lornajarrettblanchard

 

–6  Duwe, Grant.  Mass Murder in the United States: A History. McFarland, 2007, p. 127.

–6  Galveston Daily News. “Witness to family’s murder goes home after case closed.” 7-5-1982,

 

Narrative Information

 

Galveston Daily News: “Thompson Falls, Mont. (AP) — A 14-year-old boy who saw a friend’s father shoot his wife, three children and his mother-in-law, then kill himself, returned to his home in Washington state Sunday as authorities here closed their investigation of the killings.  Sanders County officials said Loxley Sexton, 40, killed his 39-year-old estranged wife, Linda; their three children, Debbie, 18, Bobby, 16, and Michael, 8; and Mrs. Sexton’s mother, Francis Cunningham, 65, then committed suicide.

 

“Curt McGowan of Snohomish, a friend of Bobby Sexton who was visiting the family, was told to leave the house by Sexton before the shootings and watched the slayings as he stood outside the house and looked through a window at the living room mirror.  McGowan was unharmed, as was Sexton’s father-in-law, George Cunningham, 80, an invalid confined to bed.” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Witness to family’s murder goes home after case closed.” 7-5-1982, 3A.)

 

Sources

 

Duwe, Grant. Mass Murder in the United States: A History. McFarland, 2007.

 

Galveston Daily News, TX. “Witness to family’s murder goes home after case closed.” 7-5-1982, 3A. http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=116793592&sterm=thompson+falls

 

 

 

–22  Dead/missing. AP. “New Englanders Dig Out.” Daily Sitka Sentinel, AK, 6-8-1982, p. 2.

–16  Blanchard tally of State breakouts below.

–13  Associated Press. “13 drown in New England.” Yuma Daily Sun, AZ, 6-7-1982, p. 8.

–8  Connecticut (plus one missing)    –5  Rhode Island (plus two missing)

 

Connecticut    (11-12)

—  12  Blanchard tally of flooding-related deaths noted by locality below.[1]

—>12  NYT/Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982.[2]

—  11  Hanrahan, Ryan. “The Great 1982 Flash Flood.” Way too Much Weather blog. 5-12-2012.

—  11  Johnston Associates. Realizing the Risk: A History of the June 1982 Floods in [CT].[3]

—  11  NWS NERFC. Historical Floods in the Northeast. “June 1982 Flooding in Connecticut.”

—  11  USGS. Summary of Significant Floods in the US, PR, and the VI, 1970-1989. 2008.

—  10  Hartford Courant (Charles Stannard), CT. “A Look Back at the Flood of ’82.” 6-6-2002.

— 8-9  Associated Press. “13 drown in New England.” Yuma Daily Sun, AZ, 6-7-1982, p. 8.[4]

—    5  National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982, p. 6.

Breakout of Connecticut flooding fatalities by locality where noted:

–1  Bridgeport, June 4-7. Drowning; male, 15, initials T.G., tubing accident.[5]

–1  Clinton, June 6-7. Drowning; male pedestrian, 68, swept off water covered bridge.[6]

–1  Clinton, June 5-7. Heart attack; elderly woman while struggling to bail water in basement.[7]

–1  East Haddam, Middlesex Co., June 6-7. Drowning; female motorist; truck swept into brook.[8]

–1  East Haven, Wepawaug River, June 5-6. Drowning; male motorist, 38, washed out bridge.[9]

–1  Lyme, June 4-7. Drowning, female, 62, initials J.T., truck passenger swept off bridge.[10]

–1  Lyme, June 5-6. Male body found in his car; police reported death as a result of the storm.[11]

–1  Middletown, Coginchaug River, June 6-7. Drowning; male (J.P.), 20; fell out of canoe.[12]

–1  Milford, Indian River, June 5-6. Drowning; male, 65, swept away trying to cross bridge.[13]

–1  New Haven, June 5-6. Male motorist, 80; struck by his own car after stalling in high water.[14]

–1  New London, June 5-7. Drowning; boy, 8, in his flooded home basement.[15]

–1  Orange, June 4-7. Drowning; male (R.V.), 39, passenger in auto swept off bridge (see East Haven)

–1  Putnam, June 6-7. Drowning; female motorist when pickup truck swept away by water.[16]

–1  Redding, Saugatuck Riv., June 6-7. Drowning; male, 28, his rubber raft was swamped.[17]

–1  Salem, June 6-7. Drowning; female, 18, as she tried to escape her stalled truck.[18]

–1  Wallingford, June 5. Drowning; male, 15, rubber inner tube snagged/burst.[19]

 

Rhode Island (3-5)

— 5  Associated Press. “13 drown in New England.” Yuma Daily Sun, AZ, 6-7-1982, p. 8.

— 5  Associated Press. “New Englanders Dig Out.” Daily Sitka Sentinel, AK, 6-8-1982, p. 2.

— 3  USGS. Rhode Island Floods and Droughts. “Table 1. Chronology of major…floods…”[20]

 

Narrative Information

 

Johnson Associates Summary on CT: “On the weekend of June 5-6, 1982, Connecticut suffered its worst flooding since 1955. Heavy rainfall and flooding were widespread throughout the State, but were most severe in south central Connecticut where up to 16 inches of rain fell in about 48 hours, with most rainfall occurring during a 24 hour period. Floods and flashfloods occurred on most of the small and medium size streams. New peak flows were established for many streams and flood frequency recurrence intervals of 200 years and greater were common in small basins. Large rivers, such as the Connecticut and Housatonic, experienced only minor flooding.

 

“Flooding on many of the smaller rivers was made much worse by the full or partial failure of one or more dams. The most dramatic and concentrated damage in the State occurred when the Bushy Hill Dam in Deep River burst, sending a wall of water down the Falls River that caused or contributed to the failure of six other dams and devastated the Centerbrook and Ivoryton sections of Essex. Throughout the State, 17 dams failed and another 31 were damaged. No flood control structures were damaged….

 

“Although the National Weather Service provided advance warning of the potential for flash floods, the weather advisories and bulletins issued did not indicate the seriousness of the flooding that was to occur. With the notable exception of Norwich, town officials did not have information that would lead them to issue evacuation notices much in advance of the actual flooding….Of the eleven people that died from flood-related causes, most were the result of careless actions: either rafting down flood swollen streams or crossing flooded bridges. Improvements in Federal, State, and local procedures for identifying flash flood potential and local procedures for providing residents with information on proper preparedness actions could result in fewer losses from future floods.” [p. iii]

 

NCDC on CT: “A 4-day rainstorm over New England from June 4^th to 7^th left 5 dead and numerous persons injured from flash floods which occurred in Connecticut. A total of 23 dams were breached and 2 broke. Damage was estimated in excess of $276,000,000…the heaviest amounts of rain fell in the southern half of the state with some areas receiving over 14 inches…” (NCDC, “Rainstorm in Connecticut on June 4-7, 1982.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V.24, N.6, June 1982, p. 6.)

 

NCDC on Massachusetts, June 6-7 Heavy Rain and Flooding: “A large stagnant ocean storm produced the greatest amount of flooding since the ‘hurricane rains of the 50’s.’ Six to eight inches of rain swamped the state primarily over central and eastern portions. Large amounts of potatoes, corn and other vegetables were destroyed. Thousands of basements were flooded, hundreds of roads were washed out.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V.24, N.6, June 1982, p. 23.)

 

NCDC on Rhode Island, June 6-7, Heavy Rain: “Very heavy rains of around six inches caused extensive river flooding. Hardest hit areas were along the Pawtucket River in Belmont Park and in Lincoln along the Blackstone River. Homes and automobiles became submerged. Sixty families evacuated Belmont Park.” (NCDC. Storm Data, V.24, N.6, June 1982, p. 36.)

 

National Weather Service: “The heaviest spring rainfall to impact Southern New England occurred the weekend of June 4-7, 1982. A large low pressure system moved up from the Gulf coast and moved slowly up to the northeast, stalling on June 5 positioned to dump large amounts of water over Connecticut, and the rest of southern New England. Up to 16 inches of rain fell in the region over a four day period, with the heaviest amounts occurring in south central Connecticut. Rainfall on Saturday June 5 accounted for over half of that total when up to 10 inches fell….

 

“The result of this rainfall was many floods and flash floods, primarily in Connecticut. Record floods occurred on many smaller streams through the central part of the state. The larger rivers in Connecticut, the Housatonic and Connecticut, were not greatly impacted as their headwaters in the more northern parts of New England were not impacted by heavy rain. However, the smaller rivers – Yantic, Farmington, Shetucket – all received significant flooding as well as many smaller streams….
“The floods caused the loss of at least eleven lives. In addition damage estimates of approximately 230 million dollars were incurred. Thousands of homes suffered varying degrees of damage.

 

One significant development from the aftermath of this flooding was the development of a statewide flood warning system under the management of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. While this will not prevent flooding to occur in the future, it may help provide advance warning and prevent the loss of lives and property.”  (NWS NERFC.  Historical Floods in the Northeast.  “June 1982 Flooding in Connecticut.”)

 

USGS: “A storm that local newspapers dubbed “the worst spring storm during the 20th century” ravaged through Connecticut, eastern New York, and central and eastern Massachusetts on June 5 through 7. The storm produced rainfall totals as high as 16 in. in Connecticut (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1982). At several places, the rainfall recorded with the storm was the highest recorded for a non-hurricane storm. This storm resembled a “northeaster” without the cold temperatures. Almost every stream in Connecticut flooded, with central Connecticut being the hardest hit. Eleven deaths and damages of $250 million were caused by the floods (Paulson and others, 1991).” (USGS. Summary of Significant Floods in the US, PR, and the VI, 1970-1989. 2008.)

 

Newspaper

 

June 7: “New Haven, Conn. (AP) — Residents of southern New England were warned today to be on the lookout for more flooding following a weekend deluge that sent up to 12 feet of water through some towns and forced at least 1,300 people to flee. Thirteen people were killed and five others were presumed drowned as a weekend storm dumped up to 11 inches of rain in the area.

 

“One of the areas hardest hit was Ivoryton, Conn., where two dams on the Fall River burst Sunday, releasing a wall of water that washed away four houses and several cars. ‘It looked like a tidal wave,’ said Christopher Dewey, who lives on Main Street. ‘It was like a white wave covering everything.’

 

“While the rains which began Friday [June 4] were tapering off today, the National Weather Service posted a flood warning for all of southern New England except Cape Cod….

 

“Eight people were killed and one was missing in Connecticut, two people were missing in Massachusetts and five people died and two were missing in Rhode Island.

 

“Helicopters and six-wheeled military vehicles were used to rescue stranded residents as a high-pressure system to the north kept the storm bottled up over the Atlantic Coast all weekend. ‘The damage is tremendous in many towns,’ said Connecticut Gov. William A. O’Neill, who called out National Guard units to help with sandbagging….The governor declared a state of emergency and asked for federal disaster assistance. Coastal areas of Connecticut near Ivoryton were cut off by flooding streams and marshes, and streets and highways were lined with cars stalled by flooded engines. Interstates 95 and 91 in New Haven experienced severe traffic jams due to flooded exits….Floodwaters were receding in most areas today, although the Connecticut River — the state’s largest — was expected to reach four feet above flood stage early today, according to the National Weather Service River Forecast Center in Bloomfield.” (Associated Press. “13 drown in New England.” Yuma Daily Sun, AZ, 6-7-1982, p. 8.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “13 drown in New England.” Yuma Daily Sun, AZ, 6-7-1982, p. 8. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/yuma-sun-jun-07-1982-p-8/?tag

 

Associated Press. “New Englanders Dig Out.” Daily Sitka Sentinel, AK, 6-8-1982, p. 2. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sitka-daily-sentinel-jun-08-1982-p-2/?tag

 

Hanrahan, Ryan. “The Great 1982 Flash Flood.” Way too Much Weather blog. 5-12-2012. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: http://www.ryanhanrahan.com/2012/05/12/the-great-1982-flash-flood/

 

Hartford Courant (Charles Stannard), CT. “A Look Back at the Flood of ’82.” 6-6-2002. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: http://articles.courant.com/2002-06-06/news/0206062166_1_tropical-storm-connecticut-river-flood

 

Johnston, L.R., Associates. Realizing the Risk: A History of the June 1982 Floods in Connecticut. Westport, CT: Published by Natural Resources Center (Water Planning Report No. 7), 1983, 201 pages. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CZIC-gb1399-4-c8-r43-1983/pdf/CZIC-gb1399-4-c8-r43-1983.pdf

 

National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA, 50 pages. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-DF78D3D1-A5AD-4B24-8982-7A9FE68685E4.pdf

 

National Weather Service, Northeast River Forecast Center. “June 1982 Flooding in Connecticut.” Historical Floods in the Northeast. Taunton, MA: NERFC, NWS, NOAA. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://www.weather.gov/nerfc/hf_june_1982

 

New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: http://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/08/nyregion/connecticut-begins-struggle-to-recuperate-from-floods.html?pagewanted=all

 

Perry, Charles A. (USGS). Summary of Significant Floods in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1994 Through 1998 Water Years (Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5194). Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2005. Prepared in USGS, Lawrence, KS. Accessed 2-26-2016 at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5194/pdf/sir2005-5194.pdf

 

United Press International/Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982. Accessed 5-13-2017 at: http://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/06/06/A-storm-that-spewed-up-to-10-inches-of/1782392184000/

 

U.S. Geological Survey. Rhode Island Floods and Droughts. “Table 1. Chronology of major and other memorable floods and droughts in Rhode Island, 1927-88.” Accessed 5-13-2017 at: https://md.water.usgs.gov/publications/wsp-2375/ri/

 

 

[1] Our tally of twelve differs from Kircher Table 3.1 list of eleven(in Johnston 1983, p. 39) in that we include the New Haven death of an elderly man whose car was reportedly stalled in high water, and whose death was reportedly caused by the car rolling over him as he tried to work on it.

[2] “Hartford, June 7 — Connecticut began bailing out today…`It’s an economic tragedy…’ Gov. William A. O’Neill said of the slow-moving storm that dumped 7 to 11 inches of rain and left at least 12 persons dead or missing across the state since Friday night.”

[3] Notes that funding for project and report was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[4] Notes eight dead and one missing.

[5] Toby Kircher, CT Dept. of Health Services. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39. [Blanchard note: A 15 year-old male also drowned in a tubing accident in Wallingford, as we have noted, and which this report also notes — thus this is not a mistaken double-listing.]

[6] NCDC. Storm Data, 24/6, June 1982, p. 15. Victim identified as Christopher Sprance, 68, who was walking home with wife when swept away. (NYT/Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982.) The description “Swept off water covered bridge” is from Toby Kircher, CT Dept. of Health Services. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39.

[7] Hartford Courant (Charles Stannard), CT. “A Look Back at the Flood of ’82.” 6-6-2002. Also: Toby Kircher, CT DHS. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39.

[8] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982, p. 15. Possibly the death noted by Hartford Courant: “The fourth county [Middlesex] fatality was June Thomas, a 62-year-old East Haddam resident…[and high school] art teacher…  Her car stalled as she was returning from a wedding in Chester. Thomas was picked up by a town highway crew truck in Lyme. She was killed when the truck fell off a collapsed bridge over the Roaring Brook in Hadlyme.”

[9] New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982. Writes: “The body of Robert Vernon, 38, of East Haven was found Sunday [June 6] in his partially submerged car. The police said he apparently had not realized a bridge was washed away and had driven into the Wepawaug River.” However, a UPI article writes: “Robert Vernon, 39, of East Haven drowned early Sunday along Route 121 in Orange after his car was washed off the road and into a rain-filled ditch. Police said a bridge over Route 121 was washed out and Vernon apparently tried to cross the road.” (United Press International/Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982.) Kircher, in Johnston (1983, p. 39), has the age of R.V. as 39.

[10] Kircher, CT DHS. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39. Highlighted in yellow to denote this is a reference to the death we list under East Haddam above.

[11] United Press International/Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982. Highlighted in yellow to denote that we do not include in our tally in that it is not included in the Kircher table in Johnston.

[12] Hartford Courant (Charles Stannard), CT. “A Look Back at the Flood of ’82.” 6-6-2002. The victim’s initials of J.P. from: Kircher, CT DHS. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39. Kircher, however, lists this as a “rafting accident.”

[13] United Press International/Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982. Writes: “Milford Police Chief William Bull said an elderly man was swept away by water while trying to cross a bridge over the Indian River in Milford. Bull said the man slipped from the grasp of two would-be rescuers and…swept away.” The age is from: Kircher, CT DHS. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7, 1982,” in L.R. Johnston Associates, 1983, p. 39. Kircher account gives initials of victim as W.G., and notes “Hanging onto auto swept into river.” Also notes body not recovered.

[14] New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982. Victim identified as Joseph Pestey. UPI writes that “Police said Pestey got out of his car that stalled at a traffic light, leaving the car in gear. As Pestey worked on the car, police said, the vehicle rolled over him.” (United Press International/ Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982.) This death is not included in Kircher, CT DHS. “Table 3.1: Flood-Related Deaths, Storm of June 4-7…” in L.R. Johnston Assoc., 1983, p. 39.

[15] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982, p. 15. Identified in the press as Christopher LaPoint. (New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982.) Also in Kircher.

[16] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982, p. 15.

[17] New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982. While this article notes that he was missing and presumed drowned, we have looked up on Crestleaf.com a death record for Warren Bates of Redding, CT, who is noting as having died in June of 1982. Also this death is included in Kircher table 3.1 in Johnston, 1983, p. 39.

[18] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982, p. 15. Probably same death noted by NYT/Madden: “In Salem in eastern Connecticut, 19-year-old Jill E. Conant of Putnam was drowned when a pickup truck in which she was a passenger stalled and was swept away along Eight-Mile River. Two other persons in the truck were saved.” (NYT/ Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982.) Also Kircher in Johnston 1983, 39.

[19] New York Times/Richard L. Madden. “Connecticut Begins Struggle to Recuperate from Floods.” 6-8-1982. Another article notes that: “Richard Poggio, 15, of Wallingford, disappeared Saturday [5^th] while tubing with three friends on Wharton Brook in Wallingford. Their inner tube caught on brush and burst. The Civil Air Patrol led the ground search Sunday for Poggio.” (United Press International/Jacqueline Huard. “A storm that spewed up to 10 inches of…” 6-6-1982.) Listed as one of 11 deaths in Kircher Table 3.1 in Johnston 1983, p. 39.

[20] Notes the flood event was June 5-6, 1982. and that the Pawcatuck and Pawtuxet River basis were the hardest hit. In the text below the table, the Providence Journal of 6-8-1982 is cited (apparently as the source).

— 196  Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below.

— 192  CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

 

Summary of State & DC Breakouts

 

—  5  Alabama             CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–15  Arizona               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  6  Arkansas             CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–25  California           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  2  Colorado            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  Connecticut        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  District of Col.   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  7  Florida                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  4  Georgia               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  4  Illinois                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  2  Indiana               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  Iowa                   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  6  Kansas                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Kentucky            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  4  Louisiana            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Maine                 CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Massachusetts    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  6  Michigan                        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Minnesota           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  5  Mississippi          CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  5  Missouri              CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Nevada               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  New Hampshire  CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  4  New Jersey         CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  New Mexico       CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  7  New York           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  North Carolina    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  2  North Dakota     CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  5  Ohio                   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–11  Oklahoma           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  4  Oregon               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  7  Pennsylvania      CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  South Carolina    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Tennessee           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–28  Texas                  CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  Virginia              CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  1  Washington        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  3  Wisconsin           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

 

 

Breakout by States and the District of Columbia

 

—  5  Alabama             CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Barbour County   Male    55-64.

–1  Butler County      Male    55-64

–1  Calhoun County   Male    25-34

–1  Etowah County    Male    35-44

–1  Russell County     Male    55-64

 

–15  Arizona               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Gila County          Male                45-54

–6  Maricopa County Males,             20-24, 25-34, 65-74, 75-84. Females, 45-54, 55-64.

–1  Navajo County     Female             75-84

–1  Pinal County        Male                35-44

–6  Yuma County       Males               25-54, 65-74, 2 age not noted. Females, 75-84, 85+.

 

—  6  Arkansas             CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Benton County                 Male    35-44

–1  Craighead County            Male    35-44

–1  Jefferson County              Male    Age not noted.

–2  Poinsett County                Male    75-84   Female   65-74

–1  Pulaski County                 Male    45-54

 

–25  California           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

—  2  Imperial County             Males               20-24 and 45-54

–12  Los Angeles County

–7                               Males:             20-24, 45-54 (2), 55-64 (2), 75-84, 85+

–5                               Females:          45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84 (2)

—  1  Mendocino County        Female             35-44

—  1  Merced County              Female             55-64

—  1  Orange County               Female             45-54

—  3  Riverside County           Males               25-34, 45-54, 65-74

—  1  Sacramento County        Male                65-74

—  1  San Bernardino County Female             55-64

—  1  San Diego County          Male                65-74

—  1  San Francisco County    Male                <1 year

—  1  Santa Barbara County    Female             85+

 

—  2  Colorado            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–2  Denver County                 Females           55-64 and 85+

 

—  1  Connecticut        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Fairfield County               Female             75-84

 

—  1  District of Col.   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  District of Columbia         Male                35-44

 

—  7  Florida                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Duval County                   Female             1-4

–1  Hillsborough County       Male                15-19

–1  Lee County                      Male                85+

–2  Miami-Dade County        Males               55-64 and 65-74

–1  Palm Beach County         Male                45-54

–1  Sarasota County               Female             55-64

 

—  4  Georgia               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Chatham County              Female             55-64

–1  DeKalb County                Male                45-54

–1  Dodge County                  Male                85+

–1  Whitfield County             Male                75-84

 

—  4  Illinois                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Champaign County          Male                25-34

–1  Cook County                    Male                65-74

–1  Fayette County                 Female             85+

–1  Jefferson County              Male                65-74

 

—  2  Indiana               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Allen County                    Male                65-74

–1  Vanderburgh County       Male                65-74

 

—  1  Iowa                   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Pottawattamie County     Female             1-4

 

—  6  Kansas                CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–4  Sedgwick County             Males               45-54 (2), 65-74. Female        55-64

–1  Shawnee County              Male                65-74

–1  Washington County         Female             35-44

 

—  3  Kentucky            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Christian County              Male                65-74

–1  Perry County                    Female             35-44

–1  Powell County                 Male                55-64

 

—  4  Louisiana            CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Lincoln Parish                  Male                55-64

–1  Madison Parish                 Male                15-19

–1  Orleans Parish                  Female             65-74

–1  St. Landry Parish              Male                45-54

 

—  3  Maine                 CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Androscoggin County      Male                <1 year

–1  Cumberland County         Male                55-64

–1  York County                    Female             85+

 

—  3  Massachusetts    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–2  Essex County                   Females           75-84 (2)

–1  Franklin County               Male                55-64

 

—  6  Michigan                        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–3  Calhoun County               Females           85+ (2)            Male    85+

–1  Muskegon County            Female             25-34

–1  Washtenaw County          Female             45-54

–1  Wayne County                 Female             75-84

 

—  3  Minnesota           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Anoka County                  Male                35-44

–1  Cass County                     Male                55-64

–1  St. Louis County              Male                25-34

 

—  5  Mississippi          CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Harrison County              Female             85+

–2  Hinds County                   Female s           15-19 and 55-64

–1  Jones County                    Male                65-64

–1  Lincoln County                Male                65-74

 

—  5  Missouri              CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.[1]

–3  Jackson County                Female             25-34   Males   35-44 and 65-74

–1  Johnson County               Male                75-84

–1  Scott County                    Male                35-44

 

—  3  Nevada               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–3  Clark County                    Female             25-34   Males   25-34 and 55-64

 

—  1  New Hampshire  CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Merrimack County           Male                55-65

 

—  4  New Jersey         CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Bergen County                 Male                25-34

–1  Middlesex County            Male                65-74

–2  Union County                  Females           55-64 and 65-74

 

—  1  New Mexico       CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Curry County                   Male                65-74

 

—  7  New York           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–2  Bronx County                  Females           65-74 and 75-84

–1  Dutchess County              Male                65-74

–2  New York County            Male                75-84   Female             85+

–1  Oneida County                 Male                55-64

–1  Westchester County         Female             65-74

 

—  3  North Carolina    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Forsyth County                Male                35-44

–1  Lenoir County                  Male                25-34

–1  Wake County                   Male                35-44

— 2  Mirabelli, Maria C. and David B. Richardson. “Heat-Related Fatalities in North Carolina.”[2]

 

—  2  North Dakota     CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Dunn County                    Male                55-64

–1  Richland County              Male                85+

 

—  5  Ohio                   CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Franklin County               Male                25-34

–2  Hamilton County             Males               20-24 and 25-34[3]

–1  Licking County                Male                65-74

–1  Richland County              Female             45-64

 

Oklahoma

–11  The Oklahoman (Pat Record) Oklahoma City. “City heat chalks up 2 deaths.” 7-28-1983.[4]

–10  Oklahoma           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Comanche County           Male                20-24

–1  Le Flore County               Male                55-64

–1  Oklahoma County            Female             75-84

–1  Osage County                  Female             35-44

–1  Pottawatomie County      Male                65-74

–4  Tulsa County                    Males 10-14, 35-44, and age not stated.  Female  75-84

–1  Washington County         Male                45-54

 

—  4  Oregon               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Jackson County                Male                55-64

–2  Multnomah County          Male                45-54               Female   65-74

 

—  7  Pennsylvania      CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Delaware County             Male                25-34

–2  Erie County                      Male                75-84               Female   85+

–1  Lehigh County                 Male                45-54

–3  Philadelphia County        Males 45-54 and 55-64          Female   75-84

 

—  1  South Carolina    CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Greenville County            Female             55-64

 

—  3  Tennessee           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Blount County                  Female             85+

–2  Shelby County                 Female             85+      Male    65-74

 

— >28  Texas  Blanchard tally (see Hidalgo County footnote below.)

—   25  Texas               CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–2  Bell County                      Females           1-4 and 55-64

–1  Coleman County              Female             75-84

–3  Dallas County                  Males               25-34, 65-74, 75-84

–2  Ellis County                     Female             75-84   Male    75-84

–3  El Paso County                Female             25-34   Males   25-34 and 55-64

–1  Guadalupe County           Male                45-54

–1  Hale County                     Female            75-84

–2  Harris County                  Males               25-34 and 65-74

–2  Hidalgo County                Males               15-19

–5  Hidalgo County Paris News. “Five sought for alien smuggling.” 10-27-1982, p. 15.[5]

–1  Hutchinson County          Male                65-74

–2  Jefferson County              Males               25-34 and 35-44

–1  Johnson County               Female             45-54

–1  Kleberg County                Male                75-84

–1  Midland County               Male                15-19

–2  Smith County                   Males               25-34

 

—  1  Virginia              CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Pittsylvania County          Male                65-74

 

—  1  Washington        CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–1  Cowlitz County                Male                65-74

 

—  3  Wisconsin           CDC WONDER. ICD Code E900 (excessive heat/hyperthermia), 1982.

–2  Milwaukee County          Females           75-84

–1  Ozaukee County              Male                35-44

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 17, Associated Press: “McAllen, Texas, (AP) — A federal grand jury will meet Oct. 26 to consider evidence and possible indictments in an alien smuggling operation in which five Salvadorans died, a U.S. Border Patrol official said….The bodies of four Salvadorans were found Oct. 4 in a tractor-trailer rig smugglers had abandoned near Edinburg. Autopsies showed the three men and one woman died of suffocation compounded by heat stroke. The body of another man was found five days later partially submerged in a drainage ditch near an orange grove where he and nine other Salvadorans had been left. An Autopsy showed he died of a combination of dehydration, exposure and heat stroke, with possible drowning also a factor, said Dr. Ruben Santos, Hidalgo County medical examiner. Twenty-six people trapped in the 18-wheeler began to suffer, and four died, when the truck’s air conditioner failed….” (AP. “Jury to hear evidence in alien smuggling case.” Clovis News-Journal, TX, 10-17-1982, p. 46.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Five sought for alien smuggling,” Paris News. 10-27-1982, p. 15. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/paris-news-oct-27-1982-p-15/?tag

 

Associated Press. “Jury to hear evidence in alien smuggling case.” Clovis News-Journal, TX, 10-17-1982, p. 46. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/clovis-news-journal-oct-17-1982-p-46/?tag

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998. 1982 ICD-900.0 excessive heat/hyperthermia search. 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 Apr 19, 2017 2:40:10 PM

 

Lushine, James B. “Underreporting of Heat and Cold Related Deaths in Florida.” Miami, FL: National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, NOAA. 1-6-2009 modification. Accessed 11-1-2015 at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/?n=fla_weather_casualties

 

Mirabelli, Maria C. and David B. Richardson. “Heat-Related Fatalities in North Carolina.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 95, no. 4, April 2005, pp. 635-637. Accessed 9-2-2015 at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1449233/

 

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Data & Statistical Reports. Chart: “Hyperthermia Mortality, Missouri 1980-2013.” DHSS. Accessed 11-19-2015 at: http://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hyperthermia/data.php

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 6, June 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, 50 pages. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-208D36EF-02D2-4BBC-9B04-07B7E262AB3F.pdf

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 7, July 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, 48 pages. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-35AF02FF-A438-41D7-A67C-9B0EA59616A3.pdf

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 8, August 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, 32 pages. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-F0109734-513C-4686-B7D0-C308397CBF12.pdf

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 9, September 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, 24 pages. Accessed 4-19-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-CE0570FD-3F14-46E8-8A68-496EE7EEB119.pdf

 

The Oklahoman (Pat Record) Oklahoma City. “City heat chalks up 2 deaths.” 7-28-1983. Accessed 2-19-2017 at: http://newsok.com/article/2033651

 

United Press International. “Vinyl jacket factor of jogger’s death.” Hutchinson News, KS, 7-14-1982, p. 26. Accessed 4-20-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-jul-14-1982-p-175/?tag

 

[1] Same number in Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services, Chart: “Hyperthermia Mortality, Missouri 1980-2013, Data & Statistical Reports.

[2] Figure 1.

[3] The 20-24 year old male death may refer to Vyrl Best, 21, of Cincinnati who, on July 12 suffered a heat stroke while  jogging on an 80-degree day with a vinyl jacket worn over a sweat-suit. An emergency room physician treated the victim for heat exhaustion and heat stroke said that his body temperature soared to 106 degrees after police found him wandering “in a confused state.” An intensive care physician is quoted as saying that “Best’s body heat had ‘overwhelmed the sweat glands.” (UPI. “Vinyl jacket factor of jogger’s death.” Hutchinson News, KS, 7-14-1982, p. 26.)

[4] “Last year [1982], 11 Oklahomans died in heat-related situations…”

[5] An Associated Press report notes that Hidalgo County authorities were considering murder charges against human smugglers who brought a group of Salvadorans into the county and that four “died of suffocation and heat stroke in a truck abandoned earlier this month in the stifling heat of South Texas. The body of a fifth alien was found in an orange grove.” In that the CDC notes only two deaths, it seems probable that none of these five are included. However, in order to be conservative we include only three in our tally, in addition to the two the CDC notes.

—>12  Sunday Herald, Chicago. “Downstate tornado toll as 12.” 5-30-1982, p. 1.

—  10  AP. “Ten die in storm.” Daily Republican Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 6-1-1982, p1.

—  10  Grazulis.  Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 1243.

—  10  NCDC/NOAA.  Event Record Details, Tornado, Illinois, 29 May 1982.

—  10  NCDC. “Illinois Tornadoes on May 29, 1982.” Storm Data, Vol. 24, N. 5, May 1982, p. 8.

 

Marion           (10)

–10  Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. “Several from county helped in Marion…” 6-1-1982, p. 1.

–10  Marion IL History Preservation. 1982 Tornado Kills 10 and Creates Major Damage to Marion.

–7  Shawnee Village Apartments.

James Gulledge, 17 (visiting friends at the apartments).

Lynn Moore, 18 (visiting friends at the apartments along with James Gulledge).[1]

Fern Kobler, 67.

Pauline Pearson, 63.

Mae E. Rader, 79.

Helen White, 62.

Leona White, 96 (mother of Helen White).

–1  James Bryan Simmons, 11, while shopping with mother at P. N. Hirsch store.[2]

–1  Effie Jan Wilson, 59, working in the P. N. Hirsch store.

–1  Zelma Latham, 79, in her home at 905 East Boulevard.

—  8  Assoc. Press. “Ten die in storm.” Daily Republican Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 6-1-1982, p1.

Fern Cobler [or Kobler], 67.

James Gulledge, 17 (Shawnee Village Apartments). Marion Illinois History Preservation.

Zelma Latham, late 70s.

Pauline Pearson, 62.

May [or Mae] Rader, 79.

Leona White, 96.

Helen White, 62 (Leona White’s daughter).

Effie Jane Wilson, 61.

—  1  Female. Sunday Herald, Chicago. “Downstate tornado toll as 12.” 5-30-1982, p. 1.

—  1  Daughter, 8, of female fatality. Sunday Herald. “Downstate tornado…” 5-30-1982, p. 1.

 

Narrative Information

 

Grazulis: “IL  MAY 29, 1982 1405 10k 181inj 400y 17m F4. WILLIAMSON — Moved from 3m NW of Carterville, through downtown Carterville, then to Crainville, Marion, and to 8m E of Marion. This tornado cut a path through three towns in Williamson County, and showed evidence of three separate vortices rotating around the main tornado. The initial touchdown was approximately 4m NW of Carterville. As it skipped into a Carterville subdivision, it destroyed two homes and damaged several others. Moving to the E and ESE, the funnel damaged homes in Crainville. Increasing in size, the funnel struck the airport and followed Hwy-13 through Marion. In western Marion, it destroyed a truck plaza and a motel, and damaged three shopping centers. Passing through Marion, it destroyed 161 homes and 47 businesses. Outside Marion, another 100 homes were destroyed. $100,000,000.”  (Grazulis.  Significant Tornadoes, 1993, p. 1243.)

 

NCDC “Illinois Tornadoes on May 29, 1982: “Two major tornadoes occurred in southern Illinois on May 29^th. The first, an F3, almost completely destroyed the small rural community of  Conant, The second tornado carved a swath of F4 destruction through the north side of Marion, leaving 10 dead and 181 injured…” (NCDC. “Illinois Tornadoes on May 29, 1982.” Storm Data, Vol. 24, N. 5, May 1982, p. 8.)

 

NCDC. Storm Data: “1405 to 1432 CST…Ten persons were killed and 181 persons were injured when a massive tornado cut a path through 3 towns in Williamson County and contained 3 separate vortices rotating around the main tornado. The initial touchdown was approximately 4 miles northwest of Carterville and 1 mile north of Crab Orchard Lake. It lifted briefly, touched down in a subdivision of Carterville demolishing 2 homes and causing damage to several others. The tornado again lifted briefly and touched down again in Carterville. It traveled through the east section of town and through Crainville where several homes, business buildings and many trees were damaged. The tornado then increased in size and several funnels were observed within the tornado. Extensive damage occurred at the Williamson County Airport between 1410 and 1415CST. Then the tornado either changed course or formed a new funnel as it followed highway 13 through Marion. A truck plaza near Interstate 57 in western Marion was demolished. A car was struck on Interstate 57 and exploded. A motel and 3 shopping centers were damaged. Two of the 39 motel occupants were injured. The Shawnee Village 190 unit apartment complex was destroyed and 2 schools were severely damaged. One person died when a wall fell and 2 more died when they were literally blown out of their homes. In Marion a total of 161 homes and 47 businesses were destroyed; 59 homes and 29 businesses suffered damage. In Williamson County, 52 businesses were destroyed and 37 were heavily damaged. In total, 648 homes were damaged with 40% of these destroyed and 23% suffering major damage. Many persons were trapped under rubble. Over 200 cars were damaged or destroyed. The tornado lifted approximately 1 mile east-southeast of Routes 166 and 13; and the estimated damage was between 85 to 100 million dollars. The total homeless was approximately 1,000.” (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 5, May 1982, p. 15.)

 

Newspapers

 

May 30: “Marion — Tornadoes ripped through Southern Illinois Saturday killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 100. Hardest-hit was Marion, a community of 13,000, where an 8:30 p.m. curfew was called. About 100 National Guard troops were called into the area…State troopers from two divisions and all available sheriff’s department personnel also were called out….

 

“Gov. James R. Thompson declared the region a disaster area late Saturday, and state officials said they would ask for a federal declaration….

 

”National Weather Servicer officials said at least 12 people were killed in Marion from the tornado, but state officials remained hesitant in confirming the number of deaths. Williamson County Coroner James Wilson confirmed that at least 10 people, including a woman and her 8-year old daughter, were killed in Marion. Eight bodies were taken to a temporary morgue set up at Marion Junior High School and two other victims were reported dead on arrival at Marion Memorial Hospital. Marion Memorial spokeswoman said as many as 100 people were being treated there. The hospital was operating on emergency power because of storm damage to power lines.

 

“The Marion twister cut a 300- to 400-foot wide swath through the Sherman housing project in Marion, devastating 240 low- and middle-income homes. Hundreds of rescuers were combing the rubble trying to find survivors. Emergency shelters were set up at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

 

“Witnesses said one southbound car on Interstate 57 was touched by the funnel and appeared to have exploded like a bomb. The driver was presumed dead….” (Sunday Herald, Chicago. “Downstate tornado toll as 12.” 5-30-1982, p. 1.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Ten die in storm.” Daily Republican Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 6-1-1982, p. 1. Accessed 5-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-jun-01-1982-p-1/?tag

 

Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. “Several from county helped in Marion…” 6-1-1982, p. 1. Accessed 5-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-jun-01-1982-p-3/?tag

 

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993.

 

Marion Illinois History Preservation. 1982 Tornado Kills 10 and Creates Major Damage to Marion, Illinois (webpage). 1-26-2013. Accessed 5-14-2017 at: http://www.mihp.org/2013/01/1982-tornado/

 

National Climatic Data Center. Event Record Details, Tornado, Illinois, 29 May 1982. NCDC, NOAA, Department of Commerce.  Accessed 2-4-2009 at:

http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~

 

National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 5, May 1982. Asheville, NC: NCDC, NOAA, 50 pages. Accessed 5-14-2017 at: https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-B3BA3717-EEC8-492E-9BBC-A5A5E779CB83.pdf

 

Sunday Herald, Chicago. “Downstate tornado toll as 12.” 5-30-1982, p. 1. Accessed 5-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-herald-suburban-chicago-may-30-1982-p-98/?tag

 

 

 

[1] Apparently of Herrin, in that the AP article of June 1 (“10 die in storm,” Daily Republican Journal, IL, notes Herrin after her name in its listing of deaths.

[2] Apparently of Johnston City, in that the AP article of June 1 (“10 die in storm,” Daily Republican Journal, IL, notes Johnston City after his name in its listing of deaths.

— 10  Baltimore Sun. “Fatal fires.” 5-23-2007.

— 10  National Fire Protection Program. The 1984 Fire Almanac. 1983, p. 138.

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

 

Narrative Information

 

May 15: “Baltimore (AP) — An early morning fire which swept through a row house[1] claimed the lives of 10 people and injured three others, authorities said. The dead ranged in age from 7 months to 40 years. Three were adults and seven children, said fire department spokesman Capt. Patrick Flynn. The blaze broke out at 12:30 a.m. in the city’s northeastern section and was declared under control one hour later, said fire Chief Francis Ticha. An adjoining home suffered smoke damage, but officials said the dead were residents of the home in which the fire started….

 

“The fire — the most deadly row house fire in the city in at least 30 years — may have been ignited when a kerosene lamp tipped over, Flynn said. The family’s electricity had been shut off at 11 a.m. Friday because of nonpayment of bills, Flynn said. But Doris McGriff, a resident of the home occupied by the family of James Williams, 40, said the lamp had been extinguished hours before the fire, but two candles had been burning when the fire broke out.

 

“The Williams, according to neighbors, lived there with their five children, a niece and nephew, the niece’s three children and an adult friend. Ms. McGriff said she was sitting on a porch when the fire broke out. Her three children were among those sleeping inside, she said. ‘I heard my baby, Mia, crying,’ Ms. McGriff said. ‘I went inside and saw she was on fire. I was trying to get to her but the fire had already got her.’

 

“Flynn said Mia McGriff was the youngest victim to perish in the blaze. The others included Mia’s 3-year-old brother Lewis and 5-year-old sister Anthfya; Williams; his wife Delores, 38; three of their children — Anita, 12, Theresa 11, and Michelle, 5; James Brown, 28 and his brother Antonio, 7. The Browns were nephews of Mrs. Williams and the Browns her cousins, Flynn said. Two others escaped from the house, according to…a neighbor…She said Melvin Williams and Bernard Ethridge climbed to the rear second-floor roof of the blazing structure and helped two people to escape…” (Associated Press. “Baltimore Row House Fire Fatal to Ten.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 5-15-1982, p. 1.)

 

2007, Baltimore Sun: “May 15, 1982 Ten people died in a two-alarm rowhouse blaze at 2781 Tivoly Ave., near Clifton Park. A candle that toppled over and ignited a sofa was listed as the cause of the fire, which officials said at the time was the deadliest in more than 35 years. Electrical power had been cut off a day earlier for nonpayment of an $808 BGE bill.” (Baltimore Sun. “Fatal fires.” 5-23-2007.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Baltimore Row House Fire Fatal to Ten.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 5-15-1982, p. 1. Accessed 5-15-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cumberland-evening-times-may-15-1982-p-1/?tag

 

Baltimore Sun. “Fatal fires.” 5-23-2007. Accessed 5-27-2016 at: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2007-05-23/news/0705230028_1_baltimore-rowhouse-rowhouse-fire-baltimore-fire

 

National Fire Protection Association. The 1984 Fire Almanac. Quincy, MA: NFPA, 1983.

 

National Fire Protection Association. The U.S. Fire Problem. “Home Fires with Ten or More Fatalities (1980-2007).” Quincy, MA:  NFPA, April 2008 update. Accessed at:  http://www.nfpa.org:80/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=953&itemID=30981&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fire%20statistics/The%20U.S.%20fire%20problem

 

 

[1] Notes elsewhere that the row house of a two-story brick building.

— 13  National Fire Protection Association. The 1984 Fire Almanac. 1983, p. 138.

— 13  National Fire Sprinkler Association.  F.Y.I. Fire Sprinkler Facts.  1999, 6.

— 13  UPI. “The Region; Death Toll Now 13 in Hoboken Fire.” New York Times, 5-6-1982.

— 12  Del Rio News-Herald, TX. “Fire sweeps through hotel, 12 dead.” 5-1-1982, p. A.6.

— 12  Hoboken Fire Department. “Hoboken Fires: Important Fires in Hoboken History.”

— 12  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Sixteen Dead in Jersey Fires.” 5-1-1982, p. 12.

 

Narrative Information

 

Hoboken Fire Dept.: “1982: An arson fire at Pinter’s Hotel at Fourteenth Street claims 12 lives.”  (Hoboken Fire Department. “Hoboken Fires: Important Fires in Hoboken History.”)

 

Newspaper

 

May 1:  “Hoboken, N.J. (AP) – A suspicious fire swept through a four-story residential hotel early Friday, forcing panicked residents to jump from windows and killing 12 people….

 

“Officials said 31 people, including 13 children, were in the Pinters Hotel when the fire broke out at 4:22 a.m. Seven people were injured, and at least six of those killed were 15 or younger.

 

“Flames spread quickly through the building, barely giving survivors a chance to clamber down a rear fire escape and jump to the roof of an adjacent building.  Others, trapped in their one-bedroom apartments, threw themselves and their children to rescuers waiting on the street below.

 

“Police Lt. James E. Peck identified the dead as Anna Hilda Perez, 45; Francisca Vasquez, 41; John Serrano, 38; Olga Garcia, 22; Luz Delia Garcia, 17 or 18; Ismael Vasquez, 15, Angel Luis Perez, 8; Charlie Serrano, 3; Jorge Negron, 18 months; Catherine Torres, 6 months; and Erica Negron, 1 month.  Peck said the identity of the 12th victim was withheld pending notification of kin.  It was not known if the victims were related.

 

“Fire officials termed the blaze suspicious because “it spread so fast, the tenants didn’t have a chance to evacuate,” said Deputy Fire Chief Edward McDonald. “An empty container of unknown substance was removed from the building,” said Deputy Fire Chief Edward McDonald. “Something was there that shouldn’t have been.””  (Del Rio News-Herald, TX. “Fire sweeps through hotel, 12 dead.” 5-1-1982, p. A.6.)

 

May 1: “Hoboken, N. J. (UPI) — Two suspicious fires that trapped screaming residents who were forced to drop babies from windows killed 16 people, seven from one family, and injured 18 others within hours of each other, authorities said.

 

“Twelve people died in a Hoboken hotel fire Friday morning that sent residents flocking to windows screaming for help. Ten of the victims were trapped by flames and thick smoke. Two women died when they leaped from upper floors….

 

“Seven of the 12 killed in the Hoboken fire were from one family.  Firefighters arriving at the blaze found the stairwell and second-floor hallway engulfed in flames.  As residents jammed the rear fire escape, others blocked by flames tossed their children out windows into the arms of police and neighbors and then jumped for their lives, said Hoboken Fire Chief James Houn.

 

“Hudson County Prosecutor Harold Ruvoldt said arson appeared likely and authorities would conduct an arson investigation. Ruvoldt said fires set for profit and revenge were a “serious problem” in Hoboken, where arson-related fires have claimed over 40 lives in the past 2½ years….

 

“Although authorities would not comment, witnesses said they feared an incident at the ground-floor tavern run by hotel owner Barbara Pinter might be related to the fire.  Hotel manager Patricia Franklin, who was tending bar at The Steak House, said a man threw a bottle at her and slashed her arm with a knife as she was trying to close up at 1:40 a.m.  “I doubt if it’s related to the fire but if he did it, he should be tortured,’ Ms. Franklin said.

 

“Mrs. Pinter said there was also “trouble on the top floor” that morning.  She said there was a “fight” between a woman, who had been asked to leave the hotel by Saturday, and one of her neighbors.”  (The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Sixteen Dead in Jersey Fires.” 5-1-1982, p. 12.)

 

May 6: “Hackensack, N.J., May 5– The death toll in last week’s hotel fire in Hoboken has risen to 13 with the death of a 20-year-old woman who was being treated for burns. The woman, Maria Colon, died Tuesday of cardiac arrest at Hackensack Hospital’s burn unit, a spokesman said. The fire killed 12 persons, including seven members of one family, when it swept through the four-story Pinter’s Hotel at 151 14^th Street last Friday. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but say they suspect arson. Two other victims, a firefighter and 15-year-old girl, remain hospitalized.” (United Press International. “The Region; Death Toll Now 13 in Hoboken Fire.” New York Times, 5-6-1982.)

 

Sources

 

Del Rio News-Herald, TX. “Fire sweeps through hotel, 12 dead.” 5-1-1982, p. A.6. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=112261631&sterm=hotel+fire+hoboken

 

Hoboken Fire Department. Hoboken Fires: Important Fires in Hoboken History. Accessed 3-5-2013 at: http://www.hobokenfire.org/fires.cfm

 

National Fire Protection Association. The 1984 Fire Almanac. Quincy, MA: NFPA, 1983.

 

National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. F.Y.I. – Fire Sprinkler Facts. Patterson, NY: NFSA, November 1999, 8 pages. Accessed at: http://www.firemarshals.org/data/File/docs/College%20Dorm/Administrators/F1%20-%20FIRE%20SPRINKLER%20FACTS.pdf

 

The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Sixteen Dead in Jersey Fires.” 5-1-1982, p. 12. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=149706599&sterm

 

United Press International. “The Region; Death Toll Now 13 in Hoboken Fire.” New York Times, 5-6-1982. Accessed 5-15-2017 at: http://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/06/nyregion/the-region-death-toll-now-13-in-hoboken-fire.html

 

 

—  13  Carper and Feld. Construction Failure. 1997, p. 9.

—  13  US GAO. Transportation: Further Examination of the East Chicago, Indiana… 1982.

 

Narrative Information

 

Carper and Feld: “East Chicago, Indiana Highway Ramp Accident, April, 1982. Thirteen construction workers were killed and 17 injured when the falsework collapsed during construction.”  (Carper and Feld.  Construction Failure. 1997, p. 9.)

 

US GAO:  “In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the adequacy of the Federal Government’s investigation of the collapse of a highway ramp under construction in East Chicago, Indiana, to determine whether the investigation is employing all available resources. The project is 90-percent funded by the Department of Transportation. On April 15, 1982, three sections of the ramp collapsed, killing 13 workers and injuring 17 others.” (Highlights)

 

“The Collapse and Its Aftermath

 

“On April 15, 1982, at about 10:40 a.m., three sections totaling over 400 feet of a Riley Road-Cline Avenue interchange ramp collapsed during construction, killing 13 workers and injuring 17 others. The planned ramp is located just west of the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal in East Chicago, Indiana, and is designed to take Riley Road steel mill and other traffic to what will be the Cline Avenue expressway. The ramp is part of a $261-million project of elevated highway and bridges that will eventually extend Cline Avenue (Indiana Highway 912) northwest through East Chicago, and almost to the Illinois State line.

 

“Based on discussions with various Federal and State officials and on news accounts, nearly 90 percent of the concrete for the deck of one section of the uncompleted ramp had been poured or placed using two crane-hoisted buckets. This section, which was about 65 feet high, collapsed first. Before it collapsed, however, most of the workers had gone to part of an adjacent section, which flipped over and came down with the first section. Somewhat later the rest of the second section collapsed. A few workers were able to get to the deck of a third section, which was by then a free-standing island 60 feet in the air, without a means of escape. This section fell about 5-10 minutes later as rescue workers looked on, unable to help the trapped workers. A Chicago Tribune graphic depiction of the collapse his on the following page [Appendix I, omitted here.].

 

“In terms of the type of construction, the ramp that collapsed was a cast-in-place, post-tensioned concrete bridge. In this type of construction, the bridge or ramp is made largely from concrete placed into forms on a system of permanent supporting columns and temporary supports or falsework. The forms or frames shape the wet concrete until it “cures” and are removed later. The concrete is reinforced with steel bars throughout. In addition, steel cables (post-tensioning strands) placed inside conduits in the forms before the concrete is poured are tightened or tensioned after the concrete cures; providing the strength needed to maintain the continuity of the bridge. A critical factor in this type of construction is the temporary support or falsework that must bear the weight of the permanent structure until the concrete has cured and the steel cables are properly tensioned. Early speculation about the cause of the ramp collapse had mainly centered on problems with the falsework, which was providing support to the structure at the time of collapse. This type of construction has not been used much in Indiana but has been used often in California and is considered a safe construction method by FHWA and Indiana highway officials.

 

“The State of Indiana is the owner of the Cline Avenue extension project, including the planned interchange with Riley Road. The Federal Highway Administration is providing 90 percent of the funds for the project under the Special Urban High Density Traffic Program. The program was established by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-87) to construct in high traffic urban areas highways that are less than 10 miles in length and connect with the Interstate Highway System. (The program has since been repealed.) The State of Indiana is providing the remaining 10 percent of the project costs.

 

“….Construction began in April 1981 and is scheduled to be completed in September 1983. Work on the ramps was about 40 percent complete at the time of the collapse.

 

“Various Federal, State, local, and private groups are currently involved in investigating the Riley Road-Cline Avenue ramp collapse. Three Federal agencies are involved in the investigations. The National Bureau of Standards, with FHWA assistance, is conducting an investigation to determine the technical cause of the collapse. NBS is performing its technical investigation at the request of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which as explained below is acting on behalf of the State of Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA asked NBS to investigate because the NBS Center for Building ‘Technology had previously conducted similar construction accident investigations for OSHA, and OSHA officials were pleased with the quality of those investigations. The officials further believed that NBS has the expertise and laboratory capability to successfully investigate the ramp collapse. The ramp was being constructed as part of a Federal-aid highway project, but FHWA decided not to conduct its own investigation because the NBS investigation had already begun. NBS is to summarize its conclusions by September 16, 1982, and issue a final report by September 30, 1982….”  (pp. 1, 3.)

 

“The independent National Transportation Safety Board, which by law investigates aircraft, railroad, highway, and other traffic accidents, is not investigating the ramp collapse. Safety Board officials considered the accident outside their jurisdiction because it was not a traffic accident. The ramp was not complete and not open to traffic.” (p. 4.)

 

“In our opinion, the NBX investigation is an important phase, but it is only the first phase of a complete investigation. In the case of the Riley Road-Cline Avenue ramp, the system in place failed. It may have been a “one-in-a-million” occurrence or it may be a symptom of a broader problem. Those agencies — FHWA, Indiana Department of Highways, OSHA, and Indiana OSHA — with at least some responsibility for, interest in, and concern about the accident and project need to examine the system for weaknesses and reasonable actions that can be taken to prevent a recurrence. An examination to identify systemic weaknesses or contributing causes should not be viewed as an admission of guilt for the past accident but rather as an effort to improve for future projects.

 

“The team leader for the NBS investigation told us that examining systemic aspects of the ramp collapse is not a part of the NBS agreement with OSHA to determine the technical cause, and none of the other agencies are conducting such an examination. He said that systemic aspects are an important but often over-looked part of an accident investigation. He also said that these aspects should be examined with regard to the ramp collapse.” (p. 12) ….

 

“OSHA headquarters and regional officials told us that Indiana OSHA is responsible for carrying out the OSHA program in Indiana. OSHA headquarters officials told us that OSHA and those States with State plans are authorized to inspect aspects of construction projects such as the design of and the specifications for construction of the falsework for the ramp that collapsed; however, the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act clearly envisions that such inspections be conducted on a spot-check basis with the employer responsible for compliance with the standards on a continuing basis. The officials said there are about 5 million workplaces and OSHA inspects about 2 percent of them.

 

“Indiana OSHA officials said that they have less than 100 inspectors responsible for inspecting the workplaces of about 93,000 employees to enforce safety standards. The agency randomly selects industrial construction sites using building permits. The Riley Road-Cline Avenue ramp project was not selected, and the site was not inspected before its collapse.

 

“The Director of Safety and Occupational Health for the AFL-CIO’s Building Trades Council told us that the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act clearly makes employers responsible for worker safety. He said OSHA cannot have its personnel continuously at construction sites, but the act does give OSHA the authority to ensure that employers comply with its standards. He also said that each year an average of about 2,500 workers die from construction accidents, and it would be beneficial to have at least one of these accidents fully investigated, including the worker safety systems and procedures. The Safety and Occupational Health Director does not anticipate that changes will occur as a result of the ramp collapse unless a systemic review is also performed.” (p. 14) ….

 

“FHWA headquarters officials told us that FHWA is primarily concerned with the design of the ramp and the quality of the final product. They said that unless the investigations of the collapse show that there was a bridge design problem, they consider the cause of the ramp collapse to be a problem with the contractor, and the Indiana Department of Highways as the contract administrator is responsible for the project. The officials added that they would like to inspect construction projects more often but do not have enough personnel.

 

“FHWA’s policy directive on Federal-aid construction project inspections does not specifically address whether falsework plans are part of the plans and specifications that it is required to review. Although FHWA officials reviewed the original falsework plans, they said that they generally do not review them and did not review the revised falsework plans actually used in constructing the ramp. According to the Regional Director of Construction and Maintenance, the responsibility for falsework was between the State and the contractor, since the FHWA manual has no requirements on falsework. FHWA division officials also said that the State highway department as contract administrator, has total authority and responsibility to assure satisfactory work progress according to plans.

 

“Indiana Department of Highways officials and the contractor would not discuss their responsibilities with regard to falsework because of current and potential lawsuits over the collapse. However, State highway officials let us review their standard specifications manual. The manual states that falsework plans shall be furnished by the contractor bearing the seal of a registered professional engineer. The State engineer’s approval of the plans relates only to requirements for designed strength and detail, and he will assume no responsibility for the strength of the falsework when constructed and in place. The manual further states that approval will not relieve the contractor from responsibility for the adequacy or safety of falsework. Overall, the State’s specifications, like Federal highway requirements, are primarily concerned with the quality of the finished product, including workmanship and materials.” (p. 15)

 

“Matter for Congressional Consideration

 

“Matter: Congress should, in its current deliberations on the need to authorize an existing Federal agency to investigate structural failures, provide that such an agency have the specific responsibility for the total Federal investigative effort whenever a major accident occurs on Federal and federally assisted construction projects. This authority should provide for the agency to conduct independent investigations of both the technical causes and systemic aspects of accidents.

 

“Status: Closed – Not Implemented

 

“Comments: Congress is no longer considering the authorization of an existing Federal agency to investigate structural failures. Therefore, the recommendation that Congress also give such an agency the specific responsibility for the total investigative effort of failures on Federal and federally-assisted projects is no longer valid.

 

“Recommendations for Executive Action

 

“Recommendation: The Secretaries of Labor and Transportation should review appropriate Federal and State responsibilities, standards, requirements, control and monitoring procedures, and other appropriate systemic aspects of the Riley Road-Cline Avenue ramp’s construction. The objectives of this review should be to determine if improvements are needed for similar projects in Indiana and in other States. To have a more comprehensive review, the Secretaries should seek the cooperation of Indiana OSHA and the Indiana Department of Highways in examining systemic aspects of the ramp collapse.

 

Agency Affected: Department of Transportation

Status: Closed – Implemented

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

 

“Recommendation: The Secretaries of Labor and Transportation should review appropriate Federal and State responsibilities, standards, requirements, control and monitoring procedures, and other appropriate systemic aspects of the Riley Road-Cline Avenue ramp’s construction. The objectives of this review should be to determine if improvements are needed for similar projects in Indiana and in other States. To have a more comprehensive review, the Secretaries should seek the cooperation of Indiana OSHA and the Indiana Department of Highways in examining systemic aspects of the ramp collapse.

 

Agency Affected: Department of Labor

Status: Closed – Implemented

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.”  (Highlights)

 

(United States Government Accountability Office. Transportation: Further Examination of the East Chicago, Indiana, Highway Ramp Collapse Could Help Prevent Similar Accidents (CED-82-120). Washington: GAO 9-2-1982. Accessed at: http://gao.gov/assets/140/138719.pdf )

 

 

Sources

 

Carper, Kenneth L. and Jacob Feld. Construction Failure.  John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997. Partially digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=-jnlb-oJxcEC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=true

 

United States Government Accountability Office. Transportation: Further Examination of the East Chicago, Indiana, Highway Ramp Collapse Could Help Prevent Similar Accidents (CED-82-120). Washington: GAO 9-2-1982. Accessed at: http://gao.gov/assets/140/138719.pdf

 

 

 

–28 Kimura. World Commercial Aircraft Accidents 3rd Ed., 1946-1993, V1. 4-11-1994, p3-101.
–27 ASN. Tuesday 13 April 1982, ca 14:40, Lockheed C-130H Hercules, USAF.
–27 UPI. “A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane burst…” 4-13-1982.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network: “A Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport plane was destroyed when it crashed near Gevenlik, Turkey. All 27 on board were killed.

“The airplane operated on a routine supply run to U.S. personnel based in Turkey. It departed Adana-Incirlik Air Base (ADA) on a flight to Sinop and Erzurum. It was then to return to Incirlik Air Base via Erzincan.

“The accident occurred because the engine no. 4 mounting failed, which caused the wing to break off.” (ASN)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network. Tuesday 13 April 1982, ca 14:40, Lockheed C-130H Hercules, United States Air Force – USAF. Flight Safety Foundation. Accessed 4-12-2020 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19820413-0

Kimura, Chris Y. World Commercial Aircraft Accidents 3rd Edition, 1946-1993, Volume 1: Jet and Turboprop Aircrafts. Livermore, CA: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Risk Assessment and Nuclear Engineering Group. 4-11-1994.

UPI (United Press International). “A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane burst…” 4-13-1982. Accessed 4-12-2020 at: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/04/13/A-US-Air-Force-C-130-Hercules-transport-plane-burst/8391387522000/

— 7  Assoc. Press. “Seven perish in explosion.” Times-Standard, Eureka, CA. 4-7-1982, p. 1.

— 7  NTSB. HAR. Multiple Vehicle Collisions/Fire, Caldecott Tunnel…Oakland, CA, 7Apr1982

 

Narrative Information

 

National Transportation Safety Board: “Synopsis

 

“About 12:12 a.m. P.s.t., on April 7, 1982, several vehicles on westbound California State Route 24 entered the north, No. 3 Bore of the Caldecott Tunnel near Oakland, California. A Honda car driven by an intoxicated driver struck the raised curbs inside the tunnel and came to rest at the left edge of the roadway about one-third of the way through the tunnel. It was struck soon afterward by a following gasoline tank truck and tank trailer and then by an AC Transit bus which subsequently struck the tank trailer. The busdriver was ejected, and the empty bus continued west, exited the tunnel, and struck a concrete road support pier. The tank trailer overturned and gasoline was spilled inside the tunnel. A fire erupted and heavy black smoke quickly filled the tunnel. The tank truck and tank trailer, the Honda car, and four other vehicles that had entered the tunnel were completely destroyed by the fire. Seven persons were killed, and two people were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The tunnel incurred major damage.

 

‘The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was a combination of events involving (1) the erratic driving by the intoxicated driver of a passenger vehicle which stopped in a through traffic lane creating a traffic obstacle; (2) the inattention of the truck driver causing his vehicle to strike the passenger vehicle; and (3) the bus driver’s overtaking the truck too rapidly to enable him to avoid striking the passenger vehicle when it unexpectedly appeared in the path of his bus.

 

“Contributing to the cause and the severity of the accident was the presence of a flammable cargo tank truck and cargo tank trailer in the tunnel and the damage to the overturned trailer which permitted a loss of flammable cargo and a fire.

 

“Also contributing to the severity of the accident and injuries were the lack of adequate monitoring capabilities and variable message signs or traffic signals at the entrance of the tunnel and within the tunnel, and the lack of a communication system between the tunnel personnel and tunnel occupants., which if present, might have facilitated occupant evacuation.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

“As a result of its investigation of this accident the National Transportation Safety Board made the following recommendations:

 

to the Director of the California Department of Transportation:

 

“Evaluate and revise, where necessary, equipment requirements and emergency procedures at the Caldecott Tunnel to provide early warning of an emergency to motorists in the event of a life-threatening emergency. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-10)

 

“Develop a state-wide emergency response plan and train tunnel employees in all phases of emergency operations, including smoke and toxic fumes management and immediate emergency response notification and periodically conduct drills to determine employees’ ability to perform the above operations under stress. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-11)

 

“Provide easily identifiable exit markings for exits in the Caldecott Tunnel (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-12)

 

“Prohibit passing and lane changes in vehicular tunnels in California. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-13)

 

“In cooperation with appropriate local authorities, survey all vehicular tunnels, and upgrade, where necessary, tunnel traffic controls, communication systems, firefighting equipment and towing capabilities. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-14)

 

“Ban the movement of hazardous materials through vehicular tunnels where the relative risks of the tunnel route are higher than alternate routes. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-15)

 

to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation:

 

“Review the Federal Highway Administration and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration programs that encourage joint use of rights-of-way and determine if construction of rapid rail systems, in highway rights-of-way presents an unnecessary risk to the public from hazardous materials truck movements on adjacent roadways; if so, modify the safety criteria appropriately. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-16)

 

to the Alameda/Contra Costa Transit District:

 

“Closely monitor the health of drivers with known medical problems, and when their health may adversely affect their ability to safely transport passengers, remove them from duty. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-83-17).”  (NTSB. HAR. Multiple Vehicle Collisions/Fire, Caldecott Tunnel…Oakland, CA, 7Apr1982.)

 

Newspaper

 

April 7, AP: “Oakland, Calif. (AP) — Seven people burned to death early today inside a highway tunnel after a gasoline tanker truck was struck by a bus and exploded in flames, turning the tunnel into a raging inferno that melted vehicles inside, officials said. Oakland Fire Capt. John Speakman confirmed that seven bodies were pulled from the wreckage after the accident, which sparked a searing fire in the Caldecott tunnel on Highway 24 between Orinda and Oakland. Officials said there were three survivors. ‘It looks like something out of World War II in there,’ California Highway Patrol Public Affairs Officer Jim Mattos said of the interior of the three-tube, 3,375-foot tunnel, a major commute route burrowing through a hill between Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

 

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched for victims inside the westbound bore of the three-tube tunnel after the fire was brought under control, about 2½ hours after the 12:20 p.m. PST accident, Speakman said.

 

“Officials confirmed that three people, including the tanker driver….Searing heat from the blaze flattened the tanker truck, Mattos said, adding, ‘It’s about six inches high — completely melted.’

 

“Speakman said area drainage seals had failed, sending flammable liquid into a nearby creek and lake that runoff into the Bay. “it’s an environmental tragedy.’ He said….” (Associated Press. “Seven perish in explosion.” Times-Standard, Eureka, CA. 4-7-1982, p. 1.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Seven perish in explosion.” Times-Standard, Eureka, CA. 4-7-1982, p. 1. Accessed 5-16-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eureka-times-standard-apr-07-1982-p-1/?tag

 

National Transportation Safety Board. Highway Accident Report. Multiple Vehicle Collisions and Fire, Caldecott Tunnel Near Oakland, California, April 7, 1982 (NTSB HAR-83/01; NTIS PB83-916201). Washington, DC: NTSB, adopted May 3, 1983. Accessed 5-16-2017 at:  https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/HAR8301.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

—   >81  UPI. “Mother Nature Turns Another Cold…” Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. 4-7-1982, 1.[1]

–61-67  Blanchard tally from State breakouts below.

—   >64  UPI. “Enfeebled 2^nd snowstorm…makes its way east.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-9-1982, A3.[2]

—   >54  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East with second wintry blast.” 4-9-1982, A3.[3]

—   >51  UPI. “April winter plans round 2.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-8-1982, A-4.[4]

 

—  >7  National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982.

 

Summary of State Breakouts Below

Connecticut               (4-5)

Delaware                    (   1)

Illinois                                    ( >9)

Indiana                       (1-2)

Iowa                            (   5)

Maine                         (   2)

Massachusetts           (   5)

Michigan                    (   4)

Nebraska                    (   2)

New Hampshire        (   1)

New Jersey                 (   1)

New York                   (4-6)

Ohio                           (7-9)

Pennsylvania             (   7)

Rhode Island             (   3)

Virginia                      (   1)

Wisconsin                  (   4)

            Total              61-67

 

Breakout of Fatalities by State and Localities (where I have seen reporting)

 

Connecticut               (4-5)

–5  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–4  Mostly heart attacks. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.

–1  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

 

Delaware                    (   1)

–1  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

 

Illinois                                    ( >9)

—>6  UPI. “Record lows freeze Illinois.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 4-7-1982, p. 14.

–2  Heart attacks shoveling snow; man and woman.

–4  Vehicular “accidents on glazed roads obliterated by blowing snow.”

–3  Effingham area, I-57, April 8. Pickup with “19 illegal aliens hits an icy patch…spun into a ditch.”[5]

 

Indiana                       (1-2)

–2  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–2  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–1  Monon, Monon County, April 5. Pedestrian; driver said he was “blinded by blowing snow.”[6]

 

Iowa                            (   5)

–5  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–5  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted:

–2  Allison area, Butler Co., April 5. Truck collide “in blowing wet snow.” Muller and Anderson.[7]

–2  Cedar Rapids area, Apr 6. Car/truck collide “on a snowy interstate highway.” Young women.[8]

–1  Pocahontas area, Pocahontas Co., Apr 7. Pickup slid into bridge on icy road; man killed.[9]

 

Maine                         (   2)

–2  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–1  Falmouth, 6^th-8^th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 69. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, 1982, 41.[10]

–1  Greenville, 6^th-8^th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 70. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, 1982, 41.

 

Massachusetts           (  5)

–5  Blanchard tally based on cause of death breakouts below.

–4  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–4  The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.

–4  Heart attacks shoveling snow. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out…” 4-7-1982, 1.

–2  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–1  Chicopee, Apr 6. Heart attack in car in stalled traffic. Ambulance nearby but stuck is snow also.[11]

 

Michigan                    (  4)

–4  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–4  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–1  Detroit, Apr 5. Exposure; found dead in snowbank; David McDaniels, 44.[12]

–1  Genesee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Car slides; Jessica Hoskey, 4.[13]

–1  Manistee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Darwin Maidens, 38.[14]

–1  Sterling Heights, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kiyoshi Matsui, 57.[15]

 

Nebraska                    (  2)

–2  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

 

New Hampshire        (  1)

–1  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–1  Dover, April 7. Heart attack shoveling snow.[16] NCC/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, 24.

 

New Jersey                 (    1)

–1  Plainsboro, Apr 6. Car hits utility pole “during the peak of the blizzard.” Frank Hume, 61.[17]

 

New York                   (4-6)

–6  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–4  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–2  Dryden, Apr 8. Vehicles collide; icy road conditions blamed; Diana Young/Marcella Winters.[18]

–1  Lenox area, Rt. 5, Apr 7. Cars collide on icy road; passenger, An Le, 43, of Canastota.[19]

–1  Queens, Apr 6. Heart attack clearing snow at home with snowblower; Vincent DiLandro, 53.[20]

 

Ohio                           (7-9)

–9  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–8  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

–7  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–1  Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Count J. Palmisono, 59.[21]

–1  Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; unidentified male.[22]

–1  Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kazemier Tomaszewicz, 66.[23]

–1  Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Robert Nolan, 58.[24]

–1  Middleburg Heights, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; John Marinyak, 63.[25]

–1  Port Clinton, April 6. Exposure/asphyxiation; 3-feet of water in her home from lakeshore.[26]

–1  Seven Hills, Cuyahoga County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Andrew Kuhar, 58.[27]

 

Pennsylvania             (  7)

—  7  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

—  5  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

—  3  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p24.

—>2  National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.

Breakout of fatalities by locality where noted.

–2  Corry area, PA Rt 6, Apr 7. Car skids “on an icy patch’ into 2^nd car; Leroy Earle/Stanley Dynda.[28]

–1  Lower Gwynedd Township, Apr 7. Heart attack; motorist stops to help snowbound motorists.[29]

–1  Northampton Twp., Apr 6. 4-vehicle pileup; base of snow-covered hill; Harry Wise, 31.[30]

–2  Scandia Air Park, Warren County, April 6. Plane attempting to land in high-wind/snow.[31]

–1  Wyoming, Luzerne Co, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Warden Donald Dorris, 57.[32]

 

Rhode Island             (  3)

–3  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–3  Apr 7. Heart attacks shoveling snow; men, ages 51, 63, and 84 (acc Medical Examiner).

–2  UPI. “Blizzard ’82 woes hang on in Northeast.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-9-1982, p1.

–1  UPI. “New England bracing for another storm.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-8-1982, 12.

 

Virginia                      (  1)

–1  Staunton, I-81, Apr 6. High wind, semi jack-knifes. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p. 34.[33]

 

Wisconsin                  (  4)

–4  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–3  AP. “Double-barreled cold snap hits East…” Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. 4-9-1982, A3.

–3  AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.

Breakout of Wisconsin weather-related fatalities by locality where noted:

–1  Janesville, Apr 5. Heart attack while driving in hazardous driving conditions; James Fox, 48.[34]

–2  Janesville, Apr 5; Car fishtails into truck; hazardous weather conditions; O’Connor and Andrews.[35]

–1  Port Washington, April 5. Car “went out of control…on a snow-covered road…” (Elliot).[36]

 

Summary of Causes of Death

 

Exposure                                                                    (  2)

Heart Attacks Related to Snow Removal               (25)

Heart Attacks not related to Snow Removal         (  3)

Plane Crash on  takeoff during snowstorm           (  2)

Vehicular Accidents Related to Winter Weather (26)

Not Noted                                                                   (  9)

 

Breakout by Cause of Death

 

Exposure                                                                    (  2)

–1  MI, Detroit, Apr 5. Exposure; found dead in snowbank; David McDaniels, 44.

–1  OH, Port Clinton, April 6. Exposure/asphyxiation; 3-ft water in her home from lakeshore.

 

Heart Attacks Related to Snow Removal               (25)                

–4  CT. Mostly heart attacks. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4.

–2  IL. Heart attacks shoveling snow; man and woman.

–1  ME, Falmouth, 6^th-8^th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 69. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, p. 41.

–1  ME, Greenville, 6^th-8^th. Heart Attack shoveling snow; male, 70. NCC. Storm Data 24/7, p41.

–4  MA, Heart attacks shoveling snow. The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out…” 4-7-1982, 1.

–1  MI, Sterling Heights, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kiyoshi Matsui, 57.

–1  NH, Dover, April 7. Heart attack shoveling snow. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, 24.

–1  NY, Queens, Apr 6. Heart attack operating snowblower at home; Vincent DiLandro, 53.

–1  OH, Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Count J. Palmisono, 59.

–1  OH, Akron, Summit County, April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; unidentified male.

–1  OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Kazemier Tomaszewicz, 66.

–1  OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Robert Nolan, 58.

–1  OH, Middleburg Heights, Cuyahoga Co., Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; John Marinyak, 63.

–1  OH, Seven Hills, Cuyahoga Co., April 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Andrew Kuhar, 58.

–1  PA, Wyoming, Luzerne Co, Apr 6. Heart attack shoveling snow; Warden Donald Dorris, 57.

–3  RI, April 7. Heart attacks shoveling snow; men, ages 51, 63, and 84 (acc Medical Examiner).

 

Heart Attacks not related to Snow Removal         (  3)

–1  MA, Chicopee, Apr 6. Heart attack in car in stalled traffic. Ambulance stuck is snow also.

–1  PA, Lower Gwynedd Twp., Apr 7. Heart attack; motorist stops to help snowbound motorists.

–1  WI, Janesville, Apr 5. Heart attack, driving in hazardous driving conditions; James Fox, 48.

 

Plane Crash                                                               (  2)

–2  PA. Scandia Air Park, Warren County, April 6. Plane attempting to land in high-wind/snow.

 

Vehicular Accidents Related to Winter Weather (26)

–4  IL, April 7. Vehicular “accidents on glazed roads obliterated by blowing snow.”

–3  IL, Effingham area, I-57, Apr 8. Pickup with “19 illegal aliens hits an icy patch…spun into a ditch.”

–1  IN, Monon, Monon Co., April 5. Pedestrian; driver said he was “blinded by blowing snow.”

–2  IA, Allison area, Butler Co., Apr 5. Truck collide “in blowing wet snow.” Muller / Anderson.

–2  IA, Cedar Rapids area, Apr 6. Car/truck collide “on a snowy interstate highway.” Young women.

–1  IA, Pocahontas area, Pocahontas Co., Apr 7. Pickup slid into bridge on icy road; man killed.

–1  MI, Genesee Co., Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Car slides; Jessica Hoskey, 4.

–1  MI, Manistee County, Apr 5. Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.” Darwin Maidens, 38.

–1  NJ, Plainsboro, Apr 6. Car hits utility pole “during…peak of the blizzard.” Frank Hume, 61.

–2  NY, Dryden, Apr 8. Vehicles collide; icy road conditions blamed; Diana Young/Marcella Winters.

–1  NY, Lenox area, Rt. 5, Apr 7. Cars collide on icy road; passenger, An Le, 43, of Canastota.

–2  PA, Corry area, PA Rt 6, Apr 7. Car skids “on an icy patch’ into 2^nd car; Leroy Earle/Stanley Dynda.

–1  PA, Northampton Twp., Apr 6. 4-vehicle pileup; base of snow-covered hill; Harry Wise, 31.

–1  VA, Staunton, I-81, Apr 6. High wind, semi jack-knifes. NCC. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p.34.

–2  WI, Janesville, Apr 5; Car fishtails into truck; hazardous weather conditions; O’Connor / Andrews.

–1  WI, Port Washington, April 5. Car “went out of control…on a snow-covered road…” (Elliot).

 

Not Noted                                                                   (  9)

–1  CT

–1  DE

–1  IN

–2  NE

–2  NY

–2  OH

 

Narrative Information (by State, Alphabetical)

 

Connecticut

 

April 7 report: “….Elections were canceled, Connecticut Gov. William O’Neill called out the National Guard to help clear streets of abandoned cars…Four Connecticut cities were under a state of emergency and Hartford Hospital asked owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles to bring hospital employees to work as the state lay under 14 inches of snow. The emergency declarations in Hartford, New Haven, Danbury and Meriden allowed the cities to move abandoned cars that made some streets impassable. But there were no fatal accidents. ‘Nobody’s going fast enough to kill themselves,’ Sgt. Williams Wadsworth of the Hartford, Conn. state police barracks said.” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)

 

District of Columbia

 

NCC Storm Data: “[Apr] 7…Cold, Wind…A record low of 24 degrees was recorded at Washington National Airport, surpassing the previous record low of 29 degrees set back in 1881. This, combined with strong winds, destroyed from 30% to 50% of the cherry tree blossoms in the Tidal Basin.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)

 

Illinois

 

April 5: “With traffic already slowed to a crawl by a pair of railroad strikes, Chicago area commuters inched their way home Monday [Apr 5] through a blizzard that dumped 8.5 inches on the Northwest suburbs and most of the city. That’s little more than two inches away from a record-breaking April snowstorm. Some Southeast suburbs received up to a foot of snow in the storm. High winds and drifting snow hampered clearing efforts and made most roads hazardous, as temperatures stayed below freezing all day. Lake effect snow was expected to continue falling in the city through today [6^th], making the morning rush hour hazardous.

 

“The storm subsided late Monday night, but the cold air will remain today, with temperatures no higher than the mid-30s, the National Weather Service predicted. No new snow is expected today [6^th] but the temperature could plummet to five degrees above zero tonight. Wednesday is expected to continue cold. But spring is scheduled to return Thursday with a reading of up to 50 degrees expected by Friday.

 

“The cold winds that blew in from Canada over the weekend were to blame for the ill-timed snowstorm, which was created when that cold air clashed with rain clouds blowing up from the Gulf, said weather service meteorologist Greg Dickey. The Chicago area usually sees less than an inch of snow in April, with an average, including the occasional years of late snowfall, of only 1.8 inches for the entire month. The last significant April snowfall was in 1975, when 9.4 inches fell on April 2.

 

“It is usually much warmer by now, as well. The normal high temperature for April 5 is 55 degrees, with a low of 35 degrees, but on Monday the mercury ranged between a high of 31 in the early morning to 24 degrees by 10 p.m.

 

“The storm was all the more ferocious because it came on a day when two railroad strikes had forced more commuters than usual to take their cars to work. The strikes against the Chicago & North Western and Burlington Northern railroads were settled Monday afternoon, but drivers who had struggled through the extra traffic in the morning still had to battle the snow and winds going home….

 

“The winds gusting up to 30 miles an hour most of the day, drifting snow was the biggest problem on the expressways, said Charles McLean, operations engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He said 250 trucks were sent out to plow and salt Chicago area roads before the evening rush hour.

 

“Some businesses downtown closed early Monday in an effort to let employees beat the rush, said spokesmen of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, which closed an hour early itself….” (Daily Herald, Des Plaines (IL) Edition. “Snow’s no April Fool joke.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.)

 

Indiana

 

NCC Storm Data: “Northern Indiana [Apr] 5…Heavy Snow. 4 to 6 inches of snow were dumped on sections of northern Indiana by a late season storm.

 

“Section of northern and central Indiana. [Apr] 8…Heavy Snow. A late season winter storm dropped 5 to 7” of snow in a band across central and norther Indiana.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 17.)

 

Maine

 

NCC Storm Data: “April 1982…Statewide…[Apr] 06-08 Late Mrng EST…2 [killed]…Near Blizzard…An intense coastal storm dumped from 7 to 26 inches of snow over the state in about 24 hours. Winds gusted between 50 and 65 mph statewide. Augusta had gusts of 62 mph on the 6^th and to 60 mph on the 7^th, while Portland measured gusts of 54 mph on the 6^th and to 53 mph on the 7th. Snowdrifts fo 6 feet were common with a 15 foot drift isolating Biddeford Pool from Biddeford for 24 hours. The blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero making travel nearly impossible. The Maine Turnpike closed Tuesday evening for 10 hours because of the blowing and drifting snow along with 100 disabled cars made the road impassable. Temperatures in the teens an 20s coupled with strong winds resulted in extreme cold wind chill factors. Most government agencies, schools, and businesses closed for up to 3 days. There were two deaths, a 69 ear old Falmouth man and a 70 year old Greenville man, both from heart attacks while shoveling snow. Parts of two green-houses in Biddeford collapsed from the snow and strong winds. Portland reported 16 inches in about 20 hours setting a single storm record for April. The old standard was 15 inches on the 9^th and 10^th of 1906. Caribou had a total of 26.3 inches from this storm. Other amounts reported around the state were: Milb – 6.5; Lovell – 8; Eastport – 8; Harmony – 8; Millinocket – 9; Guilford – 9; Livermore falls – 10; Winthrop – 10; Blanchard – 11; Houlton – 11 Phillips – 12; Kingfield – 12; New Sharon – 12; Fort Kent 1 12; Bangor – 12; Rumford – 13; Augusta – 15; Lewiston – 19; West Paris – 20; East Hiram – 20.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 7, July 1982, p. 41.)

 

Maryland

 

NCC Storm Data: “Western Maryland [Apr] 6…All Day…Blizzard. Up to 3 inches of snow from squalls was whipped into blizzard proportions by winds gusting to 75 mph. Zero visibility at times was responsible for numerous highway accidents in Garrett and Allegheny Counties.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)

 

Massachusetts

 

NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…Heavy Snow, High Winds, Lightning…An unprecedented April blizzard brought one to two feet of snow and wind gusts to 70 and 80 mph. Most notable were the exceptionally high frequency of simultaneous thunderstorms and heavy snow.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 20.)

 

April 6: “….Boston virtually shut down Tuesday afternoon [Apr 6] under 10-inch snow that broke a 65-year-old record for an April storm. The weather service reported accumulations of 2 feet in western Massachusetts and Interstate 495 near Marlboro was shut down after 50 vehicles were involved in chain-reaction collisions. Logan International Airport in Boston was closed all day long…” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)

Nebraska

 

NCC Storm Data: “Nebraska…North Panhandle and Sandhills [Apr] 5 Morning…Heavy Snow…A band of heavy snow about 35 miles wide fell from near Rushville to around Arnold. Around 6 inches fell at Thedford.

 

“Southeast…[Apr] 5…Evening…Heavy Snow…Areas of 4 inch snowfalls were reported around Auburn and Pawnee City.

 

“North Central and Northeast…[Apr] 7…Daytime…Heavy Snow…Heavy snow was reported with 9 inches at Lynch, 6 inches at Norfolk and Wisner, and 5 inches at Niobrara.”  (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 23.)

 

New Hampshire

 

NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6 Early Mrng EST-07…1 [killed]…Near Blizzard…An intense coastal storm dumped 12 to 26 inches of snow over central and southern sections and 6 to 12 inches over the north in about 24 hours. Winds gusted to near 50 mph at many locations causing numerous snowdrifts to 6 feet and blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero making travel nearly impossible at times. Temperatures in the teens and 20s coupled with strong winds resulted in extreme cold wind chill factors. Local and state governments, school, and businesses closed for up to 3 days. A 64 year old Dover resident died from a heart attack while shoveling snow. Pease AFB, in Portsmouth, reported 21.3 inches which was the heaviest in any 24 hour period since records began in 1956. The 14 inches recorded in Concord was the second largest April snowstorm on record which date back to 1871. Other amounts reported around the state were: Lancaster – 5.5; Big Diamond – 7; North Conway – 7; Stark – 7; Tamworth – 8; Lebanon – 9; Berlin – 11; Plymouth – 11; Lincoln — 11; Bethlehem – 12; Twin Mountain – 13; Rochester – 14; Durham – 14; Nashua – 14; Hillsborough – 14; Keene – 14; Lakeport – 15; MacDowell Dam – 15; Walpole – 15; Hampton – 16; Canterbury – 16; Keene – 17; Mt. Vernon – 17; Blackwater Dam – 18; Dover – 18; Salem – 18; Gilford – 18; Merrimack – 19; Claremont – 19.5; Enfield – 20; Barnstead – 20; Francestown – 20; Swanzey – 21; Sutton – 22; Marlow – 23; New London – 26. Snow removal costs for the state amounted to $700,000.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 24.)

 

New Jersey

 

NCC Storm Data: “Southern New Jersey…[Apr] 6 AM to PM…Light Snow with Freezing Temperatures and High Winds…The record-breaking April blizzard swept north of New Jersey, sparing the area from the foot of snow that covered the upper part of the state. Only traces of snow accompanied the record-low temperatures and piercing winds. The full fury of the severe storm was felt in northern and central New Jersey, closing schools, businesses, state agencies, and airports. The northern part of the state had the coldest and snowiest April on record.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 24.)

 

New York

                           

NCC Storm Data: “Coastal…Extreme Southeast, Nassau, Suffolk Co., Metropolitan Area, Westchester Co. [Apr] 6 0300-1700 EST…Blizzard, High Winds, Lightning…This date was the first April blizzard in the history of New York City and the northern suburbs. It brought snow driven by gale force winds, which produced knee-high drifts and closed scores of schools and businesses. The life-threatening blizzard abated after dropping 9.6 inches of snow in the Metropolitan Area, and setting a new record at Central Park. Freezing temperatures, high winds, blowing snow, combined with a windchill factor as low as 25 degrees below zero paralyzed communities in the area.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, Apr 1982, p. 24.)

 

“Western…All of Western New York counties, the Finger Lakes and the South-Tier…[Apr] 6…Wind, snow…Just as Western New Yorkers were ready to store winter clothing away, nature dealt a late snowstorm. The ground which was already bare of snow to begin with, was again covered with up to a foot of snow. Damaging winds uprooted big trees which fell on houses and cars. Power lines were broken. Travel was interrupted. Poor visibility and slippery roads led to numerous vehicular accidents. Road closures were made.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 25.)

 

Newspapers on New York:

 

April 6: “Two storm systems collided over New York City on Tuesday [6^th] — cold air from Canada that moved across the Midwest hit warm air from the South, gathering strength and causing thunderstorms in addition to snow. The 22-degree reading in New York City broke the 23-degree low set for the date in 1881, and Joe DiMaggio’s plans to throw the first ball Tuesday at Yankee Stadium were snowed out. The storm met the definition of a blizzard — sustained winds of 35 mph along with 6 inches of snow or more, said James Allen, deputy meteorologist in charge of the weather service in New York City.” (AP. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24.)

 

April 7 report: “New York (UPI) — The city’s first April blizzard in more than a century [1869] dumped almost a foot of snow, shut all three major airports and caused one death. An army of sanitation workers rushed today to clear buried streets as plunging temperatures turned slush to ice. The nation’s largest city was brought to a virtual halt Tuesday [April 6] by the ‘life-threatening’ 12-hour storm that hurled up to 10 inches of wind-driven snow between dawn and 6 p.m., smothering daffodils in Rockefeller Center and forcing thousands of residents indoors.

 

“A force of 1,000 sanitation workers used 700 snow plows and 250 salt spreaders early today [7^th] to clear streets of snow and try to prevent ice from forming.

 

“The weather service said the temperature had dropped to 22 degrees by 8:50 p.m., breaking a record of 23 degrees set 101 years ago….

 

“Police reported one weather-related death, Vincent DiLandro, 53, of Queens, died of a heart attack while clearing snow in front of his home with a snow blower.

 

“The storm quickly grew in intensity until city transportation officials declared a snow emergency. The National Weather Service pronounced the storm a blizzard at noon….The City’s school children were sent home early as the storm worsened.” (United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4.)

 

Ohio

 

NCC Storm Data: “Northern Quarter…[Apr] 6…All Day…Heavy Snow…Up to a foot of snow fell on the northern quarter of the state and was shipped by winds up to 50 MPH. The late winter storm dumped the heaviest April snows on record in several areas.

 

“Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa and Lucas Counties…[Apr] 6…All Day…1 [killed]…Lakeshore flooding, High Winds…Gale force east to northeast winds caused extensive lakeshore erosion and flooding along the south shore of Lake Erie from Cleveland west. Ten to twelve foot waves and water levels 6 feet above low water datum flooded several low lying areas along the shore while erosion bit off huge pieces of the shoreline. Hundreds of people were evacuated as residential areas became flooded. A Port Clinton woman was found dead of exposure and asphyxiation in 3 feet of water in her home. The lakeshore flooding was the worst in several years and water levels were near record.” (NCC/NOAA. Storm Data, 24/4, 1982, p26.)

 

Pennsylvania

 

NCC Storm Data: “Eastern Pennsylvania…[Apr] 6…0100 EST to [Jan] 7…2100 EST…Heavy Snow, Wind…A late season storm caused snow to fall from around midnight on the 5^th until about 5:00 PM on the 6^th. Accumulations were about 3 to 5 inches over the southern third, but 6 to 12 inches the remainder of Eastern Pennsylvania. The highest amounts of 11 to 12 inches were in the area from around Allentown north into the Pocono Mountains. Strong winds developed during the afternoon of the 6^th and continued through most of the 7^th. This caused considerable blowing and drifting of the snow. Slippery roads from falling and drifting snow combined with poor visibility from blowing snow to cause many automobile accidents. There were at least two deaths and many injuries. The drifting snow closed some roads and gave road crews considerable difficulty in keeping rods cleared or even passable. The snow drifted to 4 feet or higher in many places. The highest wind gust reported was 47 miles per hour at Allentown. The heavy wet snow combined with the strong winds to down tree limbs and utility lines. Over 30,,, customers had service interrupted.” (Nat. Climatic Cen./NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.)

 

Rhode Island

 

NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…All Day…Heavy Snow, High Winds, Lightning…A rare April coastal storm brought blizzard conditions for about 12 hours to all of Rhode Island. Winds gusted to 60 mph. Extensive thunderstorms accompanied the heavy snow of 8 to 12 inches. Lightning struck three houses in Barrington and several radio stations were knocked off the air.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 27.)

 

Virginia

 

NCC Storm Data: “Statewide…[Apr] 6…All Day…1 [killed]…Wind…Strong winds again developed as an intensifying low pressure center moved out of the Ohio Valley. Extensive wind damage to property, power lines and trees occurred as gusts ranged between 60 and 70 mph. There were at least two instances of vehicles being blown off the road. One of these accidents took the life of truck driver whose trailer jack-knifed on I-81, near Staunton, not long after he had been warned of dangerous wind conditions via CB radio. In Buffalo Gap, Augusta County, a high school was damaged to the extent of $20,000 to $40,000 and a nearby 80-year-old church was demolished. Damage estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars was reported in the Roanoke area. Four persons were injured, one of these a man who touched a downed 7,000-volt line near Winchester. Wind-blown dust created hazardous driving conditions near Smithfield…and another Isle of Wight County section experienced a wind-fanned brush fire that destroyed a house. Total damage was expected to be near one half million dollars.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 34.)

 

Wisconsin

 

NCC Storm Data: “Wisconsin…Southeast Quarter…[Apr] 5…0600-Midnight CST…Snow, Wind…Five to 10 inches of wet snow, driven by 45 mph winds. Lashed the area south and east of a Lone Rock – Sheboygan line. Madison reported 8.3 inches of snow; Milwaukee had 8.7 inches.” (National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 34.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-times-reporter-apr-07-1982-p-3/

 

Associated Press. “Man dies in ambulance during blizzard traffic jam.” The Sun, Lowell, MA, 4-8-1982, p. 13. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-08-1982-p-13/

 

Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ironwood-daily-globe-apr-07-1982-p-15/

 

Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-apr-06-1982-p-6/

 

Associated Press. “Record cold follows heels of record snow.” Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 4-7-1982, p. 24. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-07-1982-p-21/

 

Associated Press. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-times-reporter-apr-07-1982-p-3/

 

Associated Press. “Snowstorm, record cold put spring on hold across nation.” Galveston Daily News, TX, 4-7-1982, 4C. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/galveston-daily-news-apr-07-1982-p-22/

 

Associated Press. “Winds to Subside, But Virginia May Get Snow,” Winchester Star, VA, 4-7-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/winchester-star-apr-07-1982-p-1/

 

Daily Herald, Des Plaines (IL) Edition. “Snow’s no April Fool joke.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-herald-suburban-chicago-apr-06-1982-p-29/

 

Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “‘Samaritan’ dies aiding motorists.” 4-9-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/doylestown-intelligencer-apr-09-1982-p-1/

 

Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL “Northern Illinois given weather reprieve.” 4-8-1982, p. 5. Accessed 12-4-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-carmel-daily-republican-register-apr-08-1982-p-5/

 

Fairfield Ledger, IA. “The winter that wouldn’t quit.” 4-8-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairfield-ledger-apr-08-1982-p-1/

 

Janesville Gazette, WI. “Driver Dies of Heart Attack. Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-gazette-apr-06-1982-p-1/

 

Janesville Gazette, WI. “Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-gazette-apr-06-1982-p-1/

 

National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html

 

Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “April Showers Sticking to Ground.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-apr-06-1982-p-1/

 

Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “Snow Blamed for Traffic Death.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-apr-06-1982-p-1/

 

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Passenger Killed,” 4-8-1982, B-2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at:

 

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Roommates Killed in Route 13 Crash; Icy Road Cited.” 4-9-1982, B1. Accessed 12-5-2018: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-apr-09-1982-p-41/

 

The Sun, Lowell, MA. “New England digs out after record April snow.” 4-7-1982, p. 1, City Edition. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-07-1982-p-76/

 

The Sun, Lowell, MA. “The dig-out continues…” 4-8-1982, p. 4. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-apr-08-1982-p-4/

 

The Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Area still reeling from blizzard…” 4-8-1982, p. 8. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nashua-telegraph-apr-08-1982-p-8/

 

Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “State Buried.” 4-7-1982, p. 2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/tyrone-daily-herald-apr-07-1982-p-2/

 

United Press International. “2 killed, 2 hurt in collision.” New Castle News, PA. 4-8-1982, p. 2. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-castle-news-apr-08-1982-p-2/

 

United Press International. “Blizzard ’82 woes hang on in Northeast.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-9-1982, p. 1. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-journal-tribune-apr-09-1982-p-1/

 

United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/elyria-chronicle-telegram-apr-07-1982-p-4/

 

United Press International. “Enfeebled 2^nd snowstorm of April makes its way east.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-9-1982, A3. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/elyria-chronicle-telegram-apr-09-1982-p-3/

 

United Press International. “New England bracing for another storm.” Journal Tribune, Biddeford, ME, 4-8-1982, p. 12. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-journal-tribune-apr-08-1982-p-47/

 

United Press International. “Record lows freeze Illinois.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 4-7-1982, p. 14. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-apr-07-1982-p-14/

 

United Press International. “Winter reigning supreme here.” Daily Press, Escanaba, MI. 4-7-1982, 9-A. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/escanaba-daily-press-apr-07-1982-p-8/

 

 

 

 

[1] “At least 81 people have died across the nation in a week of blizzards, tornadoes and avalanches.”

[2] Includes deaths from tornadoes. In separate posting for April 2, we show thirty-one deaths from tornadoes.

[3] From The Daily Inter-Lake, Kalispell, MT. Writes: “The second blast of a double-barreled cold snap that his killed at least 54 people hurtled eastward today after adding 3 inches to the Midwest’s snow cover and shattering cold-weather records from Montana to Maryland….Of the deaths blamed on the storms since Tuesday [Apr 6]. Most have been in crashes on slippery roads or from heart attacks while shoveling snow.”

[4] “At least 51 people have died in this week’s blast of winter that paralyzed cities from Maine to Maryland and set records for low temperatures as far south as Mississippi.” Might also include May 31 CA avalanche with 7 deaths.

[5] Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL “Northern Illinois given weather reprieve.” 4-8-1982, p. 5. Notes the accident happened “today” — April 8. The four vehicular deaths noted by the UPI were in April 7 newspaper, and thus could not have included these three deaths among the four.

[6] Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “Snow Blamed for Traffic Death.” 4-6-1982, p. 1. Victim identified as Carmen Kinser, 78, of Monon.

[7] “Danny Lavern Muller, 30, of Dumont, Iowa, and Karl Layne Anderson, 28, of Minneapolis were killed west of Allison Monday morning when Muller’s…pickup truck collided with Anderson’s pickup, in blowing wet snow, the Iowa Highway Patrol said.” (Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6.)

[8] AP. “Snowstorm, record cold put spring on hold across nation.” Galveston Daily News, TX, 4-7-1982, 4C. Another paper identifies the victims as Marcia Bandstra, 26, of Stanwood, IA, and Allison Zimmerman, 17, of Olin, IA, both in a car which “collided in the storm with a truck about 20 miles west of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, troopers said.” (Assoc. Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6.)

[9] Fairfield Ledger, IA. “The winter that wouldn’t quit.” 4-8-1982, p. 1.

[10] From “Late Reports” section.

[11] Associated Press. “Man dies in ambulance during blizzard traffic jam.” The Sun, Lowell, MA, 4-8-1982, p. 13.

[12] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.

[13] Traffic accident “on snow-covered road.”

[14] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.

[15] Associated Press. “Michigan weather: No relief seen.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI, 4-7-1982, p. 15.

[16] Victim id’d as John Sullivan, 65. (Telegraph, Nashua, NH. “Area still reeling from blizzard…” 4-8-1982, p. 8.)

[17] AP. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.

[18] Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Roommates Killed in Route 13 Crash; Icy Road Cited.” 4-9-1982, B-1.

[19] Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Passenger Killed,” 4-8-1982, B-2. “Trooper Michael Conroy, who was one of the investigating officers at the scent, said windy conditions combined with cold temperatures Wednesday night to glaze portions of Route 13 with a coating of ice.”

[20] United Press International. “Blizzard pares Big Apple spring.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH, 4-7-1982, A-4.

[21] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[22] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[23] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[24] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[25] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[26] National Climatic Center/NOAA. Storm Data, Vol. 24, No. 4, April 1982, p. 26.

[27] Assoc. Press. “6 Ohio men die from snow storm.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH 4-7-1982, A3.

[28] UPI. “2 killed, 2 hurt in collision.” New Castle News, PA. 4-8-1982, p. 2. Victims identified as Leroy Earle, 47, of Harrison Valley, Potter County, and Stanley Dynda, 55, of Austin, Potter County.

[29] Victim identified as Joseph F. Pinzka, 51. (Daily Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA. “‘Samaritan’ dies aiding motorists.” 4-9-1982, p. 1.)

[30] AP. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.

[31] “Two people died with a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron airplane was buffeted by blowing snow and crashed as it attempted to land at the Scandia Air Park in Warren County, PA. Killed in the crash were the pilot, Nelson Klinek, and Douglas Bauer, 24, both of Bradford.” (Associated Press. “Snow, cold breaks weather records in Northeast.” Times-Reporter, Dover-New Philadelphia, OH, A-3.)

[32] Tyrone Daily Herald, PA. “State Buried.” 4-7-1982, p. 2.

[33] Press reported victim as Frank Roden Jr., 56, of Ardmore, TN. (Associated Press. “Winds to Subside, But Virginia May Get Snow,” Winchester Star, VA, 4-7-1982, p. 1.)

[34] Janesville Gazette, WI. “Driver Dies of Heart Attack. Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.

[35] Victims identified as Patricia A. O’Connor, 51, and a passenger, Jonathon S. Andrews, 34. (Janesville Gazette, WI. “Icy Crash Kills 2 Persons.” 4-6-1982, p. 1.)

[36] Associated Press. “Midwest hit with record-breaking snow.” Daily Republican-Register, Mt. Carmel, IL, 4-6-1982, p. 6. Victim identified as Peter Elliot, 41, of Grafton, WI.