1984 — Feb 26-29, Snowstorms, Mid-MS/OH Valleys NE to New Eng., esp. IL, NY, OH — 65
–65 Blanchard tally based on State Breakouts below. (Yellow Highlighted lines not used).[1]
–57 UPI. “Storm Aftermath Closes Schools.” Dubois Courier-Express, PA, 3-2-1984, p. 2.
–56 Assoc. Press. “Storm death toll mounts.” Journal Courier, Jacksonville, IL, 3-1-1984, 2.
–53 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.
–52 UPI. “Winter storm toll climbing; East digs out.” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA 3-1-1984, 16.
–49 AP. “Leap Day Snowstorm Stops South, East and Midwest.” Bedford Gazette, PA 3-1-1984, 10.
–42 News-Herald, Franklin, PA. “Storm snarls traffic, forces closings.” 2-29-1984, p. 1.
–38 AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
— 1 Exposure
— 2 Carbon monoxide poisoning.
— 1 Fall on ice.
–19 Heart attacks related to snow removal.
— 1 Ice causes boulder to fall, goes through side of house.
–14 Traffic fatalities on icy roads.
Summary of State Breakouts
Alabama ( 1)
Colorado ( 1)
Connecticut ( 1)
Florida ( 2)
Illinois (11)
Indiana ( 3)
Kentucky (>1)
Massachusetts ( 1)
Michigan ( 3)
Missouri ( 3)
New York (12)
North Carolina ( 1)
Ohio (21)
Oklahoma ( 1)
Pennsylvania ( 6)
Tennessee ( 1)
Texas ( 1)
West Virginia ( 1)
Breakout of Winter Weather-Related Fatalities by State (and locality and/or cause if noted)
Alabama ( 1)
–3 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.[2]
–1 Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
Colorado ( 1)
–1 Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
Connecticut ( 1)
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
–1 Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
Florida ( 2)[3]
–2 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.[4]
–1 Grayton Beach, Feb 26. Drowning; high wind and seas; catamaran breaks up.[5]
–1 Oskaloosa Isl. Pier, Feb 27. Drowning; gust of wind blows Eglin AFB airman off pier.[6]
Illinois ( 11)
–11 Blanchard tally from locality and/or cause breakouts below.[7]
–10 AP. “Storm moves out, leaving nine dead.” Daily Republican Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1.[8]
–7 Heart attacks relating to shoveling snow. (Two were on Feb 27.)[9]
–1 Exposure/Hypothermia — “froze to death.” Near Piper City, Ford County.[10]
–2 Vehicular accidents.
— 9 State. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
— 7 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.
Breakout of winter weather-related fatalities by location and/or cause, where noted:
–1 Exposure. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–7 Heart attacks shoveling snow.[11]
–2 Near St. Louis; heart attacks shoveling snow.[12]
–1 East St. Louis, Feb 26. Car skids off icy Rt. 15 down 30-ft. embankment; male, 77.[13]
–1 I-55, Logan County, Feb 27. Semi hits car killing Nancy Murphy, 51.[14]
–1 Lynwood. Wife hit by husband’s pickup; backing into garage; 4-ft drifts blocked view.[15]
Indiana ( 3)
–3 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
–2 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
–1 Crawfordsville, Feb 28. Heart attack operating snow blower at home; Oscar Sering, 66.[16]
–1 Hammond, Feb 27. Vehicular, weather-related, collision.[17]
–1 Waterloo area, Dekalb County, Feb 27. Vehicular weather-related fatality;[18] (woman).[19]
Kentucky ( >1)
—>1 Vehicular. National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 14.
Massachusetts ( 1)
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, 12.[20]
Michigan ( 3)
–3 Traffic fatalities on icy roads.[21]
–2 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
Missouri ( 3)
–~3 NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N2, Feb 1984, p. 15.[22]
— 2 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.
— 1 Fall on ice leads to mans death.[23]
— 1 Heart attack shoveling snow.[24]
— 1 Vehicular, icy road; St. Louis County; Joseph Brick, 77, who lost control of his car.[25]
New York ( 12)
–14 UPI. “Storm Aftermath Closes Schools.” Dubois Courier-Express, PA, 3-2-1984, p. 2.[26]
–12 National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 16.
— 8 Western NY, Feb 27-29, attributable to snow storm. NCDC Storm Data, 26/2, p. 16.
— 4 Eastern NY, Feb 28, under freezing rain conditions. NCDC Storm Data, 26/2, p. 16.
–12 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p12.
–11 UPI. “Winter storm toll climbing; East digs out.” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA 3-1-1984, 16.
Breakout of weather-related fatalities by cause and/or location:
–2 Mayville. Carbon monoxide poisoning; mother’s car snowbound 2 hours; children in car.[27]
–9 Heart attacks related to shoveling snow or snow removal.[28]
–1 Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
North Carolina ( 1)
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, 12.[29]
Ohio ( 21)
–21 Blanchard tally based on cause and or location breakouts below.
–20 Associated Press. “Snow removal aid unlikely.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 3-2-1984, p. 2.[30]
–19 UPI. “Storm Aftermath Closes Schools.” Dubois Courier-Express, PA, 3-2-1984, p. 2.
–17 Assoc. Press. “Storm death toll mounts.” Journal Courier, Jacksonville, IL, 3-1-1984, 2.
— 8 Statewide. Heart attacks shoveling snow.[31]
Breakout of winter-weather-related fatalities by cause and or location, where noted.
— 1 Chillicothe, Ross Co., Feb 27/28. Exposure; VA hosp. patient wandered out and “froze to death.”[32]
–17 Heart attacks related to snow shoveling or removal. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
–12 Heart attacks related to snow shoveling or removal.[33]
— 1 Allen County. Heart attack shoveling snow.[34]
— 8 Cleveland and area, Cuyahoga County. Heart attacks while removing snow.[35]
–6 Cuyahoga County. Heart attacks related to snow removal.[36]
— 1 Huron County. Heart attack shoveling snow.[37]
— 3 Mahoning County. Heart attacks relating to snow removal.[38]
— 1 Richland County. Heart attack relating to snow removal.[39]
— 1 Sandusky County. Heart attack shoveling snow.[40]
— 2 Summit County. Heart attack shoveling snow.[41]
— 3 Vehicular, icy roads. Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–1 Muskingum Co. Crescent-News, Defiance, OH. “Streets are slick…” 2-29-1984, p. 1.
–1 Paulding Co. AP. “Ohio hopes for federal snow…relief.” Xenia Daily Gazette, 3-1-1984, 1.
–1 Wayne County. Crescent-News, Defiance, OH. “Streets are slick…” 2-29-1984, p. 1.
Oklahoma ( 1)
–1 Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
Pennsylvania ( 6)
–5 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–4 Western PA, Feb 27. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 19.
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
Breakout of winter weather-related fatalities by cause and/or locality, where noted.
–1 Cranberry Township, Butler County, Feb 27. Heart attack operating snow blower; male.[42]
–1 Edinboro area east, Erie Co., Feb 28. Tractor trailer goes out of control, hits car; Troyer.[43]
–2 Erie, Erie County, Feb 27. Heart attacks shoveling snow; males.[44]
–1 Venango County, northwestern PA. Heart attack shoveling snow.[45]
–1 Washington Twn., intersection of Rt-7 No. and 86. Semi jackknifed into car killing man.[46]
Tennessee ( 1)
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, 12.[47]
Texas ( 1)
–1 UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, 12.[48]
West Virginia ( 1)
–1 Mason County. Crushed; “boulder pried loose by ice crashed down a mountainside” into house.[49]
Summary of Causes of Death (where noted):
Boulder Fall into House ( 1)
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 2)
Exposure ( 2)
Fall on Ice ( 1)
Heart Attacks related to Snow Removal (39)
Vehicular (20)
Total 65
Causes of Death (where noted):
Boulder Fall into House ( 1)
–1 WV. Mason Co. Crushed; “boulder pried loose by ice crashed down a mountainside” into house.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 2)
–2 NY. Mayville. Carbon monoxide poisoning; mother’s car snowbound 2 hours; children.
Exposure ( 2)
–1 IL. Exposure. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–1 OH. Chillicothe, Ross Co., Feb 27/28. VA hosp. patient wandered out and “froze to death.”
Fall on Ice ( 1)
–1 MO. Fall on ice leads to mans death.
Heart Attacks related to Snow Removal (39)
— 7 IL. Heart attacks relating to shoveling snow (at least two in the East St. Louis area.)
— 1 IN. Crawfordsville, Feb 28. Heart attack operating snow blower at home; Oscar Sering, 66.
— 1 MO. Heart attack shoveling snow.
— 9 NY. Heart attacks related to shoveling snow or snow removal.
–17 OH. Heart attacks related to snow shoveling or removal.
— 4 PA. Heart attacks related to snow shoveling or removal.
Vehicular (20)
–1 AL. Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities…more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–1 CO. Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities…more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–1 CT. Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities…more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–1 IL. East St. Louis, Feb 26. Car skids off icy Rt. 15 down 30-ft. embankment; male, 77.
–1 IL. I-55, Logan County, Feb 27. Semi hits car killing Nancy Murphy, 51.
–1 IL. Lynwood. Wife hit by husband’s pickup; backing into garage; 4-ft drifts blocked view.
–1 IN. Hammond, Feb 27. Vehicular, weather-related, collision.
–1 IN. Waterloo area, Dekalb County, Feb 27. Vehicular weather-related fatality; woman.
–1 KY. Vehicular. Nat. Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 14.
–3 MI. Traffic fatalities on icy roads.
–1 MO. Vehicular, icy road; St. Louis County; Joseph Brick, 77, who lost control of his car.
–1 NY. Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities…more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–3 OH. Vehicular, icy roads.
–1 OK. Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities…more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
–1 PA. Edinboro area east, Erie Co., Feb 28. Tractor trailer goes out of control, hits car; Troyer.
–1 PA. Washington Twp., intersection of Rt-7 and 86. Semi jackknifed into car killing man.
Narrative Information
NCDC: “From February 26th to 29th, a severe winter storm duped up to 2 feet of heavy, wet snow in a band from extreme northwest Arkansas northeastward up to the Ohio River Valley to upstate New York. Thunderstorms and lake effects were contributing factors to some of the larger snowfall amounts.” (NCDC. Storm Data, “Snowstorm in the Mid-Mississippi & Ohio Valleys on February 26-29, 1984,” Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 4.)
Feb 29: “Blizzard-force squalls battered Great Lakes cities with even more snow as a record-setting storm already blamed for 38 deaths lumbered towards New England today, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded while snowplows fought to ‘push back an ocean with a teaspoon.’
“Nineteen of the deaths were linked to heart attacks brought on by snow-clearing efforts and there were six alone in Ohio’s Cuyahoga County, where Deputy Coroner Lester Adelson warned that ‘Just like a gun, a snow shovel in the wrong hands is a deadly weapon.’ Two children in New York State died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and police in Mason County, W.Va., said a 19-year-old mother of two was crushed to death when a boulder pried loose by ice crashed down a mountainside and slammed through a wall of her house.
“More than 120 school systems remained closed today in southeast Michigan, where 7 inches of snow so far were whipped into drifts by 30 mph winds off Lake Huron. ‘It’s just unbelievable. It’s almost impassable, like driving in a cloud,’ said Deputy Dale Meldrum in Michigan’s St. Clair County, where motorists were urged to remain off the roads.
“The storm that had crawled out of the Rockies on Sunday [Feb 26th] was centered over southeastern New York today, but it continued to spew snow as far south as Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama this morning.
“Even before 40 mph squalls carrying an additional 6 inches off Lake Erie began to pick up early today, records for 24-hour accumulation fell Tuesday evening in Buffalo, N.Y., with 19.6 inches of snow on the ground, and in Cleveland, where the snow was 12.5 inches, just a few inches higher that the average 9 inches blanketing the state.
“Private snowplowing contractors were pressed into service in Niagara, N.Y., as the snow topped 21 inches, and Interstate 90 was closed in Erie, Pa., when the snow hit 18 inches. ‘When they get down the road it’s open,’ said New York State Trooper W. M. Ryan of the snowplows. ‘Then they come back an hour later and it’s closed. It’s a little like pushing an ocean back with a teaspoon.’
“New England was getting mostly rain, but forecaster Nolan Duke of the Severe Storms Center in Kansas City, Mo., said that would turn to 3 to 6 inches of snow as temperatures dropped today.
“Roads remained icy throughout the Tennessee Valley, and police from Birmingham, Ala., to Tennessee and Kentucky warned motorists to use extreme caution on bridges.
“States of emergency remained in effect today in Indiana, where 48 stranded travelers were put up in National Guard armories, and in Ohio, where thousands of National Guardsmen were on alert and 729 were already assisting local cleanup and rescue efforts. At least 52 people needing kidney dialysis were to be airlifted to Columbus hospitals for treatment today.
“In Illinois, where 60 mph winds pushed 16-foot waves on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive on Tuesday, police used snowmobiles to rescue about 100 motorists from stranded vehicles on the Calumet Expressway. An additional 200 travelers spent the night in the high school at Mount Vernon, and 22 motorists were bundled into an Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose after being trapped in their cars for three hours.
“Highways from Missouri to New York were snarled by drifts and abandoned or stuck cars and trucks. Several lanes of an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 94 near Detroit were blocked Tuesday night by a four-car pileup and three separate tractor-trailer jackknifes.
“On the fringes of the storm’s powerful center, up to 1,000 homes in Missouri remained without electricity early today because of downed powerlines. Temperatures along the Gulf Coast remained in the 30s, and growers in Mississippi and Alabama braced for a freeze they said would endanger peaches and other crops….
“In Massachusetts, a twin-jet Cessna Citation with nine people aboard ran off the end of a slush-covered runway at the Fitchburg Airport, said Frederick Buck, chairman of the city’s airport commission. There were no injuries but he said the plane had considerable damage.
“The deaths blamed on the storm since Sunday included one man who froze to death in Illinois., two children who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a car in New York State and a West Virginia woman crushed to death. Heart attacks from snow removal were blamed for eight deaths in Ohio while shoveling snow, six in Illinois, four in New York and one in Missouri. There were three traffic fatalities on icy roads in Michigan, two each in Illinois and Ohio, and one each in Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri, New York, Connecticut, Indiana and Alabama. A Missouri man died when he fell on ice.” (Associated Press. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.)
March 1: “A brutal snowstorm blamed for 56 deaths in 13 states took one last swipe at the Northeast today, churning the icy Great Lakes with squalls that forecasters said would easily send snow deaths in western New York to over 3½ feet.
“More than 3,000 people were without electricity for the fourth straight day in central and southwestern Missouri, where a state of emergency remained in effect. National Guardsmen were delivering generators to dairy farmers, flying residents out of emergencies and helping spot downed power lines.
“In Ohio, where the snow reached 26 inches in Ashtabula and 17 people were known dead, a team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency planned to try again today to fly over the northeast corner to view the storm damage. Heavy snow off Lake Erie had forced them back on Wednesday [Feb 29]. Most of the deaths in Ohio were attributed to heart attacks in people who were clearing snow or moving trapped cars. ‘We’re expecting that number to increase as we keep hearing from all the counties,’ said Davida Matthews, spokeswoman for the Ohio Disaster Services Agency.
“By this morning the storm center that had swirled out of Colorado on Sunday was well over southern Canada. But 40 mph westerly winds trailed behind it, skimming over the Great Lakes and hurling another 6 to 12 inches of snow at cities on the shores this morning. Half a foot of new snow fell by late Wednesday at Niagara County, N.Y., on top of 31.4 inches earlier in the day. ‘That’s what makes it so unbearable. It’s really local, but it’s still snow,’ Steve Corfidi, a forecaster at the Sever Storms Center in Kansas City, Mo., said today. ‘The snow will stop for a while, then the winds become more westerly and you get those squalls.’
“Cole air attacked Florida for the third day in a row and a hard freeze warning went up in the northern section as this morning’s temperature at Tallahassee dropped to 27 degrees. Farmers were urged to keep close watch on the blossoming peach crop, but the citrus belt farther south was spared so far. Miami hit a record low of 50 degrees for the date just before midnight Wednesday, breaking a 28-year-old mark. But forecasters noted that the Date — Feb 29 — only comes around every four years.” (Associated Press. “Storm death toll mounts.” Journal Courier, Jacksonville, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 2.)
Arkansas
NCDC: “Northwest Arkansas…[Feb] 26-27…Heavy Snow…Precipitation began Sunday night in the form of rain; then it changed into snow. Accumulations of snow ranged from 12 inches at Fayetteville to 4 inches at Huntsville and Devil’s Den State Park. The heavier snow amounts fell north and west of a line from Fort Smith to Heber Springs to Batesville. Some of the snow amounts were: Fayetteville — 12″, Buffalo Tower – 10″, Leadhill – 7.5″, Melbourne – 6″. The slushy snow caused tree limbs, trees, and power poles to snap. Roofs on businesses and poultry houses collapsed under the weight. Schools and businesses closed because of the snow and the drifts.” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 11.)
Colorado
NCDC: “Mountains, E. Foothills…[Feb] 25-26…Heavy snow. A snowstorm left 1 to 2 feet of snow in the foothills west of Denver. Interstate 70 was closed, stranding skiers returning from the slopes. Most had to spend several hours in Idaho Springs. The snow spread to the adjacent plains, with 9 inches at Littleton, Castle Rock, and Boulder; 5 inches fell in Denver. The heaviest reported snowfall from the storm was three feet at Cuchara ski area, near La Veta Pass in southern Colorado.” (Nat. Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 11.)
Illinois
NCDC: “Southeastern Sections…[Feb] 27-28…Blizzard. A winter storm with wind gusting to 40 knots caused blizzard conditions in the southeast part of the state. Snow amounts ranged from 3 to 15 inches. The heaviest snow fell south of a line from St. Louis to Peoria and continuing northeastward to just south of Chicago. 7 to 12 inch snowfall amounts were common south of this line and localized areas in the southeast received as much as 24 inches. Many roads and schools had to be closed due to drifting snow. Several small towns had food flown in because they were isolated for several days.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.)
Indiana
NCDC: “Entire State…[Feb] 27-29…Heavy Snow…Heavy snow fell over the entire state beginning on the 27th and ending on the 29th. The heaviest snowfall depth was reported through the central part of the state where snow depths exceeded 12 inches. Several areas just north of Indianapolis recorded 14 inches of snow. In the southern section of the state 6 to 9 inches fell while in the north from 4 to 10 inches were reported. On the 29th strong winds developed over the northern half of the state. These winds whipped the freshly fallen snow into drifts 8 feet high and near 1000 feet long closing almost all the roads. Interstate 65 which connects Indianapolis with Chicago was impassible for several days due to the drifting snow.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.)
Kentucky
NCDC: “Western and Northern Kentucky…[Feb] 27 MRNG – 28 EVE…Winter Storm. A winter storm with snowfall accumulations up to 8 inches swept across Western and Northern Kentucky. Western Kentucky averaged 5 to 8 inches, while Northern Kentucky ranged 2 to 6 inches. The snowstorm originated in the midwest and moved up the Ohio Valley. The storm was accompanied by winds of 30 to 40 miles an hour causing considerable blowing and drifting. Windchill indices plummeted to 20 to 25 degrees below zero. The area around Henderson (Henderson County), seemed to receive the brunt of the storm recording 8 inches on the ground. Other high totals were: 7 inches at Paducah and 6 inches at Owensboro. Power outages were numerous as snow built up and winds hampered power lines. Meetings were cancelled. Flights were postponed. Many schools and several businesses were closed on the 27th for several days. Numerous roads were closed over Western Kentucky due to blowing and drifting snow late in the afternoon on the 27th through the morning of the 28th. Traffic jams were many. A number of traffic accidents occurred, some with serious and even fatal injuries. There were also a number of automobiles sliding off roadways into ditches.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N2, Feb 1984, p. 14.)
Maine
NCDC: “Rockland, Knox County…[Feb] 28 Afternoon…High Winds…Rains with an easterly gale buffeted the Maine Coast. A peak gust of 63 mph (55 kts) was recorded at the Knox County Airport while the Coast Guard Station on Sequin Island reported frequent gusts to 58 mph (50 kts) Tuesday afternoon and night. In Rockland Harbor, the winds tore a 35-foot lobster boat from its mooring and drove it into some dock pilings Tuesday night. The vessel was destroyed and the dock pilings also sustained some damage.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N4, April 1984, p. 64 (late reports section).
Maryland
NDCD: “Western Maryland [Feb] 27-28…Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain…A large low pressure system moved northeastward out of the southern Mississippi Valley…bringing a combination of snow, rain and sleet. Snowfall began during the middle of the day on the 27th, changing to mixed sleet and freezing rain during the night and into early on the 28th. Snow accumulation was less than 4 inches, but glazed roads were responsible for many highway accidents from western Frederick County westward into Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N2, Feb 1984, p. 15.)
Michigan
NCDC: “West shore of Saginaw Bay, from Bay City State Park to White’s Beach, Arenac Co. … [Feb] 27 Evening…Ice Jam…East to northeast gales forced ice sheet onto shore. 300 persons evacuated. Many shoreline structures destroyed. 17 houses damaged, 5 of them seriously. One house burned when gas line ruptured.
“Delta and Menominee Counties…[Feb] 28 Afternoon…Wind…Gusts to 70 mph at Escanaba airport. Factory unroofed at Wilson.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N2, Feb 1984, p. 15.)
Missouri
NCDC: “South Central, Southwest, East and Central…[Feb] 25-27…Winter Storm, Heavy Snow…Heavy snow began in portions of the Ozarks on the night of the 25th. The snow spread to central and east portions on the 26th. Some thunderstorms were mixed in with the snow and this increased the snowfall rates in those locations. The heaviest amounts were in the Rolla-Vichy area where it piled up to 24 inches of heavy wet snow. Amounts of 8 to 16 inches were common over the rest of the area. The heavy snow was combined with strong winds the night of the 26th and early on the 27th. This resulted in many downed power lines and tree limbs. Some deaths were attributed to snow shoveling and to traffic accidents during and after the storm. Some roofs fell in due to the heavy weight of the snow.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V26, N2, Feb 1984, p. 15.)
New York
NCDC: “Eastern New York…[Feb] 28 AM…4 [killed]…Freezing rain…Freezing rain swept into Eastern New York on Tuesday. Traffic throughout Eastern New York came to a stand still for most of Tuesday. Hardest hit areas were the Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga areas and the hilltops of the Lower Hudson Valley and Catskills. In the later stages of the storm, freezing rain changed to snow and gust winds created drifting.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 16.)
NCDC: “Western and Central New York…[Feb] 27-29…8 [killed]…Snow. A crippling winter storm dumped up to 3 feet of snow over the area. Snow emergencies were declared in many places. Numerous businesses and schools closed for 2 days. Many streets were impassable, a condition that lasted until the first few days of March 1984. The Buffalo International Airport was forced to close for one and a half days. Many flights at the Rochester International Airport were cancelled. There were countless cases of vehicular accidents because of very poor driving conditions. A dozen cases or more resulted in deaths or injuries to the passengers. The weight of the snow was responsible for the collapse of a few structures. The most significant damage was at the Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, Erie County. The damage to this popular bowling spot was estimated to exceed ½ million dollars.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 16.)
Ohio
NCDC: “Entire State…[Feb] 27-28…1 [killed]…Heavy Snow. A severe winter storm dumped up to 2 feet of snow on Ohio. Along with the snow came northeast winds with gusts as high as 50 MPH. The winds dropped visibilities to near zero at times and closed several roads with drifts as high as 6 feet. Many areas in the state were virtually closed for several hours. Hardest hit were the north central and northeast counties. Over a foot of snow fell in the northeast quarter of the state with 4 to 212 inches elsewhere. A patient at a VA Hospital in Chillicothe froze to death after he wandered from his room.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 16.)
Pennsylvania
NCDC: “Eastern Penna. [Feb] 27-1900 EST – 28 1700 EST…Glaze, Wind…Precipitation began as snow over the northern two-thirds of the area and then changed to sleet and freezing rain. An inch or two of snow and ice accumulated. Rain or freezing rain and sleet fell over south portions, but changed to rain during the morning. The ice coating on trees and wires combined with wind gusts to around 35 MPH to down trees, limbs and utility lines. About 20,000 customers had service interrupted. At least one chimney was toppled and one store window was blown in. The top blown off one tree landed on an automobile injuring the woman driver. The ice and snow on the roads resulted in many traffic accidents with accompanying injuries. The precipitation changed to all rain during the afternoon of the 28th, but changed back to snow at night. The light snow and falling temperatures brought slippery roadways again in the evening and into the morning of the 29th. This brought another rash of traffic accidents.
NCDC: “Western…Erie and Venango Counties…[Feb] 27 aftn…4 [killed]…Snow…A man died in an accident between his car and a jackknifed semi-tractor trailer during a snowstorm that produced about 20 inches of snow. Two passengers were seriously injured. The accident occurred at the intersection of Routes 6 North and 86 in Washington Township. A man died from a heart attack while operating a snow blower in Cranbury Township. Two other men died from shoveling snow in Erie City.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 19.)
Virginia
NCDC: “Southern…[Feb] 27-28…Wind…A large low pressure system moved northeastward out of the lower Mississippi Valley bringing damaging winds to the southwestern counties and the Tidewater area. Gusts were reported as high as 70 mph or more in Tazewell County and several buildings were damaged, including heavy roof damage at the community college in Richlands. One student there was injured by flying glass. In Norfolk, winds began late of the 27th and continued into early on the 28th. A home under construction of the Ghent section of Norfolk collapsed, damage estimated at $40-50,000. Scattered property damage was also reported in the cities of Chesapeake and Suffolk.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 23.)
West Virginia
NCDC: “Entire State…[Feb] 28…1 [killed]…Snowstorm…A storm system moved across West Virginia on Feb 28th dumping an average of 3-6 inches of snow with amounts of 8-10 inches in the mountains. This storm was blamed for the death of a woman in Mason County who was crushed to death by a boulder the size of an automobile that broke loose from a mountainside and smashed into her house. The boulder was loosened as a result of heavy rainfall at the start of the storm followed by a sudden freeze resulting in ice which acted as a chisel between the rock and mountain.” (NCDC. Storm Data, 26/2, Feb 1984, p. 23.)
Sources
Associated Press. “16 Die in Midwest Blizzard.” Bedford Gazette, PA, 2-29-1984, p. 14. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bedford-gazette-feb-29-1984-p-14/
Associated Press. “Brentwood man dies in traffic accident.” Sedalia Democrat, MO, 2-27-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sedalia-democrat-feb-27-1984-p-2/
Associated Press. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4. Accessed 12-8-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-telegraph-feb-29-1984-p-6/
Associated Press. “Leap Day Snowstorm Stops South, East and Midwest.” Bedford Gazette, PA 3-1-1984, 10. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bedford-gazette-mar-01-1984-p-10/
Associated Press. “Midwest Chilled by Huge Blizzard.” Daily News, Harrisonburg, VA, 2-28-1984, p.5. Accessed 12-10-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisonburg-daily-news-record-feb-28-1984-p-5/
Associated Press. “Nation feels wrath of fire, ice.” Playground Daily News, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 2-28-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-walton-beach-playground-daily-news-feb-28-1984-p-1/
Associated Press. “Nicer days are coming.” Anderson Daily Bulletin, IN, 3-1-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/anderson-daily-bulletin-mar-01-1984-p-1/
Associated Press. “Ohio hopes for federal snow emergency relief.” Daily Gazette, Xenia, OH, 3-1-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/xenia-daily-gazette-mar-01-1984-p-1/
Associated Press. “Record snowfall moves Northeast.” Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL, 3-1-1984, 3-1. Accessed 12-9-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-herald-suburban-chicago-mar-01-1984-p-30/
Associated Press. “Roads, schools closed statewide.” Anderson Daily Bulletin, IN. 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/anderson-herald-bulletin-feb-29-1984-p-1/
Associated Press. “Snow removal aid unlikely.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 3-2-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/xenia-daily-gazette-mar-02-1984-p-2/
Associated Press. “Storm death toll mounts.” Journal Courier, Jacksonville, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-journal-courier-mar-01-1984-p-2/
Associated Press. “Storm moves out, leaving nine dead.” Daily Republican Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-feb-29-1984-p-1/
Crescent-News, Defiance, OH. “Streets are slick but should be clear in few days.” 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/defiance-crescent-news-feb-29-1984-p-1/
National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA. Accessed 12-8-2018 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-EEB665C0-CEB0-4723-A680-7C9B36999926.pdf
National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 4, Apr 1984, late reports section for Feb. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-EDFB28B4-AE40-4412-AD9D-3B58CF50AC1B.pdf
News-Herald, Franklin, PA. “Storm snarls traffic, forces closings.” 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/franklin-news-herald-feb-29-1984-p-1/
Playground Daily News, FL. “Two men drown in foul-weather.” 2-28-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-walton-beach-playground-daily-news-feb-28-1984-p-1/
The Star, Matteson and Richton Park, IL. “Snow, wind replace early spring.” 3-1-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/matteson-richton-park-star-mar-01-1984-p-1/
United Press International. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-mar-01-1984-p-12/
United Press International. “Four die in Illinois blizzard.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-feb-29-1984-p-1/
United Press International. “Storm Aftermath Closes Schools.” Dubois Courier-Express, PA, 3-2-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dubois-courier-express-mar-02-1984-p-2/
United Press International. “Storm labeled near blizzard almost over for state.” Rushville Republican, IN, 2-29-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/rushville-republican-feb-29-1984-p-1/
United Press International. “Winter storm toll climbing; East digs out.” Valley Independent, Monessen, PA 3-1-1984, 16. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/monessen-valley-independent-mar-01-1984-p-16/
[1] See the footnote for a line that is highlighted for our reason to take note of, but not to include in our tally.
[2] We have not been able to confirm three winter storm system related fatalities noted by UPI. In that the AP notes a vehicular accident on icy roads leading to a fatality, we include this account, though there are no other details.
[3] The only deaths we could locate that seemed attributable to the weather were two drowning deaths. We can only speculate if these were the two deaths that United Press International attributed to Florida. If so, we do not include in that the high seas and wind appear to have been related to more localized weather than the system moving through Mississippi and Ohio Valleys northeast into Ohio, New York and New England.
[4] I do not know that the two drowning deaths I note below were the two the UPI reporter had in mind. These were the only two weather-related deaths I noted in searching through Florida newspapers.
[5] Playground Daily News, FL. “Two men drown in foul-weather.” 2-28-1984, p. 1. Victim identified as John Hanna, 22, of Grayton Beach.
[6] Playground Daily News, FL. “Two men drown in foul-weather.” 2-28-1984, p. 1. Victim identified as Walter G. Saegerte, 24, of New Boston, TX.
[7] We use a range of 10-11, however, in that ten is the largest fatality count we have noted.
[8] Though the caption notes nine deaths, the first sentence reads “A nasty storm that blanketed parts of Illinois with up to 14 inches of snow…and claiming 10 lives, has blown into the Northeast…” Then details ten deaths.
[9] United Press International. “Four die in Illinois blizzard.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[10] UPI writes that “Russell Anderson, 72, was found dead Tuesday [Feb 28] in a snowdrift near Piper City in Ford County. Officials said he apparently left his pickup truck and froze to death.” (United Press International. “Four die in Illinois blizzard.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1.)
[11] United Press International. “Four die in Illinois blizzard.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1
[12] Associated Press. “16 Die in Midwest Blizzard.” Bedford Gazette, PA, 2-29-1984, p. 14.
[13] Assoc. Press. “Nation feels wrath of fire, ice.” Playground Daily News, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 2-28-1984, p. 1.
[14] United Press International. “Four die in Illinois blizzard.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[15] Deborah Kellner, 30, killed. The Star, Matteson/Richton Park, IL. “Snow, wind replace early spring.” 3-1-1984, 1.
[16] Associated Press. “Nicer days are coming.” Anderson Daily Bulletin, IN, 3-1-1984, p. 1.
[17] UPI. “Storm labeled near blizzard almost over for state.” Rushville Republican, IN, 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[18] UPI. “Storm labeled near blizzard almost over for state.” Rushville Republican, IN, 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[19] Associated Press. “Roads, schools closed statewide.” Anderson Daily Bulletin, IN. 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[20] Though we have access to several Massachusetts newspapers for this timer period, we have not been able to find a reference to a snowstorm death; though it is possible we have just missed a reported death.
[21] AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[22] For purposes of contributing to our tally we translate “some deaths” into ~ (approximately) three. The NCDC writes: “Some deaths were attributed to snow shoveling and to traffic accidents during and after the storm.”
[23] Vehicular, icy roads. AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[24] AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[25] Associated Press. “Brentwood man dies in traffic accident.” Sedalia Democrat, MO, 2-27-1984, p. 2. Also: AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[26] The NCDC reports twelve deaths. The UPI reports twelve on March 1 and fourteen on March 2. We see cause of death reporting to support twelve, thus we decide to use twelve for the fatality tally.
[27] AP. “Record snowfall moves Northeast.” Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL, 3-1-1984, 3-1. Sisters were 4 and 6-years-old. (UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.)
[28] UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
[29] We have not been able to confirm a North Carolina winter storm system related fatality.
[30] “Columbus, Ohio…The death toll stood at 20 Thursday (March 1). Authorities said most of the victims died of heart attacks while shoveling snow or trying to free trapped vehicles.”
[31] AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[32] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 17.
[33] UPI. “Death toll rises as Northeast digs out.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 3-1-1984, p. 12.
[34] Associated Press. “Ohio hopes for federal snow emergency relief.” Daily Gazette, Xenia, OH, 3-1-1984, p. 1.
[35] Crescent-News, Defiance, OH. “Streets are slick but should be clear in few days.” 2-29-1984, p. 1.
[36] AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4.
[37] Associated Press. “Ohio hopes for federal snow emergency relief.” Daily Gazette, Xenia, OH, 3-1-1984, p. 1.
[38] Associated Press. “Snow removal aid unlikely.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 3-2-1984, p. 2
[39] Associated Press. “Snow removal aid unlikely.” Xenia Daily Gazette, OH, 3-2-1984, p. 2
[40] Associated Press. “Ohio hopes for federal snow emergency relief.” Daily Gazette, Xenia, OH, 3-1-1984, p. 1.
[41] Associated Press. “Ohio hopes for federal snow emergency relief.” Daily Gazette, Xenia, OH, 3-1-1984, p. 1.
[42] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 19.
[43] Victim identified as Jeffrey a Troyer, 20, of Corry, a passenger. (Associated Press. “Snowstorm hammers northwestern Pa.” Evening Sun, Hanover, PA, 3-1-1984, p. 6.)
[44] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 19.
[45] Associated Press. “Snowstorm hammers northwestern Pa.” Evening Sun, Hanover, PA, 3-1-1984, p. 6.
[46] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 19.
[47] Have been unable to verify a winter storm system fatality via other sources.
[48] We suspect this might be reference to firefighter “killed when his truck was struck by another vehicle en route to a fire.” Article notes that firefighters were “Battling brush fires fanned by 50-mph winds that charred 9,000 acres…” (Associated Press. “Midwest Chilled by Huge Blizzard.” Daily News, Harrisonburg, VA, 2-28-1984, p. 5.) If so, a Gulf Coast weather system moving through would account for high winds, but not for the traffic fatality.
[49] AP. “Great Lakes cities getting more snow.” Alton Telegraph, IL, 1-29-1984, A4; NCDC Storm Data, 26/2, p. 23.