1985 — Jan 18-24 (esp. 19-21), Winter Cold Wave/Storms, esp. East and South –176-184
— 184 Blanchard tally of high range of fatalities from State breakouts below.[1]
— 176 AP. “Blowing snow traps West Virginians…” Capital Times, Madison, WI. 1-26-1985, 1.
— 176 UPI. “Cold wave paralyzes upper Midwest.” Oskaloosa Herald, IA. 1-25-1985, p. 2.[2]
— 173 AP. “Alberta Clipper follow-up blasts upper Midwest….” IN Gazette, PA. 1-25-1985, 5.[3]
— 171 AP. “New arctic air mass heads…” Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA, 1-25-85, 2.
— 171 The News, Frederick, MD. “SHA begins repairs on W. 7th St. bridge.” 1-27-1985, A5.[4]
— 165 Associated Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.[5]
–>150 Jan 12-31. AP. “Five Hurricanes…” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. 12-29-1985, A8.
— 150 Jan 19-22. NCDC. Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters. “Winter Damage…”
— 134 Jan 18-22. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.[6]
— 134 Blanchard tally of low range of fatalities from State breakouts below.
—>126 Jan 18-22. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 126 Blanchard tally of individualized breakouts below.
—>112 Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “112 Dead in Cold Wave…” 1-23-1985, p. 1.
—>107 AP. “Cold grips East and South; citrus crop threatened.” Indiana Gazette, 1-22-1985, p1.
—>101 Jan 18-22. AP. “U.S. weather picture…upside down.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 1-22-85, A4.
— >86 NCDC. Storm Data. “Extreme Cold in the Eastern U.S. on January 19-24, 1985,” p. 6.[7]
— >79 Los Angeles Times. “Subzero Weather Grips Eastern Half of Nation…”1-22-1985.
— 76 Jan 18-22. AP. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, FL. 1-22-85, 1.
— >66 Jan 19-22. Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “At Least 66 Die. Cold Wave…” 1-22-1985, p. 1.[8]
— >49 Jan 18-21. AP. “Record cold in East…kills scores.” Daily Intelligencer, 1-22-1985, 28C.[9]
Summary of State Breakouts Below:
Alabama (5-7)
Arizona ( 3)
Arkansas ( 1)
Colorado ( 2)
District of Columbia ( 1)
Florida ( 15)
Georgia ( 8)
Illinois ( 8)
Indiana ( 5-6)
Kentucky ( 3)
Louisiana ( 3)
Maryland ( 1)
Michigan ( 10)
Minnesota ( 2-3)
Mississippi ( 1)
New Jersey ( 2)
New York ( 5)
North Carolina (21-23)
Ohio ( 10)
Oklahoma ( 5-7)
Pennsylvania ( 9-10)
South Carolina ( 7-15)
Tennessee (12-20)
Texas ( 2-8)
Utah ( 1)
Virginia ( 5)
Washington ( 3)
West Virginia ( 3)
Breakout by States and Localities
Alabama (5-7)
— 7 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
—>5 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 12.
— 5 NWS WFO Birmingham. Winter Weather History in Central Alabama. 11-15-2013 mod.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in AL Jan 18-21, 1985.
Breakouts by Locality: (5)
— 1 Birmingham, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 61, in home with temp at 1 degree.[10]
— 1 Henry County, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; elderly male.[11]
— 1 Opelika, Jan 19. “Exposure after apparently wandering from his home.” Male, 87.[12]
— 2 Selma, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 64, male, 81, found in homes unconscious.[13]
Arizona ( 3)
— 3 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 1 Navajo Reservation ~Lukachukai, found Jan 18 outside residence. Exposure, male, 20-25.[14]
— 1 Navajo Reservation, McKinley County, Jan 18-19. Exposure; Bernice Charlie, 48.[15]
— 1 Navajo Reservation, McKinley County, Jan 18-19. Exposure; Buck Jones, 48.[16]
Arkansas ( 1)
— 1 ~Clinton, Van Buren Co., Jan 20. Hypothermia “from lack of heating…residence.” Male.[17]
Colorado ( 2)
— 2 Durango area, found Jan 18. Died in truck camper overnight using propane heater; males.[18]
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 12.
District of Co. ( 1)
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 1 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 15.
–1 Jan 20. “One man was found dead in an abandoned row house.” (sub-zero temp.)
Florida (15)
— 15 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
— 15 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 13.
— 6 Jan 21-23 from hypothermia — 9 Jan 21-23 from fires.
— 12 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
—>12 State, Jan 20-22. AP. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald. 1-23-1985, 5C.
Breakout by Localities: (12)
— 1 Geneva, Seminole Co., Jan 21. Smoke inhalation, fire; wood-burning stove; female, 48.[19]
— 2 Jacksonville, Jan 20. Fire; electric heater too close to bed;[20] male, 94, female, 92.[21]
— 1 Milton, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia; unheated home; Areatha Lee Levins, 81.[22]
— 1 Milton, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia; unheated home; Della Tibbs, 84.[23]
— 1 Orange Springs, Marion Co., Jan 21. Fire; clothing, outside barrel; Willy Hewett, 89.[24]
— 4 Palmetto. Home fire; portable kerosene heater contact with bedding; children, 4 to 18.[25]
— 1 Tallahassee, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia, unheated home; Cora Givens, 78.[26]
— 1 Tallahassee, found Jan 22. Apparent hypothermia, unheated home; S. T. Smith, 67.[27]
Georgia[28] ( 8)
— 8 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 8 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 13.[29]
–1 Fulton County, Jan 20. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Sumter County, Jan 20. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Muscogee County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Sumter County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Laurens County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Pickens County, Jan 22. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Troup County, Jan 22. Hypothermia/exposure.
–1 Muscogee County, Jan 23. Hypothermia/exposure.
Illinois ( 8)
— 8 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 13.
Indiana (5-6)
— 6 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 5 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 13.
–1 Jan 20. “hitchhiker…found frozen in a phone booth where he tried to seek shelter…”
–1 Jan 20. Man “found frozen in a snow bank after being injured in a hit and run…”
–1 Indianapolis, Jan 20. Man, 86, “…found frozen to death in his garage…”
–2 Jan 20. Hypothermia.
Kentucky ( 3)
— 3 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 3 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 14.
— 1 Hickman County, Jan 19-21. Heart attack while shoveling snow.
— 1 Lincoln County. Exposure/hypothermia, feeding livestock in subzero cold; man, 82.
— 1 Louisville. CO poisoning from warming car in closed garage; male, 20.
Louisiana ( 3)
— 3 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 3 Jan 21-24. Hypothermia. NCDC. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 14.
— 1 Bossier Parish, 21-24 – 1 Orleans Parish — 1 Parish not noted.
Maryland ( 1)
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 15.
Michigan ( 10)
–10 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
–10 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 15.
— 6 Jan 20. Traffic accidents. Joplin Globe, MO. “Cold continues.” 1-21-1985, 10A.
— 6 Jan 20. Traffic accidents. NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and…” 27/1, Jan 1985, 15.
— 3 Jan 18. Traffic accidents. Kokomo Tribune, IN. “It’s ‘snuggle-up’ weather.” 1-20-1985, 1.
— 2 State, Jan 20. Carbon monoxide poisoning “from overworked heaters.”[30]
— 1 State. Jan 20. Heart attack while shoveling snow.[31]
— 1 Benton Harbor, Jan 19. Hypothermia; male.
— 1 Clare, Jan 20. “…died while helping a stranded motorist…authorities said.”[32]
— 1 Detroit, Jan 20. Hypothermia; male, 61, in unheated home.[33]
— 1 Grand Rapids, Jan 20. Hypothermia; male.[34]
Minnesota (2-3)
— 3 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 1 Bagley, Clearwater Co., ~Jan 20. Exposure “walking to her neighbor’s trailer…40 yards away.”[35]
— 1 Bemidji, Beltrami County, Jan 19. Exposure, 18-year-old.[36]
Mississippi ( 1)
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 16.
New Jersey ( 2)
— 2 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 16.
New York ( 5)
–12 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, 1.[37]
— 5 State. AP. “Five dead in New York Cold.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY, 1-22-1985, A5.
— 5 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.[38]
— 2 Buffalo, Jan 21. Exposure outdoors/hypothermia.[39]
— 1 Massena, St. Lawrence Co., Jan 19. Intoxicated snowplow driver hits car, kills female, 37.[40]
— 2 NYC, Lower East Side. Hypothermia; found Jan 21 in unheated building.[41]
North Carolina (21-23)
–23 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
–21 State. Blanchard addition of 14 hypothermia/exposure deaths with 7 from Henderson fire.
–14 State. “…direct result of hypothermia and exposure.” NCDC. Storm Data, 1985.[42]
— 6 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.[43]
— 4 State. Gettysburg Times, PA. “Chill.” 1-22-1985, p. 2.
— 7 Henderson. Fire from overheated wood-burning stove; children aged 3 to 17.[44]
Ohio ( 10)
— 10 Blanchard tally of individualized breakouts below.
— >7 AP. “Ohio fruit freeze is no peach.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. 1-24-1985, B3.
— 6 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 5 State. “…attributed to the cold.” NCDC. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
Breakouts by Locality: (10)
— 1 Butler/Warren Counties, Middletown. Male, 50, “found frozen…outside…theater.”[45]
— 1 “ Middletown, outside Nursing Home, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 88.[46]
— 1 Harrison County, Adena, Jan 22. Hypothermia; car stuck in snow drift; J. Greeves, 74.[47]
— 1 Cuyahoga County, Cleveland. CO poisoning, faulty kerosene heater; Randy Carter, 16.[48]
— 1 Cuyahoga County, Cleveland. Exposure/hypothermia; male (Balesaw Onoszka), 60.[49]
— 1 Cuyahoga County, Rocky River, Jan 23. Man, 76; hypothermia while clearing snow.[50]
— 1 Huron County. Hypothermia; male “freezes to death.”[51]
— 1 Lorain Co., Lorain. Hit by car, plowing snow from driveway; Ellsworth W. Sheperd, 76.[52]
— 1 Richland Co., Mansfield. Found Jan 22. Hypothermia contributing; Otis Thompson, 71.[53]
— 1 Portsmouth, Scioto County, Jan 19. Man, 51, “found frozen on a hillside near his home.”[54]
Oklahoma (5-7)
— 7 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— 5 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 5 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
Breakouts by Locality: (7)
— 1 Durant, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; woman.
— 1 Henryetta, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; male.[55]
— 1 Jay, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; male.[56]
— 2 Norman vic., Lake Thunderbird. Exposure; boat overturns, men had life-preservers on.[57]
— 2 Tulsa area, Jan 21 reported. Hypothermia.[58]
Pennsylvania (9-10) (Jan 18-21)
–10 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
— 9 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 9 AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [Penn.]” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.[59]
— 9 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
Locality Breakout: (9)
— 1 Allegheny County, Castle Shannon, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 67.[60]
— 1 Allegheny County, Elizabeth, Jan 20. Apparent heart attack?; Neil Ferry, 65.[61]
— 1 Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Jan 20. Hypothermia contributing factor; Mary Kobus, 69.[62]
— 1 Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, found Jan 20. Hypothermia in unheated home, female, 79.[63]
— 1 Allegheny County, Port Vue, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 77.[64]
— 1 Allegheny County, West Mifflin, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 66.[65]
— 1 Jefferson County, Jan 19. Exposure; next to disabled snowmobile; male (Tobin), 63.[66]
— 1 Montour County, Danville, Jan 19. Hypothermia; Edward Dewalt, 79.[67]
— 1 Philadelphia, ~Sweetbriar Mansion, found Jan 21. Hypothermia, Thomas Patterson, 75.[68]
— 1 Eastern PA. Hypothermia; elderly person froze to death in automobile.[69]
South Carolina[70] (7-15)
–15 State. Jan 21-31. Cold exposure and hypothermia. NCDC. Storm Data. [71]
— 7 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
— 5 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
Tennessee[72] (12-20)
–20 State. Assoc. Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
–16 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
–13 Gettysburg Times. “Chill (continued from p. 1).” 1-22-1985, p. 2.
–12 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 18.
— 3 Jan 17. Small plane crash on “college campus.” Pilot reported “some icing,” eng. failure.[73]
Breakouts by locality: (12)
–1 Decatur County, Decaturville, Jan 21. Exposure; female, 84, unheated home (10 degrees).[74]
–1 Greene Co., Greeneville, Jan 21. Exposure; female, 77, wandered away from nursing home.[75]
–1 Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Jan 21. Exposure; male, 60, unheated home.[76]
–1 Hardeman Co., Middleton, Jan 21. Exposure; male, 92, wanders away from son’s home.[77]
–1 Hawkins County, Rogersville, Jan 22. Hypothermia; female, 75, could not keep stove on.[78]
–1 Knox County, Knoxville, Jan 21. Exposure; male, 65, found in snow near pickup truck.[79]
–1 Knox County, West Knoxville, Jan 21. Hypothermia; male found dead in apartment.[80]
–1 Montgomery County, Clarksville, Jan 22. Hypothermia; male, 69, portable heater shut off.[81]
–1 Polk County, Benton, Jan 22. Trauma; man, 87, slipped on ice and hit his head on porch.[82]
–1 Roane County, ~Rockwood, Jan 22. Hypothermia, inadequate heat in home; female, 74.[83]
–1 Shelby County, Memphis, Jan 20. Probable exposure; man, 52, found unconscious in car.[84]
–1 Sumner County, Portland, Jan 20. Apparent exposure; man, 76, unheated home.[85]
Texas (2-8)
— 8 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 1 No. TX. NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather…” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
— 1 Comanche County, Jan 19-20. Drowning; wind gust, duck hunter thrown into cold water.[86]
— 1 Dallas, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; wheelchair-bound man outside (10°) locked house.[87]
Utah ( 1)
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 20.
Virginia ( 5)
— 5 AP. “Deaths Linked to Cold Wave.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 1-23-1985, 16.
— 3 State. AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 1 Harrisburg. Hypothermia (according to State med. Examiner); Madeline Adams, late 70s.[88]
— 1 Hopewell, Jan 20. Heart attack from outdoors exertion (cites medical examiner); male, 45.[89]
— 1 Hopewell, Jan 20. Hypothermia (according to medical examiner); Robert Mathews, 52.[90]
— 1 Richmond. Heart attack “brought on by outdoor activity (hospital physician); elderly man.[91]
— 1 Shiloh section, Bedford County, Jan 20. Fire, wood stove; Otea Lincoln Banks, 52.[92]
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 20.
Washington (3)
— 3 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 3 State. Titusville Herald, PA. “Blast of Arctic Air Hits Area.” 1-21-1985, p. 2.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 20.
West Virginia (3)
— 3 State. Associated Press. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” NYT. 1-23-1985.
— 0 NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 20.
Specified Causes of Death:
Accidents [?]:
—>66 Jan 19-22. Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “At Least 66 Die. Cold Wave…” 1-22-1985, p. 1.[93]
Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
— 1 KY. Louisville. CO poisoning from warming car in closed garage; male, 20.
— 2 MI. Carbon monoxide poisoning “from overworked heaters.”
— 1 OH. Cleveland, Cuyahoga County. CO poisoning, faulty kerosene heater; Randy Carter, 16.
Drowning:
— 1 TX. Comanche Co., Jan 19-20. Drowning; wind gust, duck hunter thrown into cold water.
Fires/Smoke Inhalation:
–~19 (Children). Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “112 Dead in Cold Wave…” 1-23-1985, p. 1.
— 1 FL. Geneva, Seminole Co., Jan 21. Smoke inhalation, fire; wood stove; female, 48.
— 2 FL. Jacksonville, Jan 20. Fire; electric heater too close to bed;[94] male, 94, female, 92.
— 6 FL. NCDC Storm Data notes 9 fire deaths, but we note above 3 specific deaths.[95]
— 1 FL. Orange Springs, Marion Co., Jan 21. Fire; clothing, outside barrel; Willy Hewett, 89.
— 4 FL. Palmetto. Home fire; portable kerosene heater contact with bedding; children, 4 to 18.
— 7 NC. Henderson. Fire from overheated wood-burning stove; children aged 3 to 17.
— 1 VA. Shiloh section, Bedford County, Jan 20. Fire, wood stove; Otea Lincoln Banks, 52.
Heart Attacks:
— 1 KY. Hickman County, Jan 19-21. Heart attack while shoveling snow.
— 1 MI. ~Jan 20. Heart attack while shoveling snow.
— 1 PA. Allegheny Co., Castle Shannon, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 67.[96]
— 1 PA. Allegheny County, Elizabeth, Jan 20. Apparent heart attack?; Neil Ferry, 65.[97]
— 1 PA. Allegheny County, Port Vue, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 77.
— 1 PA. Allegheny County, West Mifflin, Jan 18. Heart attack while shoveling snow; male, 66.
— 1 VA. Hopewell, Jan 20. Heart attack from outdoors exertion (re medical examiner); male, 45.
— 1 VA. Richmond. Heart attack “brought on by outdoor activity (hospital doctor); elderly man.
Hypothermia/Exposure:
— 1 AL. Birmingham, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 61, in home with temp at ~1°.
— 1 AL. Henry County, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; elderly male.
— 1 AL. Opelika, Jan 19. “Exposure after apparently wandering from his home.” Male, 87.
— 1 AL. Selma, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 64, found unconscious in home.
— 1 AL. Selma, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; male, 81, found unconscious in home.
— 1 AZ. Navajo Reservation ~Lukachukai, found Jan 18 outside residence. Male, 20-25.
— 1 AZ. Navajo Reservation, McKinley County, Jan 18-19. Exposure; Bernice Charlie, 48.
— 1 AZ. Navajo Reservation, McKinley County, Jan 18-19. Exposure; Buck Jones, 48.
— 1 AR. ~Clinton, Van Buren Co., Jan 20. Hypothermia “from lack of heating…” Male.
— 1 FL. Milton, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia; unheated home; Areatha Lee Levins, 81.
— 1 FL. Milton, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia; unheated home; Della Tibbs, 84.
— 1 FL. Tallahassee, found Jan 21. Apparent hypothermia, unheated home; Cora Givens, 78.
— 1 FL. Tallahassee, found Jan 22. Apparent hypothermia, unheated home; S. T. Smith, 67.
— 2 FL. 6 Jan 21-23, hypothermia (NCDC notes 6, but we note four identified deaths above).
— 1 GA. Fulton County, Jan 20. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Sumter County, Jan 20. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Muscogee County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Sumter County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Laurens County, Jan 21. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Pickens County, Jan 22. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Troup County, Jan 22. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 GA. Muscogee County, Jan 23. Hypothermia/exposure.
— 1 IN. Jan 20. “hitchhiker…found frozen in a phone booth where he tried to seek shelter…”
— 1 IN. Indianapolis, Jan 20. Man, 86, “…found frozen to death in his garage…”
— 2 IN. Jan 20. Hypothermia.
— 1 KY. Lincoln Co., Jan 19-21. Exposure/hypothermia, feeding livestock subzero cold; man, 82.
— 1 LA. Bossier Parish, Jan 21-24.
— 1 LA. Orleans Parish, Jan 21-24.
— 1 LA. Parish not noted, Jan 21-24.
— 1 MI. Benton Harbor, Jan 19. Hypothermia; male.
— 1 MI. Detroit, Jan 20. Hypothermia; male, 61, in unheated home.
— 1 MI. Grand Rapids, Jan 20. Hypothermia; male.
— 1 MN. Bagley, Clearwater Co. Exposure “walking to her neighbor’s trailer…40 yards away.
— 1 MN. Bemidji, Jan 19. Exposure, 18-year-old.
— 2 NY. Buffalo, Jan 21. Exposure outdoors/hypothermia.
— 2 NY. NYC, Lower East Side. Hypothermia; found Jan 21 in unheated building.
–14 NC. State. “…direct result of hypothermia and exposure.” NCDC. Storm Data, 1985
— 1 OH. Butler/Warren Counties, Middletown. “found frozen…outside…theater.” Male, 50.
— 1 OH. Butler/Warren, Middletown, outside nursing home. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 88.
— 1 OH. Cuyahoga County, Cleveland. Exposure/hypothermia; male (Balesaw Onoszka), 60.
— 1 OH, Cuyahoga County, Rocky River, Jan 23. Man, 76; hypothermia while clearing snow.[98]
— 1 OH. Harrison Co., Adena, Jan 22. Hypothermia; car stuck in snow drift; J. Greeves, 74.
— 1 OH. Huron County. Hypothermia; male “freezes to death.”
— 1 OH. Richland Co., Mansfield. Found Jan 22. Hypothermia contributing; Otis Thompson, 71.
— 1 OH. Scioto Co., Portsmouth, Jan 19. Man, 51, “found frozen on a hillside near his home.”
— 1 OK. Durant, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; woman.
— 1 OK. Henryetta, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; male
— 1 OK. Jay, Jan 19-20. Hypothermia; male.
— 2 OK. Norman vic., Lake Thunderbird. Exposure; boat overturns, men had life-preservers on.
— 2 OK. Tulsa area, Jan 21 reported. Hypothermia.
— 1 PA. Allegheny Co., Pittsburgh, Jan 20. Hypothermia contributing factor; Mary Kobus, 69.[99]
— 1 PA. Allegheny Co., Pittsburgh, found Jan 20. Hypothermia in unheated home, female, 79.
— 1 PA. Jefferson County, Jan 19. Exposure; next to disabled snowmobile; male (Tobin), 63.
— 1 PA. Montour County, Danville, Jan 19. Hypothermia; Edward Dewalt, 79.
— 1 PA. Philadelphia, ~Sweetbriar Mansion, found Jan 21. Hypothermia, Thomas Patterson, 75.
— 1 PA. Eastern. Hypothermia; elderly person froze to death in automobile.
–15 SC. Jan 21-31. Cold exposure and hypothermia.
— 1 TN. Decatur Co., Decaturville, Jan 21. Exposure; female, 84, unheated home (10 degrees).
— 1 TN. Greene Co., Greeneville, Jan 21. Exposure; female, 77, wandered away from nursing home.[100]
— 1 TN. Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Jan 21. Exposure; male, 60, unheated home.
— 1 TN. Hardeman Co., Middleton, Jan 21. Exposure; man, 92, wanders away from son’s home
— 1 TN. Hawkins Co., Rogersville, Jan 22. Hypothermia; female, 75, could not keep stove going.
— 1 TN. Knox Co., Knoxville, Jan 21. Exposure; male, 65, found in snow near pickup truck.
— 1 TN. Knox County, West Knoxville, Jan 21. Hypothermia; male found dead in apartment.
— 1 TN. Montgomery Co., Clarksville, Jan 22. Hypothermia; male, 69, portable heater shut off.
— 1 TN. Roane Co., ~Rockwood, Jan 22. Hypothermia, inadequate heat in home; female, 74.
— 1 TN. Shelby Co,, Memphis, Jan 20. Probable exposure; man, 52, found unconscious in car.
— 1 TN. Sumner County, Portland, Jan 20. Apparent exposure; man, 76, unheated home.
— 1 TX. Dallas, Jan 19. Exposure/hypothermia; wheelchair-bound man outside (10°) locked house.
— 1 VA. Harrisburg. Hypothermia (State medical examiner); Madeline Adams, late 70s.
— 1 VA. Hopewell, Jan 20. Hypothermia (according to med. examiner); Robert Mathews, 52.
Traffic Accidents/Incidents:
–1 IN. Jan 20. Man “found frozen in a snow bank after being injured in a hit and run…”
–3 MI. Traffic accidents. Kokomo Tribune, IN. “It’s ‘snuggle-up’ weather.” 1-20-85, 1.
— 1 Clare, Jan 20. “…died while helping a stranded motorist…authorities said.”
–1 NY. Massena, St. Lawrence Co., Jan 19. Intoxicated snowplow driver hits car, kills female, 37.
–1 NY. Lorain, Lorain Co. Hit by car, plowing snow from driveway; Ellsworth W. Sheperd, 76.
Trauma/Fall:
–1 TN. Polk County, Benton, Jan 22. Trauma; man, 87, slipped on ice and hit his head on porch.
Not Clear:
–2 CO. Durango area, found Jan 18. Died in truck camper overnight using propane heater; males.[101]
–1 DC. Jan 20. “One man was found dead in an abandoned row house.” (sub-zero temp.)
Narrative Information — General
NCDC Storm Data: “On January 19th, a bitter cold arctic air mass began to spread south and east from the upper Midwest, causing many new, all-time minimum temperature records to be set across parts of the eastern half of the U.S. At least 86 deaths were attributed to the cold, which also produced extensive damage to fruit crops in the south and caused the cancellation of Inaugural celebrations in Washington, D.C. The principal causes of death were hypothermia and exposure. Most of the victims were elderly people living in unheated homes in the southeastern states, and a large percentage were male….A by-product of the cold outbreak…was a three day period of intense, lake effect snow squalls that moved through the Buffalo area from Lake Erie on January 19th to the 21st. The NWS at the Buffalo International Airport reported a storm total snowfall of 34.4 inches, while suburban reports were as high as 47 inches. Similar heavy lake-effect snows were received along the eastern shores of Lake Ontario.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Data. “Extreme Cold in the Eastern U.S. on January 19-24, 1985,” 27/1, Jan 1985, pp. 6 and 8.)
NCDC: “1985-01-19…1985-01-22…Extreme cold and winter storms in the Southeast, South, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, and North…$(1.2) [Billion Dollar loss]…150 [deaths].”
(NCDC. Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters. “Winter Damage, Cold Wave, Jan 1985.”)
Newspapers (General)
Jan 22, AP: “Subzero temperatures gripped the eastern half of the nation Monday, damaging Florida’s citrus crop, forcing inauguration festivities to be held indoors in Washington, D.C., and freezing power generators in New Orleans. More than 80 records were set in the Southeast and East for the coldest temperature for the date. Twenty of those records were the coldest temperatures ever recorded, including 4 below zero in Athens, Ga , and 16 below zero in Asheville, N.C. …. Readings of 10 to 20 degrees below zero were common Monday in the East. Akron, Ohio reported the coldest temperature in the nation with 24 below zero, but there were unofficial reports of 25 below zero near Hysham, Mont., and 29 below zero in Kingston, Pa.
“A blizzard and winter storm warning continued across parts of western and central New York state, including Buffalo. Winds there gusted near 35 mph with a wind chill near 50 below, and 4
inches of snow had fallen in Buffalo since 7 a.m. The storm over the weekend had dumped about
25 inches of snow on Buffalo and 22 inches on Leland, Mich. Drifts 8 feet deep were reported in
Benzonia, Mich.” (Associated Press. “Record cold in East destroys crops, kills scores.” Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. 1-22-1985, 28C.)
Jan 23, AP: “A cold wave blamed for at least 126 deaths set more record low temperatures in the Southeast yesterday [Jan 22], even as thermometers began to creep up in the North. More than two dozen record lows for the date, all above zero, were posted yesterday from Tennessee to Florida and Louisiana…. Schools were still closed in 28 counties in Michigan because of icy or snow- covered roads, although temperatures warmed into the 20’s….
“In Henderson, N.C., seven children were killed when a fire trapped them in an upstairs bedroom after spreading from a wood stove over-stoked to fight off a sub-zero freeze, United Press International reported . Fire Chief Ranger Wilkerson said an overheated wood-burning stove started the fire that trapped the four boys and three girls ranging in age from 3 to 17 years old.
“The death toll attributed to the weather since Friday [Jan 18] included 16 in Tennessee; 12 in Florida; 10 in Michigan; 9 in Pennsylvania; 8 each in Texas, Georgia and Illinois; 6 each in Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina; 5 each in Oklahoma, New York and South Carolina; 3 in Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and West Virginia; 2 in Alabama and New Jersey, and 1 each in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Mississippi. In addition to those who died in the eastern half of the nation, weather-related deaths in the West included three in Washington, three in Arizona and one each in Colorado and Utah.” (AP. “Arctic Chill Grips South as Cold Ebbs in North.” New York Times. 1-23-1985.)
Jan 12-31, AP: “January Arctic air swept across the Eastern half of country between Jan. 12-31, freezing fruits, vegetables and water pipes. Total damage was estimated at $1.4 billion and more than 150 deaths were attributed to the cold, primarily from hypothermia, automobile accidents and heart attacks.” (AP. “Five Hurricanes, Mudslides, Floods Stagger the Country.” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. 12-29-1985, A8.)
Alabama
Murray: “On the morning of Monday, January 21, 1985, Alabama awoke in a deep freeze. It was -6F at the Birmingham Airport, marking a record low for the date…the second coldest low ever measured officially at Birmingham, coming within just a few degrees of the all time record low of -10 set on February 13, 1899. (Bill Murray. “Birmingham’s Second Coldest Morning (1985).” Alabama WX Weather Blog. 1-20-2007.)
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 19-22…Record cold. A bitterly cold air mass was destined to rewrite the record books for low temperatures in much of Alabama as it swept across the northern border of the state during the early evening of January 19th and continued its deadly southward plunge. At least five people died from exposure to cold, which overall was the coldest of this century in Alabama….Early morning low temperatures on the 21st were from 14 degrees below zero at Belle Mina, Russellville and Valley Head in North Alabama to 3 degrees in Mobile and Dothan and 5 degrees at Fairhope on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. Brewton, near the Florida line, in south Alabama had a low of 1 below zero. The afternoon high of 6 degrees in Birmingham on January 20th under a clear sky was the lowest day time high ever recorded in the city….Water lines froze in many buildings and damage was extensive…One to three inches of snow accompanied the cold over about the northern one-third of the state.” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12. Asheville, NC, NCDC, NOAA, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.)
NWS WFO, Birmingham: “At least 5 people perished in the extreme cold of January 19-22, 1985. This event re-established low temperature records over much of Alabama. This storm brought ice accumulations of up to one foot as reported in Lauderdale county. Bridges were coated with ice well into central Alabama and four people were killed in traffic accidents on icy roads.” (NWS WFO, Birmingham, AL. Winter Weather History in Central Alabama (webpage). 11-15-2013 modification.)
Arkansas
NCDC: “All of Arkansas [Jan] 19-21…Heavy Snow and Cold Outbreak. A rather strong cold front moved through the State during the daylight hours on the 19th. By 6 AM CST on Sunday, the 20th, record low temperatures were reached at many locations throughout Arkansas: Mountain Home -14…Fayetteville -12, Little Rock -6….Northeast Arkansas received 4 to 6 inches of snow from Saturday night into Sunday morning….Winds accompanying the cold front were strong, thus the wind chill index was around 25 degrees below zero or colder….” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12. Asheville, NC, NCDC, NOAA, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.)
Colorado
NCDC: “Mountains [Jan] 19-22…Heavy snow. Snow fell most of the time in the Colorado Rockies during this period, and was frequently heavy. A total of 40 inches buried Vail; 32 inches fell at the Loveland ski area, with 25 to 30 inches at Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Arapahoe Basin. Many other spots measured totals of 1 to 2 feet…” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 12.)
Delaware
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 20-22…Winter Storm. Arctic air arrived early Sunday. Winds averaging 20-30 mph but gusting over 40 mph sent temperatures below zero Sunday evening. Wind chill equivalent temperatures dipped to 40-60 below overnight. Wilmington reported 14 below the morning of the 21st. One to two inches of snow fell Sunday morning but blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous….Most schools were closed.” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 13.)
Florida
NCDC: “Entire State [Jan] 21-23…Cold. An outbreak of cold air covered the entire state. Minimum temperatures ranged from 4-20 in north Florida to 17-35 in central Florida to 20-30 in south Florida. The keys also had cold weather….Two-thirds of the vegetable crop was lost, one third of the grazing pasture, and one-fifth of the citrus was lost.” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan ‘85, p. 13.)
Georgia
NCDC: “All of Georgia [Jan] 20-23…Severe Cold. Temperatures fell rapidly early on the morning of the 20th as bitterly cold air pushed southeast across Georgia. Temperatures in the low 40s fell into the teens with wind chill temperatures at 20 to 40 degrees below zero over much of the state by afternoon. On the morning of the 21st, 4 of the 6 Weather Service Offices in Georgia reached all-time record low readings. The coldest temperature in Georgia was -16 degrees at Blairsville which was only one degree short of Georgia’s all-time low. Eight deaths were directly attributed to the cold. Several of the victims froze to death in their beds. Frozen water pipes caused widespread damage and even caused water shortages in many cities. Numerous fires were caused by people attempting to thaw or repair damaged water pipes….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 13.)
Illinois
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 19-21…Cold wave. Intense cold prevailed statewide. 20 to 30 mph winds which occurred during the time of the lowest temperatures on the 20th drove wind-chill readings to 60 to 90 degrees below zero. Chicago recorded -27 on the 20th, the coldest ever in 114 years of temperature records. Statewide minimum temperatures were generally -20 to -30 degrees on the 20th.” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 13.)
Indiana
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 20….Extreme Cold. Bitter arctic air swept into Indiana on the 20th and 21st, producing wind chills as low as 80 below and setting new record low temperatures for not only the date but for this century. The bitter cold caused five deaths and hospital emergency rooms reported numerous cases of frost bite. A death due to exposure was reported when a hitchhiker was found frozen in a phone booth where he tried to seek shelter….Damage to buildings due to frozen water pipes was extensive. Several towns were without water due to water mains freezing and then breaking.” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 13.)
Iowa
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 18-Evening-20 Evening…Cold Wave. A brutally cold Arctic airmass, which felt still worse with strong northwest winds, brought record temperatures to much of Iowa. The coldest temperature recorded was – 27 F at Dubuque. Frozen pipes broke and flooded basements in scores of homes, resulting in significant damage. A few areas near Des Moines lost power temporarily due to the cold….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 13.)
Kentucky
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 19-21 night-midday….Subzero Cold and Snowstorm. A vicious arctic cold, nicknamed the Alberta Clipper, gripped Kentucky with subzero temperatures for a record breaking 36 hours….Temperatures ranged from near zero degrees in the far southeast to 26 degrees below zero over north Kentucky Sunday morning, January 20, 1985. The bitterly cold temperatures coupled with gusty winds of 25 miles an hour, plummeting wind-chill indices into the 50 to 70 degree below zero range. Snowfall that began on Saturday night, January 19th, and continued into Sunday, January 20, 1985, ranged from 3 to 7 inches over all but the extreme north where amounts were less complicating to the seriousness of the situation….Interstate travel was limited to one lave. Snow drifts measured up to ten feet in many areas as winds of 25 mph continued to blow and drift the snow across roadways and rural areas….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 14.)
Louisiana
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 21-24…Cold Wave. Arctic air caused record low temperatures. Lake Charles recorded 15; Lafayette, 13; Alexandria, 11; Shreveport, 10…Baton Rouge, 9. Three people died from hypothermia….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 14.)
Maryland
NCDC: “”Alleghany County east… [Jan] 20-22…Winter Storm. Arctic air arrived early Sunday. Winds averaging 20-30 mph but gusting over 40 mph sent temperatures below zero Sunday evening. Wind chill equivalent temperatures dipped to 40-60 below overnight. Readings of 25 below zero were taken at Frostburg…the morning of the 21st….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 15.)
Mississippi
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 19-21…Snow, Record Cold. An arctic cold front moved rapidly southward through the State on the evening of the 19th and the early morning of the 20th. Around 3 inches of snow fell in parts of extreme North Mississippi with lighter amounts elsewhere. Freezing rain preceded the snow over much of the State, and icing of bridges and some roads occurred in scattered areas all the way to the coast. Temperatures remained near zero in the extreme North all day on the 20th Readings remained in the teens across the Central part of the State while dipping into the 20’s along the coast. Lows on the morning of the 21st ranged from 13 below zero at Oxford to 12 above at Biloxi…” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 16.)
New York (Western)
NCDC: “[Jan] 19-23…Snow, Cold. Strong polar winds picked up moisture from the warm lakes and dumped up to 3 feet of snow over most of Western New York, and up to 5 feet over Eastern Lake Ontario Counties. This event will be remembered as the ‘Blizzard of 1985’. The storm began on the 19th and reached blizzard proportions on the 21st and 22nd…Winds gusting up 50 mph whipped up snow, causing frequent white-outs and snow drifts as high as 8 feet…” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 17.)
North Carolina
NCDC: “Statewide [Jan] 20-21…Severe Cold. The coldest air of the century, in most locations the coldest temperatures ever recorded, invaded the state. Temperatures ranged from around minus 5 in the East to minus 34 at Mount Mitchell which is the lowest temperature on record in the state….Fourteen people died as a direct result of hypothermia and exposure.” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 17.)
North Dakota
NCDC: “North Central [Jan] 19 Morning to 20 Morning…Cold, Blizzard….Blizzard conditions with strong winds (gusts to 51 mph at Minot AFB), very poor visibility (visibility zero at Minot AFB for 3 hours) and wind shills of 40 below to 60 below developed the night of the 19th….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 17.)
Ohio
NCDC: “Entire State. [Jan] 19-23…Extreme Cold. A blast of arctic air dropped temperatures as low as 25 below zero during this period. In many parts of the state, temperatures dropped to the lowest readings ever. Schools were closed and power interrupted by the cold in many areas of the state….Five deaths were attributed to the cold and scores of injuries were treated at hospitals….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather…” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 17.)
Oklahoma
NCDC: “Central and South Central. [Jan] 19-20…Winter Storm, Strong Winds. A strong cold-front with temperatures dropping nearly 30 degrees caused strong winds of 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph…” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather…” 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.)
Pennsylvania (Eastern)
NCDC: “[Jan] 20-22…Severe Cold. An outbreak of extremely cold Arctic air poured across Eastern Pennsylvania. Temperatures dropped to below 10 degrees by noon on the 20th and to below zero by 10 P.M. Temperatures did not climb above 10 degrees until 10 A.M. on the 22nd. Strong wind gusts of 40 MPH or higher accompanied the cold air. The strong winds resulted in wind chill factors reaching 40 degrees below zero or lower. Actual temperatures reached 6 below zero to 20 below zero on the morning of the 21st. Some of the low temperature records set for the 21st were: Philadelphia 6 below, Harrisburg 7 below, Allentown 9 below, Williamsport 11 below and Wilkes-Barre Scranton 14 below….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 18.)
South Carolina
NCDC: “Statewide. [Jan] 20-24…15 [deaths]…Snow, record cold weather. Arctic air overspread South Carolina on the 20th accompanied by strong winds. Snow was reported on the 20th…Clearing and record cold weather followed on the night of the 20th over all of the State, with extremely cold weather continuing through the 24th….A new all time record low was also established at many stations, with temperatures falling to below zero over much of inland South Carolina. The -22F degrees reported by the Hogback Mountain station established a new all time low for the state….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual…” 27/1, Jan 1985, 18.)
Tennessee
NCDC: “Statewide…19-22…7 [fatalities]…Record cold. Arctic air, riding the Alberta Clipper, invaded Tennessee, setting new record low temperatures across the state. The record cold and frozen roadways forced the cancellation of schools in all 95 counties, a first-time occurrence….The winter outbreak was also accompanied by snow and ice. Snowfall amounts were variable ranging up to 11 inches at Knoxville. New record low temperatures included: …Memphis -4 [Jan 20]…Nashville -17 [Jan 21]…Chattanooga -10 [Jan 21]…Knoxville…-24 [Jan 22] Bristol…-21 [Jan 21]…” (NCDC. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.)
Texas
NCDC: “North Texas [Jan] 19-20…An intense cold front blasted through North Texas during the early evening hours, causing widespread wind damage and dropping temperatures below freezing in minutes. One fatality and several injuries were reported due to the high winds. Winds were light as the front approached, then suddenly gusted to 60 to 70 MPH, catching many people by surprise….Temperature drops were dramatic as the front passed. At DFW airport, the temperature reading went from 67° at 6 PM to 36° at 7 PM, with peak wind gusts to 66 MPH….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 19.)
Virginia
NCDC: “Statewide. [Jan] 20…An arctic cold front pushed through the state during the early morning hours, bringing record cold…..Widespread temperature records were set across the entire state as temperatures fell to below zero at all locations with winds gusting over 40 mph….” (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather…” 27/1, Jan 1985, p. 20.)
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Titusville Herald, PA. “Blast of Arctic Air Hits Area.” 1-21-1985, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=102200107&sterm=cold+winter+death
Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “112 Dead in Cold Wave…” 1-23-1985, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=148332730&sterm=winter+cold+death
Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “At Least 66 Die. Cold Wave Eases Grip, Moves South to Florida.” 1-22-1985, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=148332727&sterm
United Press International. “Cold wave paralyzes upper Midwest.” Oskaloosa Herald, IA. 1-25-1985, p. 2. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=227498061&sterm=winter
United Press International. “Sub-zero temps forecast.” Oskaloosa Herald, IA. 1-18-1985, p. 2. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=227497996&sterm=winter+cold
[1] While our tally-by-State totals to 184, we use a range showing 176 as the low end in that this was reported in press.
[2] Since Jan 19.
[3] Notes the deaths were in 23 States and the District of Columbia.
[4] “The recent cold snap was responsible for 171 deaths in the nation last weekend [Jan 19-20], and is considered one of the worst cold waves in history.”
[5] “Arctic air blamed for 165 deaths chalked up a third day of record cold Wednesday [Jan 23] in the Southeast…”
[6] Actual tally of numbers, appearing that eight listed in last paragraph in the West, were not included.
[7] Breakdown of the 86 by gender (when known) was 35 (74%) male and 9 (26%) female; by age (sample size 21): 50-59 (3, 14%), 60-69 (6, 29%), 70-79 (5, 24%), 80-89 (6, 29%), 90-99 (1, 05%); by location (sample size 17: inside, 12 (71%), outside 5 (29%).
[8] “At least 66 people have died in weather-related accidents nationwide since Saturday [Jan 19].
[9] At least 49 people had died in bad weather since Friday [Jan 18] from traffic accidents, exposure and fires sparked by makeshift heaters.”
[10] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.
[11] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.
[12] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.
[13] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.
[14] AP, Lukachukai, Ariz. “3rd Exposure Death Reported.” Farmington Daily Times, NM. 1-23-1985, A5.
[15] Assoc. Press, Lukachukai, Ariz. “3rd Exposure Death Reported.” Farmington Daily Times, NM. 1-23-1985, A5.
[16] Assoc. Press, Lukachukai, Ariz. “3rd Exposure Death Reported.” Farmington Daily Times, NM. 1-23-1985, A5.
[17] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 12.
[18] AP, Durango, Colo. “Faulty Heater Causes Deaths.” Farmington Daily Times, NM, 1-19-1985, A6. Victims identified as Greg McDonald, 22, of Denver and Craig Sharbonne, 23 of Lakewood, who were on ski trip.
[19] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C. Article writes that Norma Ellen Knight died while attempting to escape her burning mobile home, which caught fire when a wood-burning stove ignited a wall.
[20] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-22-1985, 1.
[21] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C. Identified victims as Charlie and Dora Sims, married for 78 years.
[22] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C.
[23] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C.
[24] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C. Article notes victims clothing caught fire from a barrel he started outside his home to keep warm.
[25] Victims identified as Kelvelin Hudson, 18, Terrence Hudson, 14, Becky Hudson, 10, Barbara Hudson, 4. Sheriff’s Officer spokesman noted the heater had been kept in the hallway, but was moved by one of the children into a bedroom they shared, when it came into contact with bed clothing. (Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C.)
[26] Cites relatives to effect she was afraid to turn on an electric heater.”
[27] Associated Press. “Fire, hypothermia blamed for deaths.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-23-1985, 5C. Article notes that “A can of frozen soup was found next to Smith’s body…”
[28] “In Atlanta temperatures fell to 3 below zero by 10 p.m., after a posting of 7 degrees set a record earlier Sunday [Jan 20]. Winds of 25 mph wind made it feel like 35 below zero in Atlanta, the National Weather Service said.” (AP. “Cites Set Record Temperatures as Alberta Clipper Chills Nation.” Aiken Standard, SC. 1-21-1985, 2.)
[29] “Eight deaths were directly attributed to the cold. Several of the victims froze to death in their beds.”
[30] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 15.
[31] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 15.
[32] Joplin Globe, MO. “Cold continues (cont. from p. 1A). 1-21-1985, 10A.
[33] Joplin Globe, MO. “Cold continues (cont. from p. 1A). 1-21-1985, 10A.
[34] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 15.
[35] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 15. “Wind and cold temperatures combined to create a wind chill of 30 to 50 below zero.”
[36] Kokomo Tribune, IN. “It’s ‘snuggle-up’ weather.” 1-20-1985, 1.
[37] We have not been able to substantiate twelve deaths, but can five, thus we use that figure.
[38] Two were from exposure in Western NY.
[39] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-22-1985, 1; NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17 (just notes two exposure deaths in the state.)
[40] Killed in the head-on collision on Route 37C was Mary Ellen White, 37, of Fort Covington, Franklin County. (Syracuse Herald-Journal, NY. “We’re freezing! 1-21-1985, A6.)
[41] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-22-1985, 1.
[42] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[43] Not including seven deaths from a house fire in Henderson, NC.
[44] Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “112 Dead in Cold Wave…” 1-23-1985, p. 1.
[45] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.
[46] Victim identified as Lillian Brown. (Sandusky Register, OH. “Winter’s frigid grip starts to loosen.” 1-21-1985, 1.) NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.
[47] AP. “Ohio fruit freeze is no peach.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. 1-24-1985, B3.
[48] Sandusky Register, OH. “Winter’s frigid grip starts to loosen.” 1-21-1985, p. 1.
[49] “…found dead on his front porch where he apparently froze to death.” (Sandusky Register, OH. “Winter’s frigid grip starts to loosen.” 1-21-1985, p. 1.). NCDC. Storm Data. 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.
[50] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[51] Sandusky Register, OH. “Winter’s frigid grip starts to loosen.” 1-21-1985, p. 1.
[52] Sandusky Register, OH. “Winter’s frigid grip starts to loosen.” 1-21-1985, p. 1.
[53] AP. “Ohio fruit freeze is no peach.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. 1-24-1985, B3. “The coroner’s office ruled Otis Thompson died of severe dehydration and malnutrition and said the weather played a part in the death.”
[54] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 17.
[55] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[56] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[57] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[58] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-22-1985, 1.
[59] “…the bitter cold wave…has claimed at least nine lives since the weekend [Jan 19]…”
[60] Identified as George Nieser. AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [PA].” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5
[61] “…found dead…in a parking lot after he had been scraping ice off his car’s windshield.” (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates Pennsylvania.” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[62] Found in unheated home Jan 19 and died in a hospital the next day of pneumonia aided by hypothermia, according to coroner’s office. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates Pennsylvania.” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[63] Victim identified as Hilda Wanninger, whose body was found “partially frozen” according to Allegheny County Deputy Coroner. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates Pennsylvania.” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[64] Identified as Michael Spehar. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [PA].” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[65] Identified as George Kunar. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [PA].” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[66] Victim identified as George E. Tobin Jr. (Indiana Gazette, PA. “Bitter Cold blamed in death.” 1-21-1985, p. 1.)
[67] County coroner ruled hypothermia and “said the temperature in Dewalt’s home had dropped to 38 to 40 degrees because of an ineffective kerosene heater, and that the victim was in bare feet and not warmly dressed.” ((AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates Pennsylvania.” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[68] Froze in car near work, Sweetbriar Mansion, after getting stuck in snow night before and after being warned by police to leave the disabled car. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [PA].” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[69] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 18. Actually states that “Two elderly people froze to death in their automobiles…” We have specific information on one Philadelphia area fatality, however, and assume this was one of the two.
[70] As an example of the cold, the temperature bottomed out at 6 degrees in Aiken, SC, the night of Jan 21. (Aiken Standard, SC. “Big Chill Keeps us Stalled.” 1-22-1985, 1.)
[71] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” 27/1, Jan 1985, 18. Section is written as “Statewide [Jan] 20-24….15 [deaths]” Narrative is written: “Preliminary statistics from South Carolina Office of Vital Statistics show 15 deaths from cold exposure or hypothermia between 21st and 31st.”
[72] “The cold and snow forced officials in every county in Tennessee to close public schools today [Jan 21].” (Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Nation gets the shivers.” 1-21-1985, p. 4, col. 1.) Temperatures dropped to 17 below zero. (Associated Press. “Cold, storm blamed for 40 deaths.” Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. 1-21-1985, 1.) According to the National Weather Service this was “an all-time record low [for Nashville].” Dropped to -28 in Woodbury.(NWS Weather Forecast Office, Nashville, TN. “Calendar of Significant Weather Events in Middle Tennessee.” 2-5-2014 modification.) “About 11 inches [snow] fell in Knox County, nor of Knoxville, Tenn.” (Associated Press. “Record Cold Wave Rolls Across U.S.” New York Times. 1-21-1985.)
[73] United Press International. “Sub-zero temps forecast.” Oskaloosa Herald, IA. 1-18-1985, p. 2.
[74] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[75] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[76] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[77] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[78] “A 75-year-old woman died in her home apparently because she was too feeble to keep coal in her coal-burning stove.” NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[79] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[80] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[81] The heater fell over, causing it to shut off and the victim froze to death. (NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.)
[82] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[83] Had one 110-volt electric heater in home. NCDC. Storm Data. Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[84] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 18.
[85] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 18.
[86] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[87] Associated Press. “Weather blamed for 165 deaths.” Joplin Globe, MO. 1-24-1985, p. 1.
[88] Found deceased in home “near a wood stove that was cold except for a few dying embers.” (AP. “Deaths Linked to Cold Wave.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 1-23-1985, p. 16.)
[89] Victim was J. David Kirksey. (AP. “Deaths Linked to Cold…” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg. 1-23-85, 16.
[90] Cites medical examiner to effect that Mr. Mathews “ran out of fuel for his kerosene heater but refused to leave his home.” (Assoc. Press. “Deaths Linked to Cold Wave.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 1-23-1985, p. 16.)
[91] Associated Press. “Deaths Linked to Cold Wave.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 1-23-1985, p. 16.
[92] Associated Press. “Deaths Linked to Cold Wave.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 1-23-1985, p. 16.
[93] “At least 66 people have died in weather-related accidents nationwide since Saturday [Jan 19]. Of course, we do not know what the term “accidents” includes – exposure?, fires?, CO poisoning?, or traffic accidents.
[94] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold grips East; death toll soars to 76.” News-Herald, Panama City, FL. 1-22-1985, 1.
[95] “…nine…died from fires caused by careless use of or faulty space heaters.”
[96] Identified as George Nieser. AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates [PA].” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5
[97] “…found dead…in a parking lot after he had been scraping ice off his car’s windshield.” (AP. “Nine.” 1-22-85, 5)
[98] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 17.
[99] Found in unheated home Jan 19 and died in a hospital the next day of pneumonia aided by hypothermia, according to coroner’s office. (AP. “Nine lives lost as bitter cold penetrates Pennsylvania.” Gettysburg Times, 1-22-85, 5.)
[100] NCDC. Storm Data. “Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena.” Vol. 27, No. 1, Jan 1985, p. 19.
[101] Not clear if this was attributable to carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, or a combination thereof.