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— >25  Wikipedia. “Mid-December 2007 North American Winter storms.” 2-16-2014 mod.[1]

— ~10  Blanchard estimate based on locality breakouts below.[2]

—     4  Santa Barbara News Press, CA.  12-18-2007.

—   >3  AP. “Snow with a vengeance from Midwest… Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL, 7.[3]

—     0  NCDC. Storm Events Database. Search Results all States, Snow/Winter Storm/Weather.

 

Indiana                       (4)

–4  AP. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in [NY].” Capital, Annapolis, 12-17-2007, A2.

 

Michigan                    (2)

–2  AP. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in [NY].” Capital, Annapolis, 12-17-2007, A2.

 

Pennsylvania              (2)

–1  Undisclosed location. Traffic accident.[4]

–1  Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, Sep 16. Car hits tree in heavy sleet, man, 28.[5]

 

Wisconsin                   (1)

–1  AP. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in [NY].” Capital, Annapolis, 12-17-2007, A2.

 

Canada, Nova Scotia (1)[6]

 

Narrative Information

 

NCDC, Northeast IN, Dec 15-16: “A powerful winter storm tracked in from the gulf states with abundant moisture. Cold air was in place across all of northern Indiana, allowing the precipitation to fall in the form of snow, which was heavy in many locations. Accumulations range from six to more than fourteen inches across the area. The highest amounts, ranging from 14 to 17 inches were found along a swath from Kosciusko county northeast into parts of Elkhart, Noble and Lagrange counties. Many schools and business were closed the following day due to the snow as well as strong winds which caused large drifts.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 49, No. 12, Dec 2007, p. 48.)

 

NCDC, West MA, Dec 16-17: “A low pressure system traveled from the lower Mississippi Valley into the lower Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 15th. This low then redeveloped just off the Delmarva peninsula by Sunday morning, December 16th, and intensified rapidly, becoming the primary low center. This low then tracked into the Canadian maritimes by Monday morning. Snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 15 inches across northern Berkshire County, to 3 to 6 inches across southern Berkshire County, where sleet and freezing rain reduced the amounts. However, a few tenths of an inch of ice accretion also occurred across southern Berkshire County due to the freezing rain. This significant wintry mix led to the closings of numerous schools and businesses for Monday morning, and also created treacherous driving conditions from Sunday into Monday morning.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 49, No. 12, Dec 2007, p. 78.)

 

NCDC, East MI, Dec 16: “A deepening storm center moved northeast toward the lower Great Lakes on Sunday (16th) and brought widespread heavy amounts of snow. Widespread snow, heavy at times, moved into the region during the early morning hours and persisted throughout much of the day. Snowfall ranged from generally 6 to 10 inches throughout much of Southeast Lower Michigan. Strong gusty winds of 35 to 45 mph created 1 to 3 foot drifts with near blizzard conditions across much of Southeast Lower Michigan. Blizzard conditions were reported across the eastern Thumb Region from late Sunday morning through much of the afternoon, mainly along M-25 near the Lake Huron shoreline. Numerous accidents were reported during the storm and schools were closed on Monday.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 49, No. 12, Dec 2007, p. 79.)

 

NCDC, Extreme Southeast MI, Dec 15-16: “A powerful winter storm tracked in from the gulf states with abundant moisture. Cold air was in place across far southern Lower Michigan, allowing the precipitation to fall in the form of snow, which was heavy in many locations. Accumulations across the area ranged from six inches to more than a foot. The highest amounts ranging from 12 to 14 inches were found across much of St. Joseph and western parts of Branch county. Many schools and business were closed the following day due to the snow as well as strong winds which caused large drifts.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 49, No. 12, Dec 2007, p. 80.)

 

NWS, Vermont and NY: “The first major snowstorm of the 2007-08 Winter season for Vermont and northern New York, actually occurred prior to the Winter Solstice (December 22^nd 108 am EST). Snowfall totals from this pre-winter storm ranged from 6 to 12 inches in southern Vermont, where a prolonged period of sleet and/or freezing rain occurred, to a rather uniform 12 to 18 inches across the rest of Vermont and northern New York.

 

“On Saturday morning (15^th), a strong and unseasonably cold high pressure system was located across northern New England and southeast Canada. Meanwhile, low pressure was developing across eastern Texas. This area of low pressure gradually strengthened and incorporated abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, as it traveled to the Mississippi and western Ohio River Valleys by Saturday night. During Saturday night and early Sunday morning (16^th), this primary low would continue to strengthen in the Ohio River Valley, while a coastal low would gradually develop along the mid-Atlantic coast, due to a strong, coupled upper-level jet stream as well as a deepening mid-atmospheric trough.

 

“Snow began to overspread New York and Vermont early Sunday morning (16^th) with snowfall rates rapidly increasing to over an inch per hour. The Ohio river valley storm maintained its strength during Sunday as it moved into the eastern Great Lakes, this allowed milder air aloft (4000-8000 feet) to move into the North Country, as well as drier air to be incorporated into the storm. These two factors caused precipitation to fall as a wintry mix (snow, sleet and freezing rain), as well as developed a lull in intensity of precipitation during the mid-late morning hours that lasted until mid-late afternoon. However, by late Sunday afternoon and continuing through Sunday evening, the secondary coastal storm intensified and this allowed the second part of this winter storm to wrap accumulating snow into northern New York and Vermont, as well as provided brisk winds that caused considerable blowing snow….” (National Weather Service Forecast Office, Burlington, VT. “December 16-17, 2007 Winter Storm Summary.” 12-28-2007 modification.)

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in New York.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD, 12-17-2007, A2.  Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=123470671&sterm

 

Associated Press. “Snow with a vengeance from Midwest to Maine. Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL, 12-17-2007, p. 7. Accessed 8-15-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=128209464&sterm

 

Associated Press. “Winter Storm blamed for fatal crash, fall of TV towers in Pa.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA. 12-17-2007, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com

 

National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 49, No. 12, Asheville, NC, NCDC, NOAA, December 2007, 192 pages. Accessed 8-15-2015: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-EA14B481-ADCF-46D6-80C9-847B5E47E759.pdf

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for all U.S. States, Heavy Snow. Dec 15-16, 2007. Accessed 8-15-2015 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Heavy+Snow&beginDate_mm=12&beginDate_dd=15&beginDate_yyyy=2007&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=16&endDate_yyyy=2007&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for all U.S. States, Winter Storm, Dec 15-16, 2007. Accessed 8-15-2015 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Winter+Storm&beginDate_mm=12&beginDate_dd=15&beginDate_yyyy=2007&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=16&endDate_yyyy=2007&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for all U.S. States, Winter Weather, Dec 15-16, 2007. Accessed 8-15-2015 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Winter+Weather&beginDate_mm=12&beginDate_dd=15&beginDate_yyyy=2007&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=16&endDate_yyyy=2007&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL

 

National Weather Service Forecast Office, Burlington, VT. “December 16-17, 2007 Winter Storm Summary.” 12-28-2007 modification. Accessed 8-15-2015 at: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/events/16-17Dec2007/16-17Dec2007.shtml

 

Santa Barbara News Press, CA.  12-18-2007. Accessed at http://newspaperarchive.com

 

Wikipedia. “Mid-December 2007 North American Winter storms.” 2-16-2014 modification. Accessed 3-31-2014 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-December_2007_North_American_Winter_storms

 

 

[1] Do not use as high fatality number in that we have not been able to substantiate.

[2] We have been able to designate nine deaths by State, plus one in Nova Scotia, for a total of Ten. Given the Wikipedia article claim that there were twenty-five deaths blamed on the storm it seems reasonable to assume that there were about ten or more, no doubt all indirect in that no mention of direct fatalities have been located in a NCDC or NWS source.

[3] All traffic related.

[4] AP. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in [NY].” Capital, Annapolis, 12-17-2007, A2.

[5] Brian Reagan of Salt Lake City. Associated Press. “Winter Storm blamed for fatal crash, fall of TV towers in Pa.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA. 12-17-2007, p. 1.

[6] AP. “Latest storm dumps 18 inches of snow in [NY].” Capital, Annapolis, 12-17-2007, A2.

Kansas            (       6)

–6  AP. “Nation crawls out…beneath snow and ice.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, 12-18-2007, A4.

 

Oklahoma      (29-30)

—  30  McManus, Gary. “The Mouse that Roared.” Oklahoma Climate, Winter 2007-2008, p. 3.

—  29  Greene, “A Year on…Brink,” Tulsa World, 12-7-2008.

—  29  OK DEM.  “Situation Update 27; Ice Storm Recovery Efforts Continue.” 12-21-2007.

—>27  AP. “Nation crawls out…beneath snow…ice.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, 12-18-2007, A4.[1]

–>27  Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma ice storms, 2000-2007.” 1-25-2009.

 

Kansas

 

AP, Dec 18: “In Kansas, where six deaths were blamed on last week’s storm, about 24,000 customers remained without power, and some of those in rural areas might not see electricity restored for a week or more.” (Associated Press (Sean Murphy). “Nation crawls out from beneath snow and ice.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 12-18-2007, A4.)

 

Oklahoma

 

Greene: “On Dec. 10, 2007, an ice storm unlike any before struck Tulsa…. days of darkness: no heat, no light, not many options.   At any moment it seemed, any one of a dozen disasters could strike — the neighbor’s tree could come crashing through the roof, the pipes could burst, we could all die of carbon monoxide poisoning — and there wasn’t a thing we could do about it. In the middle of a modern city, there was the hopeless feeling of being cut off from the world we thought we knew….The storm caused some $780 million in damage and resulted in 29 deaths, according to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.” (Greene, “A Year on…Brink,” Tulsa World, 7 Dec 2008.)

 

NWS WFO Tulsa: “Freezing rain moved into Northeast Oklahoma late Saturday night [Dec 8] and early Sunday morning and lasted through Monday [Dec 10]. Surface high pressure centered over the Northern Plains drove sub-freezing temperatures southward into Oklahoma, as a strong upper level system dug into the southwester U.S. This allowed warm and moist air to override the shallow sub-freezing air near the surface and produced an environment that allowed continued development of freezing rain in the area for over 36 hours. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains and widespread amounts from 1 to 2 inches of rainfall were common. Much of this rain fell in temperatures below 32 degrees and froze in trees, powerlines and exposed surfaces. Ground temperatures were in the lower 40s during most of the event and kept surface roads from becoming too icy. Bridges and overpasses did freeze up and caused some travel problems mainly Sunday night and Monday.

 

“The largest impact was power outage with over 200,000 homes without power for several days during and after the event. Severe tree damage will also take days to clean up and years to recover from.

 

“Temperatures rose above freezing late Monday [Dec 10], but the damage was done with possibly the costliest Ice Storm in Oklahoma history.” (National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Tulsa, OK. Dec 9-10, 2007 Ice Storm Summary (website). 11-4-2013 mod.)

 

OK DEM: “The number of ice storm-related fatalities remains 29, according to officials with the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office.

 

16 died in motor vehicle accidents

9 died in house fires

2 died of carbon monoxide poisoning

2 died of hypothermia.”

(OK DEM.  “Situation Update 27; Ice Storm Recovery Efforts Continue.” Dec 21, 2007.)

 

OK DEM: “On Saturday December 8, an Arctic airmass moved into Oklahoma from Kansas.  As the cold air settled in across Oklahoma, temperatures dropped below freezing.  A storm system moved across Kansas/Nebraska early Sunday morning and produced widespread freezing rain in Oklahoma, especially along the I-44 Corridor.  This area received at least 1.5 inches of ice accumulations with some areas up to 3 inches from Oklahoma City to Tulsa.  Many adjacent areas received 1/2 inches of ice with 1/4 inches farther south and north from the highest impact areas.  At one point over 600,000 customers were without power.”  (Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Winter Weather Event, December 9-10, 2007.)

 

Oklahoman: “December 8-11, 2007: A devastating ice storm affected a large swath of Oklahoma beginning on the 9th and continuing through the 11th over parts of the area. The storm left behind a trail of severe damage to trees and power lines, which in turn led to the worst power outage in Oklahoma history (in terms of the number of people impacted). This was because the worst of the ice storm affected the urban corridor from near Lawton, to Oklahoma City, to Tulsa, and northeast into Missouri. By the time the storm had ended, over one inch of ice had accumulated over a good portion of Oklahoma. At least 27 deaths were reported statewide, mainly due to hundreds of automobile accidents, although some were due to prolonged cold air exposure or carbon monoxide poisoning. At the peak of the event, more than 641,000 electric customers were without power, amounting to over one million people. Even with a huge relief effort, more than 150,000 residents were still without power one week later. The local economy took a huge hit as the ice storm hit during a key weekend for holiday sales. The pecan crop loss alone was estimated at $25 million statewide. Shelters were opened across the state for people who did not have electricity, which many took advantage of. The storm cleanup was estimated to cost at least $200 million statewide. Cities were expected to remove over 750,000 cubic yards of debris.” (Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma ice storms, 2000-2007.” 1-25-2009.)

 

Dec 10, AP: “Oklahoma City – The first winter storm of the season that’s dropped freezing drizzle across Oklahoma today is now blamed for 14 deaths and the biggest power outage in state history.

 

“Authorities say 13 people have died in auto accidents on slick roadways and the state medical examiner’s office says a 46-year-old transient died overnight in Oklahoma City from hypothermia.

 

“Nearly half million homes and businesses are without power with more than 215,000 customers with Oklahoma Gas & Electric. Another 200,000 customers of Public Service Company of Oklahoma are still without power this afternoon and thousands more customers of smaller utilities are without power as heavy ice snapped power poles and sent tree limbs crashing into transmission lines….” (AP. “Icy storm blamed for 14 deaths, massive power outages.” News Channel 4, KFOR, 12-10-2007.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Icy storm blamed for 14 deaths, massive power outages.” News Channel 4, KFOR, 12-10-2007. Accessed 1-14-2009 at: http://www.kfor.com/global/story.asp?s=7477283&ClientType=Printable

 

Associated Press (Sean Murphy). “Nation crawls out from beneath snow and ice.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 12-18-2007, A4. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=119525641&sterm

 

Greene, Wayne. “A Year on the Brink.” Tulsa World, December 7, 2008.  Accessed at:  http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20081207_261_G1_Autili469511

 

IBT (Jess McHugh). “Winter Storm Jonas Update: New Jersey, New York Shovel Snow as Washington, Baltimore Contend With Ice, Flooding.” 1-24-2016. Accessed 1-24-2016 at: http://www.ibtimes.com/winter-storm-jonas-update-new-jersey-new-york-shovel-snow-washington-baltimore-2277816

 

McManus, Gary. “The Mouse that Roared.” Oklahoma Climate, Winter 2007-2008, pp. 3-7. Accessed at: http://climate.ok.gov/summaries/seasonal/Oklahoma_Climate_Winter_2007-08.pdf

 

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Tulsa, OK. Dec 9-10, 2007 Ice Storm Summary (website). 11-4-2013 modification. Accessed at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tsa/?n=weather-event_dec10icestorm

 

Oklahoma Department  of Emergency Management. “Situation Update 27; Ice Storm Recovery Efforts Continue.” 12-21-2007. Accessed at:  http://www.ok.gov/OEM/Emergencies_&_Disasters/2007/Winter_Weather_Event_20071209_-_Master/Winter_Weather_Event_20071209_-_37.html

 

Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma ice storms, 2000-2007.” 1-25-2009. Accessed 3-27-2014 at: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-ice-storms-2000-2007/article/3340695

 

[1] Notes one less death from fire and one less from hypothermia than noted in OK DEM Situation Update 27.

—  13  Walden, Michael. “Death toll from storm in Oregon and Washington rises to 13.”

—  13  Wikipedia. “Great Coastal Gale of 2007.” 6-3-2013 modification.

 

Oregon

—  >5  Walden, Michael. “Death toll from storm in Oregon and Washington rises to 13.”

 

Washington

— 8  Walden, Michael. “Death toll from storm in Oregon and Washington rises to 13.” 12-30-07

 

Narrative Information

 

Read:  “A truly historic storm event, the Great Coastal Gale of December 1-3, 2007 will likely be remembered for many years. Over a period of three days, two separate storms lashed the coast with an incessant onslaught of hurricane-force gusts and heavy rain. The region between approximately Newport, OR, and Hoquiam, WA, received the strongest gale since the great Columbus Day Storm of 1962, with perhaps some areas of southwest Washington receiving even a stronger blow. Even though the October 1962 storm proves stronger in overall wind speed at many locations, the December 1-3, 2007 gale completely outclasses the Columbus Day Storm, and probably any other windstorm in the modern record, in terms of the duration of high winds.

 

“According to the December 2007 Local Climatological Data (LCD) publication from the National Climatic Data Center, the peak gust at Astoria, OR, on December 3, 2007 was 94 mph. The peak gust recorded during the Columbus Day Storm of 1962 was 96 mph. Assuming just a 1% error in measure at these unusually high speeds (the error is probably higher), these two peak gusts are comparable. Given the lengthy duration of the December 2007 event compared to the October 1962 event, the most recent windstorm appears to be the more powerful of the two. At least for Astoria.  (Read, Wolf. “The Great Coastal Gale of December 1-3, 2007. 12-6-2007, 11-23-2008 modification.)

 

Walden:  “At least five people in Oregon and eight in Washington have died in storm-related incidents after the high winds and heavy rain and snow that buffeted the Northwest this week.

 

“Sunday [Dec 2]  Doris Hart, 90, of Tillamook died of a “coronary incident.” According to Dr. Paul Betlinski, the Tillamook County medical examiner, Hart had arranged to visit a nearby friend when and if the storm hit and she lost power. Hart, who lives alone, would pack a bag and her heart medications, and then wait for the friend to collect her. She was found Monday morning in front of her home in Southeast Tillamook. A small suitcase and her purse were found nearby. It was unclear whether she was waiting for a ride, but the friend never arrived.

 

“Monday  – Teresa Marie Hurliman, 54, of Cloverdale, was swept away when her truck became stuck in the Nehalem River near Shiffman and Miami Foley roads. Three men rushed to her aid, using the front-loader of a backhoe to try to save Hurliman. But they couldn’t reach her in time and her pickup was swept away with her in the front seat. She is presumed to have drowned.
“- A 22-year-old Mason County, Wash., man died after getting buried inside a home that was hit with a mudslide. Michael A. Glenn was inside a home in the Holiday Beach area when a mudslide washed through the structure at 4 a.m. Rescue workers couldn’t get to the home, which was listed by crews as unstable, until Tuesday. But they couldn’t enter until Wednesday morning when crews stabilized the house. Wes Stockwell, the Mason County coroner, said Glenn died of asphyxiation and suffocation from chest injuries.

 

“- A 57-year-old Aberdeen, Wash., man died after getting hit by a falling tree while clearing storm debris from his yard. Richard Pearsall was pronounced dead from traumatic injuries, said Battalion Chief Damon Lillybridge of the Aberdeen Fire Department.

 

“- An elderly Winlock, Wash., man is missing and presumed drowned after he slid into a creek and was whisked away in Lewis County. Dive teams combed Wallers Creek after the man fell in during the afternoon after he was checking an outflow hose on a sump pump in the basement of his home. The man’s name has not been released.

“- Two hikers — a 33-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man — were killed by an avalanche near Snoqualmie Pass in King County, Wash. A third hiker was rescued and flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he was in satisfactory condition.

“- A man in Montesano, Wash., died when his oxygen equipment stopped operating after he lost electricity. Details of the incident, including the man’s name, were not available.

 

“Tuesday  – A 90-year-old woman from Warrenton was found dead in her home, apparently from falling and striking her face, said Dr. JoAnn Stefanelli, the Clatsop County medical examiner. The woman was apparently responding to a window that had been blown out by heavy winds. Stefanelli declined to release the victim’s name because all her relatives may not have been notified in the post-storm confusion.

“- In Yakima County, searchers found two missing Selah, Wash., men dead at Cleman Mountain near Naches. The men had gone out in search of one of the men’s sons and a friend who were stuck in the snow. Authorities said it appears their car went off a road and rolled down a slope.
Wednesday  – Laura Steyaert, 73, of Tierra Del Mar in Tillamook County, was clearing storm debris from the property she shared with her 78-year-old husband, Raymond.  Raymond Steyaert thought his wife was in their home when he drove to their property’s fire pit. He accidentally ran over her with his pickup.

“- A 58-year-old Nehalem man who was helping his daughter and son-in-law clear storm debris from their Gearhart home died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday afternoon. Stefanelli said the man, whose name won’t be released until all his relatives are contacted about the incident, was helping remove downed trees.” (Walden, Michael. “Death toll from storm in Oregon and Washington rises to 13.” Oregonlive.com, 12-6-2007.)

 

For Further Reading:

 

Elliott, Teresa, and Alex K. Tang. Pacific Northwest Storms of December 1-4, 2007: Lifeline Performance. Reston, FA: American Society of Civil Engineers, 2012. Accessible at: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/9780784412336

 

Fought, Tim (Associated Press). “Rain and wind slam Northwest.” Salina Journal, KS, 12-4-2007. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=161729181&sterm

 

Reiter, Maryanne, Hydrologist, Weyerhaeuser Co. December 1-4, 2007 Storm Events Summary (Prepared for Weyerhaeuser Western Timberlands). 2-8-2008. Accessed 12-30-2013 at: http://www.climate.washington.edu/events/dec2007floods/WeyerhaeuserDecemberstorm_2132008.pdf

 

Sources

 

Read, Wolf. “The Great Coastal Gale of December 1-3, 2007. 12-6-2007, 11-23-2008 modification. Accessed 12-30-2013 at: http://www.climate.washington.edu/stormking/December2007.html

 

Walden, Michael. “Death toll from storm in Oregon and Washington rises to 13.” Oregonlive.com, 12-6-2007. Accessed 12-30-2013 at: http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/12/death_toll_from_storm_in_orego.html

 

Wikipedia. “Great Coastal Gale of 2007.” 6-3-2013 modification. Accessed 12-29-2013 at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Coastal_Gale_of_2007

 

 

 

—  19  Changnon / Kunkel. Major Winter Storms in the Midwest during Winter 2006-2007, 4.[1]

—>16  Assoc. Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007.

–>16  Wikipedia. “Early December 2007 North American winter storm.” 12-9-2013 update.

–>11  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast…” 12-3-2007, p. 1.

—>10  Fox News/Associated Press. “Deadly Winter Storm Slams Northeast.” 12-2-2007.

—    7  AP/Fox News. “Midwest Storm Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Kills 7.” 12-2-2007.

— > 3  Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10.

 

Colorado        (1)

— 1  Van slides off icy interstate, hits fence near Wellington.[2]

 

Illinois             (1)

— 1  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast…” 12-3-2007, p. 6.

— 1  13-year-old girl killed in two-car collision.[3]

 

Indiana           (1)

— 1 Purdue Univ. ice hockey team van rolls, ice-slick road 20 miles SW of West Lafayette.[4]

 

Michigan        (4)

— 4  Assoc. Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007.[5]

— 4  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast…” 12-3-2007, p. 6.

 

New Jersey     (2)

— 2  Assoc. Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007.[6]

 

New York       (1)

— 1  Associated Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007.

— 1  WCAX.com. “Storm Claims Life.” 12-4-2007.[7]

 

North Dakota (1)

— 1  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast…” 12-3-2007, p. 6.

 

Ohio                (2)

— 2  Associated Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007.

 

Wisconsin       (3)

— 3  Three separate traffic accidents with fatalities “blamed on the weather.”[8]

— 3  The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast…” 12-3-2007, p. 6.

— 1  Jeep hits semitrailer on icy road north of Madison, male dies.[9]

 

Changnon and Kunkel:  “A very powerful early winter storm produced significant snowfall and ice across much of the Midwest on November 30-December 1. More than 6 inches of snow fell along a 1,000-mile path from central Oklahoma to northern Michigan, with accumulations of sleet and freezing rain in excess of 2 inches in large portions of Illinois and Missouri.

 

“This monstrous storm ushered in winter 2006-2007. The storm began in the southern Plains on November 30 and swept across the Midwest during the 30th and December 1, the start of climatological winter. It caused numerous deaths and near record damages in many locales….

 

“Snowfalls of 6 inches or more fell in less than 24 hours, a threshold long recognized as leading to major problems (Changnon et al., 2006).[10] The area of 6 inches or more extended from central Oklahoma to the Northeast, crossing southeastern Kansas, central Missouri, half of Illinois, eastern Iowa, southeastern Wisconsin, and northern Michigan…much of Missouri and Illinois had snowfall of 10 inches or more, with several locales receiving 14 inches or more. Some small areas had 16 inches or more including 18 inches in central Missouri and in west-central Illinois.

 

“In addition, freezing rain occurred over a large area in and parallel to the snow region. Ice layers of 0.25 inch or more were common in much of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois….Much of this bad ice area also had snowfall of 2-6 inches as the ice storm ended. (pp. 4-5)

 

“Three major factors influenced the magnitude and characteristics of this storm event. First, the combination of the cold Arctic air mass from southwestern Canada into the western United States and very mild air in the eastern United States provided potential energy for development of a strong storm system. Second, given the path of surface low pressure from Texas into the Midwest, winds on the eastern side of the low-pressure center were directly off the Gulf of Mexico, providing abundant moisture to the system. Third, the congruence of the path of the low-pressure system just east of the slow-moving freeze line provided many hours of freezing precipitation.” (p. 7.)

 

“Dimensions and intensity of the 2006 storm were assessed using results from all snowstorms during 1949-2006, a 58-year period with 2,305 storms (Changnon, 2007[11]).” (p. 9.)

 

“Comparison of the 2006 storm values with the averages reveals the 2006 storm was longer, wider, and much larger than average. It was 3.5 times bigger than the average of 41,300 square miles, but smaller than the largest storm during 1949-2006. Storm size (152,600 square miles) was compared with sizes of past storms. The 2006 storm was the 93rd largest on record and, thus, in the top 4 percent of all snowstorms since 1948.

 

“The 2006 snowstorm also was evaluated based on how heavy snow areas rated statistically against amounts from snowstorms expected to occur at 5- and 10-year frequencies (Changnon, 2006)[12]. Snowfall amounts of 10-14 inches, once in 10-year events, occurred from Oklahoma to northern Illinois…over 50,260 square miles. Snowfall amounts rated as once in 5-year (and less than 10-year) events covered 43,400 square miles. This included the area of 6 inches or more in south-central Oklahoma, and areas of 6-10 inches along the storm’s axis into northeastern Illinois. Thus, storm amounts matched 5- and 10-year frequencies and covered 93,660 square miles, 61 percent of the total snowfall area. Other moderate to heavy snow areas in Wisconsin and Michigan were amounts that occur more frequently than once in 5 years….” (p. 10.)

 

“The storm led to 19 deaths and more than a thousand injuries. Excessive damages to buildings and vehicles and resulting financial losses exceeded $900 million.” (p. 11.)

 

“There were 106,000 loss claims from the 2006 storm, a very high number (Kerney, 2006). The nation has experienced 202 catastrophic winter storms since 1948 (Changnon and Changnon, 2006)[13]. The average property loss per storm was $147 million, and the highest loss was $1.8 billion. Hence, 2006 storm property losses of $300 million were double the average. Assessment also showed that 25 of the 202 past catastrophic storms had insured property losses greater than $300 million, indicating that the 2006 storm losses ranked in the top 13 percent of all catastrophic storms.

 

“The 19 deaths (15 in vehicle accidents and 4 from shoveling snow) were three times the average based on past catastrophic winter storms. Such a magnitude of deaths was uncommon for the more sizable past catastrophic winter storms. Most injuries in 2006 came from falls and traffic accidents. Numerous cases of hypothermia and frostbite occurred during six days after the storm.

The storm and ensuing 6-day period of 21°F average temperatures, all much below normal, affected several sectors. Included were power and telephone systems, transportation, retail sales, property, the environment, and local, state, and federal governments.

 

“The large storm area with thick ice layers, coupled with moderate to heavy snow, produced extensive losses of power and telephone lines from broken wires due to broken poles and falling tree branches…By December 2, 2.4 million customers were without power. Repairs were slowed greatly by thick ice layers, very slick surfaces, and continuing cold temperatures that kept the ice from melting. Power outages still affected 510,000 customers in Missouri and Illinois on December 3, and 350,000 customers were still without power on December 4…including 42,000 customers in Decatur, Illinois. Reports showed that 65,000 customers were without power as late as December 7, six days after the storm ended. Repair costs for power and telephone companies in the eight-state snowstorm area were $177 million. The slow recovery raised government concerns, and Illinois and Missouri launched investigations of the how power companies handled repairs.” (p. 11.)

 

“Other government actions included use of National Guard troops in Missouri and Illinois. Troops were sent to individual houses in power outage areas to assess the needs of local residents. Governors of three states declared portions of their states as major disaster areas, thus qualifying for federal aid. This included 49 counties in Illinois, 52 counties in Missouri, and 27 counties in Kansas. Costs of snow and ice removal and various snow-ice damage repairs by local and state government agencies totaled $65 million, including $15 million in Illinois. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $33 million for the local and state recovery and repair efforts.

 

“As would be expected, the sizable storm had major transportation impacts. Many roads and highways, including several interstate highways, were closed for 1-5 days after the storm, and many rural areas were isolated with no transportation…Truck movement was delayed and halted in several areas. Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis, the three major rail hubs in the nation, were hit by the storm, and busy rail lines between them were in the axis of the storm. Rail-yards were closed, delaying or altogether halting trains for 1-2 days. Amtrak passenger trains between Chicago and St. Louis were halted until December 4. Railroad losses plus the costs to remove snow and ice totaled $74 million. Airports were closed from 12 hours up to 3 days at several locations, including the busy airports in Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. Losses from hundreds of cancelled flights amounted to $145 million. Added costs for travelers stranded at airports and train stations for unexpected meals and hotel costs were an estimated $4 million.” (p. 13.)

 

“Summary.  Sizable death totals and $924 million in losses and costs rank this storm as one of worst U.S. winter storms in the past 51 years. Storm dimensions were much above average but not quite at record-setting levels.

 

• Storm size was in the top 4 percent of all past snowstorms, 3.5 times the average size.
• Snowfalls reached or exceeded 5- or 10-year frequencies in 61 percent of the storm area.
• Ice storm area was 2.3 times the average size and in the top 23 percent of all past ice storms.
• Insured property losses of $300 million were double the winter catastrophe average, the 26th

highest loss in the 202 winter catastrophes since 1948.” (p. 14.)

 

Dec 2: “Des Moines, Iowa – Snow and ice plastered a wide area of the Midwest on Saturday [Dec 1], interrupting campaigning by presidential hopefuls, disrupting ‘ airport and highway traffic and killing at least three people.

 

“The National Weather Service posted winter storm and ice warnings across parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, the eastern Dakotas, Illinois and northern Michigan, although some warnings were lifted by midday.

 

“Much of Iowa was hit by snow, sleet and freezing rain. Temperatures warmed to above freezing by evening, helping to melt away much of the ice and sleet that had accumulated, said Ken Podrazik, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Des Moines.

 

“Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports in Des Moines, Chicago and Milwaukee. Officials decided to close Des Moines International Airport for several hours after a United Airlines plane slid off a taxiway as it was heading to a runway for a flight to Chicago’s O’Hare, said airport spokesman Roy Criss. He said none of the 44 passengers was injured, and the airport reopened by midafternoon.

 

“At Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wis., an incoming Mesa Airlines regional jet flying for United Express slid off the pavement after failing to make a turn onto a taxiway, but no injuries were reported among the 25 passengers, said United Airlines spokesman Jeff Vick.

 

“The storm also complicated plans for some presidential hopefuls drumming up support for the Jan. 3 caucuses that kick off the nomination process. Republican Mitt Romney canceled three campaign stops planned Saturday in southern Iowa, and former President Clinton canceled a rally for his wife, US. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, scheduled Saturday afternoon outside Des Moines.

 

“Heavy ice accumulations on power lines blacked out more than 14,000 customers scattered around Iowa, said representatives for Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy. Thousands more were without power near Galesburg, Ill., Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said.

 

“In Indiana, a van carrying Purdue University’s ice hockey team rolled over on an ice-slickened highway about 20 miles southwest of West Lafayette, killing one team member and injuring seven others, school officials said.

 

A man died when his Jeep hit a semitrailer on a highway north of Madison, Wis., authorities said. Vehicles had been slowing after another semitrailer tipped on its side as the driver tried to exit the highway.

 

“On an icy interstate near Wellington, Colo., a van slid off the road, rolled and struck a fence. One passenger was thrown from the vehicle and died, while the driver and two other passengers

were injured, police said.” (Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10.)

 

Dec 3, Valerie Bauman, Associated Press:  “Albany, N.Y. (AP) — Drivers in the Northeast faced a treacherous commute Monday as a storm blamed for at least 11 deaths blanketed the region with snow, sleet and freezing rain after glazing roads in the Midwest. The National Weather Service said a foot of snow was possible in the mountains of northern New England, with the potential for 20 inches in northern Maine. Upstate New York’s central Adirondacks and Lake George region could see 12 inches of snow….

 

“”Compared to what’s happening in the Midwest, we’ve kind of got it easy right now,” said Joe Orlando, a spokesman for the [NJ Turnpike] authority. The storm dumped snow and ice from the Plains across the Upper Midwest on Saturday. Minnesota’s Grand Marais, on Lake Superior’s North Shore, got 20 inches of snow, and the port city of Duluth marked a Dec. 1 record of 10.3 inches, according to the weather service….

 

“Before the storm hit the Plains and Midwest, it dumped about 3 feet of snow in one mountain area in western Colorado. Silverton Mountain ski resort workers had hoped to open for the season Sunday but postponed the opening a day because of the storm.

 

“The weather was blamed for four deaths in Michigan, three in Wisconsin, and one each in Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota and Colorado.” (The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast, glazing roads.” 12-3-2007, pp. 1 and 6.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast.” NBC News, 12-4-2007. Accessed 12-30-2013 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22054673/#.UsG9UvulrOs

 

Associated Press/Fox News. “Midwest Storm Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Kills 7.” 12-2-2007. At: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/12/02/midwest-storm-cancels-hundreds-flights-kills-7/

 

Changnon, Stanley A. and Kenneth E. Kunkel. Major Winter Storms in the Midwest during Winter 2006-2007 (Data/Case Study 2007-04). Champaign, IL: Illinois State Water Survey, Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Oct 2007. Accessed 12-29-2013 at: http://www.isws.illinois.edu/pubdoc/dcs/iswsdcs2007-04.pdf

 

Fox News/Associated Press. “Deadly Winter Storm Slams Northeast.” 12-2-2007. Accessed 12-30-2013 at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/12/02/deadly-winter-storm-slams-northeast/

 

Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=161816818&sterm=winter+storm

 

The Progress, Clearfield, PA. “Winter storm barrels into Northeast, glazing roads.” 12-3-2007, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=151409980&sterm=winter+storm

 

Wikipedia. “Early December 2007 North American winter storm.” 12-9-2013 update. Accessed 12-29-2013:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_December_2007_North_American_winter_storm

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Authors do not indicate where the fatalities occurred. Their focus, however, is on the U.S. Midwest, thus presumably this is where all the fatalities occurred. We are aware of a snow-related suffocation death in Ontario, Canada, but have no reason to think that this death is one of the 19.

[2] Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10.

[3] Associated Press/Fox News. “Midwest Storm Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Kills 7.” 12-2-2007.

[4] Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10.

[5] “Icy or wet pavement was blamed for four deaths in Michigan…”

[6] One fatality was in a “15-car pileup that also injured 28 people…”

[7] “Slippery roads are being blamed for a fatal accident in northern New York. It happened on Route 3 in Saranac. Police say 34-year-old Daryll Paquette, of Cadyville, lost control of his car and slammed into a tractor-trailer. Police say Paquette was going too fast on the snow covered roads.”

[8] Associated Press/Fox News. “Midwest Storm Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Kills 7.” 12-2-2007.

[9] Santa Fe New Mexican, NM. “Winter storm slams Midwest.” 12-2-2007, p. A10.

[10] Changnon, S.A., D. Changnon, and T.R. Karl. 2006. Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Snowstorms in the Contiguous U.S. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 45: 1144-1155.

[11] Changnon, S.A. 2007. Final Report Snowstorm Project. Changnon Climatologist, Mahomet, IL.

[12] Changnon, S.A. 2006. Frequency Distributions of Heavy Snowfall from Snowstorms in the U.S. Journal of Hydroponic Engineering, ASCE, 11: 427-431.

[13] Changnon  and Changnon. 2006. Snowstorm Catastrophes in the U.S. Environmental Hazards 6: 158-166.

— 7  AP. “Investigators Believe Beach House Fire that Killed 7 Students…” Fox, 10-29-2007.

— 7  NFPA. “2007 Multiple-Death Fires.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008, p. 58.

— 7  WRAL.com. “Ocean Isle Fire Chief: Flames Were ‘Just So Intense’.” 10-30-2007.

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 30, WRAL.com: “Ocean Isle Beach. Firefighters responding to the early-morning blaze that took the lives of seven South Carolina college students and injured six others could do little to stop it, the town’s fire chief said Tuesday. ‘They made it inside the house, up the first flight of steps to the first floor, and they said it was just so intense, they knew there was nothing they could do,’ Robert Yoho said. ‘There was fire everywhere – and the heat – they had to back out.’ By the time firefighters arrived at the vacation house at 1 Scotland St., flames had spread to every corner of the house, Yoho said. He believes the fire might have been burning as long as 20 minutes before anyone inside had realized it.

 

“Smoke detectors woke the survivors – and survival, he said, depended largely on what floor on which they were sleeping. ‘All the survivors came from the first floor, with the exception of one, and this is the one that jumped from the third-story window,’ Yoho said.

 

“A lot of the damage to the home is located on the upper floors, the same area investigators have been focusing on to find an official cause to the fire. They were at the scene again Tuesday taking photos and looking for evidence….

“Late Tuesday afternoon, authorities officially identified those killed in the fire: Cassidy Fae Pendley, 18; Lauren Astrid Kristiana Mahon, 18; Justin Michael Anderson, 19; Travis Lane Cale, 19; Allison Walden, 18; William Rhea, 18 – All students at the University of South Carolina. Emily Lauren Yelton, 18, was a student at Clemson….” (WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Ocean Isle Fire Chief: Flames Were ‘Just So Intense’.” 10-30-2007.)

 

Oct 29, AP: “Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. — For the group of college buddies spending a late-season weekend at a friend’s beach house, the deck overlooking a canal was the center of their good times…. But investigators fear the deck just two blocks from the beach may also have been the starting point of a fast-moving fire that killed seven people, including a group of high school friends who went off to college together….

 

“Mayor Debbie Smith said Monday that investigators believe the fire was likely accidental and started in the rear of the house, either on or near the deck facing the canal on the west side of the house. That side of the residence appeared to be the most heavily damaged….” (Associated Press. “Investigators Believe Beach House Fire that Killed 7 Students was Accidental.” Fox News, 10-29-2007.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Investigators Believe Beach House Fire that Killed 7 Students was Accidental.” Fox News, 10-29-2007. Accessed 5-29-2016 at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/10/29/investigators-believe-beach-house-fire-that-killed-7-students-was-accidental.html

 

National Fire Protection Association. “2007 Multiple-Death Fires.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008, pp. 57-63.

 

WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Ocean Isle Fire Chief: Flames Were ‘Just So Intense’.” 10-30-2007. Accessed 5-28-2016 at: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1984175/

 

 

 

—  2  Bird Strike Committee-USA, “Significant Bird and other Wildlife Strikes.”

—  2  NTSB. NTSB Identification: CHI08FA027. No date.

 

NTSB: “History of Flight. On October 23, 2007, about 2212 central daylight time, a twin-engine Piper PA-44-180, N327ND, operated by the University of North Dakota, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain near Browerville, Minnesota. The dual instructional flight was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. The private pilot and flight instructor were fatally injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The cross-country flight departed St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP), St. Paul, Minnesota, at 2115. The intended destination was Grand Forks International Airport (GFK), Grand Forks, North Dakota.

 

“The pilot and flight instructor planned a three-leg, dual instructional, cross-country night flight as part of the University of North Dakota (UND) commercial/instrument flight program. The initial leg was from GFK to Hutson Field Airport (GAF), Grafton, North Dakota. From GAF, the flight planned to fly to STP before returning to GFK….

 

“The FAA was notified that the flight was overdue about 0016 on October 24th. An Alert Notice was issued at 0146 when initial attempts to locate the airplane were unsuccessful. The airplane was subsequently located about 1810 that evening after a search by local authorities and the Civil Air Patrol….

 

“The accident site was located 16.5 miles northwest of the final radar data point [Little Falls, MN]….

“Microscopic examination and DNA testing by forensic ornithologists identified the material on the wing skin section as remains of a Canada goose. The ornithologists further noted that the natural history of this species was consistent with the location, time and date of the accident..

 

“Additional Information. Analysis of bird strike data from 1990 through 2004 by the United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, determined that 74 percent of bird strikes occurred within 500 feet of the ground, 19 percent between 500 feet agl and 3,500 feet agl, and 7 percent above 3,500 feet. Of the 26 percent of bird strikes that occurred above 500 feet, about 7 times more strikes occurred at night than during daylight hours. This was due to the fact that about 61 percent of the reported strikes above 500 feet agl occurred at night while only 18 percent of aircraft movements occurred at night. In addition, a proportionally higher incidence of strikes occurred between September and November, and between April and May, as compared to the number of flight operations….

 

“Canada geese were attributed to 668 strikes with civil aircraft between 1990 and 2002. Of those strikes, 112 resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The average mass of a Canada goose is 9.2 lbs for a male and 7.8 lbs for a female, with a maximum mass of 13.8 lbs. This species exhibits strong flocking behavior.

 

“The University of North Dakota provided additional pilot training regarding bird strike hazards and mitigation. In addition, they recommended to all of their pilots and flight instructors that when possible higher cruise altitudes should be selected, especially on night cross-country flights, in order to minimize the probability of a bird strike.” (NTSB)

 

Sources

 

Bird Strike Committee-USA. “Significant Bird and other Wildlife Strikes.” Accessed 1-15-2009 at:  http://www.birdstrike.org/commlink/signif.htm

 

National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB Identification: CHI08FA027. Washington, DC: NTSB, no date. Accessed 8-20-2015 at: http://www.ntsb.gov/about/employment/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20071102X01708&ntsbno=CHI08FA027&akey=1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

— 10  Badger. “NFPA Report: U.S. Multiple-Death Fires for 2007.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008.

— 10  Insurance Info. Institute. “The Ten Most Catastrophic Multiple-Death Fires of 2007.”

— 10  NFPA Journal. “Multi-Dearth Incidents, 2007.”  September/October 2008, p. 62.

 

Badger: “….The largest [non-structural] loss-of-life fire was the wildfire that killed 10. The headlines in most newspapers, television, and radio news stories in the United States and in many areas around the world told of the California firestorms of 2007. These fires broke out over several days in late October and burned over 518,000 acres or 809 square miles (210,000 hectares), destroyed over 3,100 structures, including 2,100 residences, and caused the evacuation of almost a million residents. Tragically, there were at least 10 deaths directly related to these fires. In addition, several more deaths were attributed indirectly to these fires, mostly due to natural causes at various stages during the evacuations and fires.

 

“The 10 deaths directly resulting from the fires occurred in two of the larger named fires. Eight died in the Harris fire and two died in the Witch fire. Five of the 10 victims were caught in the open, in a ravine or a cave near the Mexican border, three were in their homes, and two were in a garage. The exact location of two victims was not reported.

 

“Santa Ana winds of over 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour with gusts of over 100 miles (161 kilometers) swept the fires very rapidly, catching most victims before they even had a chance to evacuate. Reports also indicated that at least 27 other civilians were injured, along with over 130 firefighters. It appears that the dedicated actions of over 11,000 firefighters, as well as many law enforcement and government agencies from California and throughout the United States and Mexico, kept the death toll to a minimum.” (Badger, Stephen. “NFPA Report: U.S. Multiple-Death Fires for 2007.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008.)

 

NFPA: “The firestorm of 23 wildfires burned 518,000 acres or 809 square miles…destroyed over 3,100 structures, of which 2,180 were residential properties….The 10 victims were trapped within two of the larger fires.  Eight people died in one fire – five were in open areas, two were in a garage, one was at home, and the location of two was not reported.  The two who died in the second fir were in their home.  At least four other deaths were attributed to these fires but were not listed as fire deaths.” (NFPA Journal. “Multi-Death Incidents, 2007.” Sep/Oct 2008, p. 62.)

 

Sources

 

Badger, Stephen. “NFPA Report: U.S. Multiple-Death Fires for 2007.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008. Accessed 8-20-2015 at: http://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2008/september-october-2008/features/2007-us-multiple-death-fires

 

Insurance Information Institute. Fire Facts and Statistics. “The Ten Most Catastrophic Multiple-Death Fires of 2007.” Accessed at: http://www.iii.org/media/facts/statsbyissue/fire/?table_sort_735794=5

 

National Fire Protection Association. “Multi-Death Incidents, 2007.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008, p. 62.

 

–10  Aircraft Crashes Record Office (Geneva, Switzerland).  Washington.

–10  Dininny. “NTSB releases initial report…skydivers’ plane crash.” Seattle Times, 10-18-2007

–10  National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB Identification: LAX08MA007. No date.

–10  Planecrashinfo.com. “2007. Accident Details. Kapowsin Air Sports, White Pass, Oct 7.”

 

Dininny: “Yakima — In its final moments, the airplane carrying 10 people home from a weekend skydiving event faced low clouds and low-level turbulence before crashing into Washington’s rugged Cascades and killing all aboard, according to a preliminary report released today. Investigators have been working to determine what caused the plane to nosedive into trees just east of the Cascade crest the evening of Oct. 7. A pilot and nine skydivers died in the crash….

 

“The Cessna Caravan 208 crashed into thick timber at 4,300 feet, about 45 miles west of Yakima near the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area. A hunter in the crash area reported seeing the low-flying plane and said the engine appeared to be whining loudly, followed by silence….

 

“According to radar data, the plane made a tight 360-degree turn before losing 1,400 feet in 12 seconds. The airplane appeared to recover and stayed at 13,000 feet for three radar hits before rapidly descending at 6,800 feet per minute. The last radar ping was received at 8,900 feet, investigators said.

 

“The plane was registered to Kapowsin Air Sports of Shelton, located near Olympia….” (Dininny. “NTSB releases initial report on skydivers’ plane crash.” Seattle Times, 10-18-2007.)

 

Planecrashinfo.com. “The parachutists had gone to Boise for a skydiving meet and were returning to Shelton when the plane crashed in rugged mountain territory. Radar shows the plane was at about 13,000 feet when it reached the Teton River valley. The plane then turned around 360 degrees, then lost about 7,000 feet-per-minute before it disappeared. Reports indicate the pilot faced low clouds and low-level turbulence before the accident.”  (Planecrashinfo.com.)

 

NTSB: “On October 7, 2007, about 1959 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 208B, N430A, collided with terrain near Naches, Washington. Kapowsin Air Sports Ltd was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot and nine passengers were killed; the airplane was destroyed. The flight departed Star (ID92), Idaho, about 1750 PDT, en route to Shelton (SHN), Washington. A ground observer reported low clouds, rain, and fog at the accident site. Stampede Pass (KSMP), Washington, immediately north of the accident site, reported low instrument flight rule (LIFR) conditions. Night time conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

 

“The pilot flew a group of skydivers from Shelton to Star on October 5th for a weekend of jumping. The owner of the Skydive Center at Star indicated that several jump flights were accomplished on the day of the accident….” (NTSB Identification: LAX08MA007. No date.)

 

Sources

 

Aircraft Crashes Record Office (Geneva, Switzerland). Washington. Accessed 3-14-2009 at:  http://www.baaa-acro.com/Pays/Etats-Unis/Washington.htm

 

Dininny, Shannon. “NTSB releases initial report on skydivers’ plane crash.” Seattle Times, 10-18-2007. Accessed 8-20-2015: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/ntsb-releases-initial-report-on-skydivers-plane-crash/

 

National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB Identification: LAX08MA007. No date. Accessed 8-20-2015 at: http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20071017X01609&ntsbno=LAX08MA007&akey=1

 

Planecrashinfo.com. “2007. Accident Details. Kapowsin Air Sports, White Pass, Oct 7, 2007.”  Accessed at: http://www.planecrashinfo.com/2007/2007-47.htm

 

 

 

 

— 5 CSB. Investigation Report. Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire. Aug 2010.
— 5 NFPA. “2007 Multiple-Death Fires.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008, p. 60.

Narrative Information

CSB Executive Summary: “Incident Synopsis. On October 2, 2007, a chemical fire inside a permit-required confined space at Xcel Energy‘s hydroelectric plant in a remote mountain location 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of Denver, Colorado, killed five and injured three workers. Industrial painting contractors were in the initial stages of recoating the 1,530-foot (466-meter) steel portion of a 4,300-foot (1,311-meter) enclosed penstock tunnel with an epoxy coating product when a flash fire occurred. Flammable solvent being used to clean the epoxy application equipment in the open penstock atmosphere ignited, likely from a static spark. The initial fire quickly grew as it ignited additional buckets of solvent and substantial amounts of combustible epoxy material, trapping and preventing five of the 11 workers from exiting the single point of egress within the penstock. Fourteen community emergency response teams responded to the incident. The five trapped workers communicated using handheld radios with co-workers and emergency responders for approximately 45 minutes before succumbing to smoke inhalation.

“…Scope of the Investigation. Catastrophic workplace accidents typically are not the result of a single error or one piece of faulty equipment; rather, higher-level safety system deficiencies are often found at facilities where such accidents occur. It has also been established that accident prevention is most effective when these systemic causes are understood and learned. As such, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) examined both the technical and organizational causes of the fire at Xcel Energy‘s Cabin Creek penstock.

“The investigation found that a number of safety issues contributed to the accident, including a lack of planning for hazardous work, inadequate contractor selection and oversight, and insufficient regulatory standards pertaining to the use of flammables within confined spaces. The investigation also examined the technical aspects of recoating a penstock, the work conditions of the unique confined space, and the training the contractors received prior to starting work. Finally, the CSB evaluated aspects of emergency response, including planning for timely and qualified rescue and the need for certified confined space rescue responders in the state of Colorado.

“…Incident Description. On October 2, 2007, a work crew of industrial painters employed by RPI Coating, Inc. (RPI) began applying a new epoxy coating to the steel interior section of the penstock at the Cabin Creek hydroelectric plant operated by Xcel Energy, Inc. (Xcel), located south of Georgetown, Colorado.

“Shortly after the epoxy application commenced, the work crew experienced problems with the spraying process, resulting in poor coating quality. Spraying was terminated and the crew began cleaning the sprayer system equipment with a flammable solvent, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), to remove epoxy residue before taking the equipment out of the penstock. During this cleaning operation, MEK vapors inside one of the two epoxy hoppers ignited and flashed. The resulting fire grew quickly, consuming several other open containers of MEK and numerous buckets of epoxy material positioned around the sprayer.

“Four RPI crew members positioned on the side of the fire nearest the exit evacuated the penstock, although three were later treated for injuries: one received minor burns, one fractured his arm, and another suffered breathing difficulties. Five additional crew members trapped opposite the exit were unable to evacuate due to the fire and narrow configuration of the penstock. The five workers later succumbed to smoke inhalation inside the penstock and died….” (CSB. Investigation Report. Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire. 2010, pp. 10-12.)

Sources

National Fire Protection Association. “2007 Multiple-Death Fires.” NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2008, pp. 57-63.

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Investigation Report. Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire. Washington, DC: CSB Report No. 2008-01-1-CO, Aug 2010, 180 pages. Accessed 5-31-2016 at: http://www.csb.gov/xcel-energy-company-hydroelectric-tunnel-fire/

—   18  Blanchard tally based on State and local breakouts below.

— >16  Wikipedia. “Tropical Storm Erin (2007).”

 

Missouri         ( 1)

— 1  Sleeper vic., Laclede County, Aug 20. Drowning; man drove vehicle into flood water.[1]

 

Oklahoma      ( 6)

—  6  Statewide. Reuters. “Six dead as storm’s remains drench Oklahoma.” 8-20-2007.

—  1  Carnegie vic., Hwy 58, Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman, 76.[2]

—  1  Carnegie vic., Hwy 58, Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman 37.[3]

—  1  Carnegie vic., Hwy 58, Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman, 17.[4]

—  1  Fort Cobb vic., Caddo County, Aug 19. Drowning, home cellar, woman.[5]

—  1  Kingfisher vic., Hwy 33, Kingfisher Co. Drowning; man, 52, drives vehicle into water.[6]

—  1  Seminole, Seminole Co.. Drowning; car swept into flooded drainage ditch, woman, 67.[7]

 

Texas              (11)

–11  Statewide. Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–11         “         Wikipedia. “Tropical Storm Erin (2007).”

–10         “         UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007.

—  9         “         Roth, David (NWS). Texas Hurricane History. 1-17-2010 update, p. 72.

—  8         “         Fox News. “Floodwaters in Southwest, Midwest, Claim 20 Lives.” 8-20-2007.

—  7         “         UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007.

—>6         “         Chicago Tribune. “Missing sought as state braces for new storm.” 8-19-2007.[8]

—  3  Harris County. NWS Houston/Galveston. Post Tropical Cyclone Report…Erin.  8-22-2007.

 

—  1  Clear Lake City, Harris Co., Aug 16. Roof collapse due to heavy rain, male killed.[9]

—  1  Clear Lake City, Harris Co. Roof collapse, heavy rain, male employee (Whitt, 26) killed.[10]

—  1  Coronado’s Camp area, Taylor Co. near Abilene, Aug 18. Drowning; woman (Johns), 34.[11]

—  1  Laporte vic., Harris Co., Aug 16. Drowning; man, 50s, drives 18-wheeler into retention pond.[12]

—  3  New Braunfels vic., U.S. 281, Comal County. Vehicular head-on collision.[13]

—  1  San Antonio. Drowning in creek; man (David A. Diaz), 19, got out of car, swept away.[14]

—  1  San Antonio, Aug 16. Drowning; woman[15] swept away, vehicle went into drainage ditch.[16]

—  2  Sisterdale, Kendall Co. Drowning; pickup washed over bridge into creek, males, 48, 28.[17]

 

Cause:

Blunt-Force Trauma, roof collapse: (2)

–1 TX. Clear Lake City, Harris Co., Aug 16. Roof collapse due to heavy rain, male killed.

–1 TX. Clear Lake City, Harris Co. Roof collapse, heavy rain, male employee (Whitt, 26) killed.

 

Drowning:                                          (  1)

–1 OK. Fort Cobb vic., Caddo County, Aug 19. Drowning, home cellar, woman.

 

Drowning, Vehicular-Related:         (12)

–1 MO. Sleeper vic., Laclede County, Aug 20. Drowning; man drove vehicle into flood water.

–1 OK. Carnegie vic., Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman, 76.

–1 OK. Carnegie vic., Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman 37.

–1 OK. Carnegie vic., Caddo Co., Aug 19. Drowning; van driven into water, woman, 17.

–1 OK. Kingfisher vic., Hwy 33, Kingfisher Co. Drowning; man, 52, drives vehicle into water.

–1 OK. Seminole, Seminole Co. Drowning; car swept into flooded drainage ditch, woman, 67.

–1 TX. Coronado’s Camp area, Taylor Co. near Abilene, Aug 18. Drowning; woman (Johns), 34

–1 TX. Laporte vic., Harris Co., Aug 16. Drowning; man, 50s, drives 18-wheeler into retention pond.

–1 TX. San Antonio. Drowning in creek; man (David A. Diaz), 19, got out of car, swept away.

–1 TX. San Antonio, Aug 16. Drowning; woman swept away, vehicle went into drainage ditch.

–2 TX. Sisterdale, Kendall Co. Drowning; pickup washed over bridge into creek, males, 48, 28.

 

Vehicular Accident:                          (  3)

–3 TX. New Braunfels vic., U.S. 281, Comal County. Vehicular head-on collision.

 

Texas

 

NWS WFO Houston/Galveston: “Harris…feeder band from TX Erin set up across mainly eastern Harris County and produced rainfall amounts of up to 9 inches.  This rainfall resulted in widespread street flooding and also caused several creeks and bayous in the area to exceed their banks and flood numerous homes in the same area.  There were three deaths as a result of this inland flooding….

 

“Harris….Moderate flooding occurred mainly over eastern portions of Harris County.  Over 400 homes…over 100 apartment units and 40 businesses were flooded mainly in the cities of Pasadena and La Porte.  Numerous creeks and bayous exceeded their banks along with widespread street flooding was observed throughout eastern Harris County.  There were three deaths that was caused by Erin.  A portion of a roof of a Randall’s Food Store collapsed, two men who were working in the load docks area [died].  A third death occurred when a truck driver drove his vehicle into a retention pond and drowned in the cab of the truck.” (NWS WFO, Houston/Galveston. Post Tropical Cyclone Report…Erin.  8-22-2007.)

 

Roth: “August 14-22nd, 2007 (Erin): A broad low pressure area formed near the Yucatan channel. The system organized as it moved through the central and western Gulf of Mexico, becoming a tropical depression and then tropical storm as it headed towards southern Texas. The system moved inland and weakened to a tropical depression. As is typical for a non-sheared tropical cyclone, thunderstorms developed near the center each night. Early on the morning of the 19th, a shortwave moved by to its north which significantly enhanced divergence over the tropical depression and led to significant strengthening. Beginning at 1 am CDT, maximum sustained winds reached tropical storm force, peaking at 50 mph between 2 and 3 am with gusts near 80 mph as the system briefly formed an eye feature. The central pressure of the depression dipped from 1007 hpa to at least 1000 hpa per observations from the Oklahoma mesonet.

 

“After sunrise, the shortwave that led to the deepening moved by to the east and began to shear the cyclone from the northwest. The system weakened back into a tropical depression by noon and its low level circulation was gone by 4 pm CDT. Its remnant mid level circulation led to one last burst of very heavy rainfall over Missouri. Thereafter, the shortwave accelerated eastward and its associated rainfall dropped off significantly. Flooding in Houston led to 400 homes and 40 businesses becoming submerged. Nine died due to Erin in Texas. Damages were minimal from this storm.” (Roth, David (NWS). Texas Hurricane History. 1-17-2010 update, pp.  71-72.)

 

Aug 17, UPI: “Houston , Aug. 17 (UPI) — At least seven people were killed when the tail end of Tropical Storm Erin roared through Texas, flooding roads and leaving thousands of commuters stranded. A Randalls grocery store employee and a Coca-Cola delivery man were killed on a loading dock at a Clear Lake-area store after a roof collapsed and an unidentified man drowned when he drove his 18-wheeler truck into a retention pond Thursday, a Harris County sheriff’s spokesman told the Houston Chronicle.

 

“Three people were killed in a crash on rain-slicked U.S. 281 in Comal County near New Braunfels and the body of a 19-year-old man was recovered from a creek in San Antonio.

 

“In Houston, the storm flooded streets and disrupted light rail and bus service for hours and what was described as a flash flood washed vehicles onto train tracks near Reliant Park, the newspaper said….

 

“At the storm’s peak, as many as 20,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were without power, officials said…” (UPI.com.  “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” Aug 17, 2007.)

 

Aug 19, UPI: “San Antonio, Aug. 19 (UPI) — Tropical Storm Erin killed at least 10 people as it moved across Texas.  One of the victims, Evelin Luna, was apparently swept away after she drove into a drainage ditch in San Antonio late Thursday. The young woman apparently did not realize in the darkness that her Hummer was surrounded by a six-foot deep torrent, The San Antonio Express-News reported.  Her body was found 2 miles away after a 16-hour search. Four passengers, including a 1-year-old baby, survived.  “It’s times like these, for a firefighter, that really breaks your heart,” District Fire Chief Patrick Zepeda said.

 

“In Sisterdale, a small town about 45 miles from San Antonio, a Mexican businessman and his adult son were also swept away. Would-be rescuers were close to reaching them after their truck stalled on a bridge over sister creek.  The body of Juan Ramon Zaragoza of Nuevo Laredo was found less than a mile from the bridge over Sister Creek where he was trapped with his son, Pablo, who was still missing early Saturday.

 

“Other victims included a San Antonio 18-year-old whose sport utility vehicle skidded into a creek Thursday; three people who died in a head-on collision on U.S. 281 in Comal County; two people killed in a roof collapse in Houston; and a truck driver whose tractor-trailer went into a retention pond in Harris County.” (UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007.)

 

Wikipedia: “Tropical Storm Erin was the second tropical cyclone to make landfall in the United States in the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. The fifth named storm of the season, it formed in the Gulf of Mexico on August 14 from a persistent area of convection. It attained tropical storm status the next day, and on August 16 Erin made landfall near Lamar, Texas, and persisted over land across Texas before moving northward into Oklahoma. The storm resulted in at least 16 fatalities and worsened an already-severe flooding issue in Texas….

 

“In Clear Lake City [TX], heavy rainfall collapsed a portion of a grocery store roof, killing two workers.  The precipitation caused moderate flooding across eastern portions of Harris County; over 400 homes and 40 businesses were flooded.[18]  Flooding across the Greater Houston area briefly halted the METRORail and closed several state roads.  One person drowned after driving into a retention pond.[19]  Several people required rescue assistance, and in Comal County a car accident caused three fatalities.  The passage of the storm temporarily left about 20,000 electrical customers without power, though most outages were quickly restored.  In San Antonio, one body was recovered from a creek and another died after driving into a flooded road and was swept into a drainage ditch in which four others survived.  In Sisterdale, two people were killed when they were swept away stalled over Sister Creek.[20]  In Taylor County, near Abilene, flooding killed one person and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people.[21] Damage in Texas totaled over $45 million (2007 USD).”   (Wikipedia.  “Tropical Storm Erin (2007).”

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Oklahoma Inundated by Remnants of Tropical Storm Erin.” FoxNews.com, 8-19-2007. At: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/08/19/oklahoma-inundated-by-remnants-tropical-storm-erin/

 

Associated Press. “Oklahoma: Five dead after storm causes heavy rain, flooding.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-19-2007. Accessed at: http://www.joplinglobe.com/statenews/x212081303/Oklahoma-Five-dead-after-storm-causes-heavy-rain-flooding

 

Fox News. “Floodwaters in Southwest, Midwest, Claim 20 Lives.” 8-20-2007. Accessed at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/08/20/floodwaters-in-southwest-midwest-claim-20-lives/

 

Hays Daily News, KS. “Erin brings torrential rain to Texas.” 8-17-2007, p. 7. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=143737272&sterm

 

Knabb, Richard D. Tropical Cyclone Report. Tropical Storm Erin (AL052007) 15-17 August 2007. Miami: National Hurricane Center, 4-7-2008. Accessed at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL052007_Erin.pdf

 

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Springfield, MO. “Preliminary Local Storm Report…” 8-21-2007. At: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=aug19-20_2007_flooding_lsr

 

NewsOK.com. No headline. 8-20-2007. Accessed at: http://newsok.com/article/3106843

 

Rendon, Ruth, Rad Sallee and Lindsay Wise. “Second man dies in Clear Lake-store roof collapse.” Houston Chronicle, 8-16-2007. Accessed at: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Second-man-dies-in-Clear-Lake-store-roof-collapse-1541145.php

 

Reuters. “Six dead as storm’s remains drench Oklahoma.” 8-20-2007. Accessed at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/08/20/us-storm-erin-oklahoma-idUSN1962789920070820

 

Rhor, Monica (Associated Press). “Texas officials prepare for Hurricane Dean; flooding hits Abilene,” MyPlainview.com, Plainview, TX, 8-19-2007. Accessed at: http://www.myplainview.com/article_6fbf11e6-1ea4-522d-b202-4ccd6fa79bb7.html

 

Roth, David (National Weather Service). Texas Hurricane History. Camp Springs, MD:  NWS.  1-17-2010 update.  At:  http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/txhur.pdf

 

UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007.  Accessed 2-19-2011 at:  http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2007/08/19/At-least-10-die-in-Texas-in-latest-floods/UPI-28421187502729/

 

UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007.  Accessed 2-19-2011 at:  http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2007/08/17/Tropical-Storm-Erin-leaves-7-dead-in-Texas/UPI-46401187359498/

 

USA Today, “Soggy Texas braces for Hurricane Dean,” 8-18-2007. Accessed at: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2007-08-17-texas-flood_n.htm

 

Wikipedia. “Tropical Storm Erin (2007).” 2-19-2011 at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Storm_Erin_(2007)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] “A body was recovered in rural northeast Laclede County at approximately 8 PM. Apparently a man drove into flood water where a bridge had been completely washed out.” NWS WFO Springfield, MO. “Preliminary Local Storm Report…” 8-21-2007. Cites local Emergency Manager for the information.

[2] Donita Horse. “The Bodies were found Sunday evening still inside the van, which was in a large pond about a quarter of a mile west of State Highway 58 near Carnegie, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Kera Philippi.” ‘There was rushing water on the roadway, about 3 feet deep, but on the surface it was calm,’ Philippi said. ‘There were two eyewitnesses that saw the vehicle get swept away. The victims were identified as the wife, daughter and a niece of Kiowa Chief Billy Horse, said Richard Kauahquo, a member of the tribe’s business committee. Donita Horse, 76, Helen Rae Horse, 37, both of Carnegie, and Rose Saddleblanket, 17, of Americas, Ga., were driving from Lawton about 12:30 a.m. when their car was swept from the roadway, Philippi said.” (AP. “Oklahoma: Five dead after storm causes heavy rain, flooding.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-19-2007.) Also: “Officials near Carnegie found three women dead Sunday afternoon after their van was swept off the road early Sunday about 6 miles south of the community, said Capt. Chris West, spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.” NewsOK.com. 8-20-2007.

[3] Helen Rae Horse. (AP. “Oklahoma: Five dead after storm causes heavy rain…” Joplin Globe, 8-19-2007.)

[4] Rose Saddleblanket. (AP. “Oklahoma: Five dead after storm causes…flooding.” Joplin Globe, 8-19-2007.)

[5] Was thought “she sought shelter in her cellar from thunderstorms, which is the usual procedure for storms in tornado-prone Oklahoma.” (Reuters. “Six dead as storm’s remains drench Oklahoma.” 8-20-2007); NewsOK.com. 8-20-2007, citing Caddo County Emergency Management Director; date of death is from: AP. “Oklahoma Inundated by Remnants of Tropical Storm Erin.” FoxNews.com, 8-19-2007.

[6] Bernard Ward’s body found about 14 miles west of Kingfisher. (AP. “Oklahoma: Five dead after storm causes heavy rain, flooding.” Joplin Globe, 8-19-2007.) Also: NewsOK.com. 8-20-2007. Cites Kingfisher County Sheriff.

[7] Reuters. “Six dead as storm’s remains drench Oklahoma.” 8-20-2007. Cites Daily Oklahoman.

[8] Notes one other person missing due to Erin’s thunderstorms and flash flooding.

[9] “A Randalls grocery store employee and a Coca-Cola delivery man were killed on a loading dock at a Clear Lake-area store after a roof collapsed…” UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007. Date noted in: Rendon, et al. “Second man dies in Clear Lake-store roof collapse.” Houston Chronicle, 8-16-2007.

[10] Daniel Whitt (Rendon. “Second man dies in Clear Lake-store roof collapse.” Houston Chronicle, 8-16-2007.)

[11] Rita Johns. Her body was found several hours “after her vehicle was found washed off the road in an area called Coronado’s Camp…the 34-year-old woman was on her way to work when she drowned.” (Monica Rhor (AP). “Texas officials prepare for Hurricane Dean; flooding hits Abilene,” MyPlainview.com, Plainview, TX, 8-19-2007.)

[12] Cited is Harris County sheriff’s spokesman. UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007. Another account notes the location as near state highways 225 and 146. (Rendon, et al. “Second man dies in Clear Lake-store roof collapse.” Houston Chronicle, 8-16-2007.)

[13] UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007. Also: “Three people died in a head-on collision on a rainy highway in Comal County, but Department of Public Safety Trooper Rick Alvarez said the cause of the crash still was under investigation.” (Hays Daily News, KS. “Erin brings torrential rain to Texas.” 8-17-2007, p. 7); and, UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007.

[14] David Alexander Diaz. (USA Today, “Soggy Texas braces for Hurricane Dean,” 8-18-2007; UPI.com. “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” 8-17-2007.)

[15] Evelin Luna “…was apparently swept away after she drove into a drainage ditch in San Antonio late Thursday. The young woman apparently did not realize in the darkness that her Hummer was surrounded by a six-foot deep torrent…” (UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007); USA Today, “Soggy Texas braces for Hurricane Dean,” 8-18-2007.

[16] Fox News. “Floodwaters in Southwest, Midwest, Claim 20 Lives.” 8-20-2007.

[17] “Searchers in Kendall County found the body of one of two people missing after their pickup was washed over a bridge and into a creek just as rescuers tried to pull them out, sheriffs Chief Deputy Matt King said. The victim was identified as Juan Ramon Zaragoza, 48. His son, Juan Pablo Zaragoza, 28, was still missing, King said.” USA Today, “Soggy Texas braces for Hurricane Dean,” 8-18-2007. Also: UPI.com. “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” 8-19-2007, which notes that the creek was Sister Creek in Sisterdale. Juan Pablo Zaragoza’s body was found on Aug 18. (Fox News. “Floodwaters in Southwest, Midwest, Claim 20 Lives.” 8-20-2007.)

[18] Cites:  NWS Houston/Galveston. Post Tropical Cyclone Report…Erin.  8-22-2007.

[19] Cites:  UPI.com.  “Tropical Storm Erin Leaves 7 Dead in Texas,” Aug 17, 2007.

[20] Cites:  UPI.com.  “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” Aug 19, 2007.

[21] Cites:  UPI.com.  “At Least 10 Die in Texas in Latest Floods.” Aug 19, 2007.