lornajarrettblanchard

About lornajarrettblanchard

Posts by :

20th Century

1984 — Feb 29, USAF C-130 Hercules Plane Crash, near Borja, Spain –(17 US) of 18

lornajarrettblanchard February 29, 1984

–18 ASN. Accident description. USAF Lockheed C-130E Hercules, NW of Borja, Spain

–18 Baugher, Joseph F. 1968 USAF Serial Numbers. 1-10-2012 revision.

–18 Combat Control Net. “This Day in CCT History.” 4-3-2009.

–18 Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, 137-138.

–18 Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “U.S. C-130 Crashes in Spain Killing 17…” 2-29-1984, 6

–18 Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt. “AF transport crashes in Spain; 18 men die.” 3-1-1984, 1.

–18 Stars and Stripes. “Air Force hunts for clues, identifies Spain crash victims.” 3-2-1984, 9.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network:

“Time: 20:12….

“Date: 28 Feb 1984

“First flight: 1969

“Crew: Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7

“Passengers: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11

“Total: Fatalities: 18 / Occupants: 18….

“Location: 4 km (2.5 mls) NW of Borja (Spain)

“Phase: En route….

“Departure airport: Zaragoza Airport…Spain

“Destination airport: Zaragoza Airport…Spain

(ASN. Accident description. USAF Lockheed C-130E Hercules, NW of Borja, Spain)

Baugher: “Lockheed C-130E-LM Hercules….10944 (c/n 382-4324) with 435th TAW crashed near Borja, Spain Feb 29, 1984. 18 killed.” (Baugher, Joe F. 1968 USAF Serial Numbers. 1-10-2012 rev.)

Combat Control Net: “On 28 February 1984, Pararescueman SSgt Scott A. Anderson was killed in a C-130 crash. On board the same C-130 were seven Combat Controllers:[1] Capt. Roderick C. Gress, TSgt Larry A. Rainey, SSgt Victor A. Valley , SSgt Eddy D. Clark, Sgt Emilio F. Martinez, Jr, Sgt Jonathon Goerling, and Sgt Steven M. Ray. The PJ and CCT were on board to conduct a training parachute jump. The C-130E, tail number 68-10944 took off from Zaragoza Spain on a low-level jump training mission. Weather in the area included a 1200 feet ceiling and 6 km visibility. The C-130 struck a mesa near Borja Spain at an elevation of 2200 feet. In addition to the eight jumpers, there were seven crew members, and three passengers for a total of eighteen fatalities. This was the largest loss of Combat Controllers in a single plane crash in the history of CCT. The cause of the accident was pilot error.” (Combat Control Net. “This Day in CCT History.” 4-3-2009.)

Gero: “Date: 28 February 1984 (c.19:30)….

“Operated by the Military Airlift Command, the four-engine turboprop transport was on an aerial delivery training mission and had been cleared for a low-level supply drop before it crashed and burned 30 miles (50km) north-west of Zaragoza Air Base. All 18 servicemen aboard lost their lives; except for a Spanish officer, the victims were American personnel, including the aircraft’s nine-member crew.

“The C-130 had struck the south face of a mesa at an approximate elevation of 2,200ft (670m), or less than 200ft (60m) from the top, at a comparatively low air speed of around 150mph (250kph), while on a north-north-westerly heading, with its wings level, nose slightly raised and flaps extended to 50 degrees. The crash occurred in darkness, and the local weather was overcast, with a ceiling of 1,200ft (350m) and a visibility of approximately 31/2 miles (6km). There was little or no wind. Although the causative factors were omitted in the investigative report on the accident, releasable findings did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact structural, instrument or electrical failure, or propeller/power plant malfunction in the aircraft.” (Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, pp. 137-138.)

Newspapers

Feb 29, UPI: “Borja, Spain (UPI) — A U.S. military plane on maneuvers in northeast Spain crashed into a hill during a snowstorm and broke apart, killing all 17 American airmen and a Spanish observer on board, officials said today.

“U.S. Air Force officials in West Germany, where the plane was based, said all 18 bodies were recovered from the burned hulk of the Hercules C-130 turbo prop by Spanish and American searchers about 12 hours after it went down Tuesday.

“Spanish air force officials in Madrid said the plane’s doors apparently were open when it crashed and some of the airmen had pulled their parachute ripcords, either in preparation for the exercises or to try a last-ditch escape before impact.

“The crash site was in hills 35 miles northwest of the U.S. air base at Zaragoza and about two miles south of the village of Borja, authorities said.

“”We have been informed by Zaragoza that all 18 bodies have now been found. There were no survivors,” said Lt. Col. William H. Johnson, spokesman at the Air Force’s European headquarters in Ramstein, West Germany. “We have no idea as yet what caused the crash.”

“The plane, attached to the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing at Rhein-Main Air Base near Frankfurt, was on temporary exercises in Spain, he said.

“The plane disappeared in the snow-covered hills Tuesday night. The Spanish air base at Ablitas in the province of Navarre reported a distress call from the pilot, who advised he had to make an emergency landing.

“Spanish Air Force officials in Madrid said the crash site was located with the help of the plane’s automatic emergency distress signal. The plane had been at Zaragoza for several days on maneuvers that included paratrooper drops, said Chief Master Sergeant Al Stromwall at Air Force European headquarters in Ramstein, West Germany. The plane went down while en route to a drop zone northwest of Zaragoza, Strom wall said.

“The C-130 had a crew of 10 officers and enlisted members and six combat controllers (paratroopers) from Rhein-Main, as well as a para-rescue specialist from Zaragoza air base in Spain,[2] and one Spanish officer who was on board as an observer,” said Master Sgt. Roy Adams in Ramstein….The Spanish observer was identified as Capt. Francisco Guardiolo Gago.

“It was the eighth crash of a U.S. military plane or helicopter in Spain since March of 1978.” (UPI. “U.S. C-130 Crashes in Spain Killing 17 American Airmen.” Pharos-Tribune, Logansport IN. 2-29-1984, p. 6.)

March 1, Stars and Stripes: “A U.S. Air Force transport plane on maneuvers in northeastern Spain crashed into a mountain while attempting an emergency landing in a snowstorm Tuesday night. Seventeen U.S. airmen and one Spanish airman were killed, officials said Wednesday. A search team found the wreckage of the plane, a Hercules C-130 turbo-prop, 12 hours after it went down. The plane crashed about 2 miles northwest of Borja, Spain, U.S. Air Force officials said….

“The servicemen and aircraft were participating in a joint U,S.-Spanish training exercise on cargo loading and troop movement, a Zaragoza official said.

“The snow-covered crash site, accessible only by helicopter, is about 35 miles northwest of Zaragoza and 10 miles from the plane’s parachute drop target near Ablidas.

“The search operation, which continued through Tuesday night, was delayed by the heavy fog, snow and rain blanketing the mountainous area.

“Spanish air force officials in Zaragoza said the doors of the Hercules were open and several of the victims, apparently intending to jump, had pulled the rip cords of their parachutes. A Zaragoza official said some of the jumpers were still hooked to the aircraft’s jump line or automatic parachute release.

“The combat control team and para-rescue specialist on the aircraft were to have parachuted as part of the exercises, an Air Force spokesman said.

“Contact with the plane was lost about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, U.S. Air Force officials said.

“The Spanish air force in Madrid said the crash site was located with the help of the plane’s automatic emergency distress….[goes to p. 24 which was not accessible].” (Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt, Germany. “AF transport crashes in Spain; 18 men die.” 3-1-1984, 1.)

UPI, March 2: “Borja, Spain (UPI) — U.S. Air Force investigators began the search for clues Thursday to explain why a military transport plane crashed during routine maneuvers in northeastern Spain, killing 17 American airmen and a Spanish observer.

“Officials at Zaragoza AB, Spain, said a rescue team recovered the last body Thursday from the charred fuselage of the Hercules C-130 that crashed Tuesday night during a snowstorm about 35 miles northwest of the base…..

“The recovered bodies of the American airmen were brought by truck to the Zaragoza base, then flown Thursday to Torrejon AB, Spain, outside Madrid for identification.

“A Zaragoza base spokesman said a team of Air Force investigators from bases in the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain were at the crash site Thursday. The plane’s black box — the flight data recorder — had been recovered late Wednesday and probably would be sent to the United States for analysis, he said.

“It took searchers more than 12 hours Wednesday to locate the crash site, an isolated region of foothills covered with up to three feet of snow about two miles northwest of the village of Borja.

“USAFE on Thursday identified the 17 Air Force personnel and one Spanish officer killed in Tuesday night’s crash. The following 16 people were stationed at Rhein-Main AB near Frankfurt:

Aircraft commander — Capt. Michael D. Jablonovsky, 27, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Grove

City, Pa., married, no children.

Co-pilot — Capt. David C. Harp, 36, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Crystal City, Texas, married,

three children.

Co-pilot — 1st Lt. Hal W. Hoskins, 28, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Friendswood, Texas, married,

two children.

Instructor/navigator — Mai Charles J. Polk, 43, 37^th Tac Airlift Sq, Lyons, N.Y., married,

one child.

Navigator — Capt John E. Robbins, 27, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Doraville, Ga., single.

Flight engineer — Master Sgt. Charles J. Wyatt, 36, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Bellevue, Iowa…

Instructor/loadmaster — A.1.C Craig G. Spllinek, 22, 37th Tac Airlift Sq, Freemont, Neb.,

Loadmaster –Staff Sgt. Jack M. McCloskey Jr, 30, 435th Aerial Port Sq, Battle Creek,

Mich., married, two children.

Loadmaster — Tech. Sgt. Harold R. Leavitt, 37, 37^th Tac Airlift Sq, Peoria, Ill., single.

Combat controller — Tech. Sgt. Victor A. Valle, 34, 435th Tac Airlift Wing, Bronx, N.Y.,

single, two children.

Combat controller — Sgt. Jonathan D. Goerling, 25, 7th Special Operations Sq., Corbell,

Ore., married, no children.

Combat controller — Tech. Sgt. Larry A. Rainey, 34, 435th Tac Airlift Wing, Bessemer.

Ala., married, two children.

Combat controller — Capt. Roderick G. Gress, 29, 435th Tac Airlift Wing. Munhall, Pa.,

Combat controller — Sgt. Steven M. Ray, 24, 435^th Tac Airlift Wing, Woodstock, III.,…

Combat controller — Staff Sgt. Eddy D. Clark, 26, 7^th Special Ops. Sq, Columbia, Calif.,..

Combat controller — Sgt. Emilio F. Martinez Jr, 23, 435th Tac Airlift Wing, San Bernardino. Calif., married, one child.

“The following person was stationed at Zaragoza AB, Spain:

Para-rescue specialist — Staff Sgt. Scott A. Anderson, 24, Det 9, 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Sq, Litchfield, Minn., married.

“The Spanish officer was Capt. Fransisco Guardlota Davo, 3lst Wing, Spanish Air Force, navigator/observer.” (UPI. “Air Force hunts for clues, identifies Spain crash victims.” Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt, Germany, 3-2-1984, p. 9.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network. Accident Description. United States Air Force, Lockheed C-130E Hercules, 1984, Feb 28, NW of Borja, Spain. Accessed 3-7-2012 at:

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19840228-1

Baugher, Joseph F. 1968 USAF Serial Numbers. 1-10-2012 revision. Accessed 3-5-2012 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1968.html

Combat Control Net. “This Day in CCT History.” Combatcontrolnet.blogspot, 4-3-2009. Accessed 2-1-2017 at: http://combatcontrolnet.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999.

Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt, Germany. “AF transport crashes in Spain; 18 men die.” 3-1-1984, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=116929411

United Press International. “Air Force hunts for clues, identifies Spain crash victims.” Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt, Germany. 3-2-1984, 9. http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=118245884

United Press International. “U.S. C-130 Crashes in Spain Killing 17 American Airmen.” Pharos-Tribune, Logansport IN. 2-29-1984, p. 6. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=109197718

[1] “United States Air Force Combat Controllers (CCT) (AFSC 1C2X1) are ground combat forces specialized in a traditional pathfinder role while having a heavy emphasis on simultaneous air traffic control, fire support and command, control, and communications in covert or austere environments. Assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons, Combat Controllers are an integral part of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air Force component of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Combat Controllers are often assigned individually or as a team to Army Special Forces, Army Ranger, and Navy SEAL teams to provide expert air support coordination and communications capabilities.” (Wikipedia. “United States Air Force Combat Control Team.” 1-11-2012 modification.)

[2] From Detachment 9, 67^th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. (Stars and Stripes, Darmstadt. “AF transport crashes in Spain; 18 men die.” 3-1-1984, 1.)

20th Century

1984 — Feb 26-29, Snowstorms, Mid-MS/OH Valleys NE to New Eng., esp. IL, NY, OH — 65

lornajarrettblanchard February 26, 1984

–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 26^th to 29^th, 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 26^th] 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 27^th and ending on the 29^th. 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 29^th 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 27^th for several days. Numerous roads were closed over Western Kentucky due to blowing and drifting snow late in the afternoon on the 27^th through the morning of the 28^th. 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 27^th, changing to mixed sleet and freezing rain during the night and into early on the 28^th. 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 25^th. The snow spread to central and east portions on the 26^th. 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 26^th and early on the 27^th. 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 28^th, 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 29^th. 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 27^th and continued into early on the 28^th. 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 28^th 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.

20th Century

1984 — Feb 8, Family Row-House Fire, Philadelphia (Kensington section), PA — 10

lornajarrettblanchard February 8, 1984

–10 AP. “10 people perish in Kensington fire.” Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA, 2-10-1984, 10C.

–10 NFPA. The U.S. Fire Problem. Home Fires with Ten or More Fatalities (1980-2007). 2008

–10 Philadelphia Inquirer. “Recent Fire Falls Short of the city’s Deadliest.” Dec 28, 2008.

Narrative Information

Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008: “In the worst single-dwelling fire in Philadelphia, 10 people died at 2314 Coral St. in Kensington from a fire caused by careless smoking. The dead included six children from two families.” (Philadelphia Inquirer. “Recent Fire Falls Short of the city’s Deadliest.” Dec 28, 2008.)

Feb 9, UPI: “Philadelphia (UPI) — Eight people, members of two families crowded into a three-story rowhouse, were killed in a fire that gutted their home in Philadelphia’s Kensington section, authorities said. Police said three others were critically injured in the Wednesday night [Feb 8] blaze. The adult dead were two 55-year-old men and two women, one of them 30 and one 35, police said. The four children were a 1-year-old girl, a 9-year-old girl, and two boys, one 8 and one 7….

“The fire began in a first floor front room and quickly spread, police said, but the cause was under investigation.

“Then neighbors broke down the front door to enter the building they were turned back by smoke and flames, police said.

“The one adult survivor was identified as John Nagle, 43, the father of some of the children. Police said he escaped from the second floor when neighbors put up a ladder. He was in critical condition at Episcopal Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.” (UPI. “Eight Members of 2 Families Die in Fire.” Tyrone Daily Herald, PA, 2-9-1984, p. 2.)

Feb 10, AP: “Philadelphia (AP) — Two young children Thursday became the ninth and 10^th victims of a row house blaze that started with careless smoking and ended with one of the highest tolls from a residential fire in the city’s history, authorities said….Frank Nagle, 5, and Megan McDonough, 2 — died Thursday afternoon of burns and smoke inhalation at [a hospital].

“Drennen[1] said the blaze began just before 9:30 p.m. in a sofa bed on the first-floor living room. The force of the fire blew out the windows in the room, allowing air to rush in to feed the flames as they spread to the second and third floors, he said. ‘To the untrained observer, it looked like an explosion. But it actually was what we call a ‘flashover,’ when the fire peaks in a room,’ he said….

“Drennen said no smoke detectors were in the home. ‘If they had had smoke detectors, some of those people might have been saved,’ he said….

“Neighbors who tired to rescue the victims said they could hear children’s screams before the heat and flames forced them away from the building….

“The dead were tentatively identified as Nagle’s wife, Barbara, 30, and their children, Annette, 8, and John 7; Mrs. Nagle’s father, Howard Myers, 55; Denise McDonough, 35, and her children Kelly Ann, 1, and Timothy, 5, and Robert McBride Nagles….

“The fire was declared under control about a half hour after it started, but not before it also caused smoke damage to the adjoining homes….” (AP, Philadelphia. “10 people perish in Kensington fire.” Daily Intelligencer/Montgomery County Record, Doylestown, PA, 2-10-1984, 10C.)

Sources

Associated Press, Philadelphia. “10 people perish in Kensington fire.” Daily Intelligencer / Montgomery County Record, Doylestown, PA, 2-10-1984, 10C. Accessed 2-1-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/us/pennsylvania/doylestown/doylestown-intelligencer/1984/02-10/page-10?tag

National Fire Protection Association. “Home Fires With Ten or More Fatalities.” Accessed 3-20-2016 at: http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fires-in-the-us/multiple-death-fires/homes-fires-with-ten-or-more-fatalities

Philadelphia Inquirer. “Recent Fire Falls Short of the City’s Deadliest.” 12-28-2008. Accessed at: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/36793314.html

United Press International. “Eight Members of 2 Families Die in Fire.” Tyrone Daily Herald, PA, 2-9-1984, p. 2. Accessed 2-1-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/us/pennsylvania/tyrone/tyrone-daily-herald/1984/02-09/page-2?tag

[1] Captain Robert Drennen, spokesman for Philadelphia Fire Commissioner William Richmond.

20th Century

1984 — Feb 4, Home fire, boy playing with lighter, victims 1-8 years old, Tacoma WA– 9

lornajarrettblanchard February 4, 1984

–9 AP. “Boy playing with lighter started fire…killed nine.” Burlington Times-News, NC, 2-5-1984, 8A.

–9 AP. “Nine children killed in Tacoma fire.” Walla-Walla Union Bulletin, WA, 2-5-1984, p. 1.

–9 Seattle Times (Gene Balk). “The Puget Sound area’s deadliest fires.” 1-1-2011.

–9 UPI. “Three Fires Kill 18 People, Including 13 Children.” New York Times, 2-5-1984.

Narrative Information

Feb 4: “A boy playing with a cigarette lighter started a fire that raged through a small two-story home Saturday [4^th], quickly killing nine youngsters who were trapped on the second floor, authorities said. The victims, five boys and four girls, ranged in age from 1 to 8 years old, said fire Capt. Lloyd Hanson. ‘Preliminary reports are that a 4 or 5-year-old child[1] was playing with a lighter in a closet,’ said Police Lt. Darrell Hughes. ‘When the fire started, he got scared and took off.’ The boy escaped the blaze and police talked with him, Hughes said. ‘The fire spread very rapidly and was inhumanly hot. They were all dead before firemen arrived,’ Hanson said.

“He said investigators found at least two places upstairs where they believe children had tried to start earlier fires ‘I’d say it seems the children were not well supervised,’ Hanson said.

“Four youngsters, aged 2 to 6, two men and a woman escaped unharmed, officials said, leaving one man ‘walking around the neighborhood in a daze,’ Hanson said.

“A neighbor reported the fire at 7:45 a.m. and when firemen arrived ‘there was smoke coming out of all the windows, cracks and crevices’ of the two-story, wooden home, said fire Lt. Arnie Johnson.

“Initial reports indicated the victims were members of two families, and may have died of smoke inhalation, Hanson said. ‘We had a report there were kids in the building. We saw smoke coming out of the upstairs windows and flames coming out of one window,’ said paramedic Scott Whiting, 26, who suffered burned ears. ‘There was heavy smoke inside and we couldn’t see. Flames were halfway down the stairwell.’….

“The house was owned by Helen Campbell, said Johnson. Eric Langlow, a Red Cross fire disaster coordinator, said Ms. Campbell, 37, who was one of the survivors, apparently was caring for the children but it was not yet known if she was related to them….

“The home, in a residential area on Tacoma’s south side, was built entirely of wood without fire retardant materials, said Hanson, who called it ‘a place waiting for a fire to happen.’….” (Assoc. Press. “Nine children killed in Tacoma fire.” Walla-Walla Union Bulletin, WA, 2-5-1984, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Boy playing with lighter started fire that killed nine.” Burlington Times-News, NC, 2-5-1984, 8A. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/burlington-daily-times-news-feb-05-1984-p-8/

Associated Press. “Nine children killed in Tacoma fire.” Walla-Walla Union Bulletin, WA, 2-5-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/walla-walla-union-bulletin-feb-05-1984-p-1/

Seattle Times (Gene Balk). “The Puget Sound area’s deadliest fires.” 1-1-2011. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/the-puget-sound-areas-deadliest-fires/

United Press International. “Three Fires Kill 18 People, Including 13 Children.” New York Times, 2-5-1984. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/05/us/three-fires-kill-18-people-including-13-children.html

[1] UPI piece in New York Times notes the boy was 5 years old.

20th Century

1984 — Feb 4-5, Snow, sub-zero cold, wind, blizzard, esp. Upper Plains, esp. MN (16)–47-52

lornajarrettblanchard February 4, 1984

–47-52 Blanchard range.[1]

–41-52 Blanchard tally from State and locality (where noted) breakouts below.

—>47 United Press International. “Milder weather returns.” Key West Citizen.” 2-8-1984, p. 2.[2]

—>44 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

— 31 AP. “Snow, cold kill 31. Storm invades New England.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, 2-6-1984, 1.

—>29 Assoc. Press. “Death toll rises from storm.” Roswell Daily Record, NM, 2-6-1984, p. 16.

—>28 UPI. “Storms Toll At Least 28.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 2-6-1984, p. 1.

—>27 AP. “27 deaths blamed on storm; South, East…seeing fury.” New Mexican, Santa Fe, 2-6-1984, A7.

— 23 National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984.

— 23 Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “Blizzard Kills 23 in Midwest.” 2-6-1984, p. 3.

—>22 AP. “22 dead as blizzard spreads…Midwest.” Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA 2-6-1984, 3A.

— 22 National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 9.

Summary of State Breakouts

Alabama (1-4)

Georgia ( 2)

Illinois ( 2)

Iowa ( 3)

Maine ( 2)

Minnesota ( 16)

Mississippi (0-1)

Missouri ( 2)

Nebraska ( 1)

New York (2-3)

North Carolina (0-1)

North Dakota (7-9)

Ohio ( 1)

Tennessee (2-3)

Wisconsin (0-3)

Total: 41-52

Breakout of Winter Weather Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):

Alabama (1-4)

–4 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–1 Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

Georgia ( 2)

–2 Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

Illinois ( 2)

–2 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–1 Chicago area, Feb 5. Car “skidded off an icy road…police said.” Young woman, 16.[3]

–1 Cook Co., SW, IL-7. Vehicular, attributable to storm; station wagon hit by van; female, 37.[4]

Iowa ( 3)

–3 State. Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–2 State. Feb 4-5. National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.

–1 State. Feb 4-5 National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 9.

Breakout of weather-related fatalities by county:

–1 Center Point, Feb 4. Car hits man changing tire on trailer, partly on road due to snowdrift.[5]

–1 Des Moines, Feb 4. Exposure/hypothermia; woman “wandered away from her residence.”[6]

–1 Jasper Co., Feb 5. Exposure; woman stranded in car attempts to walk to safety.[7] Snelson.[8]

Maine ( 2)

–2 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–2 “Icy roads, exposure or carbon monoxide poisoning killed two people in Maine…” UPI.[9]

Minnesota ( 16)

–16 State. Feb 4-5. National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 9.

–16 State. Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted.

–6 Windom, Hwy-60, found Feb 5. Hypothermia; Mother, father, three children, grandmother.[10]

–2 Elderly couple after leaving snow-stranded car, seeking shelter.[11]

–2 2^nd elderly couple dies after leaving snow-stranded car seeking shelter.[12]

–6 Separate incidents of snow-stranded motorists leaving their cars.[13]

Mississippi (0-1)

–1 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–? Looked at Laurel Leader Call paper for dates in question and did not find a weather death.

Missouri (0-2)

–2 Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

–? Have seen no MO press reporting on traffic accidents this timeframe; none noted weather as factor.

Nebraska ( 1)

–1 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–1 Bellevue, Feb 5. CO poisoning, loose chimney flue lets furnace exhaust into home.[14]

New York (2-3)

–3 Central. Feb 5. National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 16.

–2 Wilmington, Feb 5. Mother and daughter deaths noted “due to snow-covered roads.”[15]

North Carolina (0-1)

–1 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–? Tried unsuccessfully to find the fatality referenced in NC newspapers.

North Dakota (7-9)

–9 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–7 AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13.

–7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–5 National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 9.

Breakout of fatalities by locality:

–4 Fargo Airport area, Feb 4/5. CO poisoning in car after collision; car kept running for heat.[16]

–1 Fredonia, Feb 4/5. Exposure; man left snow-stranded truck seeking shelter; became lost.[17]

–2 Sanborn area, Feb 4/5. Occupants of car hit from behind by semi; icy road; zero visibility.[18]

Ohio ( 1)

–1 Xenia area, Feb 5. “…pileup of 30 to 40 vehicles…on ice-glazed Interstate 71…”[19]

Tennessee (2-3)

–3 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–2 AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13.

–1 Traffic

–1 Exposure

Wisconsin (0-3)

–3 United Press Int. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2.

–? Could not locate report of weather-related deaths in WI newspapers for this timeframe.

Fatalities by Cause of Death (where noted):

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 5)

–1 NE, Bellevue, Feb 5. CO poisoning, loose chimney flue lets furnace exhaust into home.

–4 ND, Fargo AP area, Feb 4/5. CO poisoning in car after collision; car kept running for heat.

Exposure/Hypothermia (20)

–1 IA, Des Moines, Feb 4. Exposure/hypothermia; woman “wandered away from her residence.”

–1 IA, Jasper Co., Feb 5. Exposure; woman stranded in car attempts to walk to safety. Snelson.

–6 MN, Windom, Hwy-60, found Feb 5. Hypothermia; Mother, father, 3 children, grandmother.

–2 MN. Elderly couple after leaving snow-stranded car, seeking shelter.

–2 MN. 2^nd elderly couple dies after leaving snow-stranded car seeking shelter.

–6 MN. Separate incidents of snow-stranded motorists leaving their cars.

–1 ND, Fredonia, Feb 4/5. Exposure; man left snow-stranded truck seeking shelter; became lost.

–1 TN. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13.

Vehicular (16)

–1 AL. Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

–2 GA. Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

–1 IL, Chicago area, Feb 5. Car “skidded off an icy road…police said.” Young woman, 16.

–1 IL, Cook Co., SW, IL-7. Vehicular, attributable to storm; station wagon hit by van; female, 37.

–1 IA, Center Point, Feb 4. Car hits man changing tire on trailer, partly on road due to snowdrift.

–2 ME. “Icy roads, exposure or carbon monoxide poisoning killed two people in Maine…”

–2 MO. Traffic. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, 13.

–2 NY, Wilmington, Feb 5. Mother and daughter deaths noted “due to snow-covered roads.”

–2 ND, Sanborn area, Feb 4/5. Occupants of car hit from behind by semi; icy road; zero visibility.

–1 OH, Xenia area, Feb 5. “…pileup of 30 to 40 vehicles…on ice-glazed Interstate 71…”

–1 TN. AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13.

Narrative Information (General)

Feb 6: “Blowing snow and a new surge of arctic air immobilized much of the Plains Sunday [Feb 5] with blizzard conditions that killed at least 22 people and stranded thousands more. Hundreds of motorists were rescued by the National Guard.

“The latest installment of this winter’s big chill drove temperatures below zero and trapped cars along highways as winds gusting to 60 mph created near-whiteouts. The cold air was forecast to reach as far south as Texas, with snow spreading from the Great Lakes.

“An estimated 800 motorists, caught by surprise, were stranded Saturday night in motels, restaurants, schools and armories in a 50-mile stretch along Interstate 90 from Sioux Falls, S.D., to Worthington, Minn. The mercury in both states plunged to 16 below overnight….” (Associated Press. “22 dead as blizzard spreads across much of the Midwest.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA 2-6-1984, 3A.)

Narrative Information (Alphabetical by State)

Alabama

NCDC: “North and Central Alabama. [Feb[ 5 AFTN…Wind/snow….Some, mostly minor, wind damage occurred as strong northwest winds spread much colder air over the area. In Franklin County, falling trees downed some power-lines and sheet metal roofing was torn off one building. Winds gusted to 45 mph at the NWS office on the Huntsville/Madison County airport at 1414CST and to 42 mph at the NWS office in Birmingham around 1545CST. Most of the snow occurring in the colder air was blown off the roads. However, some icing did develop during the night, especially over the higher elevations of northeast Alabama. Scottsboro, in Jackson County, reported 3 inches of snow on the ground at 0500 CST on the 6^th.” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 10.

Feb 6 reports: “….Accumulations ranging from 2 to 6 inches [snow] closed roads and schools in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.” (UPI. “Storms Toll At Least 28.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

“….Sheets of ice closed some highways in Alabama and Georgia.” (Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “Blizzard Kills 23 in Midwest.” 2-6-1984, p. 3.)

“….Record lows were reported in Louisiana and Alabama.” (AP. “Snow, cold kill 31. Storm invades New England.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, 2-6-1984, p. 1, City Edition.)

Feb 7 report: “….Alabama…got 4 inches of snow in the north, closing highways….” (AP. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13.)

Arkansas

NCDC: “Arkansas. Statewide [Feb] 5…0800CST-1600CST…Wind….A strong arctic cold front pushed into northern Arkansas early in the morning and progressed through the remainder of the State during the day. Winds behind the front were strong and northerly with many gusts over 40 mph. Top gusts of 49 mph were recorded at Blytheville and Harrison. The gradient winds knocked down trees, signs, utility poles, and broke plate glass windows. Other structures that sustained wind damage were poultry houses and buildings with sheet metal roofing.” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 10.)

Georgia

Feb 6 report: “….Temperatures tumbled into the teens overnight in northern Georgia and up to four inches of snow was reported today in Jasper, with an inch on the ground in Athens and Atlanta. State police warned against all but essential travel in the northern third of the state….” (AP. “27 deaths blamed on storm; South, East now seeing fury.” New Mexican, Santa Fe, 2-6-1984, A7.)

Iowa

NCDC: “Iowa…Polk County…[Feb] 4…1 [killed]…Cold and Wind…A woman in Des Moines apparently died of exposure and hypothermia after wandering away from her residence. She had been living at a halfway house for the mentally disabled, and was discovered to be missing about 5 p.m. on the 4^th. She was not found until the 10^th…in a deep, brush ravine near the county hospital…” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.)

NCDC: “Iowa…Statewide…[Feb] 4 Evening – 5 Afternoon…1 [killed]…Blizzard…Very high winds combined with a brief period of heavy snow brought blizzard or near-blizzard conditions to most of Iowa over the first weekend of the month. A cold front moving down from the north Saturday evening was accompanied by a short initial ‘burst of snow, leaving about an inch in only 15-30 minutes in many areas. Another 2 to 3 inches fell before the event was over. High winds with and behind the front and temperatures at or below zero produced hazardous conditions; the cold, winds and snow created poor visibility and bitter wind chill. Many motorists were stranded by the blizzard and more than a few had to abandon their vehicles and seek better shelter. At least three people suffered frostbite. Unexpected overnight guests were to be found in restaurants and truck-stops, homes, schools and even churches, especially in Northwest Iowa. Winds accelerated to 30-45 miles an hour in a short time, and a gust of 62 mph recorded at the Des Moines airport in the early morning hours was not unusual in this storm.

“A person in Jasper County died early Sunday morning [5^th] as a result of the storm. One woman, after sustaining minor injuries in driving her car off the road and into a ditch, walked three quarters of a mile to a farmhouse. No one was home, and the woman was apparently unable to get in. She was found just off the porch near the door, and the cause of death was reported as exposure by the county medical examiner.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.)

Iowa Newspaper

Feb 4-5: “The best place to be late Saturday night and Sunday morning was home in bed. Those stuck outside had a rough time of it. A fast-moving blizzard with high winds and snow surprised Iowans and turned many a drive home into a treacherous trip. Less than an inch of snow was reported at Ottumwa airport, but that tiny amount was whipped into dangerous drifts by wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. The high winds also left much of Albia in the dark Sunday morning. About 70 percent of the Monroe County city’s homes were without electricity from 1:45 to 6:45 a.m….” (Ottumwa Courier, IA. “Surprise blizzard closes roads.” 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

Kentucky

NCDC: “Western, South-Central, and Eastern Kentucky…[Feb] 5 1500CST…Snowstorm…A 5-9 inch snowfall fell over South-Central, Eastern and Western Kentucky. Snow coupled with winds up to 40 miles an hour forced visibility to near zero and caused considerable blowing and drifting. Police and motorists in Western Kentucky endured what they described as whiteout conditions. Bitter cold temperatures during the storm plunged windchill indices down to 15 degrees below zero. The storm wreaked havoc on Interstate 65 causing a 15 mile backup at one point, north of Smith’s Grove. A few injury accidents were reported. Dozens of motorists were stranded when their autos slid off the road into ditches. Many school districts were closed. The Lake Cumberland area (Clinton County) recorded the heaviest snowfall amounts ranging 8 to 9 inches with drifts to 15 inches.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 13.)

Minnesota

NCDC: “West…[Feb] 4/5 Afternoon through Morning…16 [killed]…Blizzard…Blizzard conditions began in the extreme northwest corner of Minnesota around 1400 CST on February 4^th. Blizzard conditions spread south at approximately 50 miles an hour reaching the Iowa border between 2000 CST and 2100 CST. Strong winds were channeled and therefore blizzard conditions enhanced through the Red River Valley into the Minnesota River Valley and along Buffalo Ridge in the southwest corner of the state. The onset of the blizzard was sudden and caught many off guard. Snowfall was light and accumulations reached only an inch or two but the wind increased instantaneously to 50 miles per hour with gusts to 80 miles per hour, the effect of which was described as a wall of white. Visibility was reduced to nothing and the wind chill index dropped to 70 below. The blizzard left everything immobilized in its path. Newspaper articles accounted for over 380 individuals that were stranded in cars, fish houses and in the open until the following day. Drifts reached heights of 10 feet in Watonwan and Cottonwood counties. Although the National Guard was able to rescue about 80 people with the use of a crawler type vehicle, most rescue attempts had to be delayed due to the severe cold and lack of visibility. In some cases people became lost or disoriented on snowmobiles and near their cars. It took 6 to 8 hours for conditions to improve enough to permit rescue attempts in the northwest and as much as 12 to 14 hours in the southwest. Some were stranded in cars up to 17 hours. Rescue operations continued around Butterfield until 1500 CST on February 5^th. Sixteen people died after becoming stuck or stalled in their automobiles in west central and southwest Minnesota. In separate cases two elderly couples died after leaving their cars. In one case the couple became separated and disoriented and in the other case the couple became lost near their farm. A family of six became stranded on Highway 60 east of Windom around 2000 CST of February 4t6h. A rescue team got the family to a hospital late the following morning but all eventually died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ice had formed around their car’s exhaust. Five other deaths were attributed to individuals abandoned their automobiles and another elderly man died from weather related causes near his car. There were numerous cases of frostbite, some of which required hospitalization.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 15.)

New York

NCDC: “New York, Central….Eastern New York…[Feb] 5 PM…3 [killed]…Snowstorm…A severe snowstorm hit Eastern New York on the afternoon of the 5th. The Mid-Hudson Valley around the Orange/Ulster County line was hard hit. Over 6 inches of snow fell in the area, causing several car accidents and power line failures. 7 persons were injured at New Paltz (Ulster County) when their bus slid off a snow-covered road. A mother and her daughter were also killed in Wilmington, Essex County due to snow-covered roads. In Poestenkill, Rensselaer County, 1,300 homes were without power due to heavy snow. And over 10,000 were without power in the Mid-Hudson Valley.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 16.)

North Dakota

NCDC: “North Dakota…East…[Feb] 4 Afternoon…5 [killed]…Blizzard…A blizzard with extremely strong winds (gusts to 59 mph at Fargo in Cass County; 56 mph at Grand Forks in Grand Forks County and 52 mph at Jamestown in Stutsman County) and light snowfall of about one inch paralyzed Eastern North Dakota. During the blizzard, temperatures dropped to 20 to 20 below zero and wind chill temperatures were around 70 below zero. Numerous roads, including I-94 east of Jamestown and I-29 south of Hillsboro (Traill County), were drifted shut.

“Several thousand persons became stranded in cars, shopping centers, schools, churches and motels. Four persons died near the Fargo airport from carbon monoxide poisoning after their car struck another vehicle and the driver kept the engine running to use the heater. A man died of exposure near Fredonia (Logan County) when he left his stranded truck and became lost in the storm. Two people died near Sanborn (Barnes County) when their car was hit from behind by a semi-trailer on an icy highway during zero visibility. Several people suffered frostbite injuries, numerous accidents occurred due to icy roads and poor visibilities, plane flights were cancelled, bus service suspended, the metal roofing was ripped from a bank in Grand Forks, and a small plane was flipped over at Larimore (Grand Forks County).” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 17.)

South Dakota

NCDC: “South Dakota…Northeast & East Central…[Feb] 4 1700-[Feb] 5 1200 CST…Blizzard …A fast moving blizzard pounded the northeast and east central with light snow and raging winds. Snow amounts were generally less than two inches region-wide. As the storm progressed, temperatures dropped thirty degrees in three hours and winds gusted to 70 mph. Fierce winds struck quickly, plummeting visibilities to zero and making travel difficult in a matter of minutes. No travel was advised in Roberts, eastern Marshall, eastern Day Counties. Hundreds of travelers became marooned in the white-out and the highway crews were pulled off roads to wait for abating winds. Andover (Day County) had a 4-5 hour power outage as a result of the strong winds.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 19.)

Sources

Associated Press. “22 dead as blizzard spreads across much of the Midwest.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA 2-6-1984, 3A. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cedar-rapids-gazette-feb-06-1984-p-6/

Associated Press. “27 deaths blamed on storm; South, East now seeing fury.” New Mexican, Santa Fe, 2-6-1984, A7. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/santa-fe-new-mexican-feb-06-1984-p-23/

Associated Press. “Body of .M. woman found.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, 2-12-1984, 6A. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cedar-rapids-gazette-feb-12-1984-p-12/

Associated Press. “Cold follows killer storm.” Ottumwa Courier, IA. 2-6-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-courier-feb-06-1984-p-1/

Associated Press. “Cold wave eases, citrus crop spared.” News-Herald, Franklin, PA, 2-7-1984, p. 13. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/franklin-news-herald-feb-07-1984-p-13/

Associated Press. “Death toll rises from storm.” Roswell Daily Record, NM, 2-6-1984, p. 16. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/roswell-daily-record-feb-06-1984-p-16/

Associated Press. “Snow, cold kill 31. Storm invades New England.” Syracuse Herald-Journal, 2-6-1984, p. 1, City Edition. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-herald-journal-feb-06-1984-p-142/

Daily Republican Register, IL and Associated Press. “Sunday snowstorm creates ‘rinks’.” 2-6-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-feb-06-1984-p-1/

Evening Telegram, Herkimer, NY. “Around the State. Empire State Weather,” 2-6-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/herkimer-evening-telegram-feb-06-1984-p-2/

National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984. Asheville, NC: NCDC, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html

Ottumwa Courier, IA. “Surprise blizzard closes roads.” 2-6-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-courier-feb-06-1984-p-1/

The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA. “Drunk driving charge filed after fatal accident in Linn.” 2-6-1984, p. 3-A. Accessed 12-6-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/cedar-rapids-gazette-feb-06-1984-p-6/

Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “Blizzard Kills 23 in Midwest.” 2-6-1984, p. 3. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/tyrone-daily-herald-feb-06-1984-p-3/

United Press International. “Cold hits citrus crops.” The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA. 2-7-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/burlington-hawk-eye-feb-07-1984-p-2/

United Press International (John C. Shelton). “National Guard troops dug out hundreds of stranded motorists…” 2-5-1984. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/05/National-Guard-troops-dug-out-hundreds-of-stranded-motorists/2303444805200/

United Press International. “Milder weather returns.” Key West Citizen.” 2-8-1984, p. 2. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/key-west-citizen-feb-08-1984-p-2/

United Press International. “Nightmarish blizzard blamed for 23 deaths. Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. 2-6-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-herald-suburban-chicago-feb-06-1984-p-1/

United Press International. “Storms Toll At Least 28.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 2-6-1984, p. 1. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cumberland-evening-times-feb-06-1984-p-1/

West Fargo Pioneer/Emily Driscoll. “In a 1984 blizzard, 4 trapped motorists died on this Fargo road. City officials haven’t forgotten.” 1-12-2018. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/weather/4386905-1984-blizzard-4-trapped-motorists-died-fargo-road-city-officials-havent

[1] We have independently been able to fairly confidently confirm forty-one fatalities. We do not doubt the reports by the UPI of at least 47 deaths, but we have not been able to locate specific reporting on each one. If one adds death tolls reported by State one derives fifty-two. Thus we set a range of 47-52.

[2] “At least 47 people from North Dakota to Alabama died in the ensuing snow, ice and cold…”

[3] AP. “22 dead as blizzard spreads across much of the Midwest.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA 2-6-1984, 3A. Another source notes the young woman was 16 and was from suburban Chicago. (Associated Press. “27 deaths blamed on storm; South, East now seeing fury.” New Mexican, Santa Fe, 2-6-1984, A7.)

[4] Victim identified as Beth A. Jones, 37, of Waukesha, WI. One son was critically injured and husband and another son hurt. (AP and Daily Republican Register, IL. “Sunday snowstorm creates ‘rinks’.” 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

[5] The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA. “Drunk driving charge filed after fatal accident in Linn.” 2-6-1984, p. 3-A.

[6] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12. The residence was “a halfway house for the mentally disabled.” Body was not located until Feb 10. Victim identified as Barbara Snyder, 48, whose body was found about two miles from the halfway house. (AP. “Body of .M. woman found.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, 2-12-1984, 6A.)

[7] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 12.

[8] Victim identified as Cindy Jo Snelson, 19, whose body was found ¾ of mile from her storm-stranded car. The same source notes that overnight temperatures in several named locations ranged from 7 below to 15 below zero. (Associated Press. “Cold follows killer storm.” Ottumwa Courier, IA. 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

[9] United Press International. “Storms Toll Art Least 28.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD, 2-6-1984, p. 1.

[10] United Press Int. (John C. Shelton). “National Guard troops dug out hundreds of stranded motorists…” 2-5-1984.

[11] United Press Int. (John C. Shelton). “National Guard troops dug out hundreds of stranded motorists…” 2-5-1984.

[12] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 15.

[13] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 15.

[14] Victim was 9-year-old child; four family members hospitalized. (UPI. “Storms Toll At Least 28.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD, 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

[15] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 16. Newspaper notes the daughter was 2. (Evening Telegram, Herkimer, NY. “Around the State. Empire State Weather,” 2-6-1984, p. 2.)

[16] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 17. Victims identified as Robert Hughes, 50, Bradley Hughes, 13, Dean Stansfield, 14, and Charles Royce, 13. (West Fargo Pioneer/Emily Driscoll. “In a 1984 blizzard, 4 trapped motorists died on this Fargo road. City officials haven’t forgotten.” 1-12-2018.) Notes “Six-foot drifts moved in as they waited out the storm, blocking the car’s muffler and causing carbon monoxide poisoning in all of them.”

[17] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 17.

[18] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 26, No. 2, Feb 1984, p. 17. This could be reference to report of a father and son “killed in crash on snow-slick roads.” (UPI. “Nightmarish blizzard blamed for 23 deaths. Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. 2-6-1984, p. 1.)

[19] AP. “22 dead as blizzard spreads across much of the Midwest.” The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA 2-6-1984, 3A.

20th Century

1984 — Jan 21, Whitefish HS wrestling team bus hits jack-knifed fuel tanker/burns, ~Essex, MT–9

lornajarrettblanchard January 21, 1984

–9 AP. “At least nine die in fiery bus crash.” Havre Daily News, MT, 1-22-1984, A2.

–9 AP. “Montana Town Mourns for 9 Dead After Team Bus Crashes in Storm.” NYT, 1-23-1984.

–9 Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “No blame found by bus probe.” 10-10-1984, p. 1.

–9 Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Probe underway into fatal bus crash.” 1-24-1984, p. 1.[1]

–9 Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Whitefish mourns bus crash victims.” 1-23-1984, p. 1.

–9 Flathead Beacon. “30 years later, survivors look back on state’s deadliest bus crash.” Missoulian, 2-2-2014.

Narrative Information

Jan 23: “The grim task continues today in Missoula: identifying the remains of victims of Saturday night’s [21^st] bus-tanker collision 50 miles east of Kalispell on U.S. 2. The bus was carrying the Whitefish High School varsity and junior varsity wrestling team and cheerleaders. Nine persons died in the fiery crash. The dead included the coach, Jim Withrow, 33; assistant coach, Wayde Davis, 25; Davis’ wife, Jana, 24; Casey Davis, the couple’s 2-year-old son; Jim Byrd, 41, bus driver; Pam Fredenberg, 17, team statistician; Kim Dowaliby, 16, Tracy Maddux, 16, and Stefanie Daily, 16, all cheerleaders. Nineteen others, including the driver of the truck, survived. The driver, Harold Belcher, 63, of Cut Bank, was treated for a fractured leg at Kalispell Regional Hospital and was released Sunday. A fourth cheerleader, Sue Stocking, 16, underwent surgery for internal injuries late Saturday at Kalispell Regional Hospital and was to be moved from intensive care today, according to a hospital spokesman. Among the survivors is another Davis child, 6-year-old Brieanne, who was not seriously hurt.

“The bodies of all victims were burned beyond recognition when the bus burst into flames. Everything combustible on the bus burned. Early Sunday morning, the bodies were taken to a temporary morgue at the Whitefish Armory. They were later taken to Missoula where state forensic pathologist Dr. Ron Rivers and Kalispell forensic dentist Dr. Milton Small are working to make positive identifications, using dental records.

“The accident occurred ¼-mile west of Denny’s Underpass Inn. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, Belcher’s rig — an empty fuel-tanker semi and pup — jack-knifed on the icy highway. The bus struck the truck and tanker, which disengaged. The truck, a 1976 Peterbilt, wound up crossways in the eastbound lane; the tanker and pup trailer blocked the westbound lane. The impact tore a gaping hole in the tanker and crushed the front end of the 65-passenger bus. A motorist who was driving immediately behind the bus said it was ‘only a matter of seconds before the bus was on fire.’ The exact cause of the fire has not been determined. Sheriff Chuck Rhodes said today the gasoline tank on the bus did not rupture, although the fuel burned. He also said, contrary to the report of a passing motorist, that seats on the bus did not come loose. The backs of the seats were collapsed forward from the impact, he said.

“No one sitting in the front two seats survived. Twenty-seven people were aboard the bus. As of today, authorities had not determined whether the cause of death was the impact or the fire.

“Belcher was returning to Cut Bank after delivering a load of flight fuel to Glacier Park International Airport….today an investigator from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration was meeting with officers from the Montana Highway Patrol and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to determine, among other things, why the 1977 Chevrolet bus burst into flames…” (Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Whitefish mourns bus crash victims.” 1-23-1984, p. 1.)

Jan 25: “….Browning school officials have asked the MHSA[2] to transfer the Indians from the Western A division to the Northern B. They have cited last weekend’s nine-fatality school bus accident involving the Whitefish wrestling team as a tragic example of the risks entailed in winter travel over mountain highways….” (Associated Press. “MHSA rejects proposal to drop boys gym sanction. Havre Daily News, MT, 1-25-1984, p. 6.)

Oct 10: “There will be not county inquest in the Jan. 21 Whitefish school bus crash which killed nine persons, County Attorney Ted Lympus said today. Lympus said reports received this month from the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board show no evidence of criminal negligence. The purpose of an inquest would have been to consider possible charges of negligent homicide. ‘Nothing can be found to even imply criminal culpability,’ Lympus said. He added that an inquest could interfere with victims’ attempts to recover damages through civil suits over the crash.

“The bus, carrying the Whitefish High School wrestling team, cheerleaders and coaches, collided with an empty oil tanker truck driven by Harold C. Belcher, 63, of Cut Bank, after the truck jack-knifed across U.S. 2 near Denny’s Underpass Inn. The dead included four cheerleaders, two coaches, the wife and small son of one coach, and the bus driver, Jim Byrd of Columbia Falls.

“Lympus said the federal reports indicated that neither vehicle had any mechanical defects, tires were good, and neither Byrd nor Belcher had any traffic citations on his record. There was no evidence that either driver had been using drugs or alcohol.

“The accident happened about 6:20 p.m. on a long, gradual 2-degree curve on a wide stretch of highway which was in good repair. The truck’s speed was estimated at 15-20 miles an hour, and the bus at 45-55.

“The road was described as snowpacked and ‘in good winter travel condition.’ The Montana Department of Highways had sanded that general stretch of road from early morning until 1:30 p.m. that day, and was scheduled to resume sanding around 6 p.m.

“The bus burst into flames seconds after the impact. The nine victims, all in the front part of the bus, were burned beyond recognition, but the state medical examiner said they died from the impact of the crash, not the fire.

“Lympus said the fire apparently resulted from a rupture in a 60-gallon fuel tank below the stairwell in the bus. The tank, estimated to have contained 40 gallons of gas, was pushed forward and the filler pipe broke off, creating a hole in the top of the tank. A seam broke open in the sheet-metal floor of the bus, the reports showed.

“The crash caused most of the 27 occupants of the bus to tumble over about two rows of seats and the seat backs to collapse, according to the reports.” (Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “No blame found by bus probe.” 10-10-1984, p. 1.)

Feb 2, 2014: “….Jan. 21, 1984…the Bulldogs were returning from an afternoon dual in Browning. Driving through the winter darkness, bus driver Jim Byrd, a well-known Columbia Falls resident with 59 nieces and nephews, negotiated the narrow, snow-choked corridor of U.S. Highway 2, a two-lane, 94-mile stretch of winding road between Browning and Whitefish that tracks along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, skirts the southern border of Glacier National Park and, at its zenith, tops out on the Continental Divide and Marias Pass, at an elevation of 5,216 feet. It was around 6:30 p.m. and the bus was 20 miles east of West Glacier, homeward bound.

“A blizzard had been steadily spitting flakes throughout the day, covering the valley in a slippery vale of winter white. Before departing from Browning, the team stopped at Teeple’s IGA grocery store for snacks and to discuss the possibility of spending the night or waiting out the storm. Crossing Marias Pass would be dicey, but probably passable, they reasoned; everyone was eager to return home and sleep in their own beds. ‘We were nervous about the roads. We knew when we left that it would be tense, but it was a collective choice we made to go home. It was a team decision,’ recalls Steve Osborne, a junior at the time. ‘Being high school kids, you don’t stress about it too much. You just sit back and start yakking.’….

“At the front of the bus, members of the cheerleading squad gossiped…. The upper-classmen had taken over the back of the bus….

[Scott writes that the Whitefish HS group was expecting to go to their meet on a diesel charter bus and were surprised when the yellow school bus showed up.]

“….the fiery collision would go down in the record books as the deadliest in Montana’s history, killing nine people and injuring 18 others on board….”

Scott identifies the nine victims as:

Jim Withrow, 33, head wrestling coach.

Jim Byrd, 41, school bus driver.

Wayde Davis, 27, assistant coach.

Jana Davis, 24, wife of Wayde Davis.

Casey Davis, 3, son of Jana and Wayde Davis.

Pamela Fredenberg, 16, team statistician.

Kim Dowaliby, 16, cheerleader.

Tracy Maddux, 16, cheerleader.

Stefanie Daily, 16, cheerleader.

(Flathead Beacon (Tristan Scott). “30 years later, survivors look back on state’s deadliest bus crash.” Missoulian, 2-2-2014.)

Sources

Associated Press. “At least nine die in fiery bus crash.” Havre Daily News, MT, 1-22-1984, A2. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/havre-daily-news-jan-22-1984-p-2/

Associated Press. “MHSA rejects proposal to drop boys gym sanction. Havre Daily News, MT, 1-25-1984, p6. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/havre-daily-news-jan-25-1984-p-6/

Associated Press. “Montana Town Mourns for 9 Dead After Team Bus Crashes in Storm.” New York Times, 1-23-1984. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/23/us/montana-town-mourns-for-9-dead-after-team-bus-crashes-in-storm.html

Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “No blame found by bus probe.” 10-10-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-oct-10-1984-p-1/

Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Probe underway into fatal bus crash.” 1-24-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-jan-24-1984-p-1/

Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Whitefish mourns bus crash victims.” 1-23-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-jan-23-1984-p-1/

Flathead Beacon (Tristan Scott). “30 years later, survivors look back on state’s deadliest bus crash.” Missoulian, 2-2-2014. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://missoulian.com/news/local/years-later-survivors-look-back-on-state-s-deadliest-bus/article_e117f988-8b91-11e3-8893-0019bb2963f4.html

[1] Notes that the collision took place near Essex, MT.

[2] Montana High School Association.

20th Century

1984 — Jan 17-22, Coldwave and snowstorms, especially West, Midwest, Northeast –63-65

lornajarrettblanchard January 17, 1984

–63-65 Blanchard tally based on 26 State and DC breakouts below (high-end of range).

— 56 UPI. “Ice Sheaths Much of Nation.” Courier-Express, DuBois, PA, 1-24-1984, p. 1.

—>53 UPI. “Cold out, freezing rain in.” Daily Press, Escanaba, MI, 1-24-1984, p. 5.

—>50 UPI. “Flooding is threat of warmer weather.” Crescent-News, Defiance, OH, 1-23-1984, 14.

— 46 Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Ice causes accidents across U.S.” 1-24-1984, 3B.

— 44 Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Cold Snap Blamed for 44 Deaths…” 1-23-1984, p. 1.

— 30 AP. “Alamosa coldest in nation frozen by Arctic air mass.” Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-22-1984, A4.

— 28 AP. “Big chill takes toll; 28 dead.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-21-1984, A4.[1]

—>27 Sandusky Register, OH. “Weather…Nation.” 1-21-1984, A-6.[2]

–>25 UPI. “Freezing temperatures hit U.S.; only Hawaii spared.” Daily Press, Escanaba MI, 1-21-1983, 5A.[3]

—>22 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p.1.[4]

— 20 AP. “Killer cold hits most of nation.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-20-1984, A4.

—>18 AP. “Bitter cold grips the nation; no state escapes…” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-20-1984, 31.[5]

—>12 Associated Press. “Frigid blast sets record lows.” Joplin Globe, MO, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

— >8 UPI. “Mercury may dip to minus 10.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-19-1984, p. 1.[6]

Summary of Winter Weather Fatalities by State

Colorado ( 1) Massachusetts( 2) Oregon ( 1)

Delaware (3-4) Missouri ( 1) Pennsylvania (>11)

Illinois ( 1) Montana ( 9) Tennessee ( 1)

Indiana ( 1) Nebraska ( 1) Utah (4-5)

Iowa ( 1) New Jersey ( 5) Virginia ( 1)

Kansas ( 1) New Mexico ( 2) Washington ( 2)

Kentucky ( 1) New York ( 4) Washington, DC ( 1)

Maine ( 2) Ohio ( 1) Wisconsin ( 2)

Maryland ( 3) Oklahoma ( 1)

Summary of Causes of Death

— 3 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

–17 Exposure/Hypothermia

— 4 Fire

— 4 Heart attacks related to snow removal and exertion in extreme cold

— 4 Sledding Accidents

–28 Vehicular

— 5 Not noted

Breakout of Winter Weather Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):

Colorado ( 1)

–1 Weld County, Jan 18. Exposure; after falling down outside his home; elderly male. NCDC, 6.

Delaware (3-4)

–4 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

–3 AP. “Frigid temperatures paralyze Northeast.” Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA, 1-21-1984, p.1.

–1 Delaware City, Jan 18. Woman. 37, loses control of car on icy bridge; hits oncoming pickup.[7]

–1 Newark area, Jan 20. Sledding accident; sled hit by car; Clifford Scott, 58.[8]

–1 Location not noted, Jan 19. “Traffic accident on icy highway…”[9]

District of Columbia ( 1)

–1 Jan 20. Exposure; man found dead in a snowdrift. NCDC. Storm Data, 26/1, p. 7.

Illinois ( 1)

–1 Chicago, Jan 19. Exposure; found dead in North Side alley; James Quiver, 56.[10]

Indiana ( 1)

–1 Seymour, Jan 23. “…woman [Nina Scott] fatally injured on an icy road in Indiana…”[11]

Iowa ( 1)

–1 Dubuque, Jan 20. Hit by car while trying to jump start car stalled in -14° weather; male, 18.[12]

Kansas ( 1)

–1 Narka area, Jan 17. Apparent exposure/heart attack; pickup stuck in snow; tried walking for help.[13]

Kentucky ( 1)

–1 Howardstown area, Jan 19. Hypothermia after truck became stuck in snow; below zero temp.[14]

Maine ( 2)

–2 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

Maryland ( 3)

–3 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–2 AP. “Frigid temperatures paralyze Northeast.” Indiana Gazette, PA, 1-21-1984, p. 1.

–2 Cambridge, Jan 20. Car skidded on ice on Choptank River Bridge, hits vehicle.[15]

–1 Woodlawn area, body found partially buried by snow Jan 19. Apparent exposure? Lightly clad.[16]

Massachusetts ( 2)

–2 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

Missouri ( 1)

–1 St. Louis, Jan 19. Exposure; resident of home for elderly poor found frozen on fire escape.[17]

Montana ( 9)

–9 West Glacier area (22 miles SE of), Jan 21. HS School bus collision with fuel tanker; icy road.[18]

Nebraska ( 1)

–1 Omaha, Jan 19. CO poisoning from charcoal grill used for heat in bathroom; male.[19]

New Jersey ( 5)

–5 Locations not noted, Jan 19. “Traffic accidents on icy highways…”[20]

–2 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

–1 Jackson Township, Jan 22. Male, 24, on refrigerator door towed by vehicle hits parked car.[21]

–1 West Deptford, Jan 18. Six-car pileup on “snow-slick” I-295; man.[22]

New Mexico ( 2)

–2 Las Vegas, San Miguel Co., ~Jan 19/20. CO Poisoning; car stuck in snowbank along river.[23]

New York ( 4)

–1 Onondaga, Jan 20. Exposure; nursing home resident wanders away; John Carey, 75.[24]

–1 Setauket, Jan 22. Youths sliding downhill on serving trays collide; one fatally injured.[25]

–1 Watertown, Jan 21. Exposure; body found near back door of his home; Richard Fitzgerald, 65.[26]

–1 Location not noted, by Jan 23. One of three reported NY exposure deaths.[27]

Ohio ( 1)

–1 Locale not noted, Jan 19-22. Exposure; female, 72; makeshift home made from chicken coop.[28]

Oklahoma ( 1)

–1 Tulsa, Jan 17. Weather-related traffic accident (one of 125).[29] During snowstorm.[30]

Oregon ( 1)

–1 Polk County, OR-18, Jan 20. Vehicle on icy road collides with truck; Tracey Lynn Gresham, 19.[31]

Pennsylvania (>11)

— 1 Climax, Jan 19. “Sledding” accident; inner tube goes into path of pickup; James H. Barkley, 17.[32]

—>3 Eastern PA, Jan 18-19. Heart attacks while removing snow. NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, 9.[33]

— 1 Pittsburgh, Jan 18. Drowning; car skids off embankment into Monongahela in snowstorm.[34]

— 2 Tionesta area, Rt. 62, Jan 19. Car skids on snow covered road into path of truck; a couple.[35]

— 2 Locations not noted, Jan 19. Exposure.[36]

— 2 Locations not noted, Jan 19. “Traffic accidents on icy highways.”[37]

Tennessee ( 1)

–1 McKenzie, Jan 22. Exposure; unheated home; temps around 1°; man. Storm Data, 26/1, 10.

Utah (4-5)

–5 Sandusky Register, OH. “Weather…Nation.” 1-21-1984, A-6

–4 Trenton, Jan 18. Fire; mother/3 children “sleeping huddled around a gas furnace” in bedroom wall.[38]

Virginia ( 1)

–1 Mint Springs Valley, Crozet area, Jan 21. Exposure walking home from father’s home; 1°.[39]

Washington ( 2)

–2 Pomeroy area, WA-127, Jan 21. UO wrestling team van slides on icy/snowy road, downhill curve.[40]

Wisconsin ( 2)

–2 UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.

–2 Milwaukee, Jan 20. Exposure. NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 11.

–1 Jan 19. Exposure; heatless home, 12 below outdoor temperatures; female, 84.[41]

–1 Jan 19. Exposure, “a drifter was found frozen in a warehouse.”[42] Henry Woytasik.[43]

Narrative Information by State

NCDC on Colorado, Jan 18: “This was the coldest morning of the winter at many spots in Colorado. Many cities recorded record low temperatures, including -19 at Denver; -20 at Colorado Springs; and -28 at Fort Collins. It was even colder in northwestern Colorado. Official readings there included -51 at Maybell and -44 at Craig; an unofficial temperature of 52 below zero was observed two miles east of Craig. In Weld County, an elderly man froze to death after falling outside his home.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 6.)

NCDC on Indiana, Jan 19-20: “Extreme cold with wind chill readings of 45 to 50 below zero. Four known cases of frostbite.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 6.)

NCDC on Nelson County, Kentucky, Jan 19: “John B. Woods Jr., 45, of New Haven was found on the roadside of KY 84 about 7 miles east of Howardstown. The cause of death was hypothermia. Mr. Woods was found face down in the snow, twenty feet from his truck that had become stuck in the snow and mud. Temperatures at that time in the area averaged 22 degrees below zero.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 7.)

NCDC on Maryland and DC, Jan 20-23: “A large mass of high pressure gripped the area and brought some of the lowest temperatures of record. On the morning of the 22^nd Baltimore-Washington International Airport had a 4 below zero reading and Dulles Airport minus 18 degrees. One death due to exposure occurred in Washington, D.C., where a man was found in a snowdrift on the 20^th.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 7.)

NCDC on Western North Carolina, Jan 18: “The second ice storm within a week concentrated its efforts upon the western third of the state, as sleet and freezing rain made driving very hazardous….” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 8.)

NCDC on Ohio, Jan 19-22: “Record low temperatures were recorded in many areas of Ohio on the 20^th and 21^st. Temperatures fell to 20 to 25 below zero in several locations. There were several reports of problems due to the cold, especially frozen and burst water lines. A 72 year old woman froze to death in a makeshift home made out of a chicken coop.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 8.)

NCDC on Northern Oklahoma, Jan 18: “Near all-time record low temperatures for the state occurred with the panhandle and northeast reporting temperatures of minus 21 degrees. Numerous water pipes and meters froze.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 8.)

NCDC on Eastern Pennsylvania, Jan 18-19: “A snow storm which brought some snow to all of Eastern Pennsylvania gave the heaviest amounts to southeast sections. Southeast sections had accumulations of 6 to 8 inches while the southwest to northeast portion had 3 to 6 inches and only about 2 inches fell over the northwest. As usual, slippery roadways resulted in many accidents with accompanying injuries. There also were a few deaths to persons collapsing while engaged in snow removal.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 9.)

NCDC on Eastern Pennsylvania, Jan 20-23: “Arctic air moved over Eastern Pennsylvania bringing below zero readings in the mornings to most of the area. Some of the coldest temperatures reported during this period were: 25 below at Turbotville, Northumberland County; 24 below at Pleasant Mount, Wayne County; 23 below at Landisville, Lancaster County, and Tobyhanna, Monroe County; 22 below at Mildred, Sullivan County, New Columbia, Northumberland County and English Center, Tioga County. Following are some of the known records that were set. New record low temperatures for the date: Harrisburg 4 below on the 21^st and 9 below on the 22^nd, Williamsport 11 below on the 21^st and 13 below on the 22^nd, at Wilkes-Barre 11 below on the 21^st and 11 below on the 22^nd, at Philadelphia 3 below on the 20^th and 7 below on the 22^nd. At Philadelphia the temperature fell to 3 below on the 20^th, 3 below on the 21^st and 7 below on the 22^nd equaling the record for the most days with below zero readings in January and also for the winter season. The 7 below reading equaled the record for the lowest temperature in January. The cold weather resulted in many frozen and burst pipes including some water mains. Although hospitals did treat some people for frost bite, the exact number was not available. One woman was found frozen in a vacant building, but information on the cause of death is not available.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 9.)

NCDC on Tennessee, Jan 19-23: “The winter storm which brought the snow on the 17^th and 18^th ushered in a period of several days of extremely cold weather. New record low temperatures were set at several locations including:

Date 20 21

Location

Memphis 9 (tied old record)

Nashville -3 -5

Chattanooga 8.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 10.)

NCDC on northern half of Virginia, Jan 18: “A cold front, accompanied by a weak low pressure development, brought a fairly extensive snow covering over the northern half of the state. Amounts ranged from 2 to 5 inches generally, with up to 8 inches reported over portions of the northern Shenandoah Valley.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 10.)

NCDC on West Virginia, Jan 18: “A snowstorm moved across the state on January 18 dropping an average of 3-7 inches of snow with peaks up to 10 inches in the higher elevations. The storm was the cause of several traffic accidents. At Raleigh County Airport, a twin-engine airplane slid off a snow-covered runway during an aborted take-off.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 10.)

NCDC on Wisconsin, Jan 17-23: “An Arctic air mass settled over the state resulting in sub zero temperatures as well as wind chill factors in the 35 to 58 below zero range. 2 people died in Milwaukee as a result of exposure to the cold on the 20^th. The coldest temperatures were noted on the morning of the 20^th when Lake Thompson in Oneida county recorded a minus 39. A number of low temperature records were either tied or broken throughout the state during the cold snap. Several cases of frostbite were reported as well as numerous water main breaks and vehicle failures.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 11.)

Narrative Information, Chronological:

Jan 17: “Cold arctic air blew into the state [KS] during the night dropping temperatures below zero in some areas. Mostly steady or slowly falling temperatures were forecast during the day, with highs expected to range from 10 to 15. Lows tonight were expected to range from zero to 10 below.” (Associated Press. “Across Kansas.” Garden City Telegram, KS. 1-17-1984, p. 2.)

Jan 18: “A dangerous winter storm spread up to half a foot of snow today from New Mexico to New York, closing schools and causing scores of accidents, while a blast of Siberian cold pushed temperatures to record sub-zero lows in the Rockies and upper Midwest. In Colorado, where it was as much as 40 degrees below zero in places, temperatures were 30 to 40 degrees colder than in all of Alaska. At least one death was blamed on the snowstorm which by mid-morning had reached the Eastern cities of Washington, Philadelphia and New York, where up to 9 inches of snow was expected. Several school systems in the Washington area were closing early and National Airport was shut down until at least noon so crews could plow the runways. Three to 6 inches of snow already was on the ground in the Washington area and up to 8 inches was expected. In Oklahoma, where up to 8 inches of snow fell, a man was killed in one of 125 accidents reported late Tuesday [Jan 17] in Tulsa.

“Elsewhere, the Siberian air sweeping down from the polar region pushed the mercury as low as 41 degrees below zero in Craig, Colo., and 40 below at Florissant, Colo. Many schools didn’t open so children wouldn’t be exposed to the dangerous cold. Records for the date were set at Cheyenne, Wyo., 29 below Pocatello, Idaho, 28 below; Scottsbluff, Neb., 24 below; Colorado Springs, Colo., 20 below; Denver and Goodland, Kan., 18 below, and Salt Lake City, 6 below. Other Colorado readings included Platteville and Gunnison, 31 below; Longmont, 30 below, and Loveland, 28 below. In Wyoming, it was 39 below at Big Piney and meteorologist Gary Cox said it probably was as cold as 50 below in parts of Yellowstone Park. Readings in the minus-20 to minus-30 degree range were common from Minnesota to the Rockies, with the mercury not expected to top zero today in North Dakota. It was 35 below at Embarrass, Minn., 33 below zero at Hibbing, Minn., 28 below zero at Butte, Mont., 22 below at Sioux Falls., S.D. and Fargo, N.D., and 21 below at Williston, N.D. In Kentucky, nearly 60 school systems closed today with 5 to 8 inches covering much of the eastern and southeastern part of the state and 2 to 4 inches in the north. ‘It should be emphasized that this is a dangerous and major winter storm,’ said John Feldt of the National Weather Service in Kentucky. ‘Travel into the southeast will be impossible.’” (Associated Press. “Winter storm marches on.” The Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT, 1-18-1984, A2.)

Jan 19: “A second blast of snow from a double-barreled storm hit the Northeast today and the Siberian Express was back on track, sending temperatures tumbling as low as 40 degrees below zero in the frozen Rockies and northern Plains. Records fell to subzero lows as far south as Texas, with the wind making it feel like 70 degrees below zero in places. Temperatures in the range of 20-30 degrees below zero were noted from upper Great Lakes to the Rockies.

“Snow broke out again about midnight along the Eastern Seaboard from Maryland to Maine on the heels of a storm Wednesday that left about half a foot of snow in most places and claimed at least two lives. Schools in much of the region remained closed today, including the suburbs of New York City, where 5 to 6 inches of snow fell in the metropolitan area. The Port Authority reported half-hour delays at LaGuardia…and Kennedy airports in the New York area….

“The stinging cold in the West and upper Midwest, which was reminiscent of the so-called Siberian Express of January 1982, was not expected to loosen its hold until at least the week-end, said Nolan Duke of the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City, Mo. ‘Temperatures were in the 20-below range from Minnesota to Montana overnight, and it won’t get above zero across the north-central states today,’ Duke said. ‘It looks like readings nearly that cold will be the rule for the next couple of days over the Plains, most of the Midwest and moving into the Northeast.’ On the morning after one place in Utah reported that state’s all-time low of 65 degrees below zero, it was 40 degrees below zero today in Alamosa, Colo., 35 below in North Platte, Neb., 33 below at West Yellowstone, Mont., 32 below in Worland, Wyo., 28 below at Roosevelt, Utah; and even 10 below in northwestern Arkansas. In Oklahoma, it was 21 below at Guymon, 20 below at Claremore and 16 below at Miami. Records for the date were set in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich, 26 below, Indianapolis, 17 below, Fort Wayne, Ind., 16 below; Dayton, Ohio, 15 below; Cincinnati, Ohio, 14 below; Grand Rapids, Mich., 12 below; and Amarillo, Texas, 11 below. The 13-below reading in Chicago tied a record set in 1940.

“In the Northeast, fears of a major winter storm had businesses closing early Wednesday, but accumulations were generally lighter than expected. By early today 8 inches was on the ground at Dulles International Airport near Washington and in Martinsburg, W.Va., with 4 to 6 inches in most areas along the coast from New Jersey to Maine.

“In northern Utah, at Middle Sinks in Logan Canyon, the temperature fell Wednesday to 65 below — not counting the wind chill — which was the coldest temperature ever recorded in that state. The coldest temperature on record in the United States outside Alaska was 70 degrees below zero at Rogers Pass, Mont., on Jan. 20, 1954. In Trenton, Utah, a mother and three of her five children died Wednesday when a gas furnace near where they were sleeping exploded, officials said. Temperatures outside were 32 below.” (Associated Press. “Temperatures tumble in frozen Rockies, northern Plains.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO. 1-19-1984, A4.)

Jan 20: “A cloak of polar cold blamed for 20 deaths enveloped the eastern two-thirds of the nation today, setting records in more than a dozen cities, and snowflakes fell in Florida. Never at any time in January had it been so cold in Elkins, W.Va., where the mercury hit 24 below zero as the frigid air that had been punishing the West and Midwest all week pushed into the East and South. A reading of 40 below zero at Minong, Wis., was more than 50 degrees colder than the morning low of 11 at Nome, Alaska, and the northwest winds made it feel more like 60 below in places. The 29 below at Eau Claire, Wis., was a record for the date…About half a foot of fresh snow blown by 22-mph winds blocked roads in southwestern Michigan this morning and forced schools to close in Ottawa and Van Buren Counties. A foot of snow fell near Lake Erie in upstate New York and snow and sleet slickened roads across the Texas Panhandle into the Oklahoma City area. Every state in the contiguous United States felt freezing temperatures — as far south as New Orleans and Mobile, Ala. — and light snow was reported in Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle….Temperatures in the teens extended as far south as Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.” (Associated Press. “Killer cold hits most of nation.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-20-1984, A4.)

Jan 21: “Painful cold air wafting down from the arctic tundra sent temperatures plummeting as low as 40 below zero Friday [Jan 20] and set records in more than two dozen cities as it spread across the eastern two-thirds of the United States. Snow fell in Florida, and never had a January morning been so cold in parts of West Virginia.

“At least 28 deaths nationwide have been attributed to this week’s frigid weather. A cold wave the last two weeks of 1983 killed more than 350 people in the nation’s coldest December ever.

“The invasion of cold air, called the Siberian Express because it comes from Siberia by way of the polar regions and western Canada, pushed temperatures below zero from the Rockies to New England and as far south as Nashville, Tenn. It was 40 below zero Friday in Minong, Wis. — compared with the morning low of 11 above at Nome, Alaska — and the northwest winds made it feel like 60 below in places….” (Associated Press. “Big chill takes toll; 28 dead.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-21-1984, A4.)

Jan 22: “Record below-zero lows were set in more than 50 cities from the Rockies to the East Coast on Saturday [Jan 22] as a bitterly cold mass of Arctic air sitting on the eastern third of the nation made this the coldest January ever recorded in some cities. Freezing temperatures were reported as far south as the Gulf Coast, the National Weather Service said. The coldest spot in the lower 48 states was Alamosa, Colo., at a record 34 degrees below zero, closely followed by Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., with a numbing 33 below. Like Friday, subfreezing temperatures touched every state but Hawaii. The low of 20 below at Toledo, Ohio, was the coldest ever recorded there at any time of the year. Sault Ste. Marie’s reading was a record for the month of January, as was Detroit’s 21 below. The only time Detroit has been colder was Christmas Eve 1872, when it was 24 below. Saturday’s low of 23 below at Elkins, W.Va., was the Appalachian Mountains town’s second coldest January reading — the coldest was 24 below on Friday….Western Pennsylvania had its coldest night of the winter, even colder than Christmas weekend. Pittsburgh had 13 below, compared to 12 below on Christmas morning. On Friday records were set in at least 26 cities, with the mercury plummeting to 40 below zero at Minong, Wis. It was so cold Saturday at Fort Wayne, Ind., that a state police officer said eight trucks stopped running because the diesel fuel in their tanks began to gel, clogging fuel lines. The city had a low of 21 degrees below zero. Even extreme northeastern Florida had a touch of subfreezing temperatures….At least 30 deaths in 12 states were blamed on the combination of cold and snow over the past week.” (Associated Press. “Alamosa coldest in nation frozen by Arctic air mass.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-22-1984, A4.)

Jan 23: “The nation got relief today from a dome of cold air that dealt some cities their lowest temperatures even known, but a new winter headache developed with freezing rain, sleet or snow icing highways in many areas from northern Arkansas to southern Wisconsin.

“At least 43 deaths in 14 states in the past week have been blamed on the cold wave that moved slowly from the Rockies to the Atlantic coast last week and drifted off to sea Sunday [Jan 22]. In its wake it left at least 100 record low temperatures. The victims included nine people on a Montana school bus who died in a collision with a truck, and a New York state man who police said froze to death when he was locked outside a friend’s residence overnight while intoxicated.

“Temperatures in the Northeast were generally 20 to 40 degrees warmer this morning than they had been Sunday morning. But it was 29 below zero at Alamosa, Colo., for a record for the date, and up to half a foot of new snow fell in the Rockies. In Washington, D.C., the temperature hit minus 18 Sunday morning but was 20 degrees today. In Concord, N.H., it went from minus 33 Sunday to minus 4 today. With snow or freezing rain falling over the Mississippi Valley and elsewhere in the Midwest this morning, schools were closed in southeastern Missouri, where many traffic accidents were reported, and in the St. Louis and Jefferson City areas. Streets in Omaha, Neb., were a ‘freezing mess,’ said police officer Robert Gobney, who also reported many accidents including one seven-car pileup at an intersection of Interstate 80….

“As the temperature in Idaho rose to 20 degrees Sunday, ice on the choked Salmon and Lemhi rivers began breaking up and rescue workers said residents of 127 evacuated homes could begin returning as floodwaters that reached 6 feet began to subside….But in the South and East, even a rapid rise in temperatures that had fallen Sunday to between zero and 10 degrees in Alabama and Mississippi offered little to cheer about as a moist air flow from the Gulf of Mexico turned to freezing rain early today….

“The air felt warmer Sunday in many places, but only in comparison to Saturday when 50 cities had record lows. More than two dozen low-temperature records were broken Friday and again early Sunday….Sunday’s low temperature as reported by the National Weather Service was 36 below zero t Canaan, Vt., and old Forge, N.Y….‘It’s the coldest its ever been in this century’ in Massachusetts, said David Barrett, National Weather Service observer in the western Massachusetts town of Chester, which hit an unofficial national low of 40 below zero, along with Guilford, Maine. Record lows were reported Sunday in New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi. It western Pennsylvania, the cold air system still had enough punch to refrigerate the town of Ridgway to 31 below. Pittsburgh had 7 below, an improvement on Saturday’s 13 below. And at Elkins, W.Va., well up in the Appalachians, Sunday’s record of 23 below equaled Saturday’s record.” (Associated Press. “Massive cold wave drifts into Atlantic.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-23-1984, A4.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Across Kansas.” Garden City Telegram, KS. 1-17-1984, p. 2. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/garden-city-telegram-jan-17-1984-p-2/

Associated Press. “Alamosa coldest in nation frozen by Arctic air mass.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-22-1984, A4. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-jan-22-1984-p-6/

Associated Press. “Albemarle Co. Woman Freezes.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-24-1984, p. 11. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisonburg-daily-news-record-jan-24-1984-p-11/

Associated Press. “At least nine die in fiery bus crash.” Havre Daily News, MT, 1-22-1984, A2. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/havre-daily-news-jan-22-1984-p-2/

Associated Press. “Big chill takes toll; 28 dead.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-21-1984, A4. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-jan-21-1984-p-8/

Associated Press. “Bitter cold grips the nation; no state escapes deep freeze.” The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 1-20-1984, 31. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nashua-telegraph-jan-20-1984-p-31/

Associated Press. “Bitter cold gives no rest to the weary.” Sedalia Democrat, MO, 1-20-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sedalia-democrat-jan-20-1984-p-1/

Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/clearfield-progress-jan-20-1984-p-24/

Associated Press. “Death of woman prompts outcry.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 1-21-1984, p. 5. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ironwood-daily-globe-jan-21-1984-p-5/

Associated Press. “Dixie storm hits Northern cities.” Jacksonville Journal Courier, IL, 1-19-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-journal-courier-jan-19-1984-p-49/

Associated Press. “Frigid blast sets record lows.” Joplin Globe, MO, 1-20-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-jan-20-1984-p-1/

Associated Press. “Frigid temperatures paralyze Northeast.” Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA, 1-21-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indiana-gazette-jan-21-1984-p-1/

Associated Press. “Killer cold hits most of nation.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-20-1984, A4. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-jan-20-1984-p-4/

Associated Press. “Man dies starting car.” Ottumwa Courier, IA, 1-21-1984, p. 13. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-courier-jan-21-1984-p-13/

Associated Press. “Massive cold wave drifts into Atlantic.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO, 1-23-1984, A4. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-telegraph-jan-23-1984-p-4/

Associated Press. “Nation gets some cold relief, except for icy roads headache.” Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. 1-23-1984, p. 6. Accessed 4-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/walla-walla-union-bulletin-jan-23-1984-p-6/

Associated Press. “New Mexico roundup,” Roswell Daily Record, NM, 1-20-1984, p. 24. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/roswell-daily-record-jan-20-1984-p-24/

Associated Press. “Temperatures tumble in frozen Rockies, northern Plains.” Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, CO. 1-19-1984, A4. Associated 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-jan-19-1984-p-4/

Associated Press. “Winter storm marches on.” The Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT, 1-18-1984, A2. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-jan-18-1984-p-2/

Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Ice causes accidents across U.S.” 1-24-1984, 3B. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/doylestown-intelligencer-jan-24-1984-p-31/

Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Whitefish mourns bus crash victims.” 1-23-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-jan-23-1984-p-1/

Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Youth killed while ‘tubing.’” 1-20-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indiana-gazette-jan-20-1984-p-1/

Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, WI. “Cold kills two in Milwaukee,” 1-20-1984, A1. Accessed 4-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eau-claire-leader-telegram-jan-20-1984-p-2/

National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Volume 26, No. 1, January 1984. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA. Accessed 4-17-2019 at:

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html?_finish=0.5974261913594505

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Accidental Death Cited in Hypothermia Case.” 1-23-1984, B-1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-jan-23-1984-p-37/

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Cold Snap Blamed for 44 Deaths, Including 2 in Central New York.” 1-23-1984, 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-jan-23-1984-p-1/

Salina Journal, KS. “Stranded hunter found dead.” 1-19-1984, p. 9. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salina-journal-jan-19-1984-p-9/

Sandusky Register, OH. “Weather…Nation.” 1-21-1984, A-6. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-register-jan-21-1984-p-6/

United Press International. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/altoona-mirror-jan-20-1984-p-1/

United Press International. “Cold out, freezing rain in.” Daily Press, Escanaba, MI, 1-24-1984, p. 5. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/escanaba-daily-press-jan-24-1984-p-5/

United Press International. “Flooding is threat of warmer weather.” Crescent-News, Defiance, OH, 1-23-1984, p. 14. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/defiance-crescent-news-jan-23-1984-p-13/

United Press International. “Freezing temperatures hit U.S.; only Hawaii spared.” Daily Press, Escanaba MI, 1-21-1983, 5A. Accessed 4-20-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/escanaba-daily-press-jan-21-1984-p-5/

United Press International. “Ice Sheaths Much of Nation.” Courier-Express, DuBois, PA, 1-24-1984, 1. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dubois-courier-express-jan-24-1984-p-1/

United Press International. “Mercury may dip to minus 10.” Sandusky Register, OH, 1-19-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-21-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-register-jan-19-1984-p-1/

United Press International. “Second polar blast chills state.” The Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 1-20-1984, p.5. Accessed 4-19-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-jan-20-1984-p-5/

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. “Storm surprises Walla Walla with snow.” 1-22-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/walla-walla-union-bulletin-jan-22-1984-p-1/

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. “Wreck near Pomeroy kills UO wrestler.” 1-22-1984, p. 1. Accessed 4-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/walla-walla-union-bulletin-jan-22-1984-p-1/

[1] “The 28 weather-related deaths this week included…man…killed…in Dubuque, Iowa, trying to start a car…Two deaths each in [WI], Delaware and Pennsylvania…one each in Colorado, Missouri and Illinois. Traffic accidents on icy highways claimed four lives in Pennsylvania, five in New Jersey, three in Delaware and two in Maryland. In Pennsylvania, two men died of cardiac arrest after shoveling snow and a third was killed in a sledding accident. In Omaha, Neb., a man was found dead from asphyxiation after he tried to heat his bathroom with a charcoal grill.”

[2] “At least 27 deaths nationwide were blamed on the second frigid blast of the winter of 1983-84 — five in Utah, four in Delaware, three in Pennsylvania, two each in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico and Wisconsin, and one each in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.”

[3] “…four in Utah and Delaware, three in Pennsylvania, two each in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico and Wisconsin and one each in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.”

[4] The second major cold wave of the winter of 1983-84 has been blamed for at least 22 deaths, including four in Utah and Delaware, three in Pennsylvania, two in Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wisconsin and one each in Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska..”

[5] “The cold and winter storms have claimed 18 lives this week, including a St. Louis resident at a home for the elderly…In Milwaukee…an 84-year-old woman was found dead in her heatless apartment and a drifter was found frozen in a warehouse. Traffic accidents on icy highways claimed four lives in Pennsylvania, five in New Jersey and one in Delaware. Two men died of cardiac arrest after shoveling snow in Pennsylvania and two died of exposure. In Omaha, Neb., a man was found dead of asphyxiation after th tried to heat his bathroom with a charcoal grill.”

[6] At least eight people across the nation have died in the cold and snow, including four members of a Utah family caught in a fire started by a heater they were using to warm their home in 30-below temperatures Wednesday.”

[7] Associated Press. “Dixie storm hits Northern cities.” Jacksonville Journal Courier, IL, 1-19-1984, p. 1.

[8] The Post, Frederick, MD. “Snow” (continued from A1), 1-20-1984, p. 2.

[9] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6.

[10] United Press International. “Second polar blast chills state.” The Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 1-20-1984, p. 5. Writes that “Chicago area shelters for the homeless bulged beyond capacity as thousands sought refuge from the winter’s second blast of bitter cold.”

[11] United Press International. “Ice Sheaths Much of Nation.” Courier-Express, DuBois, PA, 1-24-1984, p. 1.

[12] Associated Press. “Man dies starting car.” Ottumwa Courier, IA, 1-21-1984, p. 13. Notes the victim, Dean Scardino, was “trying to jump-start a stalled vehicle in subzero cold, police said…the accident happened just after midnight on Iowa Highway 52 north. They said Scardino was standing on the road trying to start the car with his own car. A third car…struck the two parked cars and the victim.”

[13] “Larry G. Poley, 41, Washington [KS] died Tuesday after his pickup truck became stuck in a snowdrift…Mr. Poley…decided to walk for help…His body was discovered…about three-fourths of a mile from the stranded truck.” (Salina Journal, KS. “Stranded hunter found dead.” 1-19-1984, p. 9.)

[14] “John B. Woods Jr., 45, of New Haven was found on the roadside of KY 84 about 7 miles east of Howardstown. The cause of death was hypothermia. Mr. Woods was found face down in the snow, twenty feet from his truck that had become stuck in the snow and mud. Temperatures at that time in the area averaged 22 degrees below zero.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 7.)

[15] The Post, Frederick, MD. “Snow” (continued from A1), 1-20-1984, p. 2.

[16] Victim was Florence May Dietz, 79. (The Post, Frederick, MD. “Snow” (continued from A1), 1-20-1984, p. 2.)

[17] Victim identified as James Buckner, 60. (Associated Press. “Bitter cold gives no rest to the weary.” Sedalia Democrat, MO, 1-20-1984, p. 1.) Article writes: “The National Weather Service said an overnight low of 1 below zero at 7 a.m. Thursday, when coupled with winds out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, produced a wind chill index of minus 31.” Also notes: “Police said Buckner, a resident of Father Jim’s Home for about a year, apparently became involved in a dispute with a clerk and had gone to the rear fire escape attired only in underwear and socks.”

[18] Associated Press. “At least nine die in fiery bus crash.” Havre Daily News, MT, 1-22-1984, A2; Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT. “Whitefish mourns bus crash victims.” 1-23-1984, p. 1. An AP report in the New York Times wrote that the collision took place “in a snowstorm.” (Associated Press. “Montana Town Mourns for 9 Dead After Team Bus Crashes in Storm.” New York Times, 1-23-1984.)

[19] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6.

[20] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6.

[21] Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Ice causes accidents across U.S.” 1-24-1984, 3B.

[22] Associated Press. “Dixie storm hits Northern cities.” Jacksonville Journal Courier, IL, 1-19-1984, p. 1.

[23] “Two people found dead in a car stuck in a snow bank along the Gallinas River died of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said today…the state Office of the Medical Examiner had determined the cause of death through blood tests. The victims were identified as Chris J. Gallegos, 21, of Las Vegas and Julie Sandoval, 20, a student at New Mexico Highlands University from Las Lunas.” (Associated Press. “New Mexico roundup,” Roswell Daily Record, NM, 1-20-1984, p. 24.)

[24] Post-Standard, Syracuse NY. “Cold Snap Blamed for 44 Deaths, Including 2 in Central New York.” 1-23-1984, 1.

[25] AP. “Nation gets some cold relief, except for icy roads headache.” Walla Walla Union-Bulletin WA. 1-23-1984, 6.

[26] Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Accidental Death Cited in Hypothermia Case.” 1-23-1984, B-1. The Post-Standard noted elsewhere that “Temperatures in Watertown early Saturday plunged to minus 35.” (Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Cold Snap Blamed for 44 Deaths, Including 2 in Central New York.” 1-23-1984, 1.)

[27] Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “Ice causes accidents across U.S.” 1-24-1984, 3B.

[28] NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 8.

[29] Associated Press. “Winter storm marches on.” The Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT, 1-18-1984, A2.

[30] Associated Press. “Dixie storm hits Northern cities.” Jacksonville Journal Courier, IL, 1-19-1984, p. 1.

[31] Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. “Storm surprises Walla Walla with snow.” 1-22-1984, p. 1.

[32] Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Youth killed while ‘tubing.’” 1-20-1984, p. 1.

[33] “There…were a few deaths to persons collapsing while engaged in snow removal.” (NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 8.) For the purpose of a tally we assume “a few” was at least three.

[34] NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 9.

[35] NCDC Storm Data, 26/1, p. 9.

[36] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6.

[37] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6. Article notes four traffic fatalities. We subtract the two already noted for the Tionesta area.

[38] AP. “Dixie storm hits Northern cities.” Jacksonville Journal Courier, IL, 1-19-1984, p. 1. -32° outside.

[39] “A 29-year-old Crozet woman has been found frozen to death outside her home during the weekend’s severe cold snap that set new low temperature records around Virginia. Albemarle County authorities said Suzy Ann Barbara Key who lived on Va. 684 in Mint Springs Valley, froze to death late Saturday or early Sunday after failing to walk 50 yards from her father’s house to her house. ‘She had been drinking heavily and evidently fell down in the snow…Being intoxicated, she was apparently unable to get up and froze to death.’ [Sheriff’s Office] The temperature Sunday morning dropped to zero at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport…the temperature probably was colder in Mint Springs Valley, which is at a higher elevation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” (Associated Press. “Albemarle Co. Woman Freezes.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 1-24-1984, p. 11.)

[40] One University of Oregon wrestler, Lorenzo West, 20, was killed in the accident. “Washington State Patrol Lt. Gary R. Hallett said that the van was traveling north on State Route 127 [19 miles west of Pomeroy] on compact snow and ice when the accident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. ‘They were traveling on slick roadway,’ he said Saturday evening. The van carrying 10 wrestlers and two assistant coaches, was headed downhill on a left-hand curve when the driver…lost control and the van slid to the right, he said. It hit a guard rail, catapulted over it and went down a steep embankment for 185 feet, he said. The van rolled several times and all 12 occupants were thrown from it, he said. The roof was ripped from the van in the accident…The team was en route to Pullman for a match against Washington State University…” (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. “Wreck near Pomeroy kills UO wrestler.” 1-22-1984, p. 1.) A critically injured wrestler, Jed Kesey, died two days later. (United Press International. “Ice Sheaths Much of Nation.” Courier-Express, DuBois, PA, 1-24-1984, 1.)

[41] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6. A UPI report writes: “Police said the gas meter to her building had been locked shut because of unpaid bills.” (UPI. “Arctic air ices nation; death toll at 22, rising.” Altoona Mirror, PA, 1-20-1984, p. 1.) Victim identified as Esther Bahr, 84. (AP. “Death of woman prompts outcry.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 1-21-1984, p. 5.) This last AP article notes that the woman’s gas had been turned off the previous May for non-payment of about $2,500 in past bills. Another source writes: “Robert H. Kuells, an assistant supervisor with the Department of Building Inspection said the temperature was 22 degrees in the apartment where Bahr was found.” (Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, WI. “Cold kills two in Milwaukee,” 1-20-1984, A1.)

[42] Associated Press. “Bitter Cold Grips Nation.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA, 1-20-1984, pp. 1 and 6.

[43] “Officials said Henry Woytasik, 62, was found dead by Milwaukee warehouse workers near a railroad dock where one of he workers, Howard Brooks, had seem him sleeping about 7 a.m. Thursday [Jan 19]. Brooks said he advised the man to move somewhere warmer because he might freeze if he stayed in the area where railroad cars pull in to unload. Another employee, David Lipinski, said he checked on the man three hours later and found he was not breathing…Another employee said the man was wearing ‘shoes, socks, polyester pants that did not cover his ankles and a short summer-weight coat.’” Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, WI. “Cold kills two in Milwaukee,” 1-20-1984, 1.

20th Century

1984 — HIV AIDS, New York City (952), U.S. –3,578

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1984

–4,096 amfAR. Thirty Years of HIV/AIDS: Snapshots of an Epidemic. 2020.*
— 952 Condran. “Changing Patterns of Epidemic Disease in New York City,” p. 38 in Rosner.

*Our number based on amfAR report of 2,118 deaths by end of 1983 and 5,596 cumulative for the end of the year 1984. We subtracted 2,118 from 5,596 to derive 3,578.

Narrative Information

CDC: “HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS if not treated. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. So once you get HIV, you have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body, making the person more likely to get other infections or infection-related cancers. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the last stage of HIV infection.

“No effective cure currently exists, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. The medicine used to treat HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART. If people with HIV take ART as prescribed, their viral load (amount of HIV in their blood) can become undetectable. If it stays undetectable, they can live long, healthy lives and have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can live nearly as long as someone who does not have HIV.” (CDC. About HIC/AIDS. 12-2-2019.)

Sources

amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research). Thirty Years of HIV/AIDS: Snapshots of an Epidemic. 2020. Accessed 4-1-2020 at: https://www.amfar.org/thirty-years-of-hiv/aids-snapshots-of-an-epidemic/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About HIC/AIDS. 12-2-2019. Accessed 3-31-2020 at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html

Condran, Gretchen A. “Changing Patterns of Epidemic Disease in New York City,” pp. 27-41 in:
Rosner, David (Ed.). Hives of Sickness: Public Health and Epidemics in New York City. Rutgers University Press, 1991, 236 pages. Partially digitized by Google. Accessed 3-29-2018 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=o34QxI6lHwAC&pg=PA70&dq=1916+Polio+Epidemic&ei=Cy5DSZWvMIXAMpqalOYN#PPP7,M1

20th Century

1984 — Meningococcal Meningitis, ICD-9 code 036.0, esp. CA and NY (8 each) — 95

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1984

–95 CDC Wonder. Compressed Mortality, 1979-1998 Results, Meningococcal Meningitis. 1984.

0.04 US death rate per 100,000 US population: 235,955,196

Alabama 2 0.05

Alaska 1 0.19

Arizona 1 0.03

Arkansas 2 0.09

California 8 0.03

Connecticut 1 0.03

District of Co. 1 0.16

Florida 4 0.04

Georgia 3 0.05

Idaho 1 0.10

Illinois 2 0.02

Indiana 2 0.04

Iowa 2 0.07

Kansas 2 0.08

Louisiana 2 0.05

Massachusetts 4 0.07

Michigan 6 0.07

Minnesota 1 0,02

Mississippi 3 0.12

Missouri 1 0.02

Nebraska 2 0.13

New Jersey 3 0.04

New York 8 0.05

No. Carolina 1 0.02

Ohio 2 0.02

Oklahoma 3 0.09

Oregon 5 0.19

Pennsylvania 5 0.04

So. Carolina 2 0.06

Tennessee 4 0.09

Texas 6 0.04

Vermont 1 0.19

Virginia 2 0.04

Washington 1 0.02

Wisconsin 1 0.02

Narrative Information

Meningococcal Meningitis (ICD-9 Code 036.0)[1]: “Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus… These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2003. ICD-9 code 036.0, Meningococcal Meningitis, 1984. Accessed 7-13-2019 at: https://wonder.cdc.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html

[1] ICD-9 is the 9^th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, a medical classification list by the World Health Organization. 036.0 is the code for meningococcal meningitis.

20th Century

1984 — Exposure to excessive natural cold/hypothermia (ICD-9 E901.0); esp. MN/21 — 359

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1984

–359 CDC Wonder. (Average hypothermia death rate was 0.15 per 100,000 population.)

Death rate for hypothermia per 100,000 population, where noted.

Alabama 19 0.28
California 15 0.06
Florida 14 0.13
Georgia 11 0.19
Illinois 17 0.15
Minnesota 21 0.50 Highest loss of life of any State.
New Mexico 10 0.71
New York 12 0.07
Pennsylvania 20 0.17
South Carolina 10 0.31
Tennessee 14 0.30
Virginia 14 0.25
Wisconsin 16 0.34
Wyoming 11 2.18 Highest loss of life per 100,000 population of any State.

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998. CDC WONDER On-line Database, compiled from Compressed Mortality File CMF 1968-1988, Series 20, No. 2A, 2000 and CMF 1989-1998, Series 20, No. 2E, 2003. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/cmf-icd9.html on Sep 12, 2021 8:18:18 PM

«‹ 105 106 107 108 ›»