foot stretch. In Ocean County severe erosion was reported by almost every township along the shore. In Brant Beach, a breach occurred at 51st Street as the dunes washed away. Six homes built atop of pilings were hanging over the ocean. In Harvey Cedars, about 500,000 cubic yards (Estimated cost $4 million) of sand was lost leaving two to five foot cliffs. Many of its snow fences were torn away. The beaches were in very serious condition in Mantaloking (100,000 cubic yards of sand lost.) and Lavalette (About $2 million of sand lost.). In Atlantic County, the beaches in front of Atlantic City’s Claridge Hotel and Casino and Convention Hall were virtually gone. Ventnor lost about six to eight feet of beach. In Brigantine, damage was done to the north end sea wall. In Cape May County, severe erosion was reported in Sea Isle City (Eight blocks of dune lost on the north side of town with up to 10 feet of beach lost.), Stratmere (Heavy erosion south side of town.), Stone Harbor, Townsends Inlet (Fifteen foot gaps made between the dunes.) and Cape May Point State Park (Lost up to 15 feet of sand.). The pounding surf also washed-up a large number of clams in Upper Township, Sea Isle City and North Wildwood. About 2.5 million clams washed ashore.
“The weight of the snow also led to several building or roof collapses throughout the state….” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, pp. 77-78.)
The Trentonian: “Today’s young people will be telling their grandchildren about the Blizzard of 1996 the same way today’s old timers remember grandparents talking to them about the Blizzard of 1888….Two feet of snow was blasted into Greater Trenton by 50 mph winds that created giant drifts, paralyzing the region and the rest of the Northeast for a week, One writer called it the most “sadistic” storm of our century.
“The Blizzard of ’96 stranded hundreds of people at Trenton’s train station; left thousands without electricity and heat for days; closed most schools and government offices for a week; cut off an estimated $1 billion in Jersey commerce; forced the National Guard into service rescuing state troopers from snowbound police cruisers; and created strife between officials and residents demanding the plowing of their little streets….
“The region had been ready for the storm, but it didn’t matter. The blizzard continued overnight and through Monday, 37 hours in all, which kept most plowing equipment off even major highways until the next day. Snow fell at a rate of 2 inches an hour, and anyone who scraped off the car before Monday night ended up having to do it again.
“Before Sunday was over, the storm was being blamed for eight deaths across the Northeast.
Cops, firemen an hospital workers were the only people told to report to work. For the next few days, many of the policemen and firemen were on duty shuttling the hospital workers between work and home.
“Through the day Monday, the storm actually stalled over Greater Trenton, giving some places in the region the highest snowfall recordings in local history. More than 24 inches was recorded in Bordentown, 27 fell at McGuire Air Force Base and Titusville got 21. Trenton’s 16 was plenty enough, as officials would learn in the following days.
“By the end, 37 hours later on Tuesday, almost 100 deaths between Kentucky and Connecticut had been blamed on the snow, ice and bitter winds. In New Jersey, three people suffered heart attacks while shoveling snow and a fourth died in an auto accident….” (The Trentonian (Black/ Mickle), Trenton, NJ. “Blizzard of ’96. A Commemorative Edition.” Web version not dated.)
New York
NYC OEM: “Overall, the blizzard took a serious toll on both people and property. A church roof in Harlem collapsed, injuring several people in New York City,” (History.com) where this was the 2nd biggest snowstorm in the history of NYC. (NYC OEM, NYC Hazards: NYC Winter Storm History)
NYT/McFadden, Jan 9: “The historic Blizzard of ’96 broke off its ghostly assault on the citadels and hamlets of the Northeast yesterday, leaving behind a New York metropolitan region and 10 states, home to more than 63 million people, buried and paralyzed under 18 inches to three or more feet of snow. It was not the worst snowstorm on record in New York City, where a 1947 blow left 26.4 inches in Central Park, though it ranked third, with 20.2 inches in the park. It dropped 27.5 inches on Staten Island, the hardest-hit borough…. It looks like this storm, if everything comes through, could very well be one of the top three storms on record,” said Frank Nocera, a National Weather Service forecaster. As the storm churned to oblivion in the North Atlantic, final accumulations totaled 24 inches at La Guardia Airport, 25 in the Bronx, 23.7 in Brooklyn and 30.5 in Bay Shore, L.I.
“In New Jersey, Newark had 27.6 inches, Cherry Hill 33, Elizabeth 28.5, and Jersey City 29.4. In Connecticut, Darien had 25.5 inches, Danbury 21 and New Haven 16. Philadelphia had 30.7, Baltimore 23, Shenandoah, Va., 37 and Pocahontas County, W.Va., had 40 to 48 inches.
“Dozens of deaths were attributed to the storm….
“At Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, 18 people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after they sat in their cars with the engines running to keep warm, apparently with the tailpipes stuck in the snow. As of midnight, one man was in a coma….
“In many areas, the storm met the criteria for a blizzard: sustained winds of at least 35 miles an hour and visibility of less than a quarter of a mile. The National Weather Service said that made the storm a blizzard. But blizzard conditions did not prevail in all snowbound cities. The closest New York came to meeting the wind criterion was at La Guardia Airport, where winds of more than 35 miles an hour were sustained for only two hours….” (NYT/ McFadden. “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years; East is Buried…” 1-9-1996.)
North Carolina
AP, Jan 8: “About 24-28 inches of snow in northern and western areas…Most flights canceled at Raleigh-Durham airport…Thousands without power in western counties…At least three people killed…AAA Carolinas handled more than 1,800 calls statewide – more than three times the normal – during an eight-hour period Sunday. About 900 were from motorists whose vehicles had slid off the road.” (Associated Press. “States affected by winter storm.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 1-8-1996, p. 2.)
NCDC Storm Data on Northwest and North Central NC: “In northwest and north-central North Carolina, up to 2 feet of snow on the 6th and 7th closed schools and businesses for several
days, stranded motorists, halted mail deliveries, trash pickups, and church services, closed secondary roads in the mountains, and resulted in one injury and two fatalities.
“Light snow developed across the mountains during the late evening hours on the 5th and early morning hours on the 6th. Snowfall amounts were mainly from 1 to 3 inches through the late morning hours on the 6th. The snow became heavy in Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany Counties during the late morning hours on the 6th and spread eastward. In Stokes, Yadkin, Rockingham, and Caswell Counties, the precipitation was mixed with sleet at times. Snow depths during the early evening hours on the 7th were generally from 18 to 24 inches in the mountains and mostly from 8 to 14 inches east of the mountains. In the mountains, the snow combined with winds of 15 to 30 mph with higher gusts on the 7th and 8th resulted in snow drifts up to 10 feet high….”
(NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 102.)
NCDC Storm Data on Southwest NC: “Snow began early in the morning [Jan 6] and by mid day had reached heavy criteria over part of the mountains with accumulations exceeding 6 inches in some areas. Remaining mountain locations picked up heavy snow accumulations a bit later in the afternoon. At the start of the storm the snow was very wet and accumulations caused power outages in some places. The heavy snow continued through the night and into the next day. Accumulations in the mountains ranged from 4 to 12 inches over the central and southern mountains with 18 to 30 inches in the northern mountains. Brutally cold conditions followed the snow with very windy conditions reported. Blizzard conditions may have been reached in some areas. Extreme cold followed the storm in much of the mountains with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 102.)
Ohio
NCDC, Storm Events Database: “The Blizzard of ’96 developed near the Gulf Coast and moved up the East Coast. This massive system produced the greatest total and 24 hour snowfall at Greater Cincinnati\Northern Kentucky airport. This one storm brought 14.3 inches of snowfall to the airport which normally receives 23 inches for an entire season. The heaviest snow fell near the Ohio river in the extreme south.
“The worst blizzard conditions occurred over West Central areas as dry and powdery snow was blown around by high winds causing whiteouts. Some areas had more than 30 continuous hours of snowfall, and many people in Southern Ohio felt this was the worst winter storm since the Blizzard of ’78. In Fayette county, the airport reported a wind gust to 56 mph during the height of the storm. By the end of the storm many homes and businesses had their roof collapse or partially collapse from the weight of the new snow, and snow from a storm earlier in the week. By late in the day on the 7th arctic air was pouring into the region. A 47 year old man died of exposure under an overpass in Miami county. A 76 year old man died of exposure on his front porch in Montgomery county.” (National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Winter Storm, Ohio, Miami County, Jan 6-8, 1996.)
Pennsylvania
NCDC SED: “The Blizzard of ’96, the second coined “STORM OF THE CENTURY” of this decade brought record breaking snow to most of Southeast Pennsylvania and paralyzed the region for several days, caused most municipalities to exceed their annual snow budgets during this one storm, caused several building collapses and caused directly or directly [indirectly?] 42 deaths and countless injuries. Six persons died of hypothermia, 4 in Philadelphia, 1 in Delaware County and 1 in Lehigh County. Some were homeless persons, but one woman in Allentown accidentally locked herself out of her home. Twenty-nine persons suffered heart attacks and died while shoveling snow, using snow-blowers or trying to walk in the deep snow. A Delaware County man died of carbon monoxide poisoning after his vehicle’s tail pipe was not cleared of snow. Two persons in Philadelphia also died of carbon monoxide poisoning within their home. A snow-blocked fire hydrant contributed to the death of one person in a Bucks County fire. A Montgomery County man crashed and died in Upper Dublin Township on Pennsylvania State Route 309 when his vehicle struck an overpass. Another Montgomery County man died while he was riding on an inner tube and slid underneath a parked vehicle. The weight of the snow caused the collapse of a greenhouse in Exeter Township and killed one man.
“The number of deaths and injuries was reduced by the storm starting before dawn on Sunday with blizzard conditions in full force by the early afternoon. The storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico on the morning of the 6th, moved south of Alabama the evening of the 6th, reached Savannah Georgia the morning of the 7th, Cape Hatteras the evening of the 7th, moved just to the west of the Delaware Bay Buoy the morning of the 8th before reaching the Southern New England Coastal Waters the evening of the 8th. This was a classic a storm track for heavy snow. Precipitation was all snow in Pennsylvania. Snow began falling during the predawn hours on the 7th and became heavy at times during the morning. Blizzard conditions developed during the afternoon and evening as strong northeast winds developed around the intensifying low. There was a lull in the precipitation after midnight on the 8th, before some wraparound snow returned during the daylight hours.
“This was a very difficult snow to measure due to the strong winds and powdery nature of the snow. All-time single storm records were set at both the Lehigh Valley International Airport (25.6 inches) and Philadelphia International Airport (30.7 inches). It should be noted the 30.7 inches represents a SNOWFALL ESTIMATE. Due to the considerable blowing and drifting of the snow, the observers at the airport were forced to use a water equivalent/snowfall estimate table. The actual ACCUMULATION was probably less. Snowfall accumulations averaged 20 to 22 inches in Monroe and Carbon Counties, around 2 feet in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, 24 to 33 inches in Berks County, 20 to 26 inches in Chester and Delaware Counties, 20 to 30 inches in Montgomery and Bucks Counties and 27 inches in Philadelphia. Other individual accumulations included 33 inches in Ontelaunee Township (Berks), 30 inches in Reading (Berks) and Palm and Souderton (Montgomery), 28 inches in Perkasie (Bucks), 27 inches in Philadelphia (Franklin Institute) and 26 inches in Glenmoore (Chester).
“A state of emergency was declared on Sunday the 7th and wasn’t lifted until 6 a.m. on Tuesday the 9th. The National Guard assisted the state with snow removals and rescues. Four wheel drive vehicles were used to transport emergency personnel and patients. Humvees were used to clear the larger drifts that reached as high as 15 feet in Chester County. There was no postal deliveries on the 8th. Some schools were closed the whole week. All major airports were closed. Philadelphia International had one runway open as of 6 pm on the 8th. The Reading Regional Airport was reopened on Tuesday the 9th. The snow was so deep on Philadelphia’s side streets that plows were unable to go down them. This problem also affected firefighters. The blocked side streets helped contribute to a fire which cost two Philadelphia families their home. Homeless shelters in Philadelphia set a new record.
“The unprecedented snow also caused numerous building collapses throughout the area, especially in Berks County. Some of the worse ones included the Atlas Roofing Company in Richland Township (Bucks County), the East Penn Manufacturing Company near Lyons (Berks County) and the Penn Crest Gardens Apartments in South Whitehall Township (Lehigh County). Thirty-five residents were evacuated from one building after the roof buckled.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996.)
Rhode Island
NCDC Storm Data: “….Very heavy snowfall of one to two feet fell across the entire state with the lesser amounts over Newport County in the south, while the National Weather Service at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick measured 24 inches. Just two days later, after some additional light snow, a new all-time snowfall record for Providence was set, not only for the month of January, but for any month, with a total of 33.2 inches. As of January 10th, this exceeded the previous record of 31.9 inches set in January, 1948. In Kent County, Coventry recorded 27 inches of snow, which appeared to be the maximum amount in the state. The heavy snowfall disrupted transportation systems, closed schools, stores, and businesses. Also, the heavy snow accumulation resulted in several roof collapses which damaged homes and businesses during the week following the storm.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 131.)
South Carolina
NWS Service Assessment: “NWSFO Columbia, South Carolina, CWA — Heavy snow fell in the mountains and portions of the foothills. Six to twelve inches fell in the mountains and 2 to 6 inches in the foothills. This area also had 1/2 to 1 inch of freezing rain and up to an inch of sleet. The Piedmont had 1 to 3 inches of snow, up to an inch of sleet, and 1/2 to 1 inch of freezing rain.
The midlands of South Carolina had an inch or less of snow and around 1/4 inch of freezing rain. Highways were treacherous across the northwest half of South Carolina. There were several injuries due to weather-related accidents but no known deaths….” (NWS, NOAA. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 1.)
Tennessee
NCDC Storm Data: “A strong low pressure system from the Gulf Coast region brought up to one foot of snow to parts of East Tennessee and between one to three feet of snow to southwest Virginia. Numerous trees and power lines fell. Many roads became impassable shutting down schools and businesses across the area. Numerous auto accidents occurred with three deaths reported from and accident near Maynardville. There were also isolated incidents of collapsed roofs.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 136.)
Virginia
NCDC Storm Events Database: “An historic winter storm, known as the “Blizzard of ’96”, crippled all of northern Virginia during the first full weekend of January. In general, snow totals ranged from 20 inches on the coastal plain…to over 3 feet at the higher elevations of the central and northern Shenandoah Valley. To complicate matters, winds gusting in excess of 35 mph produced drifts of 4 to 7 feet, except over 10 feet in the mountains. The storm produced the largest statewide storm totals since the “Megalopolitan Storm” of February 11th, 1983. Numerous 24-hour accumulation records were shattered at airports from southwest Virginia through New England; Washington/Dulles airport…accumulated 24.6 inches., 19.8 of which fell on the 8th. The 19.8 inches broke the all-time 24-hour accumulation record by 4.4 inches….
“The storm effectively closed all major highways on the 7th, as snow removal equipment fought a losing battle with the considerable blowing and drifting snow. By the 8th, major interstate highways were open statewide; however, 75-100% of state and local highways remained impassible. Highway clean-up and repair costs were remarkable across northern Virginia. An estimated $50 million was spent on snow removal alone. Repairs to pavement, guardrails, and side banks were estimated between $5 and $7 million.
“Prior to the onset of precipitation, the governor declared a state of emergency for the entire Commonwealth. This allowed for quick deployment of Virginia National Guardsmen, primarily from the Piedmont through the western highlands. HMMWV’s (Humvees) were dispatched to the region, and proved very effective in moving the medically impaired to area hospitals. Despite the Guard’s help, important services were significantly reduced; food, fuel, and medical supplies began to dry up. All federal, state, and local governments, as well as all area school districts, were closed Monday (the 8th) and Tuesday (the 9th); most school districts remained closed for the entire week.
“One person perished from exposure…the day after the storm ended (January 9th); ten others perished as a result of heart failure while shoveling snow. Dozens of hikers and outdoorsmen were stranded in the Shenandoah Valley during the height of the blizzard. Virtually all made it to prefabricated shelters in the park, where food and blankets were airlifted for several days until nearby roads could be cleared. Statewide, 800 persons required shelter during the storm, the majority of whom were stranded travelers.
“The combination of powdery snow and moderate winds did not allow significant accumulations on trees or power lines; thus outages were minimal. The only substantial damage was noted near Stanardsville [Greene County]…where 51 power poles were damaged or destroyed during the storm.
“The weight of the snow on roofs, especially where drifts formed, caused scattered collapses across the area. Many of the reported collapses were to structures unable to support the snow pack. Such structures included greenhouses, poultry houses, porches and awnings, and a few mobile homes. A man was injured when a greenhouse collapsed on him in Stephens City… Most of the damage was reported in the Shenandoah Valley. Noteworthy damage was reported to a church gymnasium in West Springfield, causing thousands of dollars in damage. In Dale City…the Potomac Mills shopping mall remained closed for several days after the blizzard due to a large area of sagging roof which required extensive repair. In Clarke Co…, one barn collapsed. In Burke…, a fire began in a high school theater when a roof collapsed onto a natural gas line. The blaze caused $8000 in damage.” (National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Virginia, Fairfax County, Jan 7-8, 1996.)
Peninsula Multihazard Mitigation Planning Committee: “Much of the eastern seaboard received 1 to 3 feet of snow. Wind gusts of over 50 mph were common and resulted in blizzard conditions for much of the east coast, including Virginia. Many areas of Virginia received over 20 inches of snow. Numerous accidents and flood related damages were reported in the area, along with 13 deaths in Virginia. Virginia, along with Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and New York were declared Presidential Disaster Areas. All totaled the blizzard and resulting flooding killed and estimated 187 people and caused approximately $3 billion in damages along the eastern seaboard.” (Peninsula Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (VA). Peninsula Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, Jan 2006, p. 36.)
VA DEM: “The “Blizzard of ’96” or the “Great Furlough Storm” began late on Saturday, January 6. Just one day earlier, an impasse between a republican congress and a democratic president over the 1996 Federal Budget had finally come to an end. Many federal employees had been on furlough with government offices shut down for almost a month. Employees would finally return to work on Monday, January 8.
“However, Mother Nature did not cooperate. By Monday morning, much of Virginia and the Washington area were buried under 2 feet of snow. As much as 30 to 36 inches of snow fell over the western mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Roanoke set a new 24-hour snow record with 22.2 inches and Lynchburg set a new record with 20 inches. High winds on the 8th swept the snow into 10-foot drifts in the mountains. Around Richmond and throughout central Virginia 1 to 2 feet of snow fell with 11 to 14 inches in the immediate metro area. Even the Tidewater area saw 5 to 8 inches of snow.
“The entire I-95 corridor from near the North Carolina border into New England was paralyzed. Many rural and some residential areas did not see a snow plow for 5 days. The Federal Government remained shut down for another 4 days. Many local governments and businesses were also closed. Schools announced their closure for the entire week and some were closed longer. A second storm struck on Friday, January 12 dumping another 2 to 6 inches. A maximum of 10 inches of snow fell over Highland and western Loudoun Counties. By the week’s end, most of Virginia, west of Richmond, had seen 2 to 4 feet of snow! Most areas to the east had received at least a foot.” (Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Winter Weather (webpage). “20th Century Winters: 1950-2000). 2-1-2010 update.)
[Regrettably no mention is made of any fatalities, injuries or human impact.]
West Virginia
NWS Service Assessment: “NWSFO Charleston, West Virginia, CWA — In Charleston, this storm produced the second highest snowfall from a single storm and the second greatest snow depth. Snowfalls ranged from 10 to 16 inches in southeast Ohio and eastern Kentucky. Across the Ohio River, counties in West Virginia accumulated up to 18 inches of snow. Across the rest of the West Virginia lowlands, 15 to 24 inches occurred. In the coal fields, 18 to 28 inches were measured. The southern mountains and Greenbrier Valley reported 20 to 30 inches, with the northern and central mountains reporting 24 to 48 inches.”
“Two deaths were recorded in West Virginia. One fatality occurred when a tree fell on a car, and the second was a snow shoveling/heart attack victim in the Charleston area. The Governor of West Virginia declared a State of Emergency in all counties. Power outages, affecting over 20,000 customers, were reported in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Washington, and Wise Counties in extreme southwest Virginia. In Scott County, 15,000 customers were without telephone service.” (NWS, NOAA. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 5.)
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Associated Press. “State-By-State Storm Effects.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-10-1996, p. 5. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=150582447&sterm
Associated Press. “States affected by winter storm.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 1-8-1996, p. 2. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=284617555&sterm
Associated Press. “Storm’s death toll at 96.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-10-1996. p. 1. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=151341715
Associated Press (Bruce Schreiner). “The weather outside is frightful.” Corbin Times Tribune, KY, 1-8-2016, p. 2. Accessed 2-17-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=223969168&sterm
Associated Press, Pittsburgh. “Two Buses Collide on Snowy Road, Killing One and Injuring 54 Others.” Titusville Herald, PA, 1-13-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=105999008
Associated Press. “Winter storm spares area.” Sun Journal, New Bern, NC, 1-8-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-17-2016: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=184753804&sterm
Climate Prediction Center. Special Climate Summary – 96/1. CPC, National Weather Service, NOAA. March 1996. Accessed 2-18-2016: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/special_summaries/96_1/
Cutter, Susan L. (Ed.). American Hazardscapes: The Regionalization of Hazards and Disasters. Washington, DC: Joseph Henry Press, 2001.
Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Blizzard blamed for 13 deaths in Pennsylvania.” 1-9-1996, p. 9. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=243379464&sterm
DisasterProject9. “The Blizzard of 1996.” Wikispaces.com. 2016 ©. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://disasterproject9.wikispaces.com/The+Blizzard+of+1996
Doylestown Intelligencer-Record, PA. “Storm blasts region (cont. from A1). 1-8-1996, p. A5. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=31111637&sterm
Gettysburg Times, PA (Matthew Major). “County digs out following ‘Blizzard of the century’.” 1-9-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-21-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=9484410&sterm
Gettysburg Times, PA. “County officials begin tally of blizzard damage.” 1-19-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=9485023&sterm
History.com. This Day in History, Disaster, January 6, 1966. “Blizzard of 1996 Begins.” Accessed 12-06-2008 at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=tdihArticleCategory&displayDate=01/06&categoryId=disaster
Kokomo Tribune, IN. “Injuries result in teen’s death.” 1-8-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=113688004&sterm=winter+storm+dead
Leberfinger, Mark. “Blizzard of 1996: Over 150 killed in devastating eastern US storm.” AccuWeather.com, 1-8-2016. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://www.accuweather.com/en/features/trend/january-1996-northeast-blizzard-deadly/39702105
Lott, Neal, Tom Ross and Matthew Sittel. The Winter of ’95-’96…A Season of Extremes (Technical Report 96-02). National Climatic Data Center, NOAA, April 1996, 32 pages. Accessed 2-16-2016 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/techrpts/tr9602/tr9602.pdf
National Climatic Data Center. Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA, Dept. of Commerce, 3-6-2007. At: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-3D9683D7-D793-46B6-8AEF-6A9DA268C4EF.pdf
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard. All U.S. States and Areas Search Results for Jan 6-9, 1996. Accessed 2-16-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Blizzard&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=06&beginDate_yyyy=1996&endDate_mm=01&endDate_dd=09&endDate_yyyy=1996&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Maryland, Baltimore (southern), Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5541136
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Maryland, Prince Georges County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5541127
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, New Jersey, Burlington (Northwestern), Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-16, 2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546180
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, New Jersey, Mercer County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-16, 2016: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546183
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, New Jersey, Western Ocean County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546181
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Pennsylvania, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-16-2017 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546162
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-16-2017 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546164
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-16-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546161
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, Virginia, Fairfax County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5540874
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Cold/Wind Chill. All U.S. States and Areas Search Results, Jan 6-9, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Cold%2FWind+Chill&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=06&beginDate_yyyy=1996&endDate_mm=01&endDate_dd=09&endDate_yyyy=1996&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Cold/Wind Chill. Georgia, Hart County, Jan 7, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5537464
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Heavy Snow, North Carolina, Stokes County, Jan 6-7, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5541968
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Heavy Snow, North Carolina, Surry County, Jan 6-7, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5541966
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Heavy Snow, Virginia, Carroll County, Jan 6-7, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5542222
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Pennsylvania. All Available Event Types. Jan 6-9, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=ALL&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=06&beginDate_yyyy=1996&endDate_mm=01&endDate_dd=09&endDate_yyyy=1996&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=42%2CPENNSYLVANIA
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Winter Storm. All U.S. States and Areas Search Results, Jan 6-9, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Winter+Storm&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=06&beginDate_yyyy=1996&endDate_mm=01&endDate_dd=09&endDate_yyyy=1996&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Winter Storm, New Jersey, Western Atlantic County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5546173
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Winter Storm, Ohio, Miami County, Jan 6-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5569356
National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Winter Storm, Ohio, Montgomery County, Jan 6-8, 1996. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5569363
National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). All About Snow. 2016. Accessed 9-9-2016 at: https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/snow/removal.html
National Weather Service, NOAA. Service Assessment. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Silver Spring, MD: NWS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, December 1996, 53 pages. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/bz-mrg.pdf
New York Times (Robert D. McFadden). “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years; East is Buried, Virginia to Massachusetts.” 1-9-1996. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/09/nyregion/blizzard-1996-overview-new-york-shut-worst-storm-48-years-east-buried-virginia.html?pagewanted=all
New York Times (Randy Kennedy). “The Blizzard of 1996: Victims; 19 Deaths in the Region are Attributed to the Blizzard.” 1-10-1996. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/10/nyregion/blizzard-1996-victims-19-deaths-region-are-attributed-blizzard.html
Sandusky Register, OH. “Weather…Nation.” 1-8-1996, p. A5. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=229353304&sterm=storm+alabama+dead
Schwartz, Robert M. and Thomas W. Schmidlin. “Climatology of Blizzards in the Conterminous United States, 1959–2000.” Journal of Climate, Vol. 15, Issue 13, July 2002, pp. 1765-1772. Accessed at: http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0442(2002)015%3C1765%3ACOBITC%3E2.0.CO%3B2
The Capital (P. J. Shuey), Annapolis, MD. “Storm claims at least 4 lives.” 1-9-1996, p. 1. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=25871996&sterm
The Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Blizzard paralyzes East Coast.” 1-8-1996, pp. 1 & 11. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=294226188&sterm=storm
The Trentonian (Lauren M. Black and Paul Mickle), Trenton, NJ. “Blizzard of ’96. A Commemorative Edition.” Web version does not provide date. Accessed 2-18-2016 at: http://www.capitalcentury.com/1996.html
Time Warner Cable News (Lee Ringer), Central NC. “20 Years Ago: The Blizzard of 1996.” 1-6-2016. Accessed 2-19-2016 at: http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/weather/2016/01/6/20-years-ago—the-blizzard-of-1996.html
Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Winter Weather (webpage). “20th Century Winters: 1950-2000). 2-1-2010 update. Accessed 2-21-2016: http://www.vaemergency.gov/news/history/winter
Wikipedia. “North American Blizzard of 1996.” Accessed 12-9-2008 and 2-16-2016 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_blizzard_of_1996
Xenia Daily Gazette, OH. “Ohio digging out” (continued from page 1). 1-8-1996, p. 2. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=284617555&sterm=winter
Xenia Daily Gazette, OH. “State. Snowmobile Fatality.” 1-8-1996, p. 2. Accessed 2-17-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=284617555&sterm=winter+storm
York County, VA, Peninsula Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Peninsula Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan: Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Richmond, VA: January 2006, 313 pp. Accessed 12-7-2008 at: http://www.yorkcounty.gov/fls/MitPlan/Peninsula_Natural_Hazards_Mitiation_Plan.pdf
Additional Reading
White, K. I. “Del.’s snowstorm history offers a blizzard of memories.” Delaware State News, 1-22-2016. Accessed 2-20-2016 at: http://delawarestatenews.net/news/del-s-snowstorm-history-offers-a-blizzard-of-memories/
[1] We take a very conservative approach to establishing a low-range with a regurgitation of the figure of 154 fatalities first established by Lott, et al. of the NCDC/NOAA in April, 1996. Our high range figure derives almost entirely of using Federal and State governmental sources broken down by State. The exceptions are (1) DC where the press notes one fatality, (2) NY, where Lott, et al. notes seven deaths, but our compilation of deaths identified by locality from the press adds to eleven, (3) NC, where the NWS notes six, but out tally-by locality, based on Lott, et al., the NWS, and the press, tallies to nine, and (4) OH, where Lott, et al., and the NWS show 3, whereas we show four, based on press reporting, with the possibility of one more if the Fairport Harbor snowmobiler death were to be storm-related. These four press-based exceptions add to ten fatalities. Our opinion is that the higher number of deaths we show reflects later-than-April 1996 data collection and reporting.
[2] Assume, that like other sources noting 187 fatalities, that this figure includes the mid-January flooding fatalities, which we treat separately. Thus, we highlight in yellow to denote we are not using the 187 fatality figure.
[3] Includes flooding-related deaths, from the rain and snow-melt in the week following the blizzard/snowstorm.
[4] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, “Alabama North Central…06-07, Winter Storm,” Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 7.
[5] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years…” 1-9-1996.
[6] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years…” 1-9-1996.
[7] Notes the storm “caused directly or indirectly 10 deaths and numerous injuries…All the deaths were caused by persons shoveling, using snow blowers or trying to walk through the snow.”
[8] Datelined Dover, DE, writes: “Officials were gearing up for flooding as the cleanup continued yesterday in the aftermath of the Blizzard of ’96 that left seven people dead….All died of heart attacks related to the weather.”
[9] Simply notes that one death was “blamed on the storm” in Washington [DC].
[10] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Cold/Wind Chill. Georgia, Hart County, Jan 7, 1996. Notes that victim was a passenger in a car that for unclear reasons ended up in the water, drowning the driver. The victim managed to get to land and apparently tried to walk to a Ranger station. The water temperature was reported to be about 48° F, and “the weather was windy and quite cold with freezing or near freezing temperatures.” Also: Storm Data 38/1, 31.
[11] Kokomo Tribune, IN. “Injuries result in teen’s death.” 1-8-1996, p. 1. Victim identified as Aaron Morrow.
[12] Writes that “The wintry road conditions may have caused at least five weekend traffic fatalities…In another weather-related death, Logan Country Road Supervisor Larry Mayes, 55, died Sunday while grading roads with a county tractor, authorities said. There was no indication of a traffic accident, and an autopsy will be performed…” Thus there were at least five traffic accidents as well as the unclear-cause death of a man clearing roads.
[13] Associated Press. “The weather outside is frightful.” Corbin Times Tribune, KY, 1-8-2016, p. 2.
[14] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 48. Police car was at scene of a previous accident. Notes the victim was Japanese.
[15] The Capital (P. J. Shuey), Annapolis, MD. “Storm claims at least 4 lives.” 1-9-1996, p. 1. (Stephen Widnick)
[16] The Capital (P. J. Shuey), Annapolis, MD. “Storm claims at least 4 lives.” 1-9-1996, p. 1.
[17] The Capital (P. J. Shuey), Annapolis, MD. “Storm claims at least 4 lives.” 1-9-1996, p. 1.
[18] The Capital (P. J. Shuey), Annapolis, MD. “Storm claims at least 4 lives.” 1-9-1996, p. 1. (Michael Pruce)
[19] A newspaper report identified the homeless man as John Lee Jr. (AP, Baltimore. “Homeless man dead in doorway.” Frederic Post, MD, 1-12-1996, p. A8.)
[20] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 54.
[21] “The Blizzard of ’96…brought record breaking snow to most of New Jersey and…caused directly or indirectly 28 deaths and countless injuries…Four women died of hypothermia…Twenty-three persons suffered heart attacks and died while shoveling snow, using snowblowers or trying to walk in the deep snow. One traffic fatality occurred early in the storm as a car slid off the Atlantic City Expressway and hit a tree during the predawn hours of the 7th in Hammonton.”
[22] The Trentonian (Lauren M. Black and Paul Mickle), Trenton, NJ. “Blizzard of ’96. A Commemorative Edition.”
[23] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 77.
[24] NCDC Storm Events Database just notes the death of a female outdoors. NCDC Storm Data notes hypothermia.
[25] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years…” 1-9-1996.
[26] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996: The Overview; New York Shut by Worst Storm in 48 Years…” 1-9-1996.
[27] NCDC Storm Events Database. New Jersey, Ocean Co.; and NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 77.
[28] NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 77. Notes there were 23 such deaths but we know one was in Bergen County and another in Middlesex County.
[29] Victim identified as New York City firefighter, Lt. James Burke.
[30] NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 2, Table 1, and p. 6. Highlighted in yellow in that we are using the NYT report of four Long Island storm and snow-related deaths.
[31] Noted in article that his station wagon was buried “beneath a mountain of snow.” Victim was found “half-frozen and slumped in the driver’s seat of his snow-covered car.” Taken to a hospital where he died. Writes “Detectives believe Paul Lherrison…might have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after he tried to start his car…”
[32] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996. Victims; 19 Deaths in the Region are attributed to the Blizzard” 1-10-1996.
[33] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996. Victims; 19 Deaths in the Region are attributed to the Blizzard” 1-10-1996.
[34] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996. Victims; 19 Deaths in the Region…” 1-10-1996. Victim identified as Mark Reyes.
[35] NYT. “The Blizzard of 1996. Victims; 19 Deaths in…Region…” 1-10-1996. Victim identified as John Schmults.
[36] If one adds the two noted snow removal related heart attacks and the building collapse from snow weight to the six noted traffic and sledding deaths [we have not located sledding death] then the total is nine. From Storm Data (39/1, p. 104) in the Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union counties section: “All across western and central North Carolina, numerous traffic accidents and sledding accidents were reported. There were numerous indirect injuries and a few fatalities associated with the storm. Most injuries and deaths were traffic related.”
[37] “The National Weather Service in Raleigh reported six deaths in their coverage area from traffic and sledding accidents. Two other traffic-related accidents were reported in western North Carolina.”
[38] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, V39, N1, Jan 1996, p. 104.
[39] Associated Press. “Winter storm spares area.” Sun Journal, New Bern, NC, 1-8-1996, p. 1. In Southwest NC.
[40] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, V. 38, N. 1, Jan 1996, p. 102. Noted by NCDC Storm Events Database, though only noting an outdoor death, not the cause, but proving the age, which Storm Data does not.
[41] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, V. 38, N. 1, Jan 1996, p. 102. Noted by NCDC Storm Events Database, though only noting an outdoor death, not the cause, but proving the age, which Storm Data does not.
[42] Also: National Weather Service. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. 1996, Ch. 1, p. 3.
[43] Xenia Daily Gazette, OH. “State. Snowmobile Fatality.” 1-8-1996, p. 2. Highlighted in yellow to indicate we are not sure this truly a storm-related fatality.
[44] Apparently in reference to this death, the NWS Service Assessment (p. 5) writes that “One person died from hypothermia after falling asleep in his car.”
[45] Xenia Daily Gazette, OH. “Ohio digging out” (continued from page 1). 1-8-1996, p. 2. Writes: “The worst storm-related accident was in Montgomery County, where a van with eight people aboard slid across a snow-covered road and hit a snow plow. Killed were Michelle Turull, 13, and Mitchel Turull, 4, of Germantown, according to State Highway Patrol Dispatcher…” The NWS Service Assessment (p. 5) notes that this accident was in the Dayton area.
[46] Written is: “Following are some state by state impacts of the January 6-8 snowstorm. Death tolls include direct and indirect causes, and some states, such as Pennsylvania, keep very detailed records of these statistics…. Pennsylvania – 80 deaths…” After reporting 80 PA deaths related to the snow storm, the authors note an additional 19 PA deaths due to the flooding that followed in mid-January, for a total of 99 PA deaths (p. 4.)
[47] This could well be a repetition of the notation of 80 fatalities found in Lott, Ross and Sittel of the NCDC.
[48] “Damage estimates, compiled by the state, for the blizzard and floods this month: 15 flood-related deaths, one person missing. 66 snow-related deaths.”
[49] Number of 42 deaths must refer to “direct” and “indirect,” given NCDC figure of seven direct deaths in PA from all weather events in “Search Results for All Counties in Pennsylvania.” All Available Event Types, Jan 6-9, 1996. NCDC Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 120, writes that there were 42 direct and indirect deaths. The 42 deaths are not from Delaware County, but are noted as PA deaths in the event narrative section of this page.
[50] From Table 1. “Fatalities + Insured Damage Estimates (Millions of Dollars).”
[51] Gettysburg Times, PA (Matthew Major). “County digs out following ‘Blizzard of the century’.” 1-9-1996, p. 1. Victim identified as a Mr. C. Mickley.
[52] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 127.
[53] AP, Pittsburgh. “Two Buses Collide on Snowy Road, Killing One and Injuring 54 Others.” Titusville Herald, PA, 1-13-1996, p. 1. Highlighted in yellow to indicate ambiguity as to whether this should be included in storm-tally.
[54] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996.
[55] Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Blizzard blamed for 13 deaths in Pennsylvania.” 1-9-1996, p. 9.
[56] Altoona Mirror, PA. “Don’t kill yourself shoveling snow.” 1-10-1996, p. B4.
[57] Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Blizzard blamed for 13 deaths in Pennsylvania.” 1-9-1996, p. 9.
[58] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996.
[59] Accuweather.com (Meghan Mussoline). “Remembering the Epic Blizzard of ’96 Through…Stories.” 1-8-2013.
[60] Associated Press. “Blizzard deaths.” Monessen Valley Independent, PA. 1-10-1996, p. 23.
[61] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 127.
[62] Associated Press. “Blizzard deaths.” Monessen Valley Independent, PA. 1-10-1996, p. 23.
[63] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 127.
[64] Associated Press. “Blizzard deaths.” Monessen Valley Independent, PA. 1-10-1996, p. 23.
[65] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 120.
[66] Associated Press. “Blizzard deaths.” Monessen Valley Independent, PA. 1-10-1996, p. 23.
[67] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996.
[68] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Delaware County, Jan 7-8, 1996. Notes victim’s vehicle struck an overpass. Newspaper article identified victim aw Rick Howard of North Wales. (Doylestown Intelligencer-Record, PA. “Storm blasts region (cont. from A1). 1-8-1996, p. A5.)
[69] Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Blizzard blamed for 13 deaths in Pennsylvania.” 1-9-1996, p. 9.
[70] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Blizzard, PA, Philadelphia, Jan 7-8, 1996.
[71] Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Blizzard blamed for 13 deaths in Pennsylvania.” 1-9-1996, p. 9.
[72] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 127.
[73] National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 38, No. 1, Jan 1996, p. 127.
[74] Associated Press. “Blizzard deaths.” Monessen Valley Independent, PA. 1-10-1996, p. 23.
[75] On page 4 in the NWS Forecast Office, Washington DC/Sterling VA section, it is noted that “Virginia reported 18 deaths associated with the storm.”
[76] Datelined Jan 8, notes: “In Virginia, the authorities said 11 people had died in the storm, six in stranded cars.”
[77] NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 3.
[78] Interestingly, though, the Washington Post cites VA authorities in writing that six people died in stranded cars. The most obvious causes of such deaths, if accurately reported, would be hypothermia as well as CO poisoning.
[79] NWS. Blizzard of ’96. January 6-8, 1996. Dec 1996, Chapter 1, p. 3.
[80] Hypothermia as cause of death is from NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p. 155.
[81] His station wagon was buried “beneath a mountain of snow.” Victim was found “half-frozen and slumped in the driver’s seat of his snow-covered car.” Taken to hospital where he died. “Detectives believe [victim]…might have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after he tried to start his car…”
[82] The Nat. Climatic Data Center (Storm Data, 38/1, Jan 1996, p.77), notes 23 deaths, but we know localities of two.
[83] Actually this page notes three hypothermia deaths, but we have noted two already above.
[84] Actually, this page notes four vehicle accident deaths, but we have already noted two above.