DECEMBER 2000 VOLUME 42 NUMBER 12 STSTORMORM DDAATTAA

AND UNUSUAL PHENOMENA WITH LATE REPORTS AND CORRECTIONS

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER noaa ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE ASHEVILLE, NC Cover:. The photograph shows ice covering sidewalks and railings from the on December 12-13, 2000 and December 25-27, 2000. The ice storms made walking hazardous, and limited movement of pedestrians and motorists. (Photograph courtesy of John Robinson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, WFO Little Rock, AR) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Outstanding of the Month ...... 4 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena ...... 6 Additions/Corrections ...... 165 Reference Notes ...... 172

STORM DATA (ISSN 0039-1972) National Climatic Data Center Editor: Stephen Del Greco Assistant Editors: Stuart Hinson and Rhonda Mooring STORM DATA is prepared, and distributed by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena narratives and Hurricane/Tropical Storm summaries are prepared by the . Monthly and annual statistics and summaries of and events resulting in deaths, injuries, and damage are compiled by the National Climatic Data Center and the National Weather Service's (NWS) . STORM DATA contains all confirmed information on storms available to our staff at the time of publication. Late reports and corrections will be printed in each edition. Except for limited editing to correct grammatical errors, the data in Storm Data are published as received. Note: "None Reported" means that no occurred and "Not Received" means that no reports were received for this region at the time of printing. Subscription, pricing, and ordering information is available from: NCDC Subscription Services 310 State Route 956 Building 300 Rocket Center, WV 26726 (866) 742-3322 Toll Free The editors of STORM DATA solicit your help in acquiring photographs (prints or slides; black and white, or color), maps, clippings, etc. of significant or severe weather events (past or present) for use in the "Outstanding Storms of the Month'' section of STORM DATA. We request our subscribers or other interested persons to mail such items to: Storm Data National Climatic Data Center 151 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 Any such items received by the editor will be for use in STORM DATA only. Any other use will be with the permission of the owner of said items. Materials will be returned if requested.

This is an official publication of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is compiled from information received at the National Climatic Data Center Asheville, 28801-2733.

Thomas R. Karl Director, National Climatic Data Center

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 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, North Central ALZ006 Madison 01 0000CST 0 0 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST The average monthly measured at the Huntsville International Airport was 34.8 degrees. This reading made December 2000 the third coldest December on record. The records began in 1958. ALZ024 Jefferson 01 0000CST 0 0 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST The average monthly temperature observed at the Birmingham International Airport was 38.1 degrees. This temperature made December 2000 the third coldest December since records began in 1900. ALZ044 Montgomery 01 0000CST 0 0 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST The average monthly temperature recorded at Dannelly Field was 40.8 degrees. This was the coldest December since records began in 1910. Perry County Uniontown 16 0135CST 0 0 4K 0 (1.75) Golf ball size was reported by the Uniontown Police Department. Perry County Marion 16 0150CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was observed in the city of Marion. Bibb County West Blocton 16 0223CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.88) Nickel size hail was reported near West Blocton. Jefferson County Forest Dale 16 0250CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail fell in Forestdale. Jefferson County Birmingham 16 0255CST 0 0 5K 0 Hail (1.75) Golf ball size hail was reported in downtown Birmingham. Jefferson County Tarrant 16 0300CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail or larger was observed in Tarrant and Fultondale. Lauderdale County Countywide 16 1110CST 0 0 2K 0 Wind (G50) 1120CST A few trees were blown down across the western part of Lauderdale County near the Tennessee River. Marion County Countywide 16 1130CST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Several trees were knocked down across the western part of Marion County. Marion County 8 W Hamilton 16 1130CST 0 0 2K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Several trees and power lines were blown down across western parts of Marion County. Franklin County Countywide 16 1140CST 0 0 8K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1230CST Numerous trees were blown down throughout the county. Marion County Hamilton 16 1205CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Penny size hail was reported near Hamilton on SR 187. Sumter County Gainesville 16 1220CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was reported at the Gainesville Lock and Dam on the Tombigbee River. The hail lasted around 5 minutes and then crossed the river. Greene County 4 SW Mt Hebron 16 1225CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was observed at the Gainesville Lock and Dam that moved into western Greene County south of SR 39. Lawrence County 5.2 NE Courtland to 16 1225CST 3.7 30 0 0 0 0 Tornado (F0) 8.9 NE Courtland 1230CST

1 6 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, North Central Limestone County 3.9 WSW Ripley to 16 1230CST 1.4 40 0 0 95K 0 Tornado (F1) 2.8 W Ripley 1231CST The tornado first touched down in Lawrence County northeast of Courtland in open farm land. It traveled northeast into Limestone County crossing the Tennessee river and causing damage about 2.9 miles south of Coxey in southwest Limestone County. The tornado travelled approximately a half mile on land in Limestone County before dissipating rapidly. One house lost a portion of a roof, two other homes sustained damage from falling trees, several boat houses and out-buildings were destroyed, and numerous large trees were downed. The survey team could find no damage in Lawrence County, however, two people photographed the tornado, one on the east side of Courtland looking northeast and one at Poplar Point in Limestone County looking northwest as it came ashore on the Limestone County side of the river. Beginning: 34 42.569/87 13.850 Ending: 34 45.874/87 10.228 Limestone County 5.1 NW Athens to 16 1238CST 4.8 60 0 0 150K 0 Tornado (F2) 5.1 N Athens 1244CST A second tornado began 5.1 miles west-northwest of Athens just south of O'Neal. The tornado travelled in a northeasterly direction crossing SR 99 where several houses were damaged heavily. Continuing northeast the tornado crossed CR 63 and damaged several houses and destroyed three mobile homes just south of Cross Key. The tornado then crossed CR 26 and SR 127 before dissipating about 5.0 miles north of Athens.

The tornado was rated an F2 with no known injuries reported. The total tornado path was 4.8 miles long and about 60 yards wide. The tornado began at 12:38 PM and dissipated at 12:44 PM.

Beginning: 34 50.326/87 03.032 Ending: 34 52.552/86 58.748 Tuscaloosa County 4.9 W Hull to 16 1254CST 18 750 11 144 12.5M 0 Tornado (F4) 2.9 ENE Cottondale 1312CST The tornado began in southwestern Tuscaloosa County on the west side of the Black Warrior River. Traveling in a northeasterly direction the tornado moved from a rural, unpopulated area of the Black Warrior River into an area of homes south of Shelton State Community College. The tornado crossed SR 69 destroying a nearly complete shopping center which included a Winn Dixie store. East of SR 69 the tornado destroyed a number of houses and residential structures.

As the tornado reached US 82 it destroyed a number of mobile homes where several deaths were reported. From US 82 the tornado continued northeasterly downing numerous trees and power lines and damaging residential structures. The tornado crossed I-20/59 just west of exit 77 where many trees were uprooted or snapped off. Minor damage occurred to the JVC manufacturing facility.

At exit 77 a number of commercial structures including hotels, fast food restaurants, and truck stops sustained damage including a number of vehicles that were overturned. The tornado continued northeasterly for a couple of miles before dissipating rapidly. Ironically, the tornado dissipated as it moved into an open, unpopulated area.

The tornado was spawned by a thunderstorm that originated in Mississippi. This thunderstorm was responsible for additional tornado damage in St. Clair and Etowah counties.

Tuscaloosa EMA reported 11 fatalities with this tornado along with 144 injuries. Nine of the fatalities occurred in mobile homes, one in a vehicle, and one in a commercial building converted to residential use. Six of those killed were females and five were males. Ages ranged from 16 months to 83 years old. There were 251 single family dwellings affected (43 destroyed, 76 with major damage, 138 with minor damage), 179 mobile homes affected (79 destroyed, 23 with major damage, 77 with minor damage), and 13 businesses affected (1 destroyed, 7 with major damage, 5 with minor damage).

The tornado was on the ground for a total of 18 miles, all within Tuscaloosa County. The tornado path was estimated to be 750 yards wide at it's maximum intensity.

This tornado was rated an F4 on the Fujita Scale for tornado intensity. Tornado intensity varied along the path with considerable F2 and F3 damage in the area from just west of SR 69 to US 82 in the Hinton Place and Hillcrest Meadows areas as well as the Bear Creek area. It was also in these areas where pockets of F4 destruction occurred.

The tornado first touched down at 12:54 PM and dissipated at 1:12 PM with a forward speed of approximately 60 MPH.

Beginning: 33 03.225/87 39.239 Ending: 33 12.065/87 24.292 M40VE, M20MH, F39MH, F53MH, F83MH, M26MH, M1MH, M9MH, F39MH, F56MH, F64PH Perry County Uniontown 16 1310CST 0 0 15K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) A few trees were knocked down in Uniontown. One of the trees fell onto a carport and smashed a car.

2 7 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, North Central Perry County 1.7 NW Suttle to 16 1329CST 0.7 30 0 0 4K 0 Tornado (F0) 1.4 N Suttle 1331CST A weak tornado briefly touched down just north of the city of Suttle. The tornado was briefly on the ground as it crossed SR 14 between Suttle and Radford, in rural southeast Perry County. Several trees were snapped off or blown over along the short path. This tornado occurred at the apex of a bowing line of . Beginning: 32 33.208/87 11.931 Ending: 32 33.452/87 10.977 Jefferson County Mulga 16 1332CST 0 0 25K 0 Hail (2.75) 1345CST Dime to baseball size hail was reported throughout central Jefferson County west of Birmingham. Madison County Meridianville 16 1339CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was reported in Meridianville. Chilton County Maplesville 16 1408CST 0 0 3K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Several trees were blown down in Maplesville. Blount County Remlap 16 1410CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.88) Dime to nickel size hail fell in Remlap. Lawrence County Courtland 16 1416CST 0 0 2K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Several trees were blown down near Courtland and nickel size hail was also reported. St. Clair County 5.5 SW Ashville to 16 1420CST 8.5 200 0 2 175K 0 Tornado (F2) 3.2 E Ashville 1431CST In St. Clair County, an F2 tornado track extended from near Cool Springs to south of Ashville to near Gum Springs Church. The total track was 8.5 miles long and about 200 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado began at 220 PM on County Road 31, just west of Cool Springs. The tornado lifted around 231 PM about 3 miles east of Ashville. Four houses sustained significant damage and two mobile homes were annihilated. A baseball park was damaged at the Ashville High School. Two injuries occurred near the beginning of the tornado track near Cool Springs. Beginning: 33 47.292/86 19.737 Ending: 33 50.819/86 12.055 Jefferson County Pinson 16 1433CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Penny size hail was observed in Pinson and Fultondale. Limestone County Elkmont 16 1433CST 0 0 3K 0 Hail (1.75) Golf ball size hail was reported near Elkmont and in the Woodson area. Colbert County Countywide 16 1435CST 0 0 2K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1442CST A few trees and signs were blown down generally across the eastern two thirds of the county. Marion County Countywide 16 1445CST 0 0 10K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 1515CST Several trees and power lines were knocked down across much of the eastern two thirds of the county. A few outbuildings were destroyed. The most concentrated area of damage was located just north of the city of Guin. Several billboards were also blown down throughout the county. Etowah County 5.3 ENE Gadsden to 16 1446CST 8.1 500 0 14 10M 0 Tornado (F3) 6.5 E Wilsonia 1459CST Cherokee County 7.8 SW Centre to 16 1459CST 4.7 500 0 0 40K 0 Tornado (F3) 3.4 SW Centre 1505CST Damage in Etowah and Cherokee counties was the result of an F3 tornado. The tornado track was 12.8 miles long and just over one quarter of a mile or about 500 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado touched down near Tidmore Bend, 5.3 miles east north east of the city of Gadsden, at 246 PM and lifted at 305 PM near Pollard Bend in Cherokee County. The tornado track was 8.1 miles in Etowah County and 4.7 miles in Cherokee County for a total of 12.8 miles. The most significant damage with the tornado was in the Coats Bend Community of Etowah County where 14 injuries occurred and approximately 250 homes were either totally destroyed or had major damage. Damage in Cherokee County was limited to downed trees and damage to a couple of structures. Beginning: 34 02.864/85 55.347 Ending: 34 06.877/85 42.900

3 8 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, North Central Lauderdale County Countywide 16 1500CST 0 0 8K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) A few trees and power lines were blown down across the eastern part of Lauderdale County. A few of the trees fell onto homes. One outbuilding was damaged and one roof was partially torn off a restaurant. Calhoun County 1 SE Bynum to 16 1517CST 0.3 20 0 0 0 0 Tornado (F0) 1.3 SE Bynum 1518CST A weak tornado briefly touched down near Bynum. The emergency management reported that the tornado caused little or no damage. Dime size hail was also reported with this storm. Beginning: 33 36.499/85 56.621 Ending: 33 36.576/85 56.340 Cleburne County Edwardsville 16 1530CST 0 0 4K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 1536CST Several trees were blown down in the National Forest just north and northwest of Edwardsville. Limestone County Athens 16 1535CST 0 0 4K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 1545CST Several trees were knocked down across the eastern half of Limestone County. Winston County Houston 16 1542CST 0 0 3K 0 Hail (1.75) Golf ball size hail was observed in the Houston and Addison areas. Lawrence County Moulton 16 1545CST 0 0 2K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) Trees were blown down in the city of Moulton. Cullman County 5 NW West Pt 16 1550CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was reported in the Battleground area on SR 157. Madison County Countywide 16 1610CST 0 0 5K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1635CST A few trees were blown down across Madison County. Most of the trees fell between New Market and south Huntsville and some of them temporarily blocked roads. A few thousand customers were without power due to falling trees and lightning. Tuscaloosa County 7 E Samantha 16 1615CST 0 0 2K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees were blown down east of Samantha along Yellow Creek. Morgan County Somerville 16 1615CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime size hail was reported in Somerville. Talladega County Lincoln 16 1635CST 0 0 1K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) A few trees were blown down and temporarily blocked a roadway in Lincoln. Autauga County Booth 16 1645CST 0 0 4K 0 Hail (1.75) Golf ball size hail was observed in Booth. Autauga County 3.2 SE Pine Level 16 1655CST 0.2 20 0 0 0 0 Tornado (F0) 1656CST A weak tornado touched down briefly near CR 87 southeast of Pine Level. The emergency management agency reported a brief touched with little or no damage in a rural area in eastern Autauga County. Beginning: 32 32.798/86 25.936 Ending: 32 32.888/86 25.734 Jackson County Princeton 16 1655CST 0 0 3K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees and power lines were knocked over along SR 65 in western Jackson County. Jackson County Scottsboro 16 1715CST 0 0 1K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) A few trees were blown down in the Paint Rock Valley and near the city of Scottsboro. Shelby County Pelham 16 1716CST 0 0 0 0 Hail (0.88) Nickel size hail was reported near SR 119. Dekalb County 5 S Ft Payne 16 1735CST 0 0 1K 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) A few trees were knocked down south of Fort Payne on CR 52.

4 9 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, North Central Macon County 2.9 NE Shorter to 16 1746CST 0.7 50 0 0 15K 0 Tornado (F0) 3.6 NE Shorter An F0 tornado touched down near the intersection of CR 30 and CR 9, just off Hooks Road. Three homes sustained damage mainly in the form of blown out windows and roof damage. Several trees were also snapped off or blown over along the path. Two outbuildings were destroyed at the homes and two satellite dishes were also destroyed. Beginning: 32 24.642/85 52.256 Ending: 32 24.966/85 51.693 Randolph County 8.3 SE Wedowee to 16 1819CST 1 40 0 0 5K 0 Tornado (F0) 8.9 SE Wedowee Numerous trees were blown down along the short path of this tornado. No injuries were reported as the tornado remained in mostly rural areas. Beginning: 33 15.540/85 21.287 Ending: 33 16.020/85 20.414 ALZ024 Jefferson 31 0930CST 1 0 0 0 Extreme Cold A Birmingham man died Sunday morning from after being found outside of the Norwood boarding house where he lived. The coroner reported that the man's body temperature was 77 degrees when he was found. The morning low reported at the Birmingham airport was 16 degrees. M43OU ALABAMA, Southeast Geneva County 1.5 SW Geneva to 16 1134EST 4.5 100 1 9 2.5M Tornado (F2) 3 NE Geneva 1140EST An F2 tornado touched down on West Hendrix Avenue, just north of Highway 27 South, then tore through the Devco Community, Geneva, AL and continued on through the Bellwood Community just east of Highway 85 before lifting. In its wake, the tornado damaged up to 100 homes and destroyed five mobile homes, damaged or destroyed 15 vehicles, and downed numerous trees and power lines. About 6,000 county businesses and homes were without power until the following day. One woman was killed when her mobile home was hurled about 200 feet and destroyed. Nine others were injured, one of them seriously. Geneva County was declared a federal disaster area. Reported by the Geneva County EMA. F35MH Houston County 4 N Wicksburg to 16 1200EST 2 75 0 0 50K Tornado (F0) 6 NNE Wicksburg 1208EST The supercell thunderstorm which spawned the F2 tornado in Geneva moved northeast across extreme western Houston County and produced an F0 tornado which caused minor roof damage to five homes, blew out windows and overturned lawn furniture. The tornado tracked northeast into southeast Dale County. Reported by the Houston County EMA. Dale County 5 SW Pinckard to 16 1208EST 17 300 0 0 2M Tornado (F2) 12 NE Pinckard 1230EST The F0 tornado moved northeast from extreme western Houston County into southeast Dale County. It rapidly intensified to an F2 tornado as it continued its intermittent track into the eastern portion of the county. A Midland City church annex lost parts of its roof and walls. Several homes in the Doe Run Subdivision south of Pinckard were destroyed and numerous others were damaged. In Pinckard, numerous trees and power lines were down. Many homes and businesses were damaged, some seriously. The tornado tracked northeast into western Henry County. Reported by the Dale County EMA. Henry County 13 SW Abbeville to 16 1230EST 10 150 0 0 2.9M Tornado (F1) 3 SW Abbeville 1245EST The F2 tornado continued its intermittent track northeast from eastern Dale County into western Henry County, but had weakened to an F1 tornado. Just north of Murphy Station along Highway 27 and a quarter mile west of U.S. Highway 431, the tornado completely destroyed the Murphy Feed & Seed warehouse, numerous peanut trailers and two sheds. Before the tornado dissipated, it severely damaged the West Point Stevens Textile plant. Numerous vehicles were damaged. Henry County was declared a federal disaster area. Reported by the Henry County EMA. Houston County Countywide 16 2030EST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind 2045EST Numerous trees and power lines down. Reported by the Houston County EMA. ALABAMA, Southwest ALZ061 Upper Mobile 16 0800CST 0 0 50K 0815CST Patchy, but locally dense, fog formed over Mobile Bay during the early morning hours. The fog sharply reduced visibilities along sections of the Interstate 10 Bayway, just east of the George Wallace Tunnel. Between 800 am and 815 am, a couple of multi-car pileups occurred in the eastbound lanes of the interstate. The chain reaction accidents involved about 20 vehicles, and occurred just

5 10 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALABAMA, Southwest east of the tunnel. Fog reduced visibilities, reportedly less than 30 feet in some locations along the Bayway, played a part in the accidents. No serious injuries were reported. Marengo County Thomaston 16 1315CST 0 0 8K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1317CST High winds from a thunderstorm blew down several trees and power lines near Thomaston. County Millry 16 1440CST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 1442CST High winds from a thunderstorm blew down several trees near Millry. A couple of homes also had some shingles blown from their roofs. Clarke County Grove Hill 16 1450CST 0 0 20K Lightning Lightning struck an abandoned house near Grove Hill. The house caught on fire and most of it was destroyed before the fire department could put the fire out. Clarke County Grove Hill 16 1455CST 0 0 8K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1457CST High winds from a thunderstorm blew several trees and power lines down near Grove Hill. Choctaw County Butler 16 1455CST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1457CST Trees were blown down just south of Butler by high thunderstorm winds. Wilcox County Camden 16 1515CST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1517CST Trees were blown down near Camden by high thunderstorm winds. Conecuh County Repton 16 1645CST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1647CST Trees were blown down near Repton from high winds during a thunderstorm. Covington County Gantt 16 1742CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) 1743CST Dime size hail was reported near Gantt. Covington County 5 E Wing 16 1810CST 0 0 20K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1812CST High winds from a thunderstorm blew down several trees along County Road 4 near Givens Bridge. One of the trees fell near a home and damaged a porch and two vehicles parked near in the driveway. ALZ039-051>056 Marengo - Choctaw - Washington - Clarke - Wilcox - Monroe - Conecuh 21 0500CST 0 0 30K 0900CST Light Freezing occurred during the early morning hours, resulting in a thin layer of ice on the elevated surfaces of bridges and overpasses. Reports of accidents were received from several locations across Southwest Alabama due to the slippery road conditions. ALASKA, Northern AKZ004 01 1320AST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 02 1215AST A 996 mb Low in the eastern Tanana Valley combined with a broad area of High Pressure over the Arctic Ocean and cold arctic air from the north produced a strong pressure gradient and wind chills to 70 below zero, reported at the Remote Automatic Weather Station at Makpik Creek, in the Upper Noatak Valley. AKZ006-009>010 02 0135AST 0 0 03 1515AST AKZ007 03 1035AST 0 0 High Wind (G48) M 1135AST An occluded weather front from a 963 mb Low over the central Aleutian Islands moved north over the Bering Sea, with High pressure persisting over the Arctic Ocean. This produced near-blizzard conditions at: Zone 9: Gambell, Savoonga Zone 10: Cape Romanzof, Hooper Bay

6 11 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Northern Zone 6: Golovin This system also produced strong winds in Zone 7 through the Alaska Range where Healy reached gusts of 55 mph. AKZ001 03 2135AST 0 0 Blizzard 05 1500AST AKZ007 04 1900AST 0 0 High Wind (G46) M 05 0600AST Moderate Low pressure in the Bering Sea sent several weather fronts north over western Alaska, producing Blizzard conditions across Zone 1 at: Point Lay, Kuparuk, Deadhorse, and near-blizzard conditions at Barrow.

The fronts also produced strong east winds blowing down the Tanana River due to persisting High pressure over the eastern Tanana Valley and Western Canada. Delta Junction ASOS reported gusts to 53 mph. AKZ001 05 1800AST 0 0 Blizzard 06 2100AST A trough of Low pressure stretching from northwest Alaska across the North Slope intensified while High pressure persisted over the Arctic Ocean. This produced blizzard conditions at Kuparuk, and near-blizzard conditions at Barrow and Deadhorse. AKZ009 10 0135AST 0 0 High Wind (G52) M 0500AST AKZ001-003-006 10 0600AST 0 0 Blizzard 12 0600AST Strong High Pressure over the northern third of Alaska strengthened, while several Low pressure centers moved north over the Bering Sea. Blizzard conditions occurred at: Zone 3: Afternoon/evening of the 10th: Deering, Kotzebue, Kivalina, Shishmaref; Night of the 11th: Kotzebue, Kivalina, near-blizzard conditions at Deering and Buckland. Zone 6: Golovin, and near-blizzard conditions at Unalakleet. Zone 1: Nuiqsut, Wainwright, Kuparuk High Wind occurred at: Zone 9: Gambell AWOS: sustained wind 48 mph, gust to 60 mph. AKZ003-007 17 1000AST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 19 2000AST AKZ001-003-006-009 19 0000AST 0 0 Blizzard 20 0500AST AKZ003 19 1442AST 0 0 Winter Storm 1600AST High pressure over eastern Siberia and the Yukon Territory combined with several low pressure systems moving north over the Bering Sea brought blizzard conditions and strong winds to northwest Alaska. Enough warm air moved north from the last of the weather fronts to cause brief at Deering in zone 3 during the middle of the afternoon on the 19th. Strong winds also occurred over the Tanana Valley along the Tanana River where the associated weather fronts moving over Alaska intensified the East winds at Delta Junction, as well as south winds through the Alaska Range, blowing at Healy. Blizzard conditions were reported at: Zone 3: Kotzebue Zone 6: Nome Zone 9: Tin City Zone 1: Point Lay High Winds were reported at: Zone 3: Point Hope AWOS: 51 mph sustained, gust 61 mph. Zone 7: Delta Junction ASOS: 48 mph sustained, gust 60 mph afternoon of the 17th; Healy: 35 mph sustained, gust 60 mph evening of the 19th. AKZ007 23 2000AST 0 0 High Wind (G43) M 25 1200AST A ridge of High pressure pushing into the eastern Tanana Valley and low pressure persisting in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska produced strong winds near the Alaska Range, namely at Delta Junction ASOS; highest wind gust was 50 mph. AKZ003>005-009 28 2100AST 0 0 High Wind (G68) M 31 2355AST

7 12 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Northern AKZ003-009 30 0900AST 0 0 Blizzard 1600AST An intensifying 966 mb Low in Bristol Bay pushed north against stationary High pressure over the Arctic Ocean, resulting in strong winds and brief blizzard conditions across portions of western Alaska and along the southern slopes of the Brooks Range. Blizzard conditions were reported at: Zone 9: Gambell; Savoonga Zone 3: Cape Lisburne, blizzard conditions likely at Point Hope. High Winds reported at: Zone 3: Point Hope AWOS: gust to 78 mph. Zone 9: Gambell AWOS: gust to 69 mph. Zone 5: Remote Automated Weather Station at Graphite Lake (northern Upper Yukon Valley): gust to 58 mph. Zone 4: Remote Automated Weather Station at Makpik Creek (Upper Noatak Valley) and Indian Mountain AWOS: gusts to 56 mph. ALASKA, Southeast AKZ027>028 Southern Southeast Alaska Ernest Sound To Dixon Entrance - Dixon Entrance To Cape Decision-Coastal Area 01 0000AST 0 0 High Wind (G70) M 1400AST A rapidly developing North Pacific low grazed the outer coast of the southern Panhandle of Alaska as the system tracked northward into the Gulf of Alaska. This brought very strong winds to the region for a 12-14 hour period. Peak winds associated with this event were 81 mph at Hydaberg Seaplane Base, 75 mph at the Ketchikan Airport Tower, and 63 mph at Cape Decision. AKZ024 Lynn Canal-Glacier Bay 01 0300AST 0 0 Heavy 0900AST A winter storm dumped 7 to 10 inches of snow in Haines. AKZ025 Juneau Borough-Admiralty Island-Icy Strait Area 13 2300AST 0 0 High Wind (G73) M 14 1000AST A brief "Taku" wind event affected downtown Juneau and Douglas Island overnight. Peak winds measured during this downslope windstorm included 84 mph at Eagle Crest, 62 mph at South Douglas, and 60 mph at the Juneau Federal Building. AKZ023>024-026 Cape Decision To Cape Fairweather-Coastal Area - Lynn Canal-Glacier Bay - Frederick Sound-Kupreanof- Wrangell Islands To Ernest South 16 0000AST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1000AST Some areas in the central and northern inner channels of Southeast Alaska received heavy snow as a low pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska spread warm moist air over a shallow arctic airmass. Storm totals included 10 inches at Port Alexander, 8 inches in Wrangell, and 13 inches in Haines. AKZ023 Cape Decision To Cape Fairweather-Coastal Area 18 0045AST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 0530AST A strong cold front in the eastern Gulf of Alaska brought gusty winds to the outer coast of the Panhandle. The peak wind measured during this event was 64 mph at Cape Decision. AKZ024 Lynn Canal-Glacier Bay 25 0500AST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2000AST Bands of snow showers dumped up to 1 foot of snow in Haines. Snowfall amounts varied from 4 inches in town to 12 inches at the Customs Station. AKZ022 Cape Fairweather To Cape Suckling-Coastal Area 30 1600AST 0 0 High Wind (G55) 31 0400AST A mature Pacific storm moved into the northeastern Gulf of Alaska and brought a round of strong and gusty winds to the coastal area near Yakutat. Winds at the Yakutat airport ASOS reached 55 mph, and winds at the harbor exceeded 60 mph. ALASKA, Southern AKZ161-191 Bristol Bay - Western Aleutians 01 0900AST 0 0 High Wind (G56) 02 1600AST A strengthening low 120 miles south of Amchitka at 9 am Friday moved by Adak late Friday as a 956 mb center. The low then curved north to 180 miles north of Adak later Saturday where it became nearly stationary and slowly began to weaken. The front with the low crossed the central Aleutians around midday Friday, lying in a long arc fro Amchitka to 60 miles south of Saint Matthew Island to near Port Moller at 3 pm Saturday.

Atka first gusted in excess of 60 mph after the 11:15 am Friday observation (southeast gusts 63 mph). Frontal passage occurred right around this time. Post frontal winds (on the east side of the low) reached 73 mph from the southeast between 8:15 pm and 8:35 pm Friday.

8 13 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Southern Two ships north northwest of Amchitka reported sustained northerly winds in the 55 to 65 mph range on the west side of the storm. AKZ171 Kodiak Peninsula 03 1200AST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 04 1800AST A moderate 980 mb low 300 miles south of Chignik late Saturday moved very close to Chignik at 9 am Sunday, weakening rapidly thereafter as it headed through the extreme northeast corner of Bristol Bay Sunday afternoon. The front associated with this low was also responsible for gusty southeasterly winds. Gusts of at least 64 mph were recorded at the Sitkinak automated site just before noon Sunday as the front passed. Gusts at the Kodiak Coast Guard Base Airport reached 45 mph Sunday morning as the front approached. Reports at the Kodiak ASOS typically under report southeast winds that blow in adjacent areas of town. At the remote Forest Service site at Booth Lake, wind gusts reached 56 mph just prior to frontal passage. At the Augustine Island site, wind gusts reached 61 mph Sunday morning prior to frontal passage. Gusty east winds were also reported at Iliamna. Winds at all of these locations diminished rapidly with the frontal passage. AKZ121 Kenai Peninsula 04 0900AST 0 0 20K Winter Storm 2359AST AKZ125-135 Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns - Sern P.W. Snd 04 1630AST 0 0 High Wind (G111) M 05 0400AST A strong 963 mb low 480 miles south of the Alaska Peninsula moved north to Chignik late Monday, weakening to a 971 mb center. The low then looped north northeast, weakening to a 991 mb center in upper Cook Inlet Tuesday afternoon. The front associated with this storm moved into the southeast Alaska Peninsula and southern Kodiak Island Monday afternoon, preceded by brisk easterly winds. By early Tuesday, the front lay in a weakening arc through the extreme northeast Kuskokwim Valley through eastern Prince William Sound and southeast toward the Panhandle of the State.

Pre-frontal easterly winds gusts first reached 60 + mph around Portage at about 4:30 pm Monday, peaking at 75 mph between 6 and 7 pm. Wind gusts diminished to less than 60 mph just after 9 pm Monday at the site.

In zone 111 (Anchorage Municipality) pre-frontal wind gusts of 48 mph were reported at the Glen Alps site. At Site Summit, a Forest Service/BLM remote site just above the 3900 foot level, pre-frontal wind gusts of 128 mph were reported at 9 pm, along with sustained winds of 72 mph. Winds diminished at the Site Summit location just before midnight as the front moved through.

In zone 135, peak pre-frontal winds at Middleton Island first went above 60 mph at 6 pm, peaking at 64 mph between 6:55 and 7:15 pm the same day. Winds diminished significantly there with frontal passage at around 9 pm. Wind gusts at the Prince William Sound Science Center reached 51 mph, however these are reportedly low due to site exposure and the wearing out of the low end reporting system. Winds at the southeast Sound buoy briefly gusted 60 mph between 10 and 11 pm Monday.

Significant winds were reported in the Homer area. Although reports from available sources only picked up maximum easterly winds of 40 mph, this article appeared nearly a month later in the Homer News... "The windstorm that blew through Homer early this week downed 35 to 40 trees and knocked out power for some 14 hours to three villages near the head of Kachemak Bay late Monday.

Homer Electric Association line crews then faced treacherously icy roads while attempting to repair the damage and restore power to Kachemak Selo, Razdolna and Voznesenka, according to HEA spokeswoman Sandra Ghormley." Peak winds at the Homer ASOS reached 37 mph between 6 and 7 pm Monday and the Homer Spit Wind reported gusts of at least 40 mph between 4 and 5 pm the same day. " AKZ181 Alaska Peninsula 06 0400AST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 1200AST A moderate front approaching the Alaska Peninsula from the southwest was preceded by strong southeast winds. Gusts at the Cold Bay ASOS first reached 60 mph or greater between 3:53 am and 4:29 am Wednesday. Peak winds at the site reached 61 mph between 4:30 and 5:00 am Wednesday. Winds at the site rapidly began to diminish by 5 am, as the front moved through. with the frontal passage, winds began to rapidly diminish. Winds at Port Heiden reached 58 mph between 7:15 and 7:35 am Wednesday. By noon, the front had cleared the Alaska Peninsula and winds were no longer a threat. AKZ181-185 Alaska Peninsula - Eastern Aleutians 08 0100AST 0 0 High Wind (G69) M 09 0400AST Strong southeast winds were observed ahead of a front, extending from the eastern Bering Sea to just southwest of Dutch Harbor early Thursday. By late Thursday, as the initial front began to dissipate, another front moved north toward the central Aleutians. This front continued northeast toward Saint Matthew Island and Sand Point at 9 am Saturday.

Wind gusts ahead of the first front reached the 60 + mph level at the Dutch Harbor Spit just before 1am Friday. Winds diminished below 60 mph at this site around noon Friday, a few hours prior to frontal passage. Peak winds at the site reached 79 mph between 5 and 5:30 am Friday

9 14 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Southern At Cold Bay, southeast winds briefly gusted at 61 mph between 7 and 8 am Friday. Gusty winds continued until 10 pm Friday, diminishing early Saturday just prior to frontal passage (at the surface). AKZ155 Kuskokwim Delta 08 1600AST 0 0 High Wind (G52) 09 0400AST A weakening front approaching the area was preceded by brisk southeast winds. Gusts around 60 mph were reported near the front for several days.

Wind gusts reached 51 mph at Mekoryuk between 1:35 and 2:15 pm Friday. At Cape Newenham, at the extreme western edge of Bristol Bay, gusts reached 55 mph on the 7:15 pm Friday observation. Several observations were missing at this site during the peak wind times. AKZ145 Susitna Valley 09 1330AST 1 0 2K 1400AST Avalanche fatality occurred Saturday, 9 December 2000 between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm. The put-in was in an area north of Dunkle Mine, around milepost 196 on the Parks Highway. The accident site was about 16 miles in from the road, just inside the park boundary.

The victim (James Thompson, 44) went to help a stuck snowmachiner who had been "highmarking" on a hill which tapered into a ravine. The stuck snowmachiner got himself unstuck and rode downhill. The victim was just heading downslope when he was hit from behind (witnesses said he probably didn't even see the slide coming and thus, didn't accelerate to try to ride it out).

The width of the slide was estimated between 1/4 and 1/2 miles wide. The victim was carried roughly 400 yards.

Two or three people witnessed Thompson getting caught, others in the area saw the slide, but not the victim being carried downslope. A team of 5-6 searchers found the sled and began probing upslope. Within about 15 minutes, they struck the victim. he was buried face down, about 4 feet deep, roughly 20 feet upslope from his snowmachine. He did not have a pulse. CPR was begun while the victim was still in the hole, and continued for 40 - 60 minutes without result. M44OU AKZ171 Kodiak Peninsula 10 0400AST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 0500AST Brisk northeast winds were reported at the Augustine C-Man site early Sunday. Wind gusts briefly reached 61 mph from the northeast just north of the arctic front. An incoming occluded front merged with the arctic front and passed the station just after 10 am Sunday. Winds switched back northeast briefly in mid afternoon, then back to southeast late in the evening. Winds at Sitkinak reached 59 mph several times between 9 and 11 pm Sunday just prior to frontal passage. AKZ125 Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns 10 0753AST 0 0 High Wind (G57) M 0805AST Gust at the Portage ASOS reached 66 mph. All other winds during this time were under 60 mph. AKZ155-161-171-181- Kuskokwim Delta - Bristol Bay - Kodiak Peninsula - Alaska Peninsula - Eastern Aleutians - Western Aleutians 185-191-195 - Pribilof Islands 11 1200AST 0 0 High Wind (G65) M 13 0400AST A strong 948 mb low 270 miles southwest of Shemya early Monday afternoon drifted slowly north into the southwestern Bering Sea, with little change in intensity. By late Wednesday the center was located 180 miles north northwest of Shemya. Thereafter, the low weakened rapidly and remained nearly stationary. The center, in a much weakened form as a 980 mb low, moved just southeast of Shemya very early Saturday...nearly 5 days after its appearance in the western Aleutian area. Initially sustained winds were reported at 60 mph or higher around the south and west sides of the storm.

The front associated with this storm, moved northeast toward the western Aleutians Monday, elongating east and north into an arc must north of the southern Bering buoy (46035), into the Pribilofs to near Dutch Harbor at 9 am Tuesday. By 9 am Wednesday, the front extended in a broad arc from Cape Navarin, Russia, to Cape Romanzof into the southern third of Kodiak Island...in a weakened form. The front dissipated during the next 12 hours, no longer preceded by strong winds. Initially strong easterly winds were observed in advance of the front.

Across the western Aleutians, sparse reports picked up at least 53 mph winds Monday afternoon at Adak, several hours prior to frontal passage. Gusts at Shemya, out at the far western extremity of the Aleutian Chain, were recorded at 68 mph Monday evening between 7 and 8 pm Monday. Winds were accompanied by a driving mix of snow and rain, briefly accompanied by blizzard conditions at both Adak and Shemya. Winds above 60 mph began in the western Aleutians just after noon Monday.

Across the eastern Aleutians, peak winds above 60 mph were first reported at the Dutch Harbor Spit just after 3 am Tuesday. Peak winds at the site reached 70 mph between 3:30 and 4:00 am Tuesday...several hours prior to frontal passage.

10 15 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Southern Pribilof Island reports at Saint Paul and Saint George pegged peak winds from the southeast at 54 mph during Tuesday morning, several hours prior to frontal passage. Undoubtedly, peak winds across other parts of the zone reached or exceeded 60 mph. Peak winds died just prior to frontal passage in the late morning.

Across the Alaska Peninsula, peak winds above 60 mph began just after 2 am Tuesday. Gusts of 75 mph were reported at Cold Bay between 9 and 10 am Tuesday, several hours prior to actual frontal passage.

Western capes of Bristol Bay also recorded strong southeast pre-frontal winds. Gusts of 60 mph were first recorded at Cape Newenham on the 4:55 am observation, Tuesday. However, observations at the site were missing since just before 9 pm Monday until the 4:55 am report. Peak winds at the site reached 64 mph just after noon Tuesday. The Togiak AWOS also reported strong southeast winds, peaking at 55 mph between 9:15 and 9:45 am Tuesday and 63 mph between 11:55 am and 12:35 pm Tuesday.

Wind reports first reached 60+ mph in the Kodiak Island zone between 4 pm and 5 pm Tuesday at Sitkinak. Winds at the site gusted as high as 68 mph between 5 and 6 pm Tuesday. Frontal passage marked a quick wind shift to the south and rapid diminishing of the winds. Easterly winds at the Booth Lake site reached 47 mph late Tuesday. Strong winds were confined to the extreme south part of the Island, like affecting the communities of Akhiok and Old Harbor where no reports are readily available. AKZ111 Matanuska Valley 13 1725AST 0 0 High Wind (G61) M 2030AST Brisk northeast wind gusts above 60 mph began at the Wasilla Fire Station between 3:15 and 3:30 pm Wednesday. Modified arctic air flowing out of the Copper River Basin...associated with strong high pressure in the Northwest Territories of Canada...was the cause of the winds. Peak gusts reached 70 mph between 5 and 5:30 pm Wednesday, with gusts diminishing below 60 mph by 8:30 pm. AKZ171-181-195 Kodiak Peninsula - Alaska Peninsula - Pribilof Islands 14 1600AST 0 0 High Wind (G87) M 15 1215AST A moderate 972 mb low 180 miles south of Cape Sarichef Thursday afternoon moved into western Bristol Bay Friday, curving west toward Saint Paul Island early Saturday where it began to weaken. Gusty southeast winds were observed along the east semicircle of the low. Winds along the south and southeast side of the low were also quite gusty and reached high wind criteria along the Alaska Peninsula. Cold Bay recorded the first gust of 60 + mph on the 3:53 pm observation...peaking at 68 mph on the 8:53 pm report. Winds at the site diminished below 60 mph by 10:53 pm. Sand Point registered wind gusts above 60 mph from 10:55 am to 12:15 pm Friday, peaking at 63 mph between 10:55 and 11:15 am.

Across the Pribilofs, wind gusts of 59 mph were reported just after midnight Thursday at Saint Paul Island. Gusts near 60 mph were also reported at Saint George Island between 11pm and midnight Thursday. Known equipment bias indicates that gusts reached warning thresholds.

The front associated with this low moved into the northern part of Bristol Bay and central Kodiak Island by 9 am Friday, weakening from Nunivak Island to the Barren Islands at 9 pm Friday. Brisk easterly winds preceded the front. Gusts of 60 + mph began at Sitkinak after 1 am Friday, peaking at 100 mph at 6 am, then subsiding to less than 60 mph with frontal passage just after 8 am Friday. Peak winds at the Kodiak Coast Guard base reached 47 mph Friday morning. AKZ111-125-135-171 Matanuska Valley - Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns - Sern P.W. Snd - Kodiak Peninsula 16 2200AST 0 0 High Wind (G87) M 17 1900AST A moderate low, moving toward the eastern Alaska Peninsula from the North Pacific Saturday, moved to Chignik at 3 am Sunday as a 963 mb center. The low then looped north northwest, weakening to 976 mbs just southwest of Bethel at 3 am Monday. The low dissipated as it moved northwestward thereafter.

The front associated with the low was preceded by strong east winds. Across Kodiak Island, gusts at Sitkinak reached 100 mph between 10 and 11pm Saturday, several hours before frontal passage. Wind gusts of 70 mph were also reported during the first few hours of Sunday just after the frontal passage. Gusts diminished below 60 mph after 3 am Sunday. Winds at Booth Lake and Kodiak were well into the 50 mph range early Sunday just prior to frontal passage. Gusts at Augustine Island reached 71 mph at 8 am Sunday, diminishing below 60 mph an hour before frontal passage at 11 am Sunday.

In the Matanuska Valley, gusty northeast winds briefly reached 62 mph around 10 am Sunday. Advisory winds in this area persisted for much longer.

At the Portage ASOS, peak winds first reached 60 + mph just after 9 am Sunday, peaking at 64 mph between 10:30 and 11:00 am Sunday and 66 mph just before 7 pm Sunday. Wind gusts diminished below 60 mph after 7 pm Sunday as the front passed the station and winds shifted to the west.

At Middleton Island, prefrontal southeast winds of 60 + mph were reported from 10 am Sunday to 3 pm Sunday. Peak winds reached 68 mph between noon and 1 pm. Winds at the Prince William Sound Science Center peaked at 59 mph Sunday in advance of the front.

11 16 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Southern It was during this storm that the Coast Guard received a request to evacuate 5 remaining hunters on Montague Island, one of whom was supposedly running low on diabetic medication. 2 others were 6 days beyond their pickup date and were staying in a tent. The pickup plane was unable to get to the hunters due to weather. The Coast Guard CG-6028 landed and recovered the 2 hunters. The second set of three hunters were recovered a short time later. On scene weather was "Ceilings 200ft, Visibility 1NM, Winds 130/70kts, Breaking beach 40ft". AKZ101 Anchorage Muni To Bird Creek 17 1600AST 2 0 50K Heavy Snow 18 0400AST Snow was caused by a cold front aloft, moving across low level arctic air. This event was preceded by an upper elevation/Turnagain Arm .

This was the second significant snow of 2000 - 2001 winter season. 3- 5 inches reported around Anchorage town, 8 to 12 inches along the upper Anchorage Hillsides and Eagle River. Duration of snow less than 12 hours. The first seasonal snow was in October. All of the October snow melted by early November and road surfaces had been clear of snow and ice for over a month.

Reports of 8+ inches of snow in 12 hours or less were received at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, 12/17/00, along and adjacent to the hillside. Snowfall became light with little additional accumulation by before midnight. Snowfall ended early Monday.

Dozens of collisions were reported in and around Anchorage. Estimated dollar amount $50 K. Slick roads were responsible for 2 deaths (22 year old woman and 7 month old infant). F22VE, ?1VE AKZ101-181 Anchorage Muni To Bird Creek - Alaska Peninsula 18 1200AST 0 0 High Wind (G109) M 19 1000AST A moderate front moving toward Bristol Bay from the north-central Pacific Ocean was preceded by very gusty south southeast winds. Gusts briefly reached 60 mph at the Sand Point AWOS between 12:35 pm and 1 pm Monday ahead of the front. Gusts at the Cold Bay ASOS reached 55 mph just after 9 am Monday while gusts of 56 mph were recorded at Chignik just prior to frontal passage there at 3 pm.

Pre-frontal winds at Sitkinak briefly reached 62 mph between 4 and 5 pm Monday.

Peak winds reported in the Bristol Bay area reached 56 mph at King Salmon, but not until between 6 and 7 pm Monday, well after the warning was changed to an advisory (10 am Monday).

Around the Anchorage hillside, gusts of 60 + mph were first reported at Glen Alps after 10 pm Monday, peaking at 75 mph there between 3 and 4 am Tuesday. Last gusts of 60 + mph were reported at 10 am Tuesday. Wind gusts of 125 mph were recorded early Tuesday at Site Summit, a remote BLM system just above 3900' near Arctic Valley. AKZ101-121-125-155- Anchorage Muni To Bird Creek - Kenai Peninsula - Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns - Kuskokwim Delta - Bristol 161-171 Bay - Kodiak Peninsula 19 0400AST 0 0 5K High Wind (G111) M 21 0300AST A strengthening 963 mb low moved northwestward toward Cold Bay late Tuesday morning and early Tuesday afternoon, moving to 60 miles north northwest of saint Paul Island at 3 am Wednesday and weakening to 973 mbs.

The front associated with this low, extending in an arc to Sand Point and east southeast at 9 am Tuesday, moved northwest into the eastern Bering Sea. By 3 am Wednesday, the front lay in a long arc from the northern Bering to just west of Nunivak Island into northeast Bristol Bay. The front was preceded by strong east and southeast winds. In the Bristol Bay area, prefrontal gusts reached: 62 mph at Egegik between 3 and 6 pm Tuesday. 60 mph briefly at Port Heiden between 4 and 5 am Tuesday. At Cape Newenham, gusts of 60 + mph were first observed just after noon Tuesday, peaking at 66 mph between 2:55 and 3:55 pm, diminishing below 60 mph by 8 pm Tuesday. East southeast winds at Togiak peaked at just under 60 mph Tuesday evening. Around Kodiak Island, gusts reached: 60 + mph at Sitkinak between 10 am Tuesday and 3 pm Tuesday. 64 mph at Booth Lake between 2 and 3pm Tuesday. Along the Kuskokwim Delta, very infrequent observations pegged highest winds at 59 pm at Cape Romanzof just before 6 am Wednesday. Gusts reached 60 + mph at Mekoryuk just after 2 am Wednesday, peaking at 64 mph between 2:55 and 3:15 am, with last gusts of 60 + mph reported just before 4 am.

A frontal low, developing 600 miles south of Cordova at 3 pm Tuesday, intensified to 978 mbs as it moved to 150 miles southeast of Kodiak at 9 am Wednesday. The low then moved into southwest Alaska where it rapidly began to weaken just southwest of Stoney River at 9 pm Wednesday. The front associated with this second low moved north and northwest...onshore of the north-central Gulf Coast and into the northwest Alaska Range at 9 pm Wednesday...rapidly dissipating thereafter. Brisk east and northeast winds

12 17 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ALASKA, Southern preceded the front. Gusts at Augustine Island reached 62 mph between noon and 1 pm Wednesday. Gusts at Middleton Island briefly peaked at 68 mph at frontal passage between 9:55 am and 10:15 am Wednesday. At Portage, gusts of 60 + mph began just after 10 am Wednesday, peaking at 75 mph between 3 and 4 pm, with gusts going below 60 mph after 4:24 pm. East wind gusts of 60 mph were also reported from the Whittier Harbor from 2 - 4 pm Wednesday. Lightning and thunder accompanied frontal passage around Seward, where a funnel was reported by the general public Wednesday. Gusts along the upper Anchorage hillside reached 60 + mph just after 11 am Wednesday, peaking at 74 mph just prior to midnight, diminishing below 60 mph after 2 am Thursday. Gusts at Site Summit, a remote BLM system located just above the 3900' of the mountains just east of Anchorage, reached 85 mph early Wednesday and 128 mph between 8 and 9 pm Wednesday, with gusts of 85 mph still recorded at 3 am Thursday. At Pilot Rock, near the entrance to Resurrection Bay, winds peaked at 67 mph as the front passed around 2 pm Wednesday. Strong winds were also reported around Seward. An anemometer at Cook Inlet Processing across the bay measured a peak wind gust of 83 mph at 3:45 pm. A thunderstorm was also reported later that evening. Damage was limited to shingles and torn siding. Along the Kenai Peninsula, gusts of 51 mph were reported at the Seldovia airport with gusts of 55 mph reported at the Homer Spit between 7:20 and 8:00 pm Wednesday. Sparse data indicates that these reports were less than peak winds in the zone. AKZ135-171 Sern P.W. Snd - Kodiak Peninsula 27 1300AST 0 0 High Wind (G58) M 28 1000AST A moderate front, moving northwestward from the eastern Pacific, was preceded by brisk east winds around Kodiak Island. Gusts of 60 + mph were reported at Sitkinak from just after 1 pm Wednesday to 10 pm Wednesday. Peak winds reached 67 mph at the site between 5 and 6 pm Wednesday. Peak wind observations missing from Booth Lake from noon Wednesday through midnight. Northeast wind gusts at Augustine Island reached 63 mph at 5 am Thursday.

The front also produced gusty east winds to 60 mph as it approached Prince William Sound. Middleton Island briefly reported a gust of 60 mph between 5:15 and 5:55 am Thursday. AKZ125 Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns 28 0000AST 0 0 5K Heavy Snow 29 2359AST A moderate front moved into the area Thursday morning, followed by another late Thursday and early Friday. Yet a third front moved into the area, this one stronger than the prior two, Friday afternoon, passing through the area early Friday night. Upper level winds were mostly southeasterly until the third front passed, bringing significant to the Turnagain Pass area, reported mostly as snow. The warning actually spanned three separate events.

3 ft of new snow was reported in Turnagain Pass during about a 48 hour period ending Friday. 1 ½ of new snow was reported around Grandview, a site along the Alaska Railroad where an avalanche took out a good part of a freight train in the mid 1990s. AKZ171 Kodiak Peninsula 28 1600AST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 1900AST Strong southeast winds were observed Thursday in the Kodiak zone along the southeast quadrant of a moderate 964 mb low. The center moved northwest toward Chignik late Thursday, with gusty southeast winds of 60 mph at Sitkinak from 4 pm to just after 7 pm Thursday. The low continued northwest into Bristol Bay early Friday where it began to rapidly weaken. AKZ101-125-135 Anchorage Muni To Bird Creek - Wrn P.W. Snd & Kenai Mtns - Sern P.W. Snd 29 1100AST 0 0 High Wind (G99) M 30 0300AST A moderate front approaching Prince William Sound from the southeast, produced wind gusts up to 61 mph at Middleton Island. The same front produced wind gusts up to 69 mph at Portage and brief gusts of 114 mph at Site Summit, a remote high elevation (nearly 4,000') just east of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountain Range. Wind gusts along the Anchorage upper Hillside at Glenn Alps were also gusty, peaking out at 73 mph between 11 pm and midnight Friday, with gusts diminishing to less than 50 mph by 3 am Saturday. AKZ135 Sern P.W. Snd 31 0000AST 0 0 High Wind (G60) M 2359AST Easterly winds reached 69 mph at the Prince William Sound Science Center, probably occurring sometime midday Sunday, as a rapidly weakening low moved northwest by Middleton Island. Moderate pressure rises accompanied the northwest movement of this weakening low, reaching 6 mbs/3 hours at the Cordova airport during this event. AMERICAN SAMOA Tutuila Countywide 15 0800SST 0 0 High Surf Advisory 18 0600SST Surf of 10 to 15 feet bounded south shores of Tutuila over the weekend. These high surf were generated by an unusually strong low pressure are east of New Zealand at this time of the year. Some beaches were closed to the public due to strong rip currents especially during high tides. No major damages were reported through this episode.

13 18 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ARIZONA, Central and Northeast AZZ015 Western Mogollon Rim 12 1700MST 0 0 Winter Storm 13 1000MST A fast moving winter storm left two inches of snow across Flagstaff caused at least 43 traffic accidents. This storm droped a large amount of snow in less than an hour on roads that were already wet and begining to freeze. City streetsturned into ice rinks. There were at least two mulitple car pile-ups on city streets causing local delays. The Flagstaff area schools were on a two hour delay the next morning because of the icy road conditions. AZZ010-015 Chinle Valley - Western Mogollon Rim 16 0115MST 0 0 High Wind (G76) M 1530MST A wind sensor at an elevation of 11,500 feet in the San Fransico Peaks recorded a peak wind gust of 88 MPH at 115 AM. The wind sensor was damaged. During the afternoon, a stoplight was blown down in Kayenta and blowing dust reduced the visibility to less than 500 feet. AZZ015 Western Mogollon Rim 16 2300MST 0 0 High Wind (G99) M 17 1500MST A wind sensor at an elevation of 11,500 feet on the San Francisco Peaks recorded a peak wind gust of 115 MPH at midnight. Sustained winds of 70 MPH continued at that elevation through 2:00 PM. Wind gusts of 85 MPH were reported at 8:30 in the morning. At least ten aspen trees fell over Snow Bowl Road. Another ten aspen trees fell onto ski runs at the Arizona Snow Bowl . AZZ016 Eastern Mogollon Rim 25 1200MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 26 1300MST Ten inches of snow fell in Heber Chirstmas afternoon through the morning of December 26. ARIZONA, Northwest

NONE REPORTED. ARIZONA, South

NONE REPORTED. ARIZONA, Southwest

NONE REPORTED. , Central and North Central ARZ003>007-012>016- Boone - Marion - Baxter - Fulton - Sharp - Newton - Searcy - Stone - Izard - Independence - Johnson - Pope - 021>025-030>034- Van Buren - Cleburne - Jackson - Logan - Conway - Faulkner - White - Woodruff - Scott - Yell - Perry - Polk - 037>047-052>057- Montgomery - Garland - Saline - Pulaski - Lonoke - Prairie - Monroe - Pike - Clark - Hot - Grant - 062>069 Jefferson - Arkansas - Dallas - Cleveland - Lincoln - Desha - Ouachita - Calhoun - Bradley - Drew 13 0100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2000CST

14 19 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ARKANSAS, Central and North Central

Freezing rain accumulated on exposed objects in central Arkansas on 12/13/2000, including the bannister above. Walking and driving became difficult to impossible, with about 250,000 power outages reported across the state. A major Winter Storm developed in Arkansas late on December 12, 2000 and lasted through the evening of December 13, 2000. Arctic high pressure began moving east of the region, with clockwise flow around the high pumping warm and moist air from the Gulf Coast region over below freezing air in Arkansas. The end result was heavy snow and sleet across northern and western sections of the state...and freezing rain and sleet in central and southern sections. More specifically, 3 to 6 inches of snow fell across the extreme north before mixing with sleet...with 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet across much of the north and west. In central and southern sections, one half to 1 inch of freezing rain accumulated...with some sleet mixed in at times. Where icing occurred, there were massive power outages with entire trees falling in some areas due to the weight of the ice. Where trees and tree limbs fell, there was some property damage reported...mainly to roofs and vehicles. The media reported some injuries due to falling tree limbs, but specific numbers were not provided. Power companies in Arkansas reported that about 250,000 customers lost power during the event...which is believed to be the largest outage in Arkansas history. Many people were without power for several days. Extra utility crews and tree trimmers from surrounding states were contacted to help restore power and to remove tree debris from lines. Winter Storm Warnings were posted almost a day in advance, with highway crews able to treat roads before the event began. Many schools announced they would be closed on the 13th, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management opened their Emergency Operations Center before precipitation began. ARZ003>007-012>016- Boone - Marion - Baxter - Fulton - Sharp - Newton - Searcy - Stone - Izard - Independence - Johnson - Pope - 021>025-030>034- Van Buren - Cleburne - Jackson - Logan - Conway - Faulkner - White - Woodruff - Scott - Yell - Perry - Polk - 037>047-052>057- Montgomery - Garland - Saline - Pulaski - Lonoke - Prairie - Monroe - Pike - Clark - Hot Spring - Grant - 062>069 Jefferson - Arkansas - Dallas - Cleveland - Lincoln - Desha - Ouachita - Calhoun - Bradley - Drew 25 1400CST 0 0 27 0200CST

15 20 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ARKANSAS, Central and North Central

The Ice Storm of December 25-27, 2000 knocked out power to about 300,000 customers. Crews spent days restoring power, with assistance from workers outside of Arkansas. After a major Winter Storm on the 12th and 13th, a long term Ice Storm developed during the morning of December 25, 2000 and continued through the early morning hours of December 27, 2000. The setup was similar to the previous storm, with warm and moist air from the southwest overrunning shallow below freezing air in Arkansas provided by Arctic high pressure. Mostly freezing rain and sleet were noted, with one and a half to 3 inches of ice in western sections of the state and one half to 2 inches of ice elsewhere. The icing was devastating, with about 300,000 customers losing power. Many people were without power for several days. In parts of western Arkansas, there was no water due to power failures and/or generators failing. Hot Springs was the largest city to lose water service. The Governor's Mansion lost electricity and phone service, with the Governor forced to contact some counties with HAM Radio. Roads became nearly impassible due to the ice and trees that had fallen due to the weight of the ice. The National Guard was contacted to help stranded motorists and to deliver emergency generators. Soldiers driving Humvees had to assist the Little Rock ambulance service...which could not reach patients who lived on steep hills in the western part of the city. FEMA officials, which were due into Arkansas to assess damage from the December 12-13, 2000 Winter Storm could not reach the state. Little Rock National Airport was closed from the evening of the 25th until midday on the 27th due to ice on the runways. This was the first time since 1975 that the airport had been closed for more than 24 hours. Ice Storm Warnings were posted well in advance, with one power company already having 3,000 people on standby in other states before the event began. This event combined with the event on the 12th and 13th was believed to be the worst in Arkansas history. ARZ052>053-055>056- Pike - Clark - Grant - Jefferson - Dallas - Cleveland - Desha - Ouachita - Calhoun - Bradley - Drew 062>063-065>069 28 0200CST 0 0 Ice Storm 0900CST Following the Ice Storm on December 25-27, 2000...a system aloft moved through southern Arkansas during the early morning hours of the 28th. With moisture lingering, freezing rain was produced...with additional icing in southern sections of the state. In general, a quarter inch of icing was noted...with locally more. ARKANSAS, East ARZ028 Mississippi 07 0200CST 0 0 10K Ice Storm 1500CST Freezing rain produced some power outages and fallen tree limbs. Over 1,200 homes lost power in Mississippi county. ARZ008>009-017>018- Randolph - Clay - Lawrence - Greene - Craighead - Poinsett - Mississippi - Cross - Crittenden - St. Francis - 026>028-035>036- Lee - Phillips 048>049-058 13 0500CST 0 0 2.1M Winter Storm 1500CST A mix of snow,sleet and freezing rain fell across much of east Arkansas. The storm produced numerous downed tree limbs and power lines. Thousands of homes were without power for some period of time.

16 21 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ARKANSAS, Northwest ARZ001>002-010>011 Benton - Carroll - Washington - Madison 12 0800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1700CST ARZ019>020-029 Crawford - Franklin - Sebastian 12 0800CST 0 0 Ice Storm 1700CST Summary of winter weather on December 12, 2000.

A powerful winter storm developed over the Southern Plains and produced a mixture of snow...sleet and some freezing rain. Precipitation was mostly in the form of snow over Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties, while a mixture of sleet and freezing rain occurred further south in West Central Arkansas. In far Northwest Arkansas, up to 10 inches of snow was reported by late afternoon on the 12th of December. Further south in Crawford county, freezing rain caused extensive power losses. The sheriff's office in Crawford county reported blackouts in Uniontown, Alma, Kibler, Mountainburg, Rudy and Georgia Ridge. Other counties in West Central Arkansas reported only scattered power losses. Numerous accidents were reported south of Fayetteville on ice-slickened Interstate 540, where large trucks could not make it up steep hills. Most businesses, schools and other entities were closed for the day. While damages from this storm are expected to be large, estimates were not available at the time of publication.

Some snowfall totals include Bella Vista...10, Rogers...10, Bentonville...7, Siloam Springs...7, Berryville...6, Fayetteville...6, Mulberry...5, Huntsville...4, Springdale...4, Cedarville...3, Ozark...3, Clarksville...3, Van Buren...3, Fort Smith...2, Greenwood...2, Midland...1. ARZ001>002-010>011- Benton - Carroll - Washington - Madison - Crawford - Franklin - Sebastian 019>020-029 25 0900CST 0 0 Ice Storm 27 0100CST A slow moving winter storm moved across the Southern Plains on Christmas day bringing freezing rain and dangerous ice accumulations to all of Northwest Arkansas. The freezing precipitation slowed or prevented most traffic, stranding many motorists and leaving numerous communities without power. The precipitation lasted until mid-day on the 27th of December. Ice accumulations of 1 to 2 inches were common with locally higher amounts in some areas. In Fort Smith, the 117-year old Newspaper was shut down on the 26th of December for the first time ever. Over 10,000 customers in Northwest Arkansas were without electricity after utility lines were snapped due to falling tree branches. Numerous accidents and dozens of stranded motorists were reported in much of Northwest Arkansas. While damages from this storm are expected to be large, estimates were not available at the time of this publication. ARKANSAS, Southeast ARZ074>075 Ashley - Chicot 13 0200CST 0 0 15K Ice Storm 1600CST Ice accumulations of up to one fourth of an inch were reported in extreme southeast Arkansas during this event. Throughout the event, remained close to the freezing mark. Also, initial precipitation was very light. Therefore, although freezing rain occurred much of the day, damage to trees and powerlines was relatively minor. ARKANSAS, Southwest ARZ050>051-059>061- Sevier - Howard - Little River - Hempstead - Nevada - Miller - Lafayette - Columbia - Union 070>073 12 2000CST 0 0 360M Ice Storm 13 1600CST An arctic air mass spilled southward out of the central plains and into the lower Mississippi Valley. This cold, surface air mass was overrun by a warm humid air mass which combined with a strong upper level storm system across west . the result was widespread freezing rain across all of southwest Arkansas. The precipitation was a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and some light snow northwest of a Texarkana to Prescott Arkansas line while further east the precipitation was all freezing rain. Ice accumulations of two to four inches were common. An estimated 235,000 residents lost electrical power due to ice covered power lines snapping or ice covered trees splitting and falling across the lines. The was the worst storm in the history of the power companies suppling the power as far as damage but not total ice accumulations. A total of 29 transmission lines atop "H" shaped steel towers were snapped due to the weight of the ice. Numerous traffic accidents were also reported and many homes suffered damage from fallen trees and tree limbs. As a result, the Governor of Arkansas declared a State of Emergency for all of southwest Arkansas. Cleanup costs along reached upwards of 15 million dollars. Several Pine Plantations throughout southwest Arkansas suffered catastrophic damage from the ice storm with upwards of 25 million dollars worth of young trees destroyed. ARZ050>051-059>061- Sevier - Howard - Little River - Hempstead - Nevada - Miller - Lafayette - Columbia - Union 070>073 24 2300CST 0 0 165M Ice Storm 26 2155CST After trying to recover from an ice storm two week earlier in the month, another even more devastating ice storm struck all of southwest Arkansas. Freezing rain resulted in ice accumulations ranging from 1/4 inch to as much as 6 inches. After taking a tour of the state, the Governor of Arkansas used words such as apocalyptic and cataclysmic to describe the damage. Power was knocked out across all of southwest Arkansas with nearly 300,000 homes and business without power due to thousands of trees and 2500 power poles either broken or toppled. Utility crews from 23 different states were summoned to help repair lines. Some residents were without power as late as the middle of January 2001.

17 22 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CALIFORNIA, Extreme Southeast

NONE REPORTED. CALIFORNIA, North Central CAZ068>069 Mt Shasta/Western Plumas County - West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada 13 0400PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 15 0400PST More than one foot of snow accumulated above 7000 feet. CALIFORNIA, Northeast CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 02 0530PST 0 0 0 Fog 0630PST Dense fog with 1/4 mile visibility in Quincy, CA. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 02 0550PST 0 0 0 Fog 0650PST Dense fog with 500 foot visibility in Vinton, CA. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 02 0630PST 0 0 0 Fog 0730PST Dense ice fog with 1/10 mile visibility and ice coating in Pittville, CA. CAZ072 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 0520PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0520PST Squaw Valley Ski area reported 10-12 inches of snow at 8200 feet in 24 hours. CAZ072 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 1245PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0645PST Caltrans reported 12 inches of snow in 18 hours at Donner Summit, CA. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 13 1425PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0825PST Caltrans reported 10-12 inches of snow in 18 hours at Fredonyer Pass. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 13 1430PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0830PST Caltrans reported 10-12 inches of snow in 18 hours at 4500 feet on Highway 44. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 13 1500PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G52) M High wind gust of 60 mph recorded by RAWS site in Doyle, CA. CAZ072 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 1705PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0505PST Heavy snow report of 10 inches overnight in Kingvale, CA. CAZ071 Lassen/Eastern Plumas/Eastern Sierra 13 2000PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G51) M High wind gust of 59 mph recorded by a RAWS station in Doyle, CA. CAZ072 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 2155PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0955PST 10 inches of snow overnight at Tahoe Donner, CA. CAZ073 Mono 22 0200PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G62) M Spotter reported a high wind gust to 71 mph at Crowley Lake, CA. CALIFORNIA, Northwest

NONE REPORTED. CALIFORNIA, South Central CAZ090-092-096>097 E Central Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley - S Sierra Mtns - Tulare Cty Mtns 01 0001PST 0 0 Dry 31 2359PST Like November 2000, rainfall amounts for Interior Central California were much below normal for the month of December. Only 0.07" of rain fell in Fresno during November (normal of 1.42"). Bakersfield received only a trace (normal of 0.63"). Proportionally

18 23 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CALIFORNIA, South Central little fell in the neighboring mountain areas. Dominant high pressure along the California Coast minimized significant, rain-producing frontal passages during the months of November and December 2000. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 02 0000PST 0 0 Fog 06 1050PST During the period from December 2nd-6th, a dense late night and early morning fog regime established itself in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley. Visibilities during the hours between midnight and 0900 PST were often below 1/4-mile in dense fog with California Highway Patrol "pacing" traffic on major highways. CAZ095-098>099 Kern Cty Mtns - Indian Wells Vly - Se Kern Cty Desert 12 0413PST 0 0 Wind 1600PST A series of relatively dry frontal passages occurred through Interior Central California from the 11th to 17th of December. On the 12th gusty post-frontal wind speeds reached 54 MPH at Indian Wells Canyon in the Kern Mountains with gusts on the Kern Desert floor of 39 Knots at China Lake NWTC and 56 Knots at Edward AFB Rocket Lab. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 16 2353PST 0 0 Fog 19 1100PST During this period of late evening and early morning fog, numerous reports of visibilities limited to less than 1/4 mile were received as well as Highway Patrol pacing cars on area highways. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 19 0400PST 0 0 Frost 21 0800PST The mornings of the 19th and 20th had temperatures just below freezing in several areas of the agricultural Southern and Central San Joaquin Valley. However the morning of the 21st was much colder for the SW San Joaquin Valley as temperatures fell to 25F at Wasco and 26F at Lemoore. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 24 0400PST 0 0 Fog 27 1015PST During the very early hours of the morning from the 24th through the 27th, dense fog formed in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley. Visibilities dropped to less than 1/4 Mile by dawn during this time period even if the night hours were typically clear and ultimately reaching even freezing before the fog formed, especially on the morning of the 25th. CAZ089-091>092 W Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 25 0400PST 0 0 Frost 0800PST Although Lemoore was the coldest on this morning with 25F as a minimum temperature, typical readings in the West and South San Joaquin Valley this Christmas morning were in the low 30s. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 27 0230PST 0 0 Frost 31 0926PST Beneath high pressure with residual cold air at the surface, overnight low temperatures for the last days of the month dropped to sub-freezing readings consistently. The coldest morning was that of the 28th when temperatures dropped to the mid to upper 20s. The lowest readings were in the Southeast San Joaquin Valley with readings of 26F at Delano, 28F at Porterville, and 27F at Wasco and Visalia. CAZ089>092 W Central Sj Valley - E Central Sj Valley - Sw Sj Valley - Se Sj Valley 30 0100PST 0 0 Fog 31 1100PST Besides low temperatures in the freezing range, dense fog formed in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley during the last part of the month. Both fog and low overnight low temperatures continued into the month of January. CALIFORNIA, Southeast

NONE REPORTED. CALIFORNIA, Southwest CAZ043-043-050 San Diego County Coasts - San Diego County Valleys 01 2330PST 3 3 45K Fog 04 0630PST Dense fog with visibility near zero contributed to several deadly motor vehicle accidents. One man was killed when his vehicle drove into an overpass abutment. Another was thrown from the vehicle as it ran off the road and he drowned in the nearby lagoon. A pedestrian was run over and killed by a car. One man jumped over the highway guard rail to get out of the way of traffic after his vehicle had spun out,not realizing he was on a bridge, and fell 70 feet to the road surface below. M31VE, F53OU, M20IW CAZ048-057 San Bernardino County Valley/The Inland Empire - Santa Ana Mountains And Foothills 17 2100PST 0 0 100K High Wind (G72) M 18 2000PST Santa Ana winds blew down electric, telephone, and cable television lines in Fontana and Chino. A semi-tractor trailer was almost

19 24 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CALIFORNIA, Southwest blown off an overpass on Interstate 15 near Devore. Blowing dust south of March Air Force Base caused hazardous driving conditions. Several small brush fires broke out along the Santa Ana River valley and were difficult for firefighters to contain. CAZ043 San Diego County Coasts 20 2314PST 0 0 Fog 21 0751PST Dense fog with visibility near zero halted all air and sea travel into and out of San Diego, and slowed motor vehicle travel west of Interstates 805 and 15 to a crawl for several hours. San Diego County Encinitas to 22 2200PST 0 2 Heavy Surf Imperial Beach 25 2100PST Breakers between 10 and 15 feet caused strong rip currents, beach , and minor flooding. Lifeguards had to make several surf rescues of surfers and kayakers. Orange County Seal Beach 23 0630PST 0 0 Heavy Surf 0830PST Eight foot waves on top of a spring-high tide of 6.6 feet the morning of 12/23, eroded a sand berm built the previous evening (12/22) to protect sea walls from being battered. Bulldozers were able to rebuild the berm during the low tide to prevent further flooding during the following days. Lifeguards patrolled the water on jet-skis to assist surfers caught in the strong rip currents. CAZ042-048-048>049- Orange County Coastal Plain - San Bernardino County Valley/The Inland Empire - Riverside County 057 Valley/The Inland Empire - Santa Ana Mountains And Foothills 25 0230PST 0 4 665K High Wind (G76) M 26 0603PST Wind gusts greater than 58 mph continued for 25 consecutive hours in the Santa Ana Mountains. In Orange County, power poles, power lines, and many trees were knocked down in the cities of Orange, Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, Westminister, Garden Grove, and La Palma. Power was disrupted to 30,000 homes and businesses. Wind gusts near 38 mph were measured at Huntington Beach Pier.

Across the Inland Empire: winds knocked down power poles, trees, signs, and fences in 23 separate locations in the cities of Yucapia, Redlands, Rialto, Fontana, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Power was disrupted to over 9000 homes and businesses. Many trees were also uprooted. In Riverside County, one fell onto a moving car, causing minor injuries to the occupants. Police, firefighters, power crew and tree-trimmers spent much of Christmas day clearing traffic hazards and battling small brush fires to keep them from spreading. San Diego County Jamul 26 1300PST 0 0 Wild/Forest Fire 1430PST San Diego County 5 E Rincon 26 1600PST 0 0 Wild/Forest Fire 27 2000PST Flames fanned by dry Santa Ana winds charred 50 acres of brush near several homes along Jamul road. The same dry windy conditions also created a 35 acre on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, when a spark from a shovel hitting a rock ignited dry brush. CAZ042>043 Orange County Coastal Plain - San Diego County Coasts 30 1711PST 0 0 Fog 31 0836PST Dense fog forced the closure of both Lindbergh Field and John Wayne Airport for several hours. visibilities along major highways from between the Mexican border and Fullerton was less than a quarter of a mile. CALIFORNIA, Upper

NONE REPORTED. CALIFORNIA, West South Central CAZ034>035 San Luis Obispo County Central Coast - Santa Barbara County Central Coast 13 0230PST 0 0 Heavy Surf 1530PST Large northwest swell generated heavy surf along the Central Coast. Widespread surf of 10 to 12 feet was reported. CAZ034 San Luis Obispo County Central Coast 17 1900PST 0 0 High Wind (G48) 18 0500PST Gusty offshore winds buffeted coastal sections of San Luis Obispo county. In the city of San Luis Obispo, the winds blew out the windows in an unoccupied mobile home, as well as destroyed part of a car port. In Nipomo, a weather spotter reported sustained winds of 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Also, the strong winds produced widespread power outages. Ventura County 7 NE Fillmore 18 0630PST 0 0 Wild/Forest Fire 19 1800PST Gusty Santa Ana winds fueled a wildfire in Hopper Canyon, northeast of the city of Fillmore. The wildfire, which burned 530 acres,

20 25 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CALIFORNIA, West South Central was started by downed power lines. No injuries were reported. CAZ034>035 San Luis Obispo County Central Coast - Santa Barbara County Central Coast 22 1500PST 0 0 Heavy Surf 23 2100PST Large northwest swell generated heavy surf along the Central Coast. Widespread surf of 13 to 16 feet with local sets to 20 feet was reported. CAZ039>041 Santa Barbara County South Coast - Ventura County Coast - Los Angeles County Coasts Including Downtown Los Angeles 22 2100PST 0 0 Heavy Surf 23 2100PST Large northwest swell generated heavy surf along west facing beaches of Southern California. Widespread surf of 7 to 9 feet with local sets to 12 feet was reported. Ventura County 6 SE Santa Paula 25 0515PST 0 0 Wild/Forest Fire 26 0800PST Gusty Santa Ana winds fueled a wildfire in the hills between the cities of Santa Paula and Somis. The fire, which burned over 360 acres, was started by downed power lines. No injuries were reported. Los Angeles County Redondo Beach 25 1520PST 1 0 Rip Currents Strong rip currents led to the drowning of a 16 year old body boarder at Redondo County Beach. M16IW Ventura County 2 N Thousand Oaks 26 0220PST 0 2 Wild/Forest Fire 1230PST Gusty Santa Ana winds fueled a wildfire in the hills above Thousand Oaks, near the North Ranch Country Club. The fire, which burned over 600 acres, was ignited by sparks from a minivan. Two firefighters were injured during the blaze. CALIFORNIA, Western CAZ007 Alameda / Contra Costa Counties 18 0117PST 0 0 1.1M High Wind (G66) M 0900PST The Oakland Hills section of Alameda county experience winds gusting as high as 66 mph according to the observation on Mt.Diablo. Gusts to 62 mph were recorded at Oakland South Raws and a gust of 71 MPH was reported at the Oakland north RAWS in Contr Costa County. A large Monterey Pine tree was blown down onto a house causing extensive damage in the Montclair district. Power to over 2500 customers was lost due to trees blowing into power lines. Three cars were crushed by two trees falling into the road in the broadway terrace neighborhood. Hwy 13 and the entry ramp to I-580 snarled traffic as trees were blown down across these roads. COLORADO, Central and Northeast COZ034-037 Summit County/Mosquito Range/Indian Peaks - South Park 11 0000MST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 0700MST A winter storm brought heavy snow to portions of the North-Central Mountains and South Park. Storm totals included: 12 inches at Berthoud Ski Area, 10 inches at Winter Park Ski Area, with 6 inches, 15 miles northwest of Hartsel, as well as at the Keystone and Loveland Ski Areas. COZ032-034 Middle Park - Summit County/Mosquito Range/Indian Peaks 15 0600MST 0 0 0 Winter Storm 2100MST More snow fell across portions of the North-Central Mountains and Middle Park as another winter storm moved into Colorado. conditions were reported as winds ranging from 25 mph to 55 mph whipped through the region. Snowfall totals included: 8 inches at Fraser, 7 inches, 12 miles northwest of Kremmling and at St. Mary's Glacier, with 5 inches at the Arapahoe Basin, Berthoud and Winter Parks Ski Areas, and the Eisenhower Tunnel. COZ035 Northern Front Range Foothills/Upper Laramie And Cache La Poudre River Basins 15 0900MST 0 0 0 High Wind (G62) M 1000MST High winds developed briefly in the foothills of Boulder and Larimer Counties. Peak wind gusts to 72 mph (62 kts) were recorded at Carter Lake and at the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR). COZ034 Summit County/Mosquito Range/Indian Peaks 15 1500MST 0 0 0 High Wind (G80) M 1600MST High winds developed above timberline during the afternoon. Peak wind gusts to 92 mph (80 kts) were recorded at Breckenridge Ski Area. COZ042-048 Northeastern Weld County - Logan County/Sterling And Vicinity 15 1745MST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 2000MST High winds developed near the Wyoming and Nebraska borders. Peak wind gusts to 64 mph (56 kts) and 58 mph (50 kts) were recorded 4 miles east of Haxtun and 21 miles north of New Raymer.

21 26 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

COLORADO, Central and Northeast COZ033>037-039 Rabbit Ears & Medicine Bow Ranges/Rocky Mountain National Park - Summit County/Mosquito Range/Indian Peaks - Northern Front Range Foothills/Upper Laramie And Cache La Poudre River Basins - Southern Front Range Foothills/Clear Creek Basin - South Park - Eastern Boulder County/Boulder And Vicinity 16 0545MST 0 0 High Wind (G83) M 2300MST High winds clocked to 96 mph (83 kts) occurred in and near the North-Central Mountains and Front Range Foothills. Two semi-trailers were blown over along State Highway 285, northeast of Como. High winds also forced the closure of Hoosier Pass, along Highway 9 between Breckenridge and Fairplay.

Peak wind gusts included: 96 mph (83 kts) at Red Feather Lakes, 94 mph (82 kts) atop Niwot Ridge, 90 mph (78 kts) near Como, 87 mph (76 kts) at Georgetown Lake and NCAR, 84 mph (73 kts), 9 miles west-southwest of Rustic and 72 mph (63 kts) at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) near Boulder. COZ038-040-042-044- Eastern Larimer And Northwestern Weld Counties - Denver Metropolitan Area - Northeastern Weld County - 046-048>050 Morgan County/Fort Morgan And Vicinity - Eastern Elbert And Northern Lincoln Counties/Limon And Vicinity - Logan County/Sterling And Vicinity - Washington County/Akron And Vicinity - Sedgwick And Phillips Counties 17 1445MST 0 1 High Wind (G64) M 2200MST High winds gusting from 60 mph to 74 mph howled across the northeast plains of Colorado. In Fort Collins, a camera man was seriously injured when a gust of wind toppled the video tower that he was standing on while filming football practice. He suffered severe internal injuries when the tower fell on him. In Parker, a 20 ft. by 40 ft. piece of roof was torn off a building. A residence in Limon also sustained wind damage. Near Last Chance, downed branches damaged power lines which caused several electrical outages.

Peak wind reports included: 74 mph (64 kts), 4 miles east of Haxtun, 70 mph (61 kts) at Limon and 14 miles north-northwest of Otis, 67 mph (58 kts) at Fort Morgan and Marino, 64 mph (56 kts) at Hereford and 6 miles south of New Raymer, 63 mph (55 kts), 21 miles north of New Raymer, 62 mph (54 kts) at New Raymer, and 60 mph (52 kts) at Fort Collins and Parker. COZ036 Southern Front Range Foothills/Clear Creek Basin 17 1900MST 0 0 High Wind (G97) M 1930MST An intense, but very localized wind gust to 112 mph (97 kts) was registered near Georgetown Lake. COZ046-048>050 Eastern Elbert And Northern Lincoln Counties/Limon And Vicinity - Logan County/Sterling And Vicinity - Washington County/Akron And Vicinity - Sedgwick And Phillips Counties 18 1230MST 0 2 High Wind (G63) M 2100MST High winds gusting to 72 mph continued to cause problems in the northeast plains of Colorado. Three empty semi-trailers were blown onto their sides along Interstate 76 between Sterling and Sedgwick. Two occupants in one of the semi-trucks were injured, one severely, when it was blown onto its side. Neither was wearing a seat belt. Peak wind reports included: 72 mph (63 kts), 4 miles east of Haxtun, 70 mph (61 kts) at Sedgwick, 68 mph (59 kts) at Limon, 64 mph (56 kts) at Merino, 63 mph (55 kts), 14 miles north-northwest of Otis, 60 mph (52 kts) at Padroni and 59 mph (51 kts) at Crook. COZ033>034 Rabbit Ears & Medicine Bow Ranges/Rocky Mountain National Park - Summit County/Mosquito Range/Indian Peaks 30 2000MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 31 2000MST Heavy snow fell across the North-Central Mountains. Storm totals included: 14 inches at Loveland Ski Area, 11 inches at Berthoud Ski Area, 10 inches at Arapahoe Basin, 8 inches at the Eisenhower Tunnel, and 7 inches at the Copper Mountain, Eldora and Keystone Ski Areas. COLORADO, East Central COZ090>092 Yuma County - Kit Carson County - Cheyenne County 17 1600MST 0 0 High Wind (G64) 18 1600MST High winds were common across all of far eastern Colorado for 2 days. It started with a very strong frontal passage on the 17th. Initial gusts approached 75 mph. The high winds continued into the 18th causing blowing dust across Yuma, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne Counties. Visibilities were near zero in places and made travel difficult until the winds and blowing dust subsided later in the afternoon. COLORADO, South Central and Southeast COZ058>059 Leadville And Vicinity - W Lake / W Chaffee County 10 2200MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 11 0800MST A strong upper level disturbance brought 6 to 10 inches of snow to the central mountains. Climax had 6 inches of accumulation and 10 inches was logged at the Monarch ski area.

22 27 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

COLORADO, South Central and Southeast COZ059-061 W Lake / W Chaffee County - Eastern San Juan Mountains 15 0730MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 16 0900MST A strong upper level disturbance brought areas of strong winds and heavy snow. The Monarch ski area and Wolf Creek Pass received 7 inches of snow. COZ067-072 Teller County/Rampart Range/Pikes Peak - Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge 15 1055MST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 2100MST COZ073-080>081 Pueblo And Eastern Fremont Counties/Pueblo And Vicinity - Prowers County/Lamar And Vicinity - Baca County/Springfield And Vicinity 17 1756MST 0 0 High Wind (G54) M 2306MST A strong cold front and strong pressure gradient, combined with virga brought high winds above 58 mph to parts of southeast Colorado. COZ072 Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge 20 0324MST 0 0 High Wind (G66) M COLORADO, West COZ002>005-009>010- Central Yampa River Basin - Roan And Tavaputs Plateaus - Elkhead And Park Mountains - Upper Yampa 012>013-018 River Basin - Grand And Battlement Mesas - Gore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys - West Elk And Sawatch Mountains - Flattop Mountains - Northwestern San Juan Mountains 10 1200MST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 1200MST An upper level over the western United States brought abundant Pacific moisture to the mountains of western Colorado. At the same time, a Canadian cold front swept south across western Colorado ushering in much colder temperatures. The combination of two above factors, resulted in strong winds, heavy snow and even a few thunderstorms. Total snowfall accumulations ranged from 6 to 12 inches over most of the mountains in western Colorado. West winds gusted to over 60 mph with whiteout conditions common over the higher passes. Lower elevations of northwest Colorado received 5 to 10 inches of snow. COZ020 Paradox Valley / Lower Dolores River Basin 10 1700MST 0 0 25K High Wind (G80) 2300MST Strong surface winds ahead of a low pressure system resulted in downed tree limbs, roof shingles being blown off, and some structural damage to buildings. In the town of Nucla, the winds ripped the roof off of two buildings and destroyed the announcers booth and bleachers at the football stadium. One roof with a heavy swamp cooler attached traveled over the roofs of two residences before crashing into a fence and a driveway. COZ004>005-010- Elkhead And Park Mountains - Upper Yampa River Basin - Gore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain 012>013-018>019 Valleys - West Elk And Sawatch Mountains - Flattop Mountains - Northwestern San Juan Mountains - Southwestern San Juan Mountains 15 0500MST 0 0 Winter Storm 16 1200MST A strong upper level jet stream brought high winds and heavy snow to the mountains of western Colorado. West to northwest winds from 30 to 40 mph with gusts to over 60 mph created near-blizzard conditions with visibilities down to zero. Three major mountain passes were closed, including Rabbit Ears Pass, Vail Pass, and Red Mountain Pass. A wind gust to 85 mph was reported over Red Mountain Pass. Snowfall accumulations across the area varied from 5 to 10 inches, although 2 feet of new snow fell over the Steamboat Springs Ski Area and Rabbit Ears Pass. COZ004 Elkhead And Park Mountains 17 1600MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 18 1100MST A moist northwesterly flow persisted over the northern Colorado mountains resulting in 15 to 20 inches of snow. CONNECTICUT, Northeast CTZ002 Hartford 12 0800EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 1800EST CTZ003>004 Tolland - Windham 12 0800EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1800EST A strong cold front brought damaging wind gusts to Hartford County, especially in the higher elevations where gusts of nearly 60 mph were reported. Trees and wires were reported down in Farmington and Plainville. Gusts of 45 to 55 mph were common in Tolland and Windham Counties, where there were scattered reports of downed tree limbs and wires. One large tree was downed in Willington. CTZ002>004 Hartford - Tolland - Windham 17 1100EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 2200EST A rapidly strengthening low pressure system west of brought a period of damaging southerly winds to northern

23 28 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CONNECTICUT, Northeast Connecticut, as lines of showers passed through southern New England. Following the passage of a strong cold front in the afternoon, increasing northwest winds caused additional damage. Peak wind gusts of nearly 60 mph were common in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties. There were several reports of downed trees and wires, and several thousand electric customers were left without power. CTZ002 Hartford 19 0500EST 0 0 21 0400EST Connecticut River Minor flooding occurred on the mainstem Connecticut River from Thompsonville downstream through Hartford and Middletown. Runoff from snow melt and heavy rain in northern New England, associated with the December 17th windstorm, worked its way down the reach of the river and produced crests of less than one foot above flood stage. A crest of 5.16 feet occurred at Thompsonville at 9 am on the 19th, just over its 5 foot flood stage. Hartford crested at 16.70 feet at 1130 pm on the 19th, a little more than half a foot over its flood stage of 16 feet, and Middletown crested at 8.51 feet at 10 am on the 20th, half a foot over its 8 foot flood stage. There were no reports of flood damage, since flood waters were limited to low lying areas surrounding the river. CTZ002>004 Hartford - Tolland - Windham 30 1300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The season's first winter storm dumped nearly a foot of snow over parts of northern Connecticut. Since the storm occurred on a Saturday, no major travel problems were noted, aside from flight delays at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. Some of the higher snowfall totals reported include 11 inches in Glastonbury and Vernon; 10 inches in Burlington, East Granby, Windsor, Union, and Thompson; 9 inches in Manchester, South Windsor, Farmington, and Woodstock; and 6 to 8 inches in Canton, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Stafford Springs, Putnam, and Ashford. CONNECTICUT, Northwest CTZ001 Litchfield 12 1000EST 0 0 110K High Wind 1600EST An area of low pressure developed across the Tennessee Valley late on December 11th. The storm then rapidly deepened as it moved northeast into the Ohio Valley, Saint Lawrence Valley and eventually across the Canadian Maritimes, on December 12th. The pressure difference between this intensifying storm and large arctic high pressure building over the Southeast, produced a significant high wind event across Litchfield county on December 12th. The strongest winds with the storm came after the passage of the cold front, during the morning hours. A strong westerly wind brought down large limbs, trees and powerlines across the entire county. The hardest hit areas were the cities of Bridgewater, Plymouth, Litchfield, Sharon and Washington. A TV tower was blown down in Litchfield. An estimated 1000 customers were temporarily without power in various parts of the county. Litchfield County Torrington 17 1000EST 0 0 50K Flood 1800EST CTZ001 Litchfield 17 1100EST 0 0 25K High Wind Litchfield County Litchfield 17 1550EST 0 0 75K Flood 1800EST A complex storm system began to evolve on Saturday December 16 across the Mississippi Valley. A surface low tracked north into the eastern Great Lakes by December 17. At the same time, the associated upper level trough became negatively tilted as it moved toward the northeast on Sunday. This allowed for rapid cyclogenesis. Unseasonably warm and moist air was transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico. This scenario brought a record breaking rainstorm to Litchfield County. There were very strong winds aloft which were able to be transported down to produce a brief localized high wind event. Trees were reported down in the town of Bethlehem. Power outages were reported there, and at other places in the county. The bigger problem was the heavy rainfall. Rainfall amounts were in the 2 to 4 inch range, with Bakersville specifically receiving 2.75 and Colebrook 3.50 inches respectively. The bulk of the rainfall was in a short interval of time, with some localites receiving an inch per hour. The excessive rainfall combined with melting snow and frozen ground, to produce massive runoff. In Torrington, street flooding was reported, and construction equiment washed downstream on the Naugatuck River. Widespread street flooding was also reported in Litchfield. The Housatonic River slightly exceeded its 8-foot flood stage at Gaylordsville and the 11-foot flood stage at Stevenson. CTZ001 Litchfield 30 0800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 0700EST Energy from a strong upper level disturbance, diving southeast from the northern Plains into the Ohio Valley...developed a coastal area of low pressure off the DelMarVa pennisula by early Saturday December 30. This low deepened while tracking almost due northward...about 50 miles east of the coastline. The storm reached central Long Island by mid afternoon and interior southern New England by the evening hours. The low then tracked more to the northeast near the I-95 Corridor and slid off the coastline near by early Sunday December 31. With plenty of cold air in place, this storm brought a significant snowstorm to Litchfield county. A general 8 to 14 inch swath of snow fell across the county, with Sharon reporting 14 and New Preston 10 inches, respectively. Since the snow fell during a holiday weekend, the impact of the storm was minimized. No major problems were reported to

24 29 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CONNECTICUT, Northwest the National Weather Service. There was some blowing and minor drifting reported with the snow. CONNECTICUT, Southern CTZ005>012 Northern Fairfield - Northern New Haven - Northern Middlesex - Northern New London - Southern Fairfield - Southern New Haven - Southern Middlesex - Southern New London 12 0953EST 0 0 High Wind (G54) M 1045EST

High winds developed rapidly in an unstable air mass following the passage of a strong cold front across the area. Several measured peak wind gusts were at least 58 mph.

High winds downed many trees onto houses, cars, power lines, and streets, which caused significant property damage and power outages.

In New Haven County, high winds drove waves over seawalls as white caps washed over the streets of East Haven's shores. In Middlesex County, several trees and power lines were downed in Chester, East Haddam, Middletown, and Old Saybrook.

Here are selected specific peak wind gusts for:

Fairfield County - Although the peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing Systems at Sikorsky Airport in Bridgeport was 53 mph at 10:03 am and at Danbury Airport was 47 mph at 9:53 am, numerous trees and power lines were downed in several locations including Brookfield, Bethel, New Fairfield, Norwalk, Sherman, and Trumbull.

New Haven County - Although the peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Tweed Airport in New Haven was only 45 mph at 10:45 am, several trees and power lines were downed in Meriden, Naugatuck, and Waterbury.

New London County - A peak wind gust to 75 mph was measured by equipment at the Millstone Nuclear Station at 450 feet. Other peak wind gusts included 62 mph measured by spotter equipment at Waterford and 54 mph measured by the Automated Surface Observing System from Groton at 11:07 am. CTZ011>012 Southern Middlesex - Southern New London 17 1450EST 0 0 High Wind (G60) M 1550EST

High winds downed many trees and power lines which resulted in thousands of power outages across coastal Middlesex and New London Counties.

In coastal Middlesex County, a peak wind gust to 65 mph was measured at East Lyme, where 2,800 town residents lost power.

In coastal New London County, the Automated Surface Observing System at New London Airport in Groton measured sustained winds of 41 mph with a peak gust to 69 mph at 3:50 pm.

In addition to these high winds, heavy rain (up to around 2 inches) drenched all of Southern Connecticut. CTZ005>006-009 Northern Fairfield - Northern New Haven - Southern Fairfield 30 1020EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1055EST CTZ007-010 Northern Middlesex - Southern New Haven 30 1130EST 0 0 Winter Storm

A low pressure system rapidly intensified and moved north along the mid Atlantic coast during Saturday December 30th. This produced a wide swath of heavy snow to the northwest of the storm track. Snowfall began between 6 and 8 AM across the area, and fell at intense rates right from the start. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were common. There were also numerous reports of thunder and lightning accompanying the most intense snow bands. Winds also began to increase later Saturday morning, causing some blowing and drifting of snow, which reduced visibilities significantly, and created near blizzard conditions at times in some areas.

As the low pressure center approached central Long Island early Saturday afternoon, milder air from the Atlantic Ocean wrapped into the storm system, and changed the heavy snow to a mixture of sleet and rain across southeast Connecticut. This limited snowfall amounts somewhat across this area.

The low pressure center crossed southeast Connecticut during Saturday evening, before moving northeast into Maine Saturday night. As the low moved away, the precipitation tapered off across the area. Subfreezing temperatures and gusty winds lingered behind the storm system.

Here are some snowfall totals from this storm system:

Fairfield County: 10 inches at Stratford and Bridgeport, to 17 inches at Redding.

25 30 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

CONNECTICUT, Southern

New Haven County: 8 inches at Shelton and Cheshire, to 12 inches at Naugatuck.

Middlesex County: 3.5 inches at Clinton, to 7 inches at Haddam.

New London County: 2.5 inches at Groton, to 5.5 inches at Colchester. DEZ001>002 New Castle - Kent 12 0830EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 1200EST DEZ003>004 Inland Sussex - Delaware Beaches 12 0900EST 0 0 Wind 1200EST A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and its associated cold front produced high winds across most of Delaware during the morning of the 12th. Peak wind gusts ranged between 50 and 60 mph and knocked down trees, tree limbs and power lines. Trash was blowing in the streets and Christmas trees at tree farms and nurseries were blown down. The strongest wind gusts were in the northern part of the state. About 8,000 homes and businesses lost power. One of the worst outages occurred in Hockessin after a tree fell on a substation. A downed pole in Dover nearly crushed several cars. A few roads were closed throughout the state because of downed trees and wires. Peak wind gusts included 53 mph at the New Castle County Airport, 44 mph at the Dover Air Force Base and 43 mph in Georgetown. The low pressure system intensified from a 1009 Mb central pressure in Missouri the morning of the 11th to a 984 Mb low near Burlington Vermont the morning of the 12th. The rapid drop of the low's central pressure of about 25 Mb within a 24 hour period is normally described as a meteorological bomb. This rapid intensification normally occurs over the western Atlantic Ocean, but when it does occur over land, could cause high winds and wind damage. DEZ001>004 New Castle - Kent - Inland Sussex - Delaware Beaches 17 0300EST 0 0 Wind 2300EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across Delaware on December 17th. Gusty southerly winds buffeted the region during the first half of the day. As the cold front passed through the region during the afternoon of the 17th, the strong southerly winds were replaced by equally strong westerly winds into the evening. Most of the peak wind gusts occurred during the morning and were between 40 and 45 mph.

Downed limbs caused about 1,000 homes and businesses to lose power in New Castle County. A construction trailer was blown over in Midway in Sussex County. Peak wind gusts included 45 mph at the New Castle County Airport, 43 mph at the Georgetown (Sussex County) Airport and 39 mph at Dover Air Force Base. The high temperature of 62 degrees at the New Castle County Airport broke the daily high temperature record for the 17th. Kent County Countywide 17 0300EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 1100EST DEZ001 New Castle 17 0645EST 0 0 Flood 1830EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across Kent and New Castle Counties in Delaware. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell across northwestern New Castle County and forced several major streams and rivers in the county above bankfull. At least six major roads in New Castle County were closed due to flooding including Delaware State Route 9 in Dobbinsville. There were nine water rescues from vehicles stuck in high water as they tried to cross flooded roadways. One vehicle was seen floating down Mill Creek in Hockessin. The Christina River at Coochs Bridge was above its 9 foot flood stage from 645 a.m. EST through 6 p.m. EST on the 17th. It crested at 12.53 feet at Noon EST. The White Clay Creek near Newark reached its 13 foot flood stage at 9.am. EST on the 17th, crested at 14.58 feet at 1230 p.m. EST and was back within bankfull at 630 p.m. EST on the 17th. The Red Clay Creek at Stanton was above its 15 foot flood stage from 11 a.m. EST through 6 p.m. EST on the 17th. It crested at 17.1 feet at 230 p.m. EST.

Storm totals included 3.34 inches in Newark (New Castle County), 2.29 inches in Wilmington (New Castle County), 2.12 inches in Bear (New Castle County), 1.68 inches at the Dover Air Force Base (Kent County) and 1.61 inches at the New Castle County Airport. DEZ001>003 New Castle - Kent - Inland Sussex 19 2100EST 0 0 Snow 20 0700EST A secondary low pressure system that developed along the Middle Atlantic coast the evening of the 19th and a primary low pressure system that moved through the Great Lakes brought the first widespread measurable snow of the winter season to most of Delaware. Accumulations were generally around one inch. Temperatures were near the freezing mark when the snow began to fall during the evening of the 19th, but fell well into the 20s by the time it ended the morning of the 20th. Untreated roads were hazardous. Accumulations included 1.2 inches in Bear (New Castle County), 1 inch at the New Castle County Airport and Milford (Kent County) and 0.5 inches in Greenwood (Sussex County).

26 31 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

DELAWARE DEZ002>004 Kent - Inland Sussex - Delaware Beaches 22 0100EST 0 0 Snow 0730EST An upper air disturbance helped produce a band of snow, which fell heavy at times, across the southern half of Delaware during the predawn hours on the 22nd. Accumulations by daybreak averaged 1.5 to 3.0 inches. A cold frontal passage during the afternoon of the 22nd was preceded by additional light snow, but brought little additional accumulation. The heaviest snow fell in the southeastern part of the Eastern Shore. Accumulations included 3 inches in Milford (Kent County) and Greenwood (Sussex County), 2 inches in Dover and Magnolia (Kent County) and 1.5 inches in Georgetown (Sussex County). A jet streak at higher levels of the combined with sufficient moisture to produce about a 50 mile wide band of accumulating snow during the predawn hours on the 22nd. Untreated roads were treacherous. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DCZ001 District Of Columbia 12 0500EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1200EST A vigorous cold front crossed the metropolitan area between 6 and 8 AM on the 12th. As the front passed, northwest winds gusted to 45 MPH at Washington Reagan National Airport and didn't begin to subside until midday. DCZ001 District Of Columbia 13 2000EST 0 0 Winter Weather 14 0800EST A strong cold front brought chilly air into the region on the 12th. By the afternoon of the 13th, an upper level disturbance brought warm air into the mid levels of the atmosphere and caused snow that fell from the system to melt to rain on its way down. When the rain hit the ground where temperatures were at or just below freezing it formed ice on contact. However, since temperature in downtown Washington D.C. remained close to the freezing mark, ice accumulations were less than one quarter of an inch and only caused minor inconveniences such as slick roads and downed tree branches. District Of Columbia Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST DCZ001 District Of Columbia 17 1000EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1900EST A strong cold front moved across the region around midday on the 17th. Ahead of the front, heavy rain fell from showers and thunderstorms. Washington Reagan National Airport reported 1.06 inches of rainfall. Rainfall totals recorded by spotters across the District ranged from 1.18 to 2.64 inches. Behind the front, northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 MPH. National Airport recorded a wind gust of 45 MPH. DCZ001 District Of Columbia 19 1100EST 0 0 Winter Weather 2000EST Low pressure moved across the region on the 19th and produced periods of light snow between 11 AM and 8 PM. A total of 2 inches of snow was reported at Washington Reagan National Airport and 1.5 inches was reported at the National Arboretum. Several fender benders were reported during the evening commute after roads became snow covered. After the snow ended, northwest winds gusted up to 30 MPH which caused some of the snow to drift back onto plowed roads overnight. DCZ001 District Of Columbia 22 1500EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 23 0600EST After a cold front moved across the region during the afternoon of the 22nd, northwest winds picked up to 20 to 30 MPH. Temperatures dropped into the teens which created wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees. The winds finally subsided during the early morning hours of the 23rd. FLORIDA, East Central

NONE REPORTED. FLORIDA, Extreme Southern

NONE REPORTED. FLORIDA, Northeastern

NONE REPORTED. FLORIDA, Northwest Washington County Chipley 16 1325EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down just west of Highway 77. Reported by the Washington County EMA. Walton County 15 NE Santa Rosa Beach 16 1355EST 0.2 50 0 0 2.5K Tornado (F0) Several small trees down on County Road 6 about 1/8 mile north of Highway 20. Reported by the Walton County EMA.

27 32 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

FLORIDA, Northwest Holmes County 2 S Bonifay to 16 1424EST 3 100 0 0 750K Tornado (F2) 1.5 E Bonifay 1430EST An F2 tornado touched down once just south of Bonifay, lifted, then touched down again before dissipating just east of the city. According to the Holmes County EMA, 39 homes and eight businesses were damaged, and four mobile homes were destroyed. Most of the damage occurred in the vicinity of Son-In-Law Road, just north of Interstate 10. Trees were uprooted and roofs were ripped off homes and businesses in the affected area. Numerous power lines were toppled, knocking out power to several thousand customers. A local state of emergency was declared in Holmes County. Jackson County 4 S Graceville to 16 1450EST 5 75 0 0 300K Tornado (F1) 2 WSW Campbellton 1500EST The supercell thunderstorm which spawned an F2 tornado near Bonifay in southeast Holmes County, tracked northeast into northwest Jackson County. This storm produced an F1 tornado which touched down twice. The hardest hit areas were just south of Graceville along Highway 77 and near the Springhill subdivision on Highway 273. Numerous trees were uprooted, knocking out power lines as they fell. Many mobile home roofs were blown off and carports damaged. Considerable debris blocked several county roads. Nearly 3,000 customers were without power for five hours. Reported by the Jackson County EMA and Jackson County Floridan. Holmes County 6 W New Hope 16 2010EST 0 0 125K Thunderstorm Wind Straight-line winds damaged seven businesses and destroyed one. Two mobile homes were overturned. Reported by the Holmes County EMA. FLORIDA, Southern FLZ073 Inland Dade 10 0900EST 0 0 100K 13M Flood 1800EST A stalled front contributed to producing up to nearly 14 inches of rain in 5 hours over portions of south Miami-Dade County. Rainfall amounts in south Miami-Dade ranged from 3 inches at Homestead General Airport to 13.9 inches at Homestead Air Reserve Base with amounts elsewhere from 10 inches in south Miami...Westchester and Cutler Ridge to 5 inches from Hialeah and north Miami Beach. Potato and corn crops were 80% destroyed. Roadways and a few neighborhoods were flooded. Two teenage boys in Sweetwater, died by electrocution as they waded across Flagler Street near 102 Avenue SW and touched a street light pole. A third person died when he drove his vehicle into a canal. FLZ063-066-070 Glades - Hendry - Inland Collier 21 0500EST 0 0 Extreme Cold 0900EST Temperatures fell into the mid 30s with patchy frost observed near Immokalee. FLZ074 Coastal Dade 23 2200EST 0 0 High Wind (G35) M A 163-foot Haitian freighter, Anita, with a crew of 10 aboard, apparently suddenly sank in the Gulf Stream about 45 miles southeast of Miami while enroute from the Miami River to Haiti. No radio distress signal was received and no survivors were found. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted to the incident by the signal from the ship's EPIRB and while on scene observed several empty life rafts. Over the next 24 to 48 hours flotsam, mostly in the form of large barrels of household goods, washed ashore from northern Broward to Palm Beach County. A stalled front across the Straits of Florida combined with high pressure centered over caused winds of 25 knots with gusts to 33 knots along the freighters route. The Coast Guard on scene estimated sea heights in the Gulf Stream of 12 to 16 feet. FLZ063-066>067-070- Glades - Hendry - Inland Palm Beach - Inland Collier - Inland Dade 073 31 0600EST 0 0 2M Extreme Cold 0900EST Temperatures fell into the mid-20s over Glades, Hendry, eastern Collier, and western portions of Palm Beach and Broward counties and fell to 32 degrees in the farming areas of south Miami-Dade County. An 85-year old Belle Glade woman died in a fire caused by a kerosene heater. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue reported an increase in breathing-related emergencies among the elderly. Damage to vegetable crops occurred in Hendry and Glades counties. FLORIDA, West Central FLZ039-042>043-048 Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando 06 0000EST 0 0 0 0 Freeze 0900EST Freezing temperatures were observed over parts of West Central Florida from midnight through sunrise on December 6th, 2000. Low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s from Levy south to Hernando county with temperature durations below freezing for up to nine hours. FLZ039-042>043-048- Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando - Charlotte - Lee 062-065 11 0100EST 0 0 0 0 Fog 0900EST Dense fog reduced visibility to one quarter mile or less over portions of rural West Central and Southwest Florida.

28 33 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

FLORIDA, West Central FLZ039-042>043-048 Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando 18 0000EST 0 0 0 0 Freeze 0900EST Freezing temperatures were observed over parts of West Central Florida, mainly from Hernando county northward, from midnight to around sunrise on December 18th, 2000. Low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s over Levy county and stayed below freezing for durations of up to eight hours.

In Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties, temperatures dropped into the upper 20s and lower 30s and remained below freezing for durations of two to seven hours. FLZ039-042>043- Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando - Pasco - Hillsborough - Polk - Hardee - Highlands 048>049-051>052- 056>057 20 0000EST 0 0 0 1M Freeze 1100EST Freezing temperatures were observed over a large portion of West Central Florida during the predawn through late morning hours of December 20th, 2000.

Low temperatures dropped into the lower 20s over Levy county with durations below freezing between nine and eleven hours.

In Citrus, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties, low temperatures dropped into middle 20s and remained below freezing for durations of three to eight hours. Freezing temperatures in Citrus county damaged an estimated one hundred acres of the local citrus crop.

In Polk, Hillsborough, Hardee and Highlands counties, low temperatures dropped into the upper 20s and lower 30s and remained below freezing for durations of two to four hours. FLZ039-042>043- Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando - Pasco - Hillsborough - Polk - Manatee - Hardee - Sarasota - De Soto - 048>049-051>052- Charlotte 055>056-060>062 20 1900EST 0 0 0 0 Freeze 21 0900EST Freezing temperatures were observed over most of West Central and parts of Southwest Florida from early evening on December 20th through the mid-morning hours of December 21st, 2000.

Low temperatures dropped into the lower 20s over Levy county with durations below freezing for up to fourteen hours.

Low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s over Citrus, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties with durations below freezing for eight to twelve hours.

Low temperatures dropped into the upper 20s to lower 30s over Polk, Hardee, De Soto, Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough and eastern Charlotte counties and stayed below freezing for durations of five to seven hours. FLZ039-042>043 Levy - Citrus - Sumter 23 0030EST 0 0 0 0 Freeze 0830EST Freezing temperatures were observed over rural parts of West Central Florida, mainly north of Hernando county, during the overnight hours to around sunrise of December 23rd. Low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s over Levy county with durations of four to eight hours below freezing.

In Citrus and Sumter counties, low temperatures dropped into the upper 20s and lower 30s with durations below freezing for up to four hours. FLZ039-042>043- Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando - Pasco - Pinellas - Hillsborough - Polk - Manatee - Hardee - Highlands - 048>052-055>057- Sarasota - De Soto - Charlotte - Lee 060>062-065 30 2100EST 0 0 0 4.5M Freeze 31 1000EST Widespread freezing temperatures were observed across most of West Central and Southwest Florida during the late evening of December 30th through the mid-morning hours of December 31st, 2000.

Low temperatures in Levy county dropped from the upper teens to lower 20s with durations below freezing for up to thirteen hours.

In Citrus, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties, low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s and remained below freezing for nine to twelve hours.

In Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, De Soto and Highlands counties, low temperatures dropped into the middle 20s to upper 20s and remained below freezing for durations of six to nine hours. In Manatee and Hillsborough counties, freezing temperatures may have caused an estimated two million dollars worth of damage to the tropical fish industry. Also, the freeze caused

29 34 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

FLORIDA, West Central minor to moderate damage to the tomato and strawberry crops of Hillsborough county.

In eastern Charlotte, eastern Lee and extreme northern Pinellas counties, temperatures dropped into the lower 30s and remained below freezing for periods of two to five hours. The freeze caused an estimated 25 to 50 percent damage to tomato, pepper and squash crops in Lee and Charlotte counties. FLZ039-042>043- Levy - Citrus - Sumter - Hernando - Pasco 048>049 31 2000EST 0 0 0 0 Freeze 2359EST Freezing temperatures were observed over portions of West Central Florida, mainly north of Hillsborough county, on the evening of December 31st, 2001. Temperatures had dropped into the middle and upper 20s across Levy, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties by midnight of December 31st. FLORIDA, West Panhandle

NONE REPORTED. GEORGIA, East Central Richmond County 12 S Augusta to 17 0010EST 2 60 0 8 0 Tornado (F2) 10 S Augusta 0020EST An F2 tornado intermittently touched down along a 2 mile path. Extensive damage was done to the Timberidge subdivision and to other homes and mobile homes along its path. Eight people were injurred, one seriously. There were no deaths. Burke County Waynesboro 17 0015EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) EOC reported several trees down in the Waynesboro area. GEORGIA, Lower

NONE REPORTED. GEORGIA, North and Central GAZ001>009-011>016- Dade - Walker - Catoosa - Whitfield - Murray - Fannin - Gilmer - Union - Towns - Chattooga - Gordon - 019>025-027-030>039- Pickens - Dawson - Lumpkin - White - Floyd - Bartow - Cherokee - Forsyth - Hall - Banks - Jackson - Madison - 041>062-066>076- Polk - Paulding - Cobb - North Fulton - Gwinnett - Barrow - Clarke - Oconee - Oglethorpe - Wilkes - Haralson 078>086-089>098- - Carroll - Douglas - South Fulton - De Kalb - Rockdale - Walton - Newton - Morgan - Greene - Taliaferro - 102>113 Heard - Coweta - Fayette - Clayton - Spalding - Henry - Butts - Jasper - Putnam - Hancock - Warren - Troup - Meriwether - Pike - Upson - Lamar - Monroe - Jones - Baldwin - Washington - Glascock - Jefferson - Harris - Talbot - Taylor - Crawford - Bibb - Twiggs - Wilkinson - Johnson - Emanuel - Muscogee - Chattahoochee - Marion - Schley - Macon - Peach - Houston - Bleckley - Laurens - Treutlen - Stewart - Webster - Sumter - Dooly - Crisp - Pulaski - Wilcox - Dodge - Telfair - Wheeler - Montgomery - Toombs 01 0000EST 0 0 Unseasonably Cold 31 2359EST December 2000 was one of the coldest December's on record for much of north and central Georgia. In , the monthly average temperature of 37.2 degrees F was the 4th coldest December on record, exceeded only in 1917 and 1935 with 36.2 degrees F and 1963 with 35.5 degrees F. There was a string of ten consecutive days with minimum temperatures 32 degrees F or lower occurring from December 17th through December 26th. The last time that there were 10 or more consecutive days with minimum temperatures 32 degrees F or lower was in December of 1995. There were a total of 20 days during the month that the minimum temperature dropped to or below freezing. In addition, there were 7 days on which the minimum temperature dropped below 20 degrees F in Atlanta, with 13 degrees F on the 20th being the lowest . There were even three days, the 21st, 22nd, and the 30th on which the maximum temperature even failed to rise above freezing. The story was similar across north and central Georgia with Athens reporting an average monthly temperature of 36.9 degrees F, 15 consecutive days of minimum temperatures below freezing from the 17th through the end of the month, a total of 23 days during the month which the minimum dropped to or below freezing, and a minimum temperature for the month of 15 degrees F on the 20th. At Macon, the average monthly temperature was 39.3 degrees F, there were 11 consecutive days on which the minimum dropped to or below freezing from the 17th through the 27th, and 22 days total for the month on which the minimum dropped to or below freezing, with the lowest temperature of 17 degrees F on the 20th. At Columbus, the average monthly temperature was 41.2 degrees F, there were 9 consecutive days on which the temperature dropped to or below freezing, and a total of 17 days for the month on which the minimum dropped to or below freezing, with the lowest temperature of 17 degrees F on December 20th. Temperatures dropped to as low as the single digits in the northeast Georgia mountains during the week before Christmas. indicies were quite significant during two episodes, first on the 17th and then again on the 30th. In both instances, temperatures in the teens and 20s combined with winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusty to drop wind chill indices to as low as 15 below zero degrees F in north Georgia and to as low as zero degrees F in central Georgia.

December was also one of the snowiest December's on record. In Atlanta, there were 6 days on which a trace or more of snow fell, with the greatest amounts of 2.0 inches and 0.5 inch on the 19th and 17th, respectively. Two to four inch snowfalls for the month were common across north Georgia, with several inches falling during multiple events in the northeast Georgia mountains.

30 35 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

GEORGIA, North and Central GAZ001>009-011>016- Dade - Walker - Catoosa - Whitfield - Murray - Fannin - Gilmer - Union - Towns - Chattooga - Gordon - 019>020 Pickens - Dawson - Lumpkin - White - Floyd - Bartow 03 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1500EST The first significant and widespread snow to hit north Georgia of the winter season began around 3 am EST and ended around 10 am EST Sunday December 3, 2000. The snow was the result of a strong type low pressure system that moved rapidly east-southeast across extreme north Georgia. The system took a path along a line from near Chatsworth, to Ellijay, to Cleveland during the early morning hours. While moisture was limited, the dynamics of the system combined with surface temperatures in the upper 20s and a cold core upper low provided a quick burst of snow to many counties in north Georgia. The snow only fell for a few hours, but snowfall of 3 to 4 inches was common in the general area north of a line from Chatsworth, to Dawsonville, to Dahlonega, to Cleveland, with snowfall of 1 to 2 inches common to the west of this line toward the Alabama border. Little to no snow fell south of a line from Cedartown, to Canton, to Cumming, to Gainesville, to Homer. GAZ023>025-035>036 Hall - Banks - Jackson - Barrow - Clarke 13 1430EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2000EST Clockwise flow around a large Canadian high pressure system located over the mid-Atlantic states spread a wedge of cold air into northeast Georgia. Meanwhile, a series of disturbances in a moist southwest flow aloft brought periods of light rain to the region. As the rain fell into the colder, drier surface air present over northeast Georgia, evaporative cooling lowered temperatures to the freezing mark causing the rain to freeze on trees, power lines, and other exposed objects, as well as some bridges and overpasses. Ice accumulations were minor and inconveniences were minimal. Glaze accumulations only amounted to a trace at most locations. The freezing precipitation was generally confined to an area bounded by Gainesville, Winder, Athens, Homer, and back to Gainesville. Barrow county probably bore the brunt of the freezing rain episode, where local police reported less than 1/4 inch glaze of ice on trees and other exposed objects resulting in some small tree limbs breaking. Roads were not impacted as temperatures failed to fall any lower than 31 to 32 degrees F. Significant warm advection overtook the region shortly after sunset changing all of the precipitation to rain. Stewart County 5 WNW Richland to 16 1400EST 0 0 3K Thunderstorm Wind 6 NE Richland The Stewart county emergency manager reported that power lines were down and there was debris on one of the roads which passes through the Hannahatchee Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). It was initially believed to have been a tornado, but there was no confirmation of this by the National Weather Service, local, or state emergency management personnel. Dooly County 10 E Vienna 16 1920EST 0 0 20K Thunderstorm Wind The Dooly county 911 center reported that a roof and carport were blown off a home. Trees and power lines were also blown down in the same area. Dooly County Drayton 16 1940EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G75) An amateur radio operator estimated wind gusts to 75 mph. Bleckley County Cochran 16 1955EST 0 0 500K Thunderstorm Wind The Bleckley county 911 center reported that a couple of cell phone towers were blown down. Crisp County 2 WSW Coney 16 2000EST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind The Crisp county 911 center reported that trees were blown down on Lakeshore Way along Lake Blackshear on the western border of the county. Crisp County 2 N Arabi to 16 2020EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind Cordele The Crisp county 911 center reported that trees were blown down 2 miles north of Arabi and a power line was down in Cordele. Cherokee County Woodstock 16 2040EST 0 0 3K Thunderstorm Wind The public reported trees and power lines down near the Fulton county line in the southwest part of the county. Johnson County 3 SE Scott 16 2040EST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind The Johnson county 911 center reported trees down on U.S. Highway 80 between Scott and Adrian. Pike County Hollonville to 16 2050EST 0 0 0.50K Thunderstorm Wind Concord The Pike county Emergency Management Director reported two trees down, one on Georgia Highway 362 in Hollonville and the other in Concord. Clarke County Athens 16 2130EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind The Athens Daily News reported that a few trees and power lines were blown down.

31 36 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

GEORGIA, North and Central Sumter County 6 SE Americus to 16 2130EST 10 100 0 0 310K Tornado (F2) 15 E Americus 2142EST A National Weather Service disaster survey team reported that an F2 tornado first touched down at 9:30 pm EST 6 miles southeast of Americus, Georgia, on Henry Hart Road, midway between Georgia Highway 377 and U. S. Highway 280. The tornado then moved northeast at approximately 45 mph lifting 1 mile east of the Flint river at Georgia Highway 27 and Joe Stewart Road around 9:42 pm EST. The tornado cut a path up to 100 yards wide and traveled on the ground about 10 miles or 12 minutes. Although the tornado traveled through mainly rural areas, significant damage was reported. A wooden frame house was completely destroyed near the tornado's touchdown point on Henry Hart Road, while another home was damaged nearby. As the tornado continued along its northeastward path, five outbuildings were destroyed, three barns were destroyed, two cattle were killed, one large camper was overturned, one high tension power line tower was severely damaged, and a few temporary construction trailers were damaged. Finally, just before the tornado lifted, several chicken houses were destroyed on Joe Stewart Road. As a result, nearly 400 chickens were killed. In addition, numerous trees and power lines were blown down all across the county. There were no injuries or deaths reported with the tornado. Oconee County Farmington 16 2224EST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind The public reported trees and power lines down. Laurens County 3 N Dudley 16 2230EST 0 0 50K Thunderstorm Wind The Laurens county Emergency Management Directory reported that an Auto Paint and Body shop was severely damaged just north of Dudley on Rock Road. The roof was blown off and the walls caved in. In addition, trees and power lines were blown down in the same general area. Laurens County Rentz to 16 2303EST 0 1 150K Thunderstorm Wind 1 S Garretta The Laurens county Emergency Management director reported significant thunderstorm wind damage in the general area between Rentz and Garretta, about 6 miles southwest of Dublin. An Auto Body shop was damaged just northeast of Rentz along Georgia Highway 117 and a block house was destroyed on Doyle-Taylor Road. The roof was blown off causing the walls to cave in. Four people were in the house at the time of the incident and one was injured when a ceiling beam fell on one of the occupants. Numerous trees and power lines were also reported down across the eastern half of the county. Houston County Warner Robins 16 2320EST 0 0 3K Thunderstorm Wind The public reported two trees down and one small metal business sign blown down across the central and southern part of Warner Robins. GAZ035 Barrow 17 0900EST 0 0 10K High Wind The Barrow County News reported that strong winds behind a significant arctic cold front blew a large 60 foot pine tree down onto a home in Bethlehem. Another large pine tree was blown down on Sims Road in Winder. GAZ001>009-011>014- Dade - Walker - Catoosa - Whitfield - Murray - Fannin - Gilmer - Union - Towns - Chattooga - Gordon - 016-019>025-030>035- Pickens - Dawson - White - Floyd - Bartow - Cherokee - Forsyth - Hall - Banks - Jackson - Polk - Paulding - 041>047-052>057-059 Cobb - North Fulton - Gwinnett - Barrow - Haralson - Carroll - Douglas - South Fulton - De Kalb - Rockdale - Walton - Heard - Coweta - Fayette - Clayton - Spalding - Henry - Jasper 17 0730EST 0 0 Winter Storm 0930EST An intense and deep negatively tilted upper-level trough rotating through the southeastern U. S., preceded by an evening of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, brought a quick snow storm to much of north Georgia during the early morning hours. The snow occurred along and ahead of a fast moving arctic cold front. Strong northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph with higher gusts and temperatures in the 20s accompanied the snow. Accumulating snow was generally confined to a 2 hour period from 7:30 am to 9:30 am as cold, dry air was quick to filter into the region behind the arctic cold front. Because of the southern extent of the cold air, both at the surface and aloft, snow fell further south with this system than with previous systems this winter season. Snowfall amounts averaged from 1 to 2 inches generally north of a line from Carrollton, to Atlanta, to Lawrenceville, to Gainesville, to Homer, with isolated higher amounts of 6 inches at McCaysville in Fannin county and 4 inches at Hiawassee in Towns county. Trace amounts of snow were reported as far south as Columbus and Macon. GAZ005>009-013>016- Murray - Fannin - Gilmer - Union - Towns - Pickens - Dawson - Lumpkin - White - Floyd - Cherokee - Forsyth 019-021>022-024>025- - Banks - Jackson - Madison - Paulding - Cobb - North Fulton - Barrow - Clarke - Oconee - Oglethorpe - 027-031>033-035>038- Carroll - Douglas - South Fulton - De Kalb - Rockdale - Walton - Newton - Coweta - Fayette - Clayton - 042>048-053>056 Spalding 19 0000EST 0 0 Winter Storm 1000EST This winter event followed rapidly on the heels of the December 17 snow event. Arctic air was firmly entrenched across north and central Georgia following the frontal passage of December 17. Because of the depth and extent of the cold air, both surface and aloft, nearly all of the precipitation fell as snow. The event was the result of an Alberta clipper system moving rapidly across the region in northwest flow aloft. Snowfall was more widespread and extended further south with this storm than with previous systems because of

32 37 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

GEORGIA, North and Central the southward extent of the cold air. However, limited moisture and the rapid movement of the system confined most snowfall amounts to the 1 to 2 inch range. Snowfall of 1 to 2 inches was common along and north of a line from Carrollton, to Newnan, to Peachtree City, to Griffin, to Covington, to Watkinsville, to Lexington, and southeast of a line from Chatsworth, to Fairmount, to Cartersville, to Dallas, to Cedartown. Only trace amounts were reported further south. Snowfall around 3 inches was common in the area bounded by Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Jasper, Canton, Roswell, Conyers, Lawrenceville, Dawsonville, Cleveland, Blairsville, and back to Blue Ridge. Forsyth and White counties reported the most with 4 inches. Because of the extended period of cold which encompassed the region, the snow stayed on the ground for much of the remainder of the week. GAZ015>016-022>024- Lumpkin - White - Forsyth - Hall - Banks - Cobb - Gwinnett - Barrow - Carroll 032-034>035-042 21 0330EST 0 0 Winter Storm 1900EST Cold arctic air and unseasonably cold temperatures remained firmly entrenched across north and central Georgia when yet another disturbance traversed the region from the southwest. This system originated out of a large upper low that was slowly rotating through the Southern Plains. While arctic air was present at the surface, warm air aloft caused most of the precipitation to fall in the form of freezing rain and sleet, with some light snow. Precipitation was light and generally confined to a 40 to 60 mile wide band that stretched from near Carrollton, to Marietta, to Cumming, to Gainesville, to Homer. Within this band, accumulations of freezing rain, sleet, and snow were mostly in the 1/2 to 1 inch range. Forsyth, Lumpkin, and Banks counties received the most with a one inch accumulation of the winter mixture of precipitation. Although amounts were light, several days of well below freezing temperatures allowed the roads to quickly become icy and hazardous. Roads were reported to be ice covered in Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Hall counties, and snow covered the roads in White county. GAZ001>006-008>009- Dade - Walker - Catoosa - Whitfield - Murray - Fannin - Union - Towns - Chattooga - Gordon - White - Floyd - 011>012-016-019>020- Bartow - Hall - Carroll 023-042 29 1830EST 0 0 Light Snow 2300EST A weak, dissipating, and fast moving upper-level disturbance accompanied the passage of an Arctic cold front across northwest Georgia late in the afternoon and early evening. Light snow accompanied the disturbance as temperatures quickly dropped into the 20s with gusty northwest winds. Snowfall amounts were very light with most locations only reporting a dusting. However, Dade county in extreme northwest Georgia, reported 0.5 inch of accumulation with roads covered with snow during the evening. GEORGIA, Northeast GAZ010-017>018-026- Rabun - Habersham - Stephens - Franklin - Hart - Elbert 028>029 01 0000EST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359EST December, 2000 was one of the coldest months on record for Northeast Georgia. Temperatures ran 6 to 8 degrees below normal for the month. GAZ010-017>018-026- Rabun - Habersham - Stephens - Franklin - Hart - Elbert 028>029 03 0200EST 0 0 Snow 1300EST A developing surface off the Carolina coast spread abundant moisture into northeast Georgia, which was still mired ina cold, winter-like temperature regime. The result was another widespread snowfall. The heaviest snow total, around 2 inches, occurred just north of Clayton in northern Rabun County..and in Habersham County near the county seat of Clarkesville. Elsewhere, accumulations ranged from a dusting to around 1 inch. GAZ010-017>018-026- Rabun - Habersham - Stephens - Franklin - Hart - Elbert 028>029 13 1300EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0100EST Low pressure moving northward through the Tennessee River Valley brought abundant moisture into northeast Georgia, over a cold, dense airmass. Northeast Georgia was on the southern edge of a well-defined cold air damming event extending from the northern Appalachians southward through Upstate South Carolina. Fortunately, surface wet bulb temperatures across the region bottomed out around freezing, one reason why ice accrual on exposed surfaces was minimal. GAZ010-017 Rabun - Habersham 17 0600EST 0 0 Snow 1300EST A strong upper level disturbance, accompanied by a jet streak, interacted with residual low level moisture and cold temperatures to produce up to an inch of new snow in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. There were numerous slick spots on area roads. GAZ010-017 Rabun - Habersham 19 0200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0800EST GAZ018-026-028>029 Stephens - Franklin - Hart - Elbert 19 0200EST 0 0 Snow 0800EST

33 38 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

GEORGIA, Northeast The latest in a sprightly succession of Arctic cold fronts crossed the region on the 18th and 19th. Abundant low level moisture and an upper level disturbance riding over the new surge of cold air provided the ingredients for the latest round of snow. Snow was especially heavy in the mountains, where 5 to 6 inches were reported in the mountains of Rabun County, northwest of Clayton, and in Habersham County, where 4 inches was received 2 miles southwest of Tallulah Falls. Accumulations elsewhere ranged from a dusting in Elbert County to nearly 2 inches around Toccoa in Stephens County. GAZ018-026-028 Stephens - Franklin - Hart 19 0200EST 0 0 Snow 0800EST Snow accumulations in Franklin, Hart and Stephens counties generally ranged from 1 to 3 inches in the wake of a strong Arctic cold front that crossed the region on the night of the 18th through midday on the 19th. GAZ010-017-026-028 Rabun - Habersham - Franklin - Hart 21 1400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 2200EST The combination of low pressure moving along the Gulf Coast states and a strong upper level disturbance rounding the base of a deep trof enveloping the eastern half of the nation, resulted in a light glaze of ice for extreme Northeast Georgia. GEORGIA, Southeast

NONE REPORTED. GEORGIA, Southwest Clay County Ft Gaines 16 1120EST 0 0 100K Thunderstorm Wind Six residences and a barn sustained minor damage. Reported by the Clay County Sheriff. Miller County Northwest Portion 16 1555EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind 1600EST Trees and power lines down. Reported by the Miller County EMA. Dougherty County 10 W Albany to 16 1650EST 6 75 0 0 750K Tornado (F2) 3 NW Albany 1705EST An F2 tornado damaged the main house and several surrounding structures at Abigail Plantation off Old Tallahassee Road, as well as several other homes on Old Dawson and Springhill Roads. Hundreds of plantation trees were uprooted. Downed power poles affected 300 customers in northwest Albany. A few storage buildings were damaged at the Cookville Trailer Park just west of Albany. Reported by the Dougherty County Police and WALB-TV Albany. Terrell County Southeast Portion 16 1700EST 0 0 1K Thunderstorm Wind 1710EST Several trees down. Reported by the Terrell County EMA. Lee County Southwest Portion 16 1710EST 0 0 1K Thunderstorm Wind 1720EST Several trees down. Reported by the Lee County EMA. Terrell County Countywide 16 1755EST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind 1815EST Numerous trees and power lines down. Reported by the Terrell County EMA. Clay County Countywide 16 2050EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind 2100EST Several trees and power lines down. Reported by the Clay County EMA. Berrien County Nashville 16 2100EST 0 0 75K Lightning Lightning sparked a fire which completely destroyed the interior of the Berrien Press building. Reported by the Berrien Press. Early County Southeast Portion 16 2105EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind 2115EST Several trees and power lines down on U.S. Highway 27 and State Highway 200. Reported by the Early County EMA. HAWAII HIZ001>007 Kauai - Oahu - Maui - North And East Hawaii Including Windward Kohala / Hamakua / Hilo / Puna - Molokai - Lanai - West Hawaii Including Leeward Kohala And Kona 06 0900HST 0 0 High Surf 07 0200HST A storm low far northwest of the state produced surf of 6 to 10 feet along the north- and northwest-facing shores of all the Hawaiian

34 39 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

HAWAII Islands. Kauai County 3 W Hanalei to 11 1730HST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Hanalei 2030HST Heavy showers caused minor flooding of streams and drainage ditches and ponding of roadways in northern sections of Kauai. No serious injuries or property damage were reported. Honolulu County Makaha to 11 1825HST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Waipio Acres 2030HST Heavy rainfall caused minor stream flooding and ponding of roadways in western and central areas of Oahu. No serious property damage or injuries were reported. Kauai County 5 WNW Hanalei to 11 2220HST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Anahola 12 0115HST This event, combined with the heavy showers earlier in the day, caused the Hanalei River to rise and overflow its banks on Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge. This temporarily closed one lane on the highway, slowing traffic to and from Hanalei, Wainiha, and Haena. Minor stream flooding and ponding of roadways occurred in other parts of northern and northeastern sections of the Garden Isle of Kauai as well. Nevertheless, no serious injuries or property damage were reported. Hawaii County Kailua Kona to 11 2235HST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 16 NNE Kailua Kona 12 0115HST Heavy showers produced minor flooding of streams and drainage ditches and ponding of roadways from Kailua-Kona to Keawaiki in the North Kona District of the Big Island. No serious property damage or injuries were reported. HIZ001>007 Kauai - Oahu - Maui - North And East Hawaii Including Windward Kohala / Hamakua / Hilo / Puna - Molokai - Lanai - West Hawaii Including Leeward Kohala And Kona 15 1000HST 0 0 High Surf 18 1000HST A storm low well to the northwest of Hawaii generated surf of 8 to 12 feet along the north- and northwest-facing shores of all the islands. HIZ001>007 Kauai - Oahu - Maui - North And East Hawaii Including Windward Kohala / Hamakua / Hilo / Puna - Molokai - Lanai - West Hawaii Including Leeward Kohala And Kona 20 0800HST 0 0 High Surf 27 1400HST A series of storm and lows to the northwest of the state caused surf of 15 to 20 feet along the north- and northwest-facing shores and 10 to 12 feet along the west-facing shores of all the Hawaiian Islands. Water safety officials on Kauai closed 20 miles of the northwestern coastline of the Garden Isle from Polihale to Hanalei Bay on December 21st and 22nd as a precaution, as high surf of 12 to 15 feet, with higher sets, pounded the beaches. HIZ001>007 Kauai - Oahu - Maui - North And East Hawaii Including Windward Kohala / Hamakua / Hilo / Puna - Molokai - Lanai - West Hawaii Including Leeward Kohala And Kona 29 0500HST 0 0 High Surf 31 1100HST A storm low well northwest of the state produced surf of 8 to 12 feet along the north- and west-facing shores of all the Hawaiian Islands. , Extreme Southeast

NONE REPORTED. IDAHO, North IDZ005 Northern Clearwater Mountains 13 0600MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0600MST Headquarters 8 inches, Hemlocke Butte 11 inches, and Shanghai Summit 15 inches new snow. IDZ005>006-006>007 Northern Clearwater Mountains - Southern Clearwater Mountains - Orofino / Grangeville Region 14 1700MST 0 0 Winter Storm 15 1700MST IDZ007-007 Orofino / Grangeville Region 15 1140MST 0 0 Blizzard 1300MST Widespread strong gusty winds and heavy snow impacted north central Idaho on the morning of 12/15/00. Local blizzard conditions were reported over the Camas Prairie with emergency travel only. Grangeville received 8 inches new snow with numerous sustained wind speeds in excess of 40 mph with gusts to 58 mph. In Elk City, wind gusts to 45 mph were reported which snapped tree limbs. Weather spotters in Grangeville, Ferdinand and Cottonwood reported whiteout conditions from strong winds and blowing snow. Heavy snow fell throughout the region. In the lower elevations, Headquarters received 6 inches, Powell 7 inches, Pierce and 9 inches of new snow. In the mountains, Savage Pass and Hemlocke Butte received 11 inches, Cool Creek 16

35 40 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IDAHO, North inches and Elk Butte 22 inches new snow. IDZ005>006 Northern Clearwater Mountains - Southern Clearwater Mountains 16 1400MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 17 1400MST Savage Pass received 10 inches, Powell 8 inches, Elk Butte and Shanghai Summit 6 inches, Cool Creek and Crater Meadows 12 inches new snow. IDZ005 Northern Clearwater Mountains 23 0900MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 24 0900MST 24 hour snowfall totals were 9 inches at Cook Creek and Hemlock Butte, 8 inches at Elk Butte, and 6 inches at Headquarters and Elk River. IDAHO, Northwest IDZ001>004 Northern Panhandle - Coeur D'Alene Area - Idaho Palouse - Central Panhandle Mountains 14 1600PST 0 0 Winter Storm 15 1400PST One of the strongest winter storms to move across the Idaho panhandle in two years took place from late on the afternoon of December 14 through early afternoon on the 15th as a strengthening cyclone moved across the inland Northwest. The storm started out with a band of heavy snow which moved across the panhandle on the evening of the 14th. Due in part to very cold air in place prior to the storm as well as sporadic lightning and thunder associated with the snow band, snowfall rates reached 1.5" per hour, even at valley elevations. Snowfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches were common at elevations below 3000 feet, while 10 to 16 inches were common above 3000 feet. Strong winds followed the snowfall early on the morning of the 15th along and south of I-90. This led to whiteout conditions in spots and whipped the powdery snow into snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet. Numerous highways were closed for part of the day on the 15th, and nearly all school districts in the Idaho panhandle either cancelled classes or started classes late on the 15th. (See the separate High Wind entry for more details on that aspect of this winter storm.)

Specific 24-hour snowfall amounts include: Lookout Pass Ski Area...14", Silver Mountain Ski Area...13", Bovill...9", Saint Maries...8.9", Wallace...8.3", Potlatch...8.0", Colton...8", Kellogg...7.1", Athol...6.3", Sanpoint...6.0", Porthill...6.0", Priest River...5.3", Coeur D'Alene...5", Alder Creek...5.2", Bonners Ferry...4.9", Moscow...4.0", Rosalia...4.0", and Oaksdale...3.5". IDZ003-026>027 Idaho Palouse - Lewiston Area - Lewis And Southern Nez Perce 15 0000PST 0 0 30K High Wind (G55) M 1000PST A major winter storm moving across the inland Northwest brought strong wind to the Idaho panhandle on the morning of December 15. The wind followed moderate to large accumulations of powdery snow the evening before, leading to snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet. The Pullman/Moscow Airport measured peak wind gusts to 63 mph (55 knots) from the southwest between 430 and 530 AM PST. The Nez Perce County Airport near Lewiston measured a peak wind gust to 59 mph (51 knots) at 932 AM PST. The Coeur D'Alene Airport measured peak wind gusts to 49 mph (43 knots) from 300 to 600 AM PST. This brought wind chill values into the zero to ten below range. The wind caused several trees to fall into power lines in the Idaho Palouse, causing spotty power outages. A home under construction just east of Coeur D'Alene had its walls torn apart. The combination of snow drifts and wind brought about the closure of many highways including: US Hwy 95 from Craigmont to Winchester and from Lewiston to Moscow, ID Hwy 7 north of NezPerce, and ID Hwy 54 between Athol and Spirit Lake. IDZ001>002 Northern Panhandle - Coeur D'Alene Area 16 0400PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600PST A strong warm front lifted north through the Idaho panhandle on December 16, bringing heavy snow to areas north of I-90. Specific snowfall amounts include: Schweitzer Ski Area...10", Bonners Ferry...6.0", Coeur D'Alene...5", and Sandpoint...3.6". Areas south of I-90 warmed enough to change precipitation to rain before snowfall accumulations could become heavy. IDAHO, Southeast IDZ017>020-022>023- Eastern Magic Valley - Sawtooth Mountains - Upper Snake Highlands - Upper Snake River Plain - South 031>032 Central Highlands - Caribou Highlands - Big And Little Wood River Region - Lost River / Pahsimeroi 14 1800MST 1 0 Blizzard 15 2200MST An intense winter storm brought blizzard conditions to nearly all of southeastern Idaho from the evening of the 14th through the day on the 15th. Heavy snow began in the central mountains during the evening of the 14th. A woman died near Craters of the Moon National Monument in Butte County when she and her boyfriend ran out of gas and left the vehicle searching for help. She was unable to make it due to fatigue and her body was found on 12/16 at 3 am. Winds gusting to 70 mph in the early morning of the 15th caused power lines and trees to come down in Burley and Rupert. By the morning of the 15th, blizzard conditions encompassed most of southeast Idaho. Snow amounts of 6 to 8 inches were reported in Ketchum, Tetonia, Driggs, and Victor with 4 foot drifts in Soda Springs. Schools were closed on the 15th in many counties including Cassia, Jefferson, Teton, and Fremont.. Many road closures were reported during the day on the 15th due to the blizzard conditions including: US Highway 26 from east of Idaho Falls to the Wyoming border, Parts of Interstate 15 from Idaho Falls north to the border, Interstate 84 from east of Burley to the Utah border, Idaho 77 from Connor Creek to Malta, and Idaho 32 from Ashton to Tetonia. Over 50 minor accidents and slideoffs were reported on interstates and highways through the day on the 15th with no significant injuries reported. During the day of the 15th wind gusts throughout the blizzard were widespread between 50 and 65 mph through all of southeast Idaho. F34OU

36 41 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IDAHO, Southeast IDZ021 Lower Snake River Plain 15 0300MST 0 0 High Wind (G50) M 2000MST A major winter storm brought high winds to Pocatello. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph occurred throughout the day with peak wind gusts of 54 mph at 430 am and 58 mph at 1239 pm reported by ASOS equipment at the Pocatello airport. IDZ019-023 Upper Snake Highlands - Caribou Highlands 17 0100MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1300MST A winter storm brought heavy snow to the eastern mountains of Idaho. Amounts of 6 inches were reported at Macks Inn and 6 to 8 inches in higher elevations near Palisades. IDAHO, Southwest Canyon County Nampa 14 2345MST 1 30 0 0 Tornado (F0) 2348MST A strong frontal system moved through southeast and southwest Idaho during the late evening/early morning hours of December 14th and 15th. A weak tornado formed on the leading edge of the gust front and touched down in a largely rural area of Nampa. A National Weather Service storm survey found evidence that suggested the tornado touched down intermittently over a period of approximately 3 minutes and traveled approximately one mile through a rural area scattered with a few subdivisions. At it's widest, path width was estimated at 30 yards. The tornado was witnessed by a naval officer who described the tornado as a well defined rope-like funnel which was occasionally lighted by exploding transformers and power line arching at the base of the funnel. Damage along the path was confined to shingle damage to a number of homes, a power pole snapped off at it's base and a 3 foot diameter tree uprooted. No injuries occurred with this tornado and damage estimates were not available. ILLINOIS, Central ILZ027>031-036>038 Knox - Stark - Peoria - Marshall - Woodford - Fulton - Tazewell - Mclean 11 1800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2300CST Between 6 and 10 inches of snow accumulated within 24 hours on Monday, December 11, 2000 along and north of a Canton to Morton to Gridley line. Freezing rain and sleet mixed in with the snow, especially along and south of this line. Peoria set a new daily record snowfall of 8 inches nearly doubling the previous record of 4.4 inches set in 1932. The snow started falling around 1 AM, reaching 6 inch amounts by 6 pm and ending by 11 pm on December 11. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph produced considerable blowing and drifting snow along with wind chills of 30-40F below zero. Numerous minor vehicle accidents were reported in this first heavy snow event of the 2000-2001 winter season in Central Illinois. ILZ038-043>047- Mclean - De Witt - Piatt - Champaign - Vermilion - Cass - Christian - Macon - Moultrie - Douglas - Coles - 052>057-061>063- Edgar - Shelby - Cumberland - Clark - Effingham - Jasper - Crawford - Clay - Richland - Lawrence 066>068-071>073 13 1700CST 1 1 Winter Storm 2200CST Between 6 and 8 inches of snow accumulated along and east of a Bloomington to Decatur to Taylorville line with a light ice coating on top of the heavy snow. The snow started between 8 and 10 am, with 6 inches accumulating by 5 pm, and ending by 10 pm. Freezing rain and sleet mixed in with the snow after 3 PM. This was the second winter storm to strike Central IL during the 2000-2001 winter season with the first one occurring just 2 days prior. F?VE ILZ027 Knox 29 1800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 30 2200CST Around 6 inches of snow accumulated at Galesburg in Knox County on Friday, December 29. The snow began around 3 PM on Thursday, December 28, reached 6 inches by 6 PM on Friday, December 29 and ended around 10 PM on Saturday, December 30. Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusty caused blowing and drifting snow. ILLINOIS, Northeast ILZ005>006-011>014- Mchenry - Lake - De Kalb - Kane - Du Page - Cook - La Salle - Kendall - Grundy - Will 019>022 11 0300CST 0 0 Blizzard 2300CST A major winter storm developed in the Texas Panhandle and moved northeast through and northeast Indiana on December 11, bringing blizzard conditions to much of northeast Illinois. At the onset of the storm, snow began falling at a rate of one inch per hour, with more than one-half foot snowfall totals reported across the area by mid day. By late afternoon and early evening the combination of heavy and wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph created near white-out conditions. Peak wind gusts were 46 mph at Morris, 45 mph at Aurora, 39 mph at Midway and O'Hare, and 37 mph at West and Wheaton. Law enforcement reported visibilities reduced to 10 feet at times along interstates. Wind chill indicies averaged 35 to 40 below zero during the evening. By the time the storm was over, the heaviest snows were reported in Cook County, with the community of Burbank reporting 14.5 inches. Other snowfall totals included 13.8 inches at Downers Grove, 13.5 inches at Elmhurst and Mount Prospect, 13.0 inches at Wheaton, and 12.2 inches at Mundelein. The official Chicago measurement at O'Hare was 9.5 inches, and 9.5 inches fell at the NWS Office in Romeoville. Some homeless shelters were not able to be open across northern Illinois due to staff personnel being unable to reach the facilities. Virtually all air travel in and out of the Chicago area was cancelled, with nearly 1,300 flights cancelled at O'hare

37 42 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ILLINOIS, Northeast International Airport alone. One Boeing 727 slid off a runway at O'hare while attempting to land with no injuries being reported. Many schools closed on the 11th and virtually all area schools closed on the 12th. No deaths were attributed directly to the blizzard, however 19 people died due to heart failure while shoveling snow or falling and succumbing to hypothermia. With the combination of persistently below normal temperatures and subsequent snowfalls during the remainder of the month, on January 11th, 2001, Illinois Govenor George Ryan issued a disaster declaration for the entire state. On January 17th, 2001, President Clinton declared 21 counties in Illinois, many in the northern portion of the state, as Federal Emergency Areas. ILZ003>004-008-010 Winnebago - Boone - Ogle - Lee 11 0300CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2300CST A major winter storm developed in the Texas Panhandle and moved northeast through southern Illinois and northeast Indiana on December 11th. Snow fell at the rate of an inch per hour during the morning hours and by midday more than half a foot was on the gorund. Winds gusted to 25 to near 35 mph during the late afternoon and evening hours causing considerable blowing and drifting snow. Wind chills dropped to 30 to 40 below zero during the evening. Snowfall totals included 8.3 inches at Rockford, 8.0 inches at Belvidere, 9.0 inches at Amboy, and 12.4 inches at Dixon. With the combination of persistently below normal temperatures and subsequent snowfalls during the remainder of the month, on January 11th, 2001, Illinois Govenor George Ryan issued a disaster declaration for the entire state. On January 17th, 2001, President Clinton declared 21 counties in Illinois, many in the northern portion of the state, as Federal Emergency Areas. ILZ023-032>033-039 Kankakee - Livingston - Iroquois - Ford 11 0300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2300CST A major winter storm developed in the Texas Panhandle and moved northeast through southern Illinois and northeast Indiana on December 11th, causing heavy snow and ice over the area. In southern Livingston County and most of Ford and Iroquois Counties, significant accumulations of freezing rain and sleet fell, knocking out power. The ice changed to snow in the afternoon and evening and winds gusted to 25 to near 35 mph causing significant blowing and drifting snow. Mostly snow fell in northern Livingston County and most of Kankakee County. Snowfall totals included 9.1 inches at Chatsworth, 8.0 inches at Chebanse, 11.0 inches at Dwight, 9.7 inches at Momence, and 5.0 inches at Piper City. With the combination of persistently below normal temperatures and subsequent snowfalls during the remainder of the month, on January 11th, 2001, Illinois Govenor George Ryan issued a disaster declaration for the entire state. On January 17th, 2001, President Clinton declared 21 counties in Illinois, many in the northern portion of the state, as Federal Emergency Areas. ILZ023-032>033-039 Kankakee - Livingston - Iroquois - Ford 13 0900CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2300CST Snow began during the morning and diminished to flurries before midnight. Snowfall totals included 7.0 inches at Chatsworth and Streator, 6.0 inches at Paxton, 5.5 inches at Chebanse and Momence. ILLINOIS, Northwest ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Cold 31 2359CST December 2000 was notable for the record cold conditions across the upper Midwest. Much of the month was characterized by a persistent northwest flow pattern, which produced repeated significant outbreaks of bitterly cold Arctic air. National Weather Service records indicate the average temperature for December was the coldest on record at the Quad City Airport in Moline. Numerous other communities throughout northwest Illinois also set new monthly temperature records. A number of daily record low temperatures were established as well. In the Quad Cities, it was the coldest Christmas day on record, as the mercury dropped to -18. The extreme cold temperatures combined with occasional high winds to produce dangerous wind chills to 60 below zero. The extreme cold was the unofficial cause of death of a western Iowa resident who had fallen outside his home during sub-freezing weather. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Snow 31 2359CST December 2000 across the upper midwest was noteworthy for record-setting snowfall amounts at many locations. Snowfall amounts of 8 to 10 inches were common from a major storm that swept across the area on December 10th and 11th. Much of the remainder of the month was characterized by a persistent northwest flow pattern with frequent Alberta Clipper storm systems, which produced snowfall amounts of generally 2 to 6 inches over northwest and west central Illinois, as well as periodic Arctic air outbreaks. At the Quad City Airport in Moline, the total snowfall for the month was 32.0 inches, which broke the old mark for the month of 22.0 inches. December was also the snowiest month ever in the Quad Cities. the previous record was 26.7 inches in January of 1979. The snow depth on Christmas Day was 11 inches, which topped the old record of 8 inches.

38 43 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ILLINOIS, Northwest ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 01 0200CST 0 0 Snow 1600CST A weak storm system, lacking abundant moisture, produced the season's first significant snowfall across the area. Snowfall amounts of one inch or less were common, with a few isolated amounts up to two inches. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam 015>018 07 0400CST 0 0 Snow/Freezing Rain 1400CST An Alberta Clipper storm system moved through the upper Midwest beginning during the early morning hours. The system pulled warm air northward into the area, which created ideal conditions for a mix of precipitation. Areas along and north of the Interstate 80 corridor were impacted during the event. North of the U.S. Highway 20 corridor, colder temperatures allowed most of the precipitation to fall in the form of snow, with amounts around one inch common in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties. To the south of Highway 20, warmer temperatures provided for a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Police believe slick roads contributed to an accident on Interstate 80 west of Princeton that killed one person and injured another. The slick conditions also caused numerous other accidents across the area, especially on lesser-traveled roads. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 10 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 2200CST A powerful early winter storm developed in the Rockies and tracked through southern Missouri and Illinois late on Sunday the 10th through the Monday the 11th. The snow began late Sunday night and continued through Monday night. Storm totals of 8 to 11 inches were common over much of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, with 5 to 8 inch amounts to the south in far southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri, and west central Illinois. The strong low pressure center produced wind gusts up to 40 miles an hour Monday afternoon and night, which created near blizzard conditions and drifted many area roads shut. Many road crews across the area were pulled Monday afternoon and night, before returning to the job early Tuesday. An accident in Hancock county Monday claimed one life after a vehicle slid into oncoming traffic. Otherwise, there were surprisingly few accidents involving injuries reported by area law enforcement. Road crews reported very light traffic Monday. An eastern Iowa resident suffered a heart attack after shoveling snow Monday. Area hospitals also treated many people suffering from hypothermia, chest pains, and injuries from falling on the ice. Most area schools were closed both Monday and Tuesday, and many businesses closed early Monday. Temperatures dropped into the single digits Monday night into Tuesday, as wind chills dipped to 20 to 40 below zero. The dangerously cold conditions continued Tuesday as snow removal efforts continued. Law enforcement reported a number of accidents on Tuesday as traffic picked up. ILZ016>018-024>026- Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 13 0800CST 0 0 Snow 2100CST As the region was busy digging out from a major winter storm on 12/11, another storm developed over the southern plains during the early morning hours of 12/13. The system tracked northeast through the lower Mississippi valley into the Ohio valley through the day. The storm tapped into Gulf moisture to the south, and the result was another round of significant snow for the area, before the snow tapered to flurries during the evening hours. NWS Cooperative Observers and sheriffs officials reported snowfall amounts of 2-5 inches south of Interstate 80, with the heaviest amounts across Warren, Hancock, and McDonough counties. The snow created hazardous driving conditions, and area law enforcement officials were kept busy responding to calls of cars in the ditch. Snowfall amounts north of Interstate 80 were lighter, in the range of a 1/2 to 2 inches. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 15 1300CST 0 0 Ice Storm 16 0500CST A potent storm system tracked out of the southern Plains into the mid Mississippi Valley, and brought warm air aloft, which set the stage for a mix of precipitation across the area. Freezing rain and sleet started in far northeast Missouri and west central Illinois around midday, then spread northward across eastern Iowa and western Illinois during the afternoon and evening hours. The mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow continued overnight into the early morning hours of the 16th. Law enforcement, NWS cooperative observers, and spotters reported significant ice accumulations across the entire area, with amounts up to a half inch. The icy roads made for very dangerous driving conditions, and numerous reports of accidents and cars in ditches. Fortunately, area law enforcement did not report any serious accidents, despite the high level of activity. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 16 1400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 1600CST

39 44 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ILLINOIS, Northwest In the wake of the ice storm that hit the region on 12/15 and 12/16, a powerful Arctic cold front swept through the area from the northern Rockies during the afternoon of 12/16. The front brought blizzard conditions to portions of western and central Iowa, but the earlier ice coating across eastern Iowa, western Illinois, and far northeast Missouri all but eliminated the problem of blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall amounts across the area were light as the front moved through, and area law enforcement reported only a few visibility problems on rural roads, and minimal drifting. The main problem was dangerously cold wind chill values, as a strong northwest wind gusting to 35 miles an hour buffeted the area in the wake of the system's low pressure center. Wind chill values dipped to 25 to 40 below by evening on 12/16, and dropped to 30 to 50 below early on 12/17. The bitterly cold wind chills persisted through much of the day, before the center of low pressure exited the area to the east. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 18 0400CST 0 0 Snow/Blowing Snow 19 0600CST Another Alberta Clipper storm system moved southeast into the plains during the early morning hours of 12/18. The storm, coupled with a strong upper-level jet, brought more significant snow to the area, beginning before sunrise in northeast Iowa, and spreading east into western Illinois through the day. Along and north of the Interstate 80 corridor, 3 to 5 inch snowfall totals were common, with some isolated amounts near 6 inches, before the snow tapered to flurries Monday night. South of the I-80 corridor, snowfall totals generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches. A strong northwest wind raked the area Monday night in the wake of the storm. Winds of 20 to 30 miles an hour produced considerable blowing and drifting of the light, fluffy snow. Accidents were widespread across the area on 12/18 and 12/19. No serious injuries were reported by law enforcement in northwest Illinois. The strong northwest wind combined with temperatures near zero to produce wind chills values as low as 40 below zero during the evening hours of 12/18 and the early morning of 12/19. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 20 0700CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST Yet another Alberta Clipper storm chugged into the upper Midwest during the early morning hours of 12/20, this time tracking from the high Plains into Minnesota and Wisconsin. The system brought periods of heavy snow to the area. The snow began in east central and northeast Iowa around sunrise, and then spread south and east into northwest Illinois through the morning hours. The heaviest amounts of 4 to 5 inches fell north of Interstate 80, with 1 to 3 inch amounts to the south. The snow once again kept area law enforcement officials busy, with many accidents across the area. The snow had tapered to flurries by midnight. As low pressure headed off to the northeast, a northwest wind picked up to 20 to 30 miles an hour during the overnight, and produced bitterly cold wind chills of 30 to 45 below zero, as actual temperatures dropped into the single digits. Blowing and drifting snow continued into the day on 12/21. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 21 0400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 22 0300CST Low pressure over the Great Lakes region moved to the east through the day. A strong northwest wind on the back side of the low brought bitterly cold Arctic air into the region, which produced dangerously cold wind chills as well as blowing and drifting snow. High temperatures during the day ranged from the single digits below to above zero, and combined with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour to produce wind chills as low as 40 to 50 below zero. The winds also created widespread blowing and drifting snow, in the wake of a system that brought several inches of snow to the area on December 20th. Area hospitals treated numerous patients for frostbite, falls, chest pains from shoveling snow, and snow blower injures. Law enforcement reported numerous accidents and vehicles in ditches. Many county roads were closed, or reduced to one lane, by drifting snow. The weather prompted the closing of many area schools. The harsh conditions continued overnight into the early morning hours of December 22nd. Actual temperatures across the area dropped to 5 to 10 below zero, with wind chills from 40 to 50 below, before the wind diminished in the pre-dawn hours. ILZ001>002-007 Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll 23 0100CST 0 0 Snow 1200CST A weak low pressure center tracked from northern Missouri during the early morning hours, into central Illinois through the day. The system brought warm, moist air over the top of cold Arctic air at the surface, and produced a light, fluffy snow over parts of far northwest Illinois. The snow tapered to flurries before ending in the early afternoon. Snowfall amounts of one to two inches were reported along and north of U.S. Highway 30. ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 23 2200CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 24 1200CST Frigid Arctic air remained entrenched across the upper Midwest, and combined with a blustery northwest wind up to 20 miles an hour to produce dangerous wind chill values of 25 to 45 below zero. Actual temperatures fell to between five and ten below during the overnight hours.

40 45 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ILLINOIS, Northwest ILZ001>002-007-009- Jo Daviess - Stephenson - Carroll - Whiteside - Rock Island - Henry - Bureau - Putnam - Mercer - Henderson - 015>018-024>026- Warren - Hancock - Mcdonough 034>035 28 1000CST 0 0 Snow 29 1100CST An unusually strong Alberta Clipper storm tracked southeast through Iowa into central Illinois and spread some locally heavy snow over parts of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The snow began in east central Iowa during the mid-morning on December 28th, then spread eastward into western Illinois during the afternoon. West of the Mississippi River, much of the snow ended before dawn on the 29th, but snow on the back side of the system persisted during the morning hours along and east of the river. Storm total snowfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches were common across northwest Illinois, with lesser amounts of 3 to 5 inches in west central Illinois Area law enforcement handled numerous weather-related accidents across the area. A two-vehicle accident in Mercer county during the afternoon of the 29th killed one person and injured two others. ILLINOIS, South ILZ083-086>087-091 White - Saline - Gallatin - Hardin 02 1600CST 0 0 Snow 2200CST Snow began falling during the late afternoon hours. Accumulations ranged from 1 to 2 inches before the snow ended late in the evening. Because temperatures were just above freezing at the start, most of the accumulation was on grassy areas. As temperatures fell below freezing late in the evening, ice formed on the wet roads, causing a number of vehicle mishaps. ILZ075>078-080>094 Jefferson - Wayne - Edwards - Wabash - Perry - Franklin - Hamilton - White - Jackson - Williamson - Saline - Gallatin - Union - Johnson - Pope - Hardin - Alexander - Pulaski - Massac 12 0001CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST An invasion of arctic air occurred on December 12. The arctic air became permanently entrenched over the region for the remainder of the month, resulting in the coldest December on record at Paducah, KY. The average monthly temperature of 25.9 degrees was 11.4 below normal. On the coldest day of the month, the 17th, the high was 17 and the low was 6. Unusually high energy prices, combined with the record cold, caused homeless shelters to fill to capacity. The usual problems associated with frigid temperatures, such as frozen pipes and water main breaks, were common during the latter half of the month. At Brookport, across the river from Paducah, the pipe extending down from the water tower froze, causing it to burst. As a result, Brookport temporarily had no water supply until emergency wells were dug. Heavy ice on the Mississippi River prompted the Coast Guard to restrict barge traffic from Cairo, IL northward. ILZ075>078-080>094 Jefferson - Wayne - Edwards - Wabash - Perry - Franklin - Hamilton - White - Jackson - Williamson - Saline - Gallatin - Union - Johnson - Pope - Hardin - Alexander - Pulaski - Massac 13 0800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1900CST A major winter storm produced 4 to 7 inches of snow across southern Illinois, followed by 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice. The snow began during the early morning hours, falling at rates near one inch per hour. By midday, the snow changed to freezing rain after a brief period of sleet. Light to occasionally moderate freezing rain fell during the afternoon and early evening hours. The heavy precipitation was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked east-northeast from the southern Rockies, across the southern Plains, and then over the lower Mississippi Valley. A strong southerly flow of milder air just above ground level was unable to scour out very cold air right at the surface, which produced an extended period of snow and ice. The liquid equivalent of all the frozen and freezing precipitation was between three quarters of an inch and one inch. Numerous accidents occurred, most of which were minor. The most significant accident was at the junction of Interstates 57 and 64 near Mount Vernon, where a jack-knifed semi-trailer held up traffic for more than an hour. Schools were closed for up to a week following the storm, especially in rural counties with limited snow removal resources. Ice on trees and power lines contributed to scattered power outages. Stores quickly sold out of winter goods, such as ice melter and snow shovels. ILZ075>078-080>089 Jefferson - Wayne - Edwards - Wabash - Perry - Franklin - Hamilton - White - Jackson - Williamson - Saline - Gallatin - Union - Johnson 15 1000CST 0 0 Freezing Rain 1500CST Freezing rain spread across most of southern Illinois during the late morning hours. Most of the icing was north and west of the counties bordering the Ohio River. The thin layer of ice, less than a quarter inch thick, caused some hazardous travel conditions. By late afternoon, the precipitation became too patchy and light to be a significant hazard. ILZ077>078-083-087 Edwards - Wabash - White - Gallatin 16 1800CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST A mix of very light rain and snow during the afternoon changed to a steady snow early in the evening. The snow accumulated anywhere from 1 to 3 inches across southern Illinois, with 2-inch plus amounts confined to counties bordering the Wabash River. The snow ended by midnight. Due to frigid temperatures which hampered snow removal, the accumulations were enough to keep some schools closed, especially in rural counties with poor snow removal abilities. The snow was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked southeast to the Missouri Bootheel, then east along the Tennessee/Kentucky border.

41 46 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ILLINOIS, South ILZ087 Gallatin 21 0900CST 0 0 Flood 22 1800CST The Ohio River crested about 6 inches above the 33-foot flood stage at Shawneetown. This resulted in some flooding of low-lying agricultural bottomland. ILLINOIS, Southwest ILZ095>097 Adams - Brown - Pike 10 0400CST 0 0 Ice Storm 11 1600CST A combination of sleet and freezing rain left a coating of ice from 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick across west central Illinois. Travel on area roadways was very dangerous throughout the day. Some power lines were downed due to a combination of ice and wind. ILZ058>060-064>065- Greene - Macoupin - Montgomery - Bond - Fayette - Clinton - Marion - Washington - Randolph - Adams - 069>070-074-079-095- Pike - Calhoun - Jersey - Madison - St. Clair - Monroe 097>102 13 0600CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1800CST This first major winter storm of the season hit the region dropping from 6 to 10 inches of snow. Some schools in rural areas remained closed into the middle of next week as temperatures remained very cold and a couple of minor snowfalls kept traveling conditions poor. ILZ058>060-064>065- Greene - Macoupin - Montgomery - Bond - Fayette - Clinton - Marion - Washington - Randolph - Adams - 069>070-074-079- Brown - Pike - Calhoun - Jersey - Madison - St. Clair - Monroe 095>102 16 2000CST 1 0 Extreme Windchill 17 1800CST A strong cold front moved across the area the afternoon of December 16 bringing in a blast of Arctic air. Temperatures by 900 pm on the 16th had dropped into the single digits with wind chill values down to 30 below zero. The wind chill remained from 20 below to 40 below zero through Noon on the 17th. An elderly man, from Springfield, IL, suffering from the early stages of Alzeimer's Disease, died in the cold. He left his home on the 16th, apparently become disoriented and headed south into Macoupin County. He was found in an open fiield on the 20th. M79OU ILZ100 Madison 22 2040CST 1 0 Extreme Cold A 58 year-old man from Godfrey, Illinois was found dead in his home. He has not been seen for several days. Hypothermia was the suspected cause of death as the temperature in the home was 35 degrees at the time he was found. High temperatures during the week were in the middle teens to middle twenties with lows in the single digits. M58PH INDIANA, Central INZ053 Owen 12 0100EST 0 0 Flood 1200EST Minor flooding was reported along Mill Creek at Cataract. The creek crested at 10.81 feet (flood stage is 10 feet) on December 12 at 5 am. INZ071>072 Jackson - Jennings 12 0100EST 0 0 Flood 22 0700EST Flooding was reported along the Muscatatuck River from Deputy to Wheeler Hallow. The river crested at Deputy at 22.71 feet (flood stage is 15 feet) on December 12 at 915 am. The river crested at 20 feet (flood stage is 16 feet) at Wheeler Hallow on December 20 at 8 am. There was widespread flooding to agricultural bottomland and county roads reported. INZ028>031-035>041- Warren - Tippecanoe - Clinton - Howard - Fountain - Montgomery - Boone - Tipton - Hamilton - Madison - 043>049-051>052- Delaware - Vermillion - Parke - Putnam - Hendricks - Marion - Hancock - Henry - Vigo - Clay - Morgan - 054>055-060>063- Johnson - Sullivan - Greene - Monroe - Brown - Knox - Daviess 067>068 13 0800EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0100EST A strong upper level system tracked along the Ohio River during the evening of December 13. Strong lift and deep moisture allowed for a widespread heavy snow event across Central Indiana. The accumulating snow began during the late morning of December 13 and continued through about midnight before the activity tapered off to flurries in the early morning hours of December 14. The snowfall was rather uniform with 6 to 7 inch totals common. INZ057-062>065- Rush - Monroe - Brown - Bartholomew - Decatur - Knox - Daviess - Martin - Lawrence - Jackson - Jennings 067>072 13 1800EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0100EST A strong upper level system moved along the Ohio River during the evening of December 13. The system produced moderate to heavy snow across South Central Indiana during the morning and afternoon of December 13 before the precipitation changed over to freezing

42 47 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

INDIANA, Central rain during the evening. Law enforcement reported significant ice amounts as much as 1/2 an inch on top of the snow across South Central Indiana. Power outages were noted across many of these counties. INZ042 Randolph 16 0700EST 0 0 Flood 17 0700EST The Mississinewa River crested at 10.5 feet (flood stage is 10 feet) at Ridgeville on December 16 at 10 pm. Minor flooding of agricultural bottomland and county roads was reported. INZ053 Owen 16 1900EST 0 0 Flood 17 0700EST Minor flooding was reported along Mill Creek at Cataract. The creek crested at 10.84 feet (flood stage is 10 feet) on December 17 at 1 am. A few county roads were water covered and there was minor flooding of agricultural bottomland. INZ071 Jackson 16 2215EST 0 0 Flood 19 0700EST Minor flooding was reported along the East Fork of the White River at Seymour. The river crested at 14.65 feet (flood stage is 12 feet) at 700 am on December 17. Pasture lands, agricultural lands and several county and state roads were water covered. Also, high water isolated a few river cabins. INZ067 Knox 17 2115EST 0 0 Flood 20 0700EST Minor flooding was reported near Petersburg along the White River. The gage crested at 17.03 feet (flood stage is 16 feet) on December 19 at 5 am. There was minor agricultural bottomland flooding and a few county roads were closed. INDIANA, Northeast INZ003>008-012-014- La Porte - St. Joseph - Elkhart - Lagrange - Steuben - Noble - Starke - Marshall - Kosciusko 016 11 0800EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 12 1000EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions on December 11th... An unseasonably cold arctic airmass spilling southward out of southern Canada on the 10th combined with a very strong upper level disturbance and upper level jet of 160 knots came together over the Midwest early on the 11th. Surface low pressure developed over early on the 11th and rapidly deepened as it lifted northeastward into central Indiana by late afternoon. Heavy snow developed quickly during the morning and mixed with some sleet at times due to the tremendous warm air advection out ahead of the intensifing system. Heavy snow continued into the early morning hours of the 12th with thunder snow reported at several locations in northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan within the mid level deformation zone of the upper low. As the surface low continued to intensify and pull out into Ohio during the night of the 11th...strong gradient winds developed creating near blizzard conditions over northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan and caused some damage to trees and power lines over northwest Ohio with wind gusts of 59 mph reported in Putnam Ohio and 56 mph in Lima Ohio. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 16 inches in Cassopolis... 14 in Elkhart... 13.5 in Goshen... 12 in Niles, St. Joseph, Salem Center, and the South Bend airport... and 10 inches in Berrien Springs, Westville, Middlebury, Mishawaka, Union, and White Pigeon with 6 to 8 inches elsewhere. INZ017>018-020- Whitley - Allen - White - Cass - Miami - Wabash - Huntington - Wells - Adams - Grant - Blackford - Jay 022>027-032>034 13 1200EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0000EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions for December 13th... Another in a series of strong upper level disturbances coming out of the southern plains combined with an intensifing upper jet over southern Canada led to another bout of heavy snow across part of Indiana and Northwest Ohio on the 13th. Although the surface low remained quite weak and the upper level system moved rather quickly... moisture was able to quickly advect northward out of the lower Mississippi valley as the low level jet intensified in response to increasing upper level divergence associated with the strong upper level jet over southern Canada. Snow developed around noon and quickly became heavy by mid afternoon and continued into late evening before tapering off. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 8 inches at Grissom AFB... 7.4 in Young America... 7 in Defiance, Huntington, Monroeville, Portland, Bluffton, and Montpelier, and 6 in Marion, Columbus Grove, Fort Wayne, Hartford City, Monticello, Van Wert, Wabash, Wauseon, and Columbia City. INZ006>008-015>018- Lagrange - Steuben - Noble - Fulton - Kosciusko - Whitley - Allen - Cass - Miami - Wabash 022>024 16 2300EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 17 0700EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions on December 17th... The last in a series of strong upper level disturbances and associated upper level jet streaks moving northward out of the lower Mississippi valley combined with another arctic cold front dropping down out of southern Canada on the 17th. Developing surface low pressure along the advancing arctic front was initially quite weak...however as the strong upper level low ejected out of the mean

43 48 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

INDIANA, Northeast long wave trough through the central US and two distinct upper jet streaks coupled...the surface low bombed as it moved northeast from Louisville Kentucky to Toledo Ohio late that evening. Very heavy snow developed within the developing mid level deformation zone due in part to considerable moisture wrapping westward in advance of the upper level low, increasing deep upward vertical motion as the jet streak coupling occurred and rapid intensification of the system in general. Several locations reported thunder snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour for a 6 hour period during the early morning hours of the 17th. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 10.5 inches in Lagrange... 9 in Sturgis and Albion, 8 in Warsaw and La Otto, 7 in Columbia City, Cromwell, Kendallville and Middlebury and 6 inches in Rochester, Royal Center, Logansport and Fort Wayne. INDIANA, Northwest INZ010>011-019 Newton - Jasper - Benton 11 0600EST 0 0 Winter Storm 12 0500EST An intense winter storm, which developed in the Texas Panhandle, moved northeast across southern Illinois and northeast Indiana on December 11 and 12, causing heavy snow and ice over northwest Indiana. Significant ice accumulations occurred due to sleet and freezing rain in southern Newton, southern Jasper and Benton counties before changing to snow. The ice storm knocked out power. Mainly snow fell in northern Newton and northern Jasper Counties. Snow totals included 6.8 inches at Wheatfield and 5.5 inches at Lake Village. Winds gusted to 25 to near 35 mph during the late afternoon and evening causing considerable blowing and drifting of snow. No deaths were directly related to this storm system. INZ001>002 Lake - Porter 11 0600EST 0 0 Blizzard 12 0500EST An intense winter storm, which developed in the Texas Panhandle, moved northeast through southern Illinois and northeast Indiana December 11 and 12. Heavy snow fell at the rate of nearly and inch per hour during the morning and early afternoon. During the height of the blizzard from around 200 pm through 800 pm CST, a combination of heavy snow and wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph created near white-out conditions. Law enforcement officials reported visibilities reduced to near zero along Interstate 80 and Interstate 65, stranding many motorists. The peak wind gust at Gary was 40 mph. Wind chill indicies dropped to 30 to 40 degrees below zero during the evening of the 11th. By early morning on the 12th, nearly one foot of snow had fallen over lake and Porter Counties. Some snowfall totals included 10.5 inches at Lowell, 9.0 inches at Crown Point, and 8.0 inches at Hebron. INDIANA, South Central INZ079 Jefferson 16 0845EST 0 0 Flood 17 0215EST The Muscatatuck River at Deputy crested at 22.7 feet at 5 PM EST on December 16. Flood stage at this location is 20 feet. INDIANA, Southeast INZ050-058>059-066- Wayne - Fayette - Union - Franklin - Ripley - Dearborn - Ohio - Switzerland 073>075-080 11 2000EST 0 0 100K High Wind (G56) M 12 0600EST A strong low pressure system pushed a sharp cold front through the region dropping temperatures by around 30 degrees. Strong winds occurred with the front and continued for several hours after the frontal passage. The highest measured wind gust was 66 mph in Franklin county. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down across the region. Also, a grain bin was blown over onto a road. INZ050-058>059-066- Wayne - Fayette - Union - Franklin - Ripley - Dearborn - Ohio - Switzerland 073>075-080 13 1700EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0500EST A weak low pressure system brought freezing rain into the region. Ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch were common. INDIANA, Southwest INZ085>088 Posey - Vanderburgh - Warrick - Spencer 02 1600CST 0 0 Snow 2200CST Snow began falling during the late afternoon hours. Accumulations ranged from 1 to 2 inches before the snow ended late in the evening. Because temperatures were just above freezing at the start, most of the accumulation was on grassy areas. As temperatures fell below freezing late in the evening, ice formed on the wet roads, causing a number of minor vehicle mishaps. INZ081>082-085>088 Gibson - Pike - Posey - Vanderburgh - Warrick - Spencer 11 1800CST 0 0 Wind 2300CST A strong cold front passed through southwest Indiana. Strong gusty northwest winds in the wake of the front caused some minor damage to trees. A few trees were down in each county. At the Evansville Airport, the peak wind gust was clocked at 46 MPH. INZ081>082-085>088 Gibson - Pike - Posey - Vanderburgh - Warrick - Spencer 12 0001CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST An invasion of arctic air occurred on December 12. The arctic air became permanently entrenched over the region for the remainder of the month, resulting in the second coldest December on record at Evansville. The average monthly temperature of 23.6 degrees was 11.6 below normal. On the coldest day of the month, the 22nd, the high was 15 and the low was 2. Unusually high energy prices,

44 49 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

INDIANA, Southwest combined with the record cold, caused homeless shelters to fill to capacity. The usual problems associated with frigid temperatures, such as frozen pipes and water main breaks, were common during the latter half of the month. INZ081>082-085>088 Gibson - Pike - Posey - Vanderburgh - Warrick - Spencer 13 1000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1900CST A major winter storm produced 3 to 4 inches of snow across southwest Indiana, followed by 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice. The snow began during the mid to late-morning hours, falling at rates near one inch per hour. During the midday hours, the snow changed to freezing rain after a brief period of sleet. Light to occasionally moderate freezing rain fell during the afternoon and early evening hours. The heavy precipitation was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked east-northeast from the southern Rockies, across the southern Plains, and then over the lower Mississippi Valley. A strong southerly flow of milder air just above ground level was unable to scour out very cold air right at the surface, which produced an extended period of snow and ice. The liquid equivalent of all the frozen and freezing precipitation was between three quarters of an inch and one inch. Numerous accidents occurred, most of which were minor. In Vanderburgh County, including Evansville, police reported more than 50 accidents. Most schools and some businesses were closed by the storm. INZ081>082-085>088 Gibson - Pike - Posey - Vanderburgh - Warrick - Spencer 16 1800CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST A mix of very light rain and snow during the afternoon changed to a steady snow early in the evening. The snow accumulated anywhere from 2 to 3 inches across southwest Indiana. The snow ended around midnight. The snow was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked southeast to the Missouri Bootheel, then east along the Tennessee/Kentucky border. IOWA, Central IAZ004>007-015>017- Emmet - Kossuth - Winnebago - Worth - Palo Alto - Hancock - Cerro Gordo - Pocahontas - Humboldt - Wright 023>028-033>039- - Franklin - Butler - Bremer - Sac - Calhoun - Webster - Hamilton - Hardin - Grundy - Black Hawk - Crawford 044>050-057>062- - Carroll - Greene - Boone - Story - Marshall - Tama - Audubon - Guthrie - Dallas - Polk - Jasper - Poweshiek - 070>075-081>086- Cass - Adair - Madison - Warren - Marion - Mahaska - Adams - Union - Clarke - Lucas - Monroe - Wapello - 092>097 Taylor - Ringgold - Decatur - Wayne - Appanoose - Davis 10 2100CST 0 0 1.3M Winter Storm 11 1800CST The first major winter storm system in nearly two years struck Iowa during the night of the 10th through the day on the 11th. A large Arctic high pressure area was poised to the northwest of Iowa. Cold air spilled south into Iowa with temperatures falling into the single digits above and below zero over nearly all of the state prior to the storms beginning. During the afternoon of the 10th, low pressure began developing over the southern Rockies. The surface low took a track northeast passing near Saint Louis, MO to just north of Indianapolis, IN by late on the afternoon of the 11th. This track was similar to the track taken by the last significant snowstorm to affect much of Iowa on 31 December 1998 through 01 January 1999. Two factors took place to produce the snow in Iowa. Initially, snow broke out over the state as warm air was lifted over the cold dome during the evening of the 10th into the early morning of the 11th. This isentropic lift zone was replaced by the dynamics of the storm itself toward dawn on the 11th when heavier snow developed. Some of the snowfall was convective over the far southern part of the state. Nearly every reporting station in the Des Moines CWA reported at least 6 inches of snow from this system. Six to eight inches of snow were common over the north half of the state, while over the south half snowfall amounts were generally in the nine to twelve inch range. The heaviest snow band was generally across the second tier of counties north of the Missouri border. Some convection took place across that area which enhanced the snowfall. The heaviest snowfall total came from the Ottumwa area, where fourteen inches of snow was recorded. Several locations were close to a foot from Ottumwa west toward Osceola. Coming in close behind was Indianola, in Warren County, with eleven inches. The snow hampered travel in many areas, but now as badly as is often the case. The light fluffy nature of the snow made it fairly easy to blow off the highways. Many of the roads were reported only partially snow covered even during the height of the storm. The light nature of the storm did present some other problems however. Gusty northerly winds of 20 to 35 MPH produced significant drifting and some blowing of the snow. The biggest problem was along east to west highways. Travel was not recommended over the south third of Iowa by the late afternoon hours. Schools closed across most of the state by the afternoon of the 11th and many remained closed on the 12th as well. Numerous businesses closed and some Government offices closed early on the 11th. Another problem with this storm was with the cold temperatures and the winds. Temperatures close to zero F. combined with the 20 to 35 MPH winds produced wind chill values across the entire state in the 35 to 50 degree below zero range. Although not unusual for Iowa, these readings were colder than had been experienced during the past few . Actual property damage was quite minor during this event. There were report of spotty power outages caused by the cold and some icing on power lines. The winds were of such speed that some "galloping" of power lines was observed. With the very cold temperatures, the wires were brittle and susceptible to breakage. No long lasting or extended power outages were reported. IAZ004>007-015>017- Emmet - Kossuth - Winnebago - Worth - Palo Alto - Hancock - Cerro Gordo - Pocahontas - Humboldt - Wright 023>026-033>036- - Franklin - Sac - Calhoun - Webster - Hamilton - Crawford - Carroll - Greene - Audubon - Guthrie 044>046-057>058 16 0800CST 0 0 1M Blizzard 1800CST A powerful storm system moved through the central U.S. during the day on the 16th. Low pressure tracked southeast into northern Missouri, then tracked northeast into the Great Lakes. Behind the low was a strong Arctic high pressure area. The pressure gradient was very tight between the two systems. As a result, very strong winds ushered in the Arctic air into the state. Although very little in the way of new snow fell in Iowa, snow covered the ground to a depth of 6 to 14 inches statewide. Most of the snow was loose snow, however freezing fell over the southeast half of the state during the previous night and limited the lifting of the snow to a point.

45 50 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IOWA, Central As the Arctic air spilled into Iowa, temperatures fell from the mid to upper 20s into the single digits above and below zero within a few hours. Northwest winds of 25 to 40 MPH were common over the northwest half of the state, with occasional gusts to 50 MPH. The highest official wind gust in the Des Moines CWA was in Carroll with a gust to 52 MPH. Visibility dropped to zero very quickly as the cold air moved in with blizzard conditions reported. Travel was not recommended across the northwest half of Iowa. Interstate 35 was closed at the 142 mile marker, or at U.S. Highway 20, by early afternoon. By the late afternoon the interstate was closed from the 113 mile marker, just north of U.S. Highway 30. Reports indicated a 37 car pile up north of U.S. Highway 20 began the closure. Most businesses closed for the day and activities were postponed or cancelled. Wind chill indices dropped into the dangerously low category with wind chill values across the state between 40 and 65 degrees below zero. Spotty power outages were also reported, however no widespread outages occurred. To the southeast of the blizzard area conditions were not a whole lot better. Winds of 25 to 35 MPH were common with gusts to between 40 and 45 MPH. Visibilities were not as limited due to the layer of on the snow. Occasional whiteout conditions were reported, but extended durations did not occur. Wind chill values in these areas were generally between 40 and 50 degrees below zero. IAZ004>007-015>017- Emmet - Kossuth - Winnebago - Worth - Palo Alto - Hancock - Cerro Gordo - Pocahontas - Humboldt - Wright 023>028-033>039- - Franklin - Butler - Bremer - Sac - Calhoun - Webster - Hamilton - Hardin - Grundy - Black Hawk - Crawford 044>049-057>060- - Carroll - Greene - Boone - Story - Marshall - Audubon - Guthrie - Dallas - Polk - Cass - Adair - Madison - 070>073-081>082-092 Warren - Adams - Union - Taylor 18 0900CST 0 0 925K Blizzard 1600CST A weather feature dropped out of southern Alberta, through eastern Montana, then eventually southeast into Missouri. Though not a classic clipper type storm, the storm did produce many of the characteristic. The snow began to become convective during the early morning hours with heavy snow reported over a large part of the northwest half of Iowa. Snow fell at the rate of one to two inches per hour for a two to three hour period. A large area of five to eight inch snowfall was reported from southwest Iowa toward the Waterloo area. Some of the heavier amounts were in Hamilton County, where eight inches was report in Jewell. There were numerous reports of six to seven inches of snow. Gusty northwest winds moved in behind the low during the morning and continued through much of the afternoon. The snow was fluffy in nature and was easy to blow. Whiteout conditions were reported in rural areas of winds of 30 to 45 MPH picked up the snow. Many roads were drifted shut, businesses, and schools closed for the day. Conditions began to improve during the evening, though drifting continued to be a problem through much of the night. IAZ071 Adair 19 0900CST 1 0 Extreme Cold Very cold air descended on Iowa. One death was reported due to the cold. An 85 year old man fell outside his home in Greenfield and apparently was not visible from the street. He was unable to get up and died of hypothermia. M85OU IAZ004>007-015>017- Emmet - Kossuth - Winnebago - Worth - Palo Alto - Hancock - Cerro Gordo - Pocahontas - Humboldt - Wright 023>028-033>039- - Franklin - Butler - Bremer - Sac - Calhoun - Webster - Hamilton - Hardin - Grundy - Black Hawk - Crawford 044>050 - Carroll - Greene - Boone - Story - Marshall - Tama 21 1200CST 0 0 540K Blizzard 1800CST Deep snow cover was in place over Iowa. Though no new snow fell during the day on the 21st, a strong push of cold air moved into the state during the afternoon. Gusty northwest winds of 25 to 35 MPH and occasional gusts to 40 MPH or higher caused considerable blowing snow and zero visibilities. Roads over the north half of Iowa drifted shut quickly with numerous accidents and road closings reported. Wind Chill values once again were in the 40 to 55 degree below zero range through the afternoon and evening. Conditions improved around sunset as winds diminished to under 25 MPH. Drifting became a very serious problem due to the great amount of loose snow on the ground. In Rockwell City, drifting over the railroad tracks was so severe that a freight train was stranded just west of town. IAZ006>007-016>017- Winnebago - Worth - Hancock - Cerro Gordo - Wright - Franklin - Butler - Bremer - Grundy - Black Hawk - 025>028-038>039-050 Tama 28 0800CST 0 0 55K Heavy Snow 2300CST A strong upper level low pressure dropped southeast out of the northern Rockies into Iowa. The surface low was very close to the upper low as it moved through eastern South Dakota, southeast into east central Iowa. Snow broke out during the morning hours of the 28th and was falling quite heavily by the mid day hours. Though there were a few breaks in the snow, it continued to fall well into the evening hours before diminishing to only flurries. The snow was very light and fluffy with snow to water ratios frequently between 20 and 30 to one. The heaviest snow fell in the Waterloo area, where 10.7 inches of snow was recorded. In Britt, 8.3 inches of snow was measured. There were reports of six to seven inches of new snow in a wide area extending from Hancock County, southeast into the Waterloo area. Winds were quite light during the storm, though there was some drifting occurred. As the storm pulled away from the state, winds picked up from the northwest. Visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less at times in open areas. Traffic was hampered as roads became very icy. Reports indicated many roads were 100 percent covered with "". IOWA, East Central and Southeast IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Cold 31 2359CST December 2000 was notable for the record cold conditions across the upper Midwest. Much of the month was characterized by a

46 51 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IOWA, East Central and Southeast persistent northwest flow pattern, which produced repeated significant outbreaks of bitterly cold Arctic air. National Weather Service records indicate the average temperature for December was the coldest on record in the Quad Cities, and the third coldest in Dubuque. Numerous other communities throughout eastern Iowa also set new monthly temperature records. A number of daily record low temperatures were established as well. In the Quad Cities, it was the coldest Christmas day on record, as the mercury dropped to -18. The extreme cold temperatures combined with occasional high winds to produce dangerous wind chills to 60 below zero. The extreme cold was the unofficial cause of death of a western Iowa resident who had fallen outside his home during sub-freezing weather. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Snow 31 2359CST December 2000 across the upper midwest was noteworthy for record-setting snowfall amounts at many locations. Snowfall amounts of 8 to 10 inches were common from a major storm that swept across the area on December 10th and 11th. Much of the remainder of the month was characterized by a persistent northwest flow pattern with frequent Alberta Clipper storm systems, which produced snowfall amounts of generally 2 to 6 inches over eastern Iowa, as well as periodic Arctic air outbreaks. In the Quad Cities, the total snowfall for the month was 32.0 inches, which broke the old mark for the month of 22.0 inches. December was also the snowiest month ever in the Quad Cities. the previous record was 26.7 inches in January of 1979. The snow depth on Christmas Day was 11 inches, which topped the old record of 8 inches. Dubuque also had a record-setting December. The total snowfall was 37.6 inches, which established records for December and all-time monthly snowfall. The heavy snow during the month was a factor in the roof collapse at two Clinton businesses during early January of 2001. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 01 0200CST 0 0 Snow 1600CST A weak storm system, lacking abundant moisture, produced the season's first significant snowfall across the area. Snowfall amounts ranged from a few tenths of an inch up to three inches, with one to two inch amounts the most common. According to a newspaper report, the snow was a contributing factor in a two-vehicle accident on a Linn County road during the morning of 12/1. Three people were injured, one critically. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - Muscatine - 064>068 Scott 07 0400CST 0 0 Snow/Freezing Rain 1400CST An Alberta Clipper storm system moved through the upper Midwest beginning during the early morning hours. The system pulled warm air northward into the area, which created ideal conditions for a mix of precipitation. Areas along and north of the Interstate 80 corridor were impacted during the event. North of the U.S. Highway 20 corridor, colder temperatures allowed most of the precipitation to fall in the form of snow, with amounts around one inch common. To the south of Highway 20, warmer temperatures provided for a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. One person was injured in a weather-related accident involving three semi-trailer trucks along Interstate 80 near Tiffin. Both sides of Interstate 80 were closed near Tiffin for much of the day. The slick conditions contributed to numerous other accidents across the area, especially on lesser-traveled roads. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 10 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 2200CST A powerful early winter storm developed in the Rockies and tracked through southern Missouri and Illinois late on Sunday the 10th through the Monday the 11th. The snow began late Sunday night and continued through Monday night. Storm totals of 8 to 11 inches were common over much of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, with 5 to 8 inch amounts to the south in far southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri, and west central Illinois. The strong low pressure center produced wind gusts up to 40 miles an hour Monday afternoon and night, which created near blizzard conditions and drifted many area roads shut. Many road crews across the area were pulled Monday afternoon and night, before returning to the job early Tuesday. An accident in Hancock county Monday claimed one life after a vehicle slid into oncoming traffic. Otherwise, there were surprisingly few accidents involving injuries reported by area law enforcement. Road crews reported very light traffic Monday. A Clinton county resident suffered a heart attack after shoveling snow Monday. Area hospitals also treated many people suffering from hypothermia, chest pains, and injuries from falling on the ice. Most area schools were closed both Monday and Tuesday, and many businesses closed early Monday. Temperatures dropped into the single digits Monday night into Tuesday, as wind chills dipped to 20 to 40 below zero. The dangerously cold conditions continued Tuesday as snow removal efforts continued. Law enforcement reported a number of accidents on Tuesday as traffic picked up. IAZ067-076>078- Muscatine - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 13 0800CST 0 0 Snow 2100CST As the region was busy digging out from a major winter storm on 12/11, another storm developed over the southern plains during the early morning hours of 12/13. The system tracked northeast through the lower Mississippi valley into the Ohio valley through the day. The storm tapped into Gulf moisture to the south, and the result was another round of significant snow for the area, before the snow

47 52 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IOWA, East Central and Southeast tapered to flurries during the evening hours. NWS Cooperative Observers and sheriffs officials reported snowfall amounts of 2-5 inches south of Interstate 80, with the heaviest amounts across Lee, Van Buren, and Des Moines counties. The snow created hazardous driving conditions, and area law enforcement officials were kept busy responding to calls of cars in the ditch. Snowfall amounts north of Interstate 80 were lighter, in the range of a 1/2 to 2 inches. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 15 1300CST 0 0 Ice Storm 16 0500CST A potent storm system tracked out of the southern Plains into the mid Mississippi Valley, and brought warm air aloft, which set the stage for a mix of precipitation across the area. Freezing rain and sleet started in far northeast Missouri and west central Illinois around midday, then spread northward across eastern Iowa and western Illinois during the afternoon and evening hours. The mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow continued overnight into the early morning hours of the 16th. Law enforcement, NWS cooperative observers, and spotters reported significant ice accumulations across the entire area, with amounts up to a half inch. The icy roads made for very dangerous driving conditions, and numerous reports of accidents and cars in ditches. Fortunately, area law enforcement did not report any serious accidents, despite the high level of activity. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 16 1400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 1600CST In the wake of the ice storm that hit the region on 12/15 and 12/16, a powerful Arctic cold front swept through the area from the northern Rockies during the afternoon of 12/16. The front brought blizzard conditions to portions of western and central Iowa, but the earlier ice coating across eastern Iowa, western Illinois, and far northeast Missouri all but eliminated the problem of blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall amounts across the area were light as the front moved through, and area law enforcement reported only a few visibility problems on rural roads, and minimal drifting. The main problem was dangerously cold wind chill values, as a strong northwest wind gusting to 35 miles an hour buffeted the area in the wake of the system's low pressure center. Wind chill values dipped to 25 to 40 below by evening on 12/16, and dropped to 30 to 50 below early on 12/17. The bitterly cold wind chills persisted through much of the day, before the center of low pressure exited the area to the east. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 18 0400CST 0 0 Snow/Blowing Snow 19 0600CST Another Alberta Clipper storm system moved southeast into the plains during the early morning hours of 12/18. The storm, coupled with a strong upper-level jet, brought more significant snow to the area, beginning before sunrise in northeast Iowa, and spreading east through the day. Along and north of the Interstate 80 corridor, 3 to 5 inch snowfall totals were common, with some isolated amounts near 6 inches, before the snow tapered to flurries Monday night. South of the I-80 corridor, snowfall totals generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches. A strong northwest wind raked the area Monday night in the wake of the storm. Winds of 20 to 30 miles an hour produced considerable blowing and drifting of the light, fluffy snow. Accidents were widespread across the area on 12/18 and 12/19. Three people were injured after being thrown from their vehicle in a two-car accident in Dubuque county during the morning of 12/18. Two other accidents involved school buses in Scott and Benton counties sliding off the road on 12/18. There were no serious injuries in those accidents, nor in other accidents reported by area law enforcement. The strong northwest wind combined with temperatures near zero to produce wind chills values as low as 40 below zero during the evening hours of 12/18 and the early morning of 12/19. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 20 0700CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST Yet another Alberta Clipper storm chugged into the upper Midwest during the early morning hours of 12/20, this time tracking from the high Plains into Minnesota and Wisconsin. The system brought periods of heavy snow to the area. The snow began in east central and northeast Iowa around sunrise, and then spread south and east through the morning hours. The heaviest amounts of 3 to 5 inches fell along and north of a line from Sigourney Iowa, to the Quad Cities, to Sterling/Rock Falls. 1 to 3 inch amounts were common to the south and east. The snow once again kept area law enforcement officials busy, with many accidents across the area. The snow had tapered to flurries by midnight. As low pressure headed off to the northeast, a northwest wind picked up to 20 to 30 miles an hour during the overnight, and produced bitterly cold wind chills of 30 to 45 below zero, as actual temperatures dropped into the single digits. Blowing and drifting snow continued into the day on 12/21. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 21 0400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 22 0300CST Low pressure over the Great Lakes region moved to the east through the day. A strong northwest wind on the back side of the low

48 53 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IOWA, East Central and Southeast brought bitterly cold Arctic air into the region, which produced dangerously cold wind chills as well as blowing and drifting snow. High temperatures during the day ranged from the single digits below to above zero, and combined with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour to produce wind chills as low as 40 to 50 below zero. The winds also created widespread blowing and drifting snow, in the wake of a system that brought several inches of snow to the area on December 20th. Area hospitals treated numerous patients for frostbite, falls, chest pains from shoveling snow, and snow blower injures. Law enforcement reported numerous accidents and vehicles in ditches. Many county roads were closed, or reduced to one lane, by drifting snow. The weather prompted the closing of many area schools. The harsh conditions continued overnight into the early morning hours of December 22nd. Actual temperatures across the area dropped to 5 to 10 below zero, with wind chills from 40 to 50 below, before the wind diminished in the pre-dawn hours. IAZ040>042-051>054 Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson 23 0100CST 0 0 Snow 1200CST A weak low pressure center tracked from northern Missouri during the early morning hours, into central Illinois through the day. The system brought warm, moist air over the top of cold Arctic air at the surface, and produced a light, fluffy snow over parts of east central and northeast Iowa. The snow tapered to flurries before ending in the early afternoon. Snowfall amounts of one to four inches were reported along and north of U.S. Highway 30. Buchanan, Delaware, and Dubuque counties received three to four inch amounts. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Cedar - Clinton - 063>068-076>078- Muscatine - Scott - Keokuk - Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 087>089-098>099 23 2200CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 24 1200CST Frigid Arctic air remained entrenched across the upper Midwest, and combined with a blustery northwest wind up to 20 miles an hour to produce dangerous wind chill values of 25 to 45 below zero. Actual temperatures fell to between five and ten below during the overnight hours. IAZ065-067 Cedar - Muscatine 28 1000CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 29 1100CST An unusually strong Alberta Clipper storm tracked southeast through Iowa into central Illinois and spread some locally heavy snow over parts of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The snow began in east central Iowa during the mid-morning on December 28th, then spread eastward into western Illinois during the afternoon. West of the Mississippi River, much of the snow ended before dawn on the 29th, but snow on the back side of the system persisted during the morning hours along and east of the river. Storm total snowfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches were common across the area, with some locally higher amounts. 8 inches fell in Cedar county, and 7 inches in Muscatine and Jones counties. Due to the prolonged nature of the event, only two counties, Cedar and Muscatine, reached winter criteria. The threshold is 6 inches in a 12 hour period or 8 inches in a 24 hour period. In southeast Iowa, snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 5 inches. Area law enforcement handled numerous accidents across the area. Traffic was backed up on Interstate 80 near Bettendorf after a semi-trailer jackknifed during the evening of the 29th. No one was injured. IAZ040>042-051>054- Buchanan - Delaware - Dubuque - Benton - Linn - Jones - Jackson - Iowa - Johnson - Clinton - Scott - Keokuk - 063>064-066-068- Washington - Louisa - Jefferson - Henry - Des Moines - Van Buren - Lee 076>078-087>089- 098>099 28 1000CST 0 0 Snow 29 1100CST An unusually strong Alberta Clipper storm tracked southeast through Iowa into central Illinois and spread some locally heavy snow over parts of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The snow began in east central Iowa during the mid-morning on December 28th, then spread eastward into western Illinois during the afternoon. West of the Mississippi River, much of the snow ended before dawn on the 29th, but snow on the back side of the system persisted during the morning hours along and east of the river. Storm total snowfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches were common across the area, with some locally higher amounts. 8 inches fell in Cedar county, and 7 inches in Muscatine and Jones counties. In southeast Iowa, snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 5 inches. Area law enforcement handled numerous accidents across the area. Traffic was backed up on Interstate 80 near Bettendorf after a semi-trailer jackknifed during the evening of the 29th. No one was injured. IOWA, Northeast IAZ008>011-018>019- Mitchell - Howard - Winneshiek - Allamakee - Floyd - Chickasaw - Fayette - Clayton 029>030 10 2300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 2345CST The first winter storm of the season hit northeast Iowa with widespread snowfall amounts of 5 to 7 inches. Accumulations of 7 inches were reported by cooperative weather observers in North Washington (Chickasaw County), Osage (Mitchell County) and near Waterville (Allamakee County). IAZ008>011-018>019- Mitchell - Howard - Winneshiek - Allamakee - Floyd - Chickasaw - Fayette - Clayton 029>030 18 0300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2330CST The second snowstorm in a week to hit northeast Iowa, produced accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Cooperative observers at New Hampton (Chickasaw County) and Waucoma (Fayette County) reported 7 inch amounts, with 5.5 inches in Ossian (Winneshiek

49 54 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

IOWA, Northeast County) and 5 inches at Charles City (Floyd County). IAZ008>011-018>019- Mitchell - Howard - Winneshiek - Allamakee - Floyd - Chickasaw - Fayette - Clayton 029>030 28 0800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2325CST The last in a series of winter storms to affect northeast Iowa during December, produced 5 to 8 inches of snow. Cooperative observers reported 8.3 inches at New Hampton (Chickasaw County), 8 inches at Elkader, 7.2 inches at Strawberry Point (Clayton County) and 7 inches at Waucoma (Fayette County). IOWA, Northwest IAZ001>003-012>014- Lyon - Osceola - Dickinson - Sioux - O'Brien - Clay - Plymouth - Cherokee - Buena Vista - Woodbury - Ida 020>022-031>032 16 0400CST 0 0 Blizzard 2359CST Winds gusting over 50 mph combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 4 inches of new snow to produce prolonged blizzard conditions. Visibilities near zero and drifting snow made travel impossible. Even snow plows were pulled off the roads until conditions improved. Many businesses, colleges, and technical schools closed during the storm. Wind chills dropped to near 60 below zero at times. Although there was no significant damage reported, the economic impact of the storm was still large in lost travel, business, and snow removal costs. IAZ002>003-012>014- Osceola - Dickinson - Sioux - O'Brien - Clay - Plymouth - Cherokee - Buena Vista - Woodbury - Ida 020>022-031>032 17 2100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 18 1800CST Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches combined with strong winds to produce blowing and drifting snow, with visibility less than a quarter mile at times. The winds, gusting to 45 mph, also caused wind chills to drop to 50 below zero. Travel was difficult or impossible during the storm, and schools and businesses were forced to close. IAZ001-012-020>021- Lyon - Sioux - Plymouth - Cherokee - Woodbury - Ida 031>032 28 1300CST 0 0 Blizzard 2200CST Strong winds, gusting to near 50 mph at times, combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 2 inches of new snowfall to create blizzard conditions. Visibilities were near zero at times, especially in open areas. The reduced visibility and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas. Many businesses were forced to close. IOWA, Southwest IAZ055>056-069- Harrison - Shelby - Pottawattamie - Mills - Montgomery - Fremont - Page 079>080-090>091 10 1900CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 1500CST See the narrative for eastern Nebraska for the same time period. IAZ043-055>056-069- Monona - Harrison - Shelby - Pottawattamie - Mills - Montgomery - Fremont - Page 079>080-090>091 16 0200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1800CST See the narrative for eastern Nebraska for the same time period. IAZ043-055>056-069- Monona - Harrison - Shelby - Pottawattamie - Mills - Montgomery - Fremont - Page 079>080-090>091 16 1800CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 0300CST See the narrative for eastern Nebraska for the same time period. IAZ043-055>056-069- Monona - Harrison - Shelby - Pottawattamie - Mills 079 17 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 18 2200CST See the narrative for eastern Nebraska for the same time period. IAZ043-055>056-069- Monona - Harrison - Shelby - Pottawattamie - Mills - Montgomery - Fremont - Page 079>080-090>091 18 2200CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 19 0300CST See the narrative for eastern Nebraska for the same time period.

50 55 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KANSAS, East KSZ008>012-020>024- Republic - Washington - Marshall - Nemaha - Brown - - Clay - Riley - Pottawatomie - Jackson - 026-034>040-054>056- Jefferson - - Dickinson - Geary - Morris - Wabaunsee - Shawnee - Douglas - Lyon - Osage - Franklin - 058>059 Coffey - Anderson 11 0001CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST Very cold arctic air spread over the area starting on the 11th and remained entrenched through the end of the month. A number of days the mercury fell to below zero readings. Strong winds on several days also sent wind chill readings to as low as 30 degrees below zero. It was the second coldest December in Topeka since records began in 1887 surpassed only by the infamous December of 1983. KSZ035 Dickinson 11 0605CST 1 0 Winter Storm A slick roadway caused by snow and ice resulted in a one vehicle accident 8 miles north of Abilene that killed the female driver. F48VE KSZ036 Geary 11 1210CST 1 0 Winter Storm A slick Interstate 70 from snow and ice caused a series of vehicles to collide and resulted in a crash induced fire that killed a male driver. M25VE KSZ021>024-026- Clay - Riley - Pottawatomie - Jackson - Jefferson - Ottawa - Dickinson - Geary - Morris - Wabaunsee - 034>040-054>056- Shawnee - Douglas - Lyon - Osage - Franklin - Coffey - Anderson 058>059 12 2000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 13 1600CST A winter storm spread across much of the area and brought heavy snow to parts of the area. The heaviest snow amounts of 10 to 12 inches were across the Burlington and Garnett areas. Amounts tapered off further to the north and west with 3 to 5 inch amounts common in an area from Abilene to Alma to Valley Falls. A number of vehicle accidents resulted from the winter storm but there were no known fatalities. KSZ008>012-020>024- Republic - Washington - Marshall - Nemaha - Brown - Cloud - Clay - Riley - Pottawatomie - Jackson - 026-034>040-054>056- Jefferson - Ottawa - Dickinson - Geary - Morris - Wabaunsee - Shawnee - Douglas - Lyon - Osage - Franklin - 058>059 Coffey - Anderson 16 0800CST 0 0 High Wind (G45) M 1400CST Strong winds spread across eastern on the morning and early afternoon of the 16th. Top wind gusts reported were 52 mph at Emporia, 50 mph at Topeka Forbes Field, 47 mph at Lawrence, and 45 mph at Concordia and Topeka Billard Airport. No damage resulted from the high winds. Combined with temperatures in the 25 to 30 degree range the strong winds produced wind chills in the 10 below zero to 20 below zero range. KANSAS, Extreme Southeast KSZ073-097-101 Bourbon - Crawford - Cherokee 12 0000CST 0 0 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST Abnormally cold air moved into southeast Kansas by the middle of December as the main jet stream carved out a deep trough of low pressure over the eastern 2/3's of the nation. This pattern continued through the early part of January. The combination of deep snow cover and an abnormally strong arctic air mass kept temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal. KSZ073-097-101 Bourbon - Crawford - Cherokee 12 2100CST 1 0 10K Heavy Snow 13 1800CST A major winter storm dropped 8 to 12 inches of snow in southeast Kansas. The hardest hit areas were in Cherokee County where up to 14 inches fell near Galena and Columbus. In addition to numerous accidents reported by law enforcement officers over the area, heavy snowfall collapsed a carport onto a car in Baxter Springs, killing the individual in the car. No other serious injuries were reported. M67VE KSZ101 Cherokee 25 1600CST 0 0 0 Winter Storm 26 1530CST A winter storm produced a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Some of the freezing rain accumulated up to one quarter inch thick on area roadways. Numerous accidents were reported, but no deaths or serious injuries occurred. No major power outages were noted. KANSAS, North Central KSZ005>007-017>019 Phillips - Smith - Jewell - Rooks - Osborne - Mitchell 11 0100CST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 0500CST A quick moving storm brought some of the coldest weather in the last 3 years to north-central Kansas. The storm was also responsible for 1 to 4 inches of snow, and considerable blowing and drifting snow by strong winds. The heaviest snow fell east of U. S. Highway 281. Air temperatures dropped below zero and wind chills at the height of the storm approached 30 below zero.

51 56 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KANSAS, North Central KSZ005>007-017>019 Phillips - Smith - Jewell - Rooks - Osborne - Mitchell 16 0700CST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 1600CST The second of three quick moving but powerful winter storms pounded north-central Kansas with high winds, dangerous cold and blizzard-like conditions. The storm struck around sunrise. Though actual snowfall was light, fresh snow already on the ground was more than enough for the high winds, which developed, to create hazardous conditions. Visibilities dropped to near zero in white-out conditions during the morning as wind gusts to 45 mph were recorded. Significant blowing and drifting snow made travel difficult in some areas.

Though the sky cleared during the day, the wind continued to howl to 40 mph and temperatures dropped to around 10 degrees by midday. The combination of wind and cold produced dangerously cold wind chills to 35 below zero. Many area events scheduled for the evening of the 16th were canceled due to the combination of wind, extreme cold and problems from blowing snow. KANSAS, Northeast KSZ025-057-060- Atchison - Miami - Linn - Doniphan - Leavenworth - Wyandotte - Johnson 102>105 10 0800CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST Arctic air gripped northeast Kansas for the final 3 weeks of December. Except for a few hours on the 15th and 16th, temperatures remained below freezing for the entire period. Daily temperatures were 10 to 20 degrees below normal through the period. Average highs were in the teens and twenties with average lows in the single digits. Olathe dropped to 10 below zero on the 22nd. Snow cover persisted across the area from the 13th through the end of the month. Numerous water pipes and water mains were broken, especially in the Kansas City area. KSZ025-057-060- Atchison - Miami - Linn - Doniphan - Leavenworth - Wyandotte - Johnson 102>105 10 2300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 1400CST A storm system moved across northeast Kansas on December 10th and 11th, bringing a wintery mix of precipitation. Freezing drizzle began late on the 10th, changing to snow on the morning of the 11th. Snow accumulations ranged from 1 to 5 inches and ice accumulations reached 3/8 of an inch. The combination of snow and ice led to numerous traffic accidents and school closings. KSZ057-060-104>105 Miami - Linn - Wyandotte - Johnson 13 0800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600CST Snow overspread east-central Kansas around midnight on December 13th, and fell heavily at times through the morning hours. Heaviest snows fell from Paola south to Mound City, with 7 to 9 inches reported. 6 inch snow totals were reported in the Kansas City metro area. Schools were closed throughout the area up to 3 days. Numerous traffic accidents were reported. KANSAS, Northwest KSZ001>004-013>016- Cheyenne - Rawlins - Decatur - Norton - Sherman - Thomas - Sheridan - Graham - Wallace - Logan - Gove - 027>029-041>042 Greeley - Wichita 16 0200MST 0 2 High Wind (G64) 18 1600MST High Winds were common across northwest Kansas for almost 3 days in a row. A strong cold frontal passage increased wind gusts on the 17th, followed by gusts to near 75 mph on the 18th. Considerable blowing dust resulted in near zero visibilities in many places. The combination of high winds and blowing dust made travel difficult, and even closed down a few highways on the afternoon of the 18th. In addition, accidents were reported and 2 people were injured during the event. KSZ001>002-013>014 Cheyenne - Rawlins - Sherman - Thomas 31 1800MST 0 0 Fog 2300MST Dense Fog formed and persisted through New Year's Eve over parts of northwest Kansas. Visibilities were reduced to near zero making travel very difficult. KANSAS, Southeast KSZ070>072-094>096- Greenwood - Woodson - Allen - Elk - Wilson - Neosho - Chautauqua - Montgomery - Labette 098>100 13 0200CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600CST A potent winter storm crossing Oklahoma and Arkansas buried nearly all of southeast Kansas with 6 to 14 inches of snow. The greatest accumulations, 10 to 14 inches, occurred across that part of southeast Kansas along, and east, of a line from Coffeyville in southeast Montgomery County to near Fredonia in western Wilson County to just southeast of Yates Center in southeast Woodson County. Trained storm spotters and area newspapers contributed to this report.

52 57 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KANSAS, Southwest KSZ030>031-043>046- Trego - Ellis - Scott - Lane - Ness - Rush - Hamilton - Kearny - Finney - Hodgeman - Pawnee - Stafford - 061>066-074>081- Stanton - Grant - Haskell - Gray - Ford - Edwards - Kiowa - Pratt - Morton - Stevens - Seward - Meade - Clark 084>090 - Comanche - Barber 11 0600CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 1800CST Arctic air swept across the area and combined with strong north winds produced wind chill readings as low as 45 degrees below zero. KSZ043-065-078-078- Scott - Pawnee - Ford - Morton 084 18 1320CST 0 0 76.3K High Wind (G56) M 1950CST High wind occurred across much of the area producing frequent gusts from 50 to 56 knots. In Larned (Pawnee county), a roof blown off a business and traveled down the street impacting another business. Vehicles were smashed from the debris. In Dodge City (Ford county), the visibility was reduced to zero in blowing dust. Also, the wind demolished a trampoline and swing set on the west side of town. A car windshield was broken at a location 13 miles west of Richfield (Morton county). The majority of the $76.3 k damage was done in Larned. KENTUCKY, Central Madison County Richmond 16 1515EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G60) Power lines were blown down within the Richmond city limits. Scott County Countywide 16 1700EST 0 0 2100EST Clark County Countywide 16 1800EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1900EST Harrison County Countywide 16 1830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 2130EST Fayette County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 Flash Flood 2130EST Rain earlier in the week had saturated the ground over parts of central Kentucky. The ground had also been frozen for a few days prior to this rainfall event, hindering runoff. A low pressure system over the southern plains brought warm, moist air into central Kentucky, producing rainfall amounts up to 5 inches. There were widespread reports of high water and road closings throughout central Kentucky, and in these four counties, bridges were covered by water. KYZ026 Ohio 17 0730EST 0 0 Flood 2330EST The Rough River at Dundee crested at 25.4 feet at 630 PM EST on December 17. Flood stage at this location is 25 feet. KYZ045 Nelson 18 0200EST 0 0 Flood 19 0300EST The Rolling Fork of the Salt River at Boston crested at 35.9 feet at 9 PM EST on December 18. Flood stage at this location is 35 feet. KENTUCKY, Eastern KYZ058>059-068>069- Estill - Powell - Rockcastle - Jackson - Pulaski - Laurel - Wayne - Mccreary - Whitley - Knox - Bell - Harlan - 079>080-083>088-108- Wolfe - Floyd - Lee - Breathitt - Knott - Owsley - Perry - Clay - Leslie - Letcher - Pike 110>118-120 02 2300EST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 03 0500EST The first snowstorm produced one of the heaviest early season snowfalls in the past 20 years across Eastern Kentucky. A general 3 to 6 inches of snow fell in the counties bordering Tennessee and along the I-75 corridor. A band of 6 inch snows fell south of the Mountain Parkway to near Pikeville. Locally up to 8 inches of snow also fell from Lee county south to McCreary county. Powell County Countywide 16 1545EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind 1600EST Trees were reported down across several locations in the county. Estill County Countywide 16 1550EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees were reported down in scattered areas across the county. Jackson County New Zion 16 1605EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees down across KY Hwy 587 near New Zion and Turkey Foot. 53 58 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KENTUCKY, Eastern Rockcastle County 3 S Mt Vernon 16 1721EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees down along KY Hwy 1004. Rockcastle County Brodhead 16 1721EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Water over the road at Brodhead and Conway. Rowan County 1 S Lick Fork 16 1730EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Rock slides on KY Hwy 519 and KY Hwy 801. Morgan County 1 WNW Ezel 16 1745EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Mudslides on US 460 near the Menifee County line. Fleming County Flemingsburg Jct 16 1800EST 0 0 0 0 Flash Flood 2100EST KY Hwy 170 closed due to high water at Flemingsburg Junction (Johnson's Junction) Jackson County Maulden 16 1800EST 0 0 1K 0 Flash Flood 2100EST Sturgeon Creek overflowed into car along KY Hwy 1709. Powell County Clay City 16 1800EST 0 0 0 0 Flash Flood 2100EST Harwicks Creek and Frames Branch reported out of their banks at Adams Ridge near Clay City. Several homes cut off by floodwaters. Floyd County Dotson 16 1800EST 0 0 0 0 Flash Flood 2100EST Bridge to several homes washed out at Granny Fitz Branch near KY Hwy 114. Breathitt County Lawson 16 1800EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Mudslide on KY Hwy 541 near Mount Carmel School. Fleming County Marthas Mill 16 1900EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Martha's Mill Road off of KY Hwy 57 was covered with water. Pike County Zebulon 16 1953EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld Heavy produced mudslides along Zebulon Highway. Knox County Barbourville 16 2000EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind One tree down in Barbourville. Whitley County 1 E Lot 16 2015EST 0 0 1K 0 Thunderstorm Wind One tree, among several others blown down, fell on a house near Mud Creek. Floyd County Martin 16 2050EST 0 0 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 2150EST Heavy rainfall created several rockslides on HWY 80 in Martin. Laurel County London 16 2100EST 0 0 2K 0 Flash Flood House flooded by creek along KY Hwy 1004. One side of highway closed. Johnson County Volga 16 2147EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees down along KY Hwy 172 at stopyard. Pike County Mc Carr 16 2300EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees down across KY Hwy 1056 near McCarr. Laurel County Boreing 16 2350EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind Trees down across KY Hwy 229.

54 59 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KENTUCKY, Northeast KYZ101>103-105 Greenup - Carter - Boyd - Lawrence 01 0000EST 0 0 Prolong Cold 31 2300EST Persistent west and northwest winds aloft, resulted in the monthly average temperature to be 8 to 9 degrees colder than usual. From preliminary data, Warnock of Greenup County had the lowest raw temperature, when it dropped to 1 degree below zero on the 23rd. Boyd County Countywide 16 1200EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0100EST Carter County Countywide 16 1200EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0100EST Greenup County Countywide 16 1200EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0100EST Lawrence County Countywide 16 1200EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0100EST Rains of 1.5 to 2.5 inches fell ahead of a strong cold front. Some small streams overflowed into fields or the usual low spots. KENTUCKY, Northern KYZ089>100 Carroll - Gallatin - Boone - Kenton - Campbell - Owen - Grant - Pendleton - Bracken - Robertson - Mason - Lewis 11 2000EST 0 0 25K High Wind (G50) 12 0600EST A strong low pressure system dragged a sharp cold front across the region dropping temperatures around 30 degrees. Along and behind the cold front, winds gusted to near 60 mph. Trees were knocked down and windows were blown out. KYZ089>100 Carroll - Gallatin - Boone - Kenton - Campbell - Owen - Grant - Pendleton - Bracken - Robertson - Mason - Lewis 13 1700EST 0 0 25K Ice Storm 2300EST A weak low pressure system moved across the Ohio Valley causing several hours of freezing rain before temperatures warmed above freezing. Ice accumulations above one-quarter inch were common across the region. A few tree limbs and power lines were knocked down from the weight of the ice. Kenton County Covington 16 1430EST 0 0 10K Flood 1800EST Heavy rainfall caused Banklick Creek to flood Pioneer Park and Cody road. Robertson County Countywide 16 1730EST 0 0 5K Flood 2015EST Several hours of very heavy rainfall caused many roads to be closed across the county. Pendleton County Countywide 16 1735EST 0 0 100K Flood 2015EST Heavy rainfall flooded many roads across the county. A bridge was also washed out. Mason County Countywide 16 1800EST 0 0 5K Flood 2000EST Heavy rainfall caused high water across roads. One road was closed due to the high water. Lewis County Countywide 16 1900EST 0 0 100K Flood 2300EST Persistent heavy rainfall caused the closing of 1 road and washed out a bridge. KENTUCKY, Southwest KYZ010-014>022 Crittenden - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Christian - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean - Muhlenberg - Todd 02 1600CST 0 0 Snow 2200CST Snow began falling during the late afternoon hours. Accumulations ranged from 1 to 2 inches before the snow ended late in the evening. Because temperatures were just above freezing at the start, most of the accumulation was on grassy areas. As temperatures fell below freezing late in the evening, ice formed on the wet roads, causing a number of vehicle mishaps.

55 60 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

KENTUCKY, Southwest KYZ001>022 Fulton - Hickman - Carlisle - Ballard - Mccracken - Graves - Livingston - Marshall - Calloway - Crittenden - Lyon - Trigg - Caldwell - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Christian - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean - Muhlenberg - Todd 11 1800CST 0 0 Wind 2300CST A strong cold front passed across western Kentucky. West to northwest winds gusted to 45 MPH behind the front. At Paducah, the peak wind gust was 44 MPH, and at Evansville, Indiana, it was 46 MPH. Many counties reported a few trees or limbs were blown down. Some signs were damaged in Henderson. Isolated brief power outages were reported in Webster and Henderson Counties. KYZ001>022 Fulton - Hickman - Carlisle - Ballard - Mccracken - Graves - Livingston - Marshall - Calloway - Crittenden - Lyon - Trigg - Caldwell - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Christian - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean - Muhlenberg - Todd 12 0001CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST An invasion of arctic air occurred on December 12. The arctic air became permanently entrenched over the region for the remainder of the month, resulting in the coldest December on record at Paducah. The average monthly temperature of 25.9 degrees was 11.4 below normal. On the coldest day of the month, the 17th, the high was 17 and the low was 6. Unusually high energy prices, combined with the record cold, caused homeless shelters to fill to capacity. The usual problems associated with frigid temperatures, such as frozen pipes and water main breaks, were common during the latter half of the month. Auto clubs reported a large increase in service calls, mainly for frozen door locks and dead batteries. KYZ001>011-013>016- Fulton - Hickman - Carlisle - Ballard - Mccracken - Graves - Livingston - Marshall - Calloway - Crittenden - 018>020 Lyon - Caldwell - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean 13 0800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1900CST A major winter storm produced significant ice accumulations across most of western Kentucky, generally around 1/2 inch thick. The ice was preceded by up to 3 inches of snow. Snow accumulations before the changeover to ice ranged from just a dusting in the Tennessee border counties up to 3 inches along the Ohio River. Owensboro reported only an inch of snow, while Henderson and Paducah received 3 inches. The snow changed to freezing rain after a brief period of sleet. Light to occasionally moderate freezing rain fell during the afternoon and early evening hours. In the Hopkinsville area, temperatures rose above freezing long enough to prevent any significant icing problems there. The heavy precipitation was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked east-northeast from the southern Rockies, across the southern Plains, and then over the lower Mississippi Valley. A strong southerly flow of milder air just above ground level was unable to scour out very cold air right at the surface, which produced an extended period of snow and ice. The liquid equivalent of all the frozen and freezing precipitation was between one half and three quarters of an inch. Numerous accidents occurred, most of which were minor. One of the most significant wrecks occurred on the U.S. Highway 41 bridge over the Ohio River, where a car rolled onto its side. Schools were closed for up to a week following the storm, especially in rural counties with limited snow removal resources. Ice on trees and power lines contributed to scattered power outages, especially from the Morganfield area of Union County southwest to the Mayfield and Paducah areas. Stores quickly sold out of winter goods, such as ice melter and snow shovels. KYZ010>022 Crittenden - Lyon - Trigg - Caldwell - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Christian - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean - Muhlenberg - Todd 16 1800CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST A mix of very light rain and snow during the afternoon changed to a steady snow early in the evening. The snow accumulated anywhere from 1 to 3 inches across western Kentucky. The 2 to 3 inch accumulations were east of Kentucky Lake, especially from the Madisonville area north to Owensboro and Henderson. The snow ended around midnight. Frigid temperatures in the wake of the snow made salt much less effective. There were a number of minor accidents and a sharp increase in slip-and-fall injuries. The snow was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked southeast to the Missouri Bootheel, then east along the Tennessee/Kentucky border. KYZ001>022 Fulton - Hickman - Carlisle - Ballard - Mccracken - Graves - Livingston - Marshall - Calloway - Crittenden - Lyon - Trigg - Caldwell - Union - Webster - Hopkins - Christian - Henderson - Daviess - Mclean - Muhlenberg - Todd 26 1500CST 0 0 Snow 2000CST Minor snow accumulations, generally an inch or so, affected the Owensboro and Henderson areas. To the south, the precipitation was more in the form of sleet and freezing rain. In the Owensboro area, about 50 vehicles slid off the road or were in accidents. The most significant was a semi trailer that jackknifed on U.S. 431 near the community of Island. , Northeast

NONE REPORTED. LOUISIANA, Northwest LAZ001>006-010>012 Caddo - Bossier - Webster - Claiborne - Lincoln - Union - De Soto - Red River - Bienville 12 2200CST 1 1 27M Ice Storm 13 1600CST An artic airmass spilled southward out of the central plains and into the lower Mississippi Valley. This cold surface airmass was

56 61 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

LOUISIANA, Northwest overrun by a warm and humid airmass which combined with a strong upper level storm system across west Texas. The result was widespread freezing rain. Ice accumulations on average of one inch were common north and west of a line from Mansfield and Arcadia to Farmerville LA. An estimated 235,000 residents lost power from snapped power lines. Upwards of 29 transmission lines atop "H" shaped steel towers were snapped due to the weight of the ice. One man was killed and another injured when a tree limb laden with ice fell on them. Numerous traffic accidents were reported from ice covered roads and bridges. In the Shreveport - Bossier metroplex more than 205 streets were either blocked or partially blocked by limbs and fallen trees. Much of northwest Louisiana was declared a disaster area. M77UT LAZ001 Caddo 13 1212CST 1 1 Ice Storm Two men checking gas meters when ice laden limb fell on them. M?UT LAZ001>006-012>014 Caddo - Bossier - Webster - Claiborne - Lincoln - Union - Bienville - Jackson - Ouachita 24 2300CST 0 0 106M Ice Storm 26 2155CST Some of the northern Parishes in north Louisiana experienced their second ice storm in as many weeks while others who missed out on the first storm experienced widespread icing problems. Freezing rain accumulations ranged from 1/4 to near 1 inch mainly north of Interstate 20. The Shreveport - Bossier metroplex were not affected by this second storm but widespread power outages were reported across Minden, Homer, Arcadia, Farmerville, Ruston, and Monroe Louisiana. 50,000 residents lost power due to ice accumulations on power lines and fallen trees and snapped trees limbs broken power lines. LOUISIANA, Southeast LAZ034>040-046>050- Pointe Coupee - West Feliciana - East Feliciana - St. Helena - Tangipahoa - Washington - St. Tammany - 056>060-065>067 Iberville - West Baton Rouge - East Baton Rouge - Ascension - Livingston - Assumption - St. James - St. John The Baptist - Upper Lafourche - St. Charles - Upper Terrebonne - Lower Terrebonne - Lower Lafourche 01 0000CST 0 0 80.8M 31 2350CST Louisiana State University Agricultural Center reported that prolonged drought resulted in agricultural losses, including forestry losses, totaled approximately 80 million dollars in east central and southeast Louisiana during the year 2000. Record, or near record, annual rainfall totals were recorded at several locations. At Baton Rouge, the driest year on record was established since weather records began in 1887. Only 38.10 inches of rain was recorded during the year, approximately 23 inches below normal. At New Orleans International Airport, 38.88 inches of rain was measured during the year, about 23 inches below normal. This was the second driest year since weather records began at the airport location in 1946. Tangipahoa Parish Hammond 13 1710CST 0 0 0.75K Thunderstorm Wind A tree and several tree limbs were knocked down. Tangipahoa Parish Countywide 16 1230CST 0 0 1.5K Thunderstorm Wind A few trees and power lines were blown down in scattered locations across the parish. St. Tammany Parish Madisonville 16 1305CST 0 0 1.5K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees were blown down. Washington Parish Bogalusa 16 1720CST 0 0 0.75K Thunderstorm Wind Several large tree limbs were blown down. LOUISIANA, Southwest LAZ027>033-041>045- Vernon - Rapides - Avoyelles - Beauregard - Allen - Evangeline - St. Landry - Calcasieu - Jefferson Davis - 051>054 Acadia - Lafayette - Upper St. Martin - Cameron - Vermilion - Iberia - St. Mary 01 0000CST 0 0 169.6M Drought 31 2359CST The drought of 2000 was devastating to the agricultural community of southwest and central Louisiana. Around 170 million dollars worth of crop losses occurred between January 1 and December 31 2000. The hardest hit parishes were Vermilion with 35.8 million dollars loss, Avoyelles with 28.9 million dollars, and Saint Landry with 26.8 million dollars. The primary crops lost were rice and sugarcane. Drought losses were complied by the LSU Agricultual Center. LAZ028>030-032>033- Rapides - Avoyelles - Beauregard - Evangeline - St. Landry - Calcasieu - Jefferson Davis - St. Mary 041>042-054 16 1445CST 2 0 575K High Wind 1800CST High winds of 40 to 60 mph toppled trees, damaged roofs, and knocked power out to many communities across southwest and central Louisiana. Two people were killed in Saint Landry Parish when a tree fell on the vehicle they were driving on Highway 182, around a mile north of Sunset. The couple were killed instantly as the three foot diamter tree landed right across the front seat of their vehicle. The high winds were associated with a strong high pressure system over the area. M54VE, F49VE

57 62 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MAINE, North MEZ001>002-004 Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis 12 0200EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2100EST An intensifying low tracking across northern Maine brought heavy snow to the region. Storm snowfall totals of 7 to 12 inches were reported across the region...with the higher totals generally occurring across northern Piscataquis county and northwest Aroostook county. MEZ015-029 Southern Penobscot - Coastal Hancock 12 1000EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST A combination of astronomical high tides and strong onshore winds associated with low pressure tracking across northern Maine...forced water to back up into the lower reaches of the Penobscot River. This in turn caused water to back up into the Kenduskeag Stream...a tributary of the Penobscot River...at Bangor. The increased water levels in the Kenduskeag Stream caused some spillover into several low lying areas bordering the stream. The water also spilled into a parking garage through a breach in a retaining wall. A similar situation developed along the lower reaches of the Union River at Ellsworth where water forced up into the river contributed to some spillover into low lying areas bordering the river. In both instances...water levels receded with the passing of high tide ending the flooding.

Some minor was also reported at the time of high tide. A portion of the causeway at Deer Isle was damaged by the high water and heavy surf. Some debris was also washed onto coastal roads. MEZ001>002- Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis - Northern Penobscot - Southern 004>005-010 Piscataquis 14 0500EST 0 0 Winter Storm 15 0200EST An intensifying low lifting through the Gulf of Maine brought heavy snow to the region. Storm snowfall totals of 7 to 12 inches were common...with localized totals in excess of 12 inches reported across northwest Aroostook county. MEZ001>002- Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis - Northern Penobscot - Southeast 004>006-010>011- Aroostook - Southern Piscataquis - Central Penobscot - Southern Penobscot - Interior Hancock - Interior 015>017-029>030 Washington - Coastal Hancock - Coastal Washington 17 1200EST 0 0 High Wind (G65) 18 1600EST A rapidly intensifying low tracking through the St. Lawrence River Valley during the 17th exited the Gulf of St. Lawrence early on the 18th. Very strong winds accompanied the passage of the low. Maximum wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common across much of the region...with wind gusts to around 80 mph reported offshore. The strongest winds generally occurred during the morning of the 18th.

Numerous trees...branches and powerlines were downed during this event. Tree damage was particularly severe across northern portions of the region. Roof damage was reported to many sturctures across the region...with trees toppled onto some structures and vehicles. A 250 foot radio tower was blown over near Caribou. Extensive damage was also reported to street signs...billboards and fences across the region. Tens of thousands of people were without power at various times during the event. MEZ001>002 Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook 18 0800EST 0 0 Blizzard 1200EST Colder air wrapping back around the low exiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence turned precipitation back to snow across the region. Snow accumulations generally ranged from 1 to 3 inches during the morning before the snow tapered off around noon. However...the snow combined with 60 to 70 mph wind gusts to produce widespread blowing and drifting snow which reduced visibilities to near zero at times and created blizzard conditions for several hours. MEZ010 Southern Piscataquis 18 0900EST 0 0 Flood 2000EST Record warmth and very heavy precipitation also accompanied the low tracking through the St. Lawrence River Valley. The record warmth rapidly melted much of the early season snowpack. In addition...winds upsloping into the mountainous terrain of the region produced orographically enhanced rainfall totals of 3.00 to 4.00 inches...with some locally higher totals. The combination of runoff from the melting snow and heavy rains led to rapid rises on area rivers including the Piscataquis River and the Kingsbury Stream. The rapidly rising waters caused a break up of some of the early season river ice which had begun to form...leading to several ice jams.

The combination of increased river levels and ice jams led to areas of flooding along the Piscataquis River and some of its tributaries. Although the Piscataquis River at Dover-Foxcroft crested around 10.1 feet...just below the flood stage of 11.0 feet...some spillover onto low lying areas bordering the river did occur around Dover-Foxcroft and Guilford. Another ice jam on the Kingsbury Stream near Abbot Village caused some spillover onto low lying areas...including the Back Abbot road which had to be closed for a time. The receding waters left large chunks of ice on the road which had to be cleared before the road could be re-opened.

Although the flooding subsided...the ice jams froze in place with the return of colder air and will likely persist through the rest of the winter.

58 63 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MAINE, North MEZ001>002- Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis - Northern Penobscot - Southern 004>005-010 Piscataquis 20 0200EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2200EST An intensifying low lifting through the Gulf of Maine brought heavy snow to the region. Storm snowfall totals generally ranged from 7 to 12 inches...with the higher totals across northwest and extreme northern portions of Aroostook county. MEZ030 Coastal Washington 24 2000EST 0 0 Winter Storm 25 0700EST Low pressure developing along the Maine coast and tracking through the Gulf of Maine produced a small area of locally heavy snow along its northern edge. A localized area of 5 to 8 inches of accumulation was reported along the immediate coast...with areas only several miles inland reporting 1 to 3 inches of snow. MEZ001>002- Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis - Northern Penobscot - Southeast 004>006-010>011 Aroostook - Southern Piscataquis - Central Penobscot 25 1200EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 26 0400EST Strong gusty winds and temperatures falling through the single digits above zero to the single digits below zero combined to produce wind chills of 45 to 55 below zero. MEZ001>002- Northwest Aroostook - Northeast Aroostook - Northern Piscataquis - Northern Penobscot - Southeast 004>006-010>011- Aroostook - Southern Piscataquis - Central Penobscot - Southern Penobscot - Interior Hancock - Interior 015>017-029 Washington - Coastal Hancock 30 1800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 1600EST A rapidly intensifying low tracking along the Maine coast produced heavy snow across the region. Storm snowfall totals generally ranged from 6 to 10 inches...with localized totals of around 12 inches. The heaviest snows generally fell across central and northern portions of the region. MAINE, South MEZ023>024 Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland 12 1048EST 0 0 Coastal Flood 1124EST A area of low pressure deepened as it moved northeastward along the Saint Lawrence Valley on the morning of the 12th. A high astronomical tide (11.5 feet in Portland) coincided with strong southerly winds to cause tide levels to rise to 12.3 feet at Portland at 11:06 am, 0.3 feet above the 12 foot flood level. Docks were submerged in Portland. Roads along Narragansett and Mother's Beach in Kennebunkport sustained damage with three to four inches of rocks thrown on the roads. MEZ009-014-018>028 Central Somerset - Southern Somerset - Interior York - Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo 12 1100EST 0 1 Strong Winds 1800EST MEZ007>008-012>013 Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin 12 1600EST 0 0 High Wind (G52) 1730EST A low pressure system strengthened as it moved northeast across State and into Canada. The storm produced high winds across the western mountains and foothills, and strong winds across the remainder of western and mid-coast Maine. The high winds downed trees and limbs, causing minor damage to a house in Dixfield. In North Berwick, the strong and gusty winds downed a tree that critically injured a 41 year-old woman. The winds also caused scattered power outages throughout the area, affecting about 10,000 customers, 2500 of which were in Oxford and Franklin Counties. Peak wind gusts were measured at 60 mph in Rumford, 49 mph in Sanford, and 46 mph in Brunswick MEZ007 Northern Oxford 14 0500EST 0 0 Moderate Snowfall 1600EST MEZ008>009- Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin - Southern Somerset - Interior 012>014-018>028 York - Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo 14 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600EST An area of low pressure that intensified off the mid-Atlantic Coast on the 14th moved northeastward and brought moderate to heavy snow to much of western Maine and the mid-Coast area during the day. Snowfall amounts in the area ranged from 4 to 8 inches, except in northern Oxford county where 3 to 6 inches of snow fell. The precipitation ended as a brief period of freezing drizzle. MEZ007>009- Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin - Southern 012>014-018>028 Somerset - Interior York - Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo 17 1530EST 0 0 High Wind (G53) 18 0800EST

59 64 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MAINE, South A low pressure system strengthened as it moved across the eastern Great Lakes and into Canada. The storm produced a prolonged period of high winds across western Maine. The winds damaged two planes and five hangers at Dyer's Airstrip near Rumford. Numerous trees were downed, especially in coastal towns such as Boothbay Harbor and Pemiquid Point. Power outages affected 48,000 customers. Peak wind gusts were estimated at 65 mph in Gorham and 62 mph in Poland and Rangely. Oxford County Countywide 17 2145EST 0 0 Flood 18 0500EST MEZ012-014 Southern Oxford - Southern Somerset 17 2315EST 0 0 Flood 18 2200EST A deep low pressure center tracked northeastward across the eastern Great Lakes bringing strong southerly winds, temperatures in the 50s, and heavy rains into the region. In general, 2 to 4 inches of rain fell across the area, and the wind and warm temperatures rapidly melted up to a foot of snow that was on the ground. The rainfall and snowmelt caused several rivers and streams to overflow their banks. In Oxford County, the Swift River in Roxbury overflowed its banks from late in the evening on the 17th to the morning of the 18th. The Saco River also overflowed its banks in Oxford County, closing portions of Route 113 near Weston's Beach. At Skowhegan in Somerset County, the Kennebec River exceeded the 35,000 cfs flood flow during the 18th, reaching a maximum flow of 43,790 cfs around 3 pm. MEZ007>009-012>013 Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin 20 0000EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1400EST MEZ014 Southern Somerset 20 0000EST 0 0 Moderate Snowfall 1400EST An area of low pressure moving through the Great Lakes and a secondary low developing off the mid-Atlantic coast brought moderate to heavy snow to the mountains and foothills of western Maine. The secondary low moved rapidly northeast through the Gulf of Maine as it deepened during the early morning hours of the 20th. Snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 7 inches in the foothills to 6 to 12 inches in the mountains. MEZ007>009- Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin - Southern 012>014-018>028 Somerset - Interior York - Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo 25 0700EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill Temperatures 26 1100EST Low pressure moving northeast and intensifying off the New England coast caused strong winds to develop over the state. The strong northwest winds brought arctic air into the area Christmas day. The combination of the strong winds and the cold temperatures on the 25th and 26th caused wind chill temperatures to drop to 35 to 45 degrees below zero in the mountains and 25 to 35 degrees below zero over the remainder of western and mid-coast Maine. MEZ007>009- Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin - Southern 012>014-018>028 Somerset - Interior York - Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo 30 1500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 31 1300EST An area of low pressure developed rapidly in the early morning hours of the 30th off the mid-Atlantic coast, just south of Long Island. The low moved slowly northeastward during the day and brought snow to the state beginning during the late afternoon and evening on the 30th. Snow continued overnight as the low moved slowly northeastward overnight to extreme southwestern Maine by the morning of the 31st. The low continued to move slowly northeast during the 31st, reaching the Canadian Maritimes by the morning of the January 1st. Snow ended across most of the area during the morning and early afternoon of the 31st, but lingered in the mountains into the evening. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 6 to 10 inches along the coast to 8 to 12 inches in the mountains. , Central MDZ007 Harford 10 1300EST 0 0 Winter Weather 1900EST A weak low pressure system moved across the area during the afternoon and evening of the 10th. Light freezing rain and sleet fell across the county. Roads became slippery and several traffic accidents were reported during the morning commute on the 11th. A few slippery roads were also reported in Carroll and Counties. MDZ002>003-005-014 Allegany - Washington - Carroll - Anne Arundel 12 0400EST 0 0 120K High Wind (G55) 1200EST MDZ004-006>007- Frederick - Northern Baltimore - Harford - Montgomery - Howard - Southern Baltimore - Prince Georges - 009>011-013-016>018 Charles - St. Mary'S - Calvert 12 0400EST 0 0 35K Strong Wind 1200EST A vigorous cold front crossed the region between 4 AM and 9 AM on the 12th. As the front passed, northwest winds gusted to between 40 and 60 MPH and didn't begin to subside until midday. In Allegany County, a wind gust of 54 MPH was recorded in

60 65 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MARYLAND, Central Cumberland and a gust of 52 MPH was recorded in Frostburg. Trees and power lines were downed and windows were blown out across the county. In Cumberland, a handful of trees and power lines were downed and roofing material blew off a building. In Frostburg, a metal shed was blown off its foundation into a parked car, light pole globes were broken, and vent slats on city hall were damaged. A 70-foot-tall communications tower on the peak of Dan's Mountain near Frostburg was blown over. The gusts that blew over the structure were so powerful that the guide wires securing the tower pulled concrete blocks out of the building to which they were anchored. In Washington County, winds gusted to 47 MPH in Hagerstown, 52 MPH in Sharpsburg, and 59 MPH in Williamsport. A directional sign was blown onto Interstate 70. Trees and wires were reported downed on Oreback Road, Dam No. 4 Road and in Fairplay.

In Frederick County, large tree limbs were downed onto Route 15 at Point of Rocks. A wind gust of 44 MPH was recorded at the Frederick Airport. In Montgomery County, trees were downed near Barnesville and Dickerson Roads and on Monocacy Road. In Prince George's County, wind gusts included 53 MPH at Andrews AFB and 40 MPH at South Bowie. A total of 3000 customers lost power in the Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. In Carroll County, a gust of 63 MPH was recorded at Manchester and a gust of 57 MPH was recorded at Millers. Over 3000 customers lost power after power lines were damaged. In Howard County, winds gusted to 46 MPH in Laurel.

In Baltimore County, Key Bridge was closed to large trucks and motorcycles due to the high winds. A wind gust of 52 MPH was recorded at Martin State Airport and a gust of 45 MPH was reported in Parkton. In Owings Mills, winds gusting to up to 48 MPH damaged a building under construction and downed many trees. Nearly 12,000 customers in the Baltimore metropolitan area lost power. In Anne Arundel County, measured wind gusts included 60 MPH at Rivera Beach, 54 MPH at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and 41 MPH at Millersville. In Harford County, Aberdeen Proving Grounds reported a wind gust of 43 MPH. Fallen trees knocked out power to a Havre de Grace school and almost 5000 other customers across the county. Several roads across the county including Route 543 and Boggs Road were closed by fallen trees. In Calvert County, utility poles were downed along Route 260, closing the highway in both directions. In St. Mary's County, winds gusted to 40 MPH at Patuxent Naval Station. MDZ002-006>007-010- Allegany - Northern Baltimore - Harford - Howard - Prince Georges - Charles 013-016 13 1800EST 0 0 Winter Weather 14 0800EST MDZ003>005-009 Washington - Frederick - Carroll - Montgomery 13 1800EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0800EST A strong cold front brought chilly air into the region on the 12th. By the afternoon of the 13th, an upper level disturbance brought warm air into the mid levels of the atmosphere and caused snow that fell from the system to melt to rain on its way down. When the rain hit the ground where temperatures were below freezing, ice accumulated. From Carroll and Montgomery Counties westward, the ice accumulated to between one quarter and one half inch. The wight of the ice brought down some trees, branches, telephone lines, and power lines. A few road were also closed by downed trees. At least 26,000 Central Maryland customers lost power as a direct result of the storm. Roads were turned into sheets of ice and several traffic accidents were reported. East of this area temperatures remained close to the freezing mark so ice accumulations were less than one quarter of an inch and only caused minor inconveniences. Because of slightly cooler air, Allegany County received mainly sleet and light snow with very little ice. Anne Arundel County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Baltimore County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Baltimore City (C) Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Carroll County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Carroll County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Charles County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Frederick County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Howard County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST

61 66 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MARYLAND, Central Prince George'S County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST St. Mary'S County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST MDZ004 Frederick 17 0615EST 0 0 Flood 18 0600EST The Monocacy River near Frederick crested at 15.89 feet. MDZ002>007- Allegany - Washington - Frederick - Carroll - Northern Baltimore - Harford - Montgomery - Howard - 009>011-013>014- Southern Baltimore - Prince Georges - Anne Arundel - Charles - St. Mary'S - Calvert 016>018 17 1000EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1900EST A strong cold front moved across the region around midday on the 17th. Ahead of the front, heavy rain fell from showers and thunderstorms. In St. Mary's County, 2.28 inches fell in Morganza and 2.22 inches fell in Oraville. In Charles County, 2.50 inches fell in Waldorf and 2.26 inches was recorded in Bryan's Road. In Calvert County, between 2.5 and 3.5 inches was recorded across the northwest portion of the county. In Prince George's County 2.55 inches fell at Andrews AFB, 1.71 inches fell in South Bowie, and 1.55 inches fell in Oxon Hill. In Anne Arundel County, 2.50 inches fell in Annapolis, 3.30 inches fell at Park West, 2.20 inches fell in Jessup, 1.87 inches fell in Rivera Beach, and 1.69 inches fell at Jug Bay Wetlands. In Howard County, 3.81 inches fell in Ora, 2.34 inches fell in Columbia, and 2.26 inches fell in Laurel. Flooding was reported along Hammond's Branch.

In Baltimore County, 2.32 inches fell at Parkton, 2.20 inches fell at Baptist Home, 2.15 inches fell in Owings Mills, and 1.60 inches fell in Freeland. Spotters reported that both Gwynns Falls and Jones Falls overflowed their banks temporarily. Sections of Route 140 (Reisterstown Road) and Owings Mills Boulevard were closed by high water. In Carroll County, 1.81 inches fell in Westminster. In Frederick County, 1.60 inches fell in Thurmont. Because of the heavy downpours, the Monocacy River near Frederick rose above its flood stage of 15 feet between 6 PM on the 17th and 6 AM on the 18th. The river crested at 15.89 feet at 1:30 AM on the 18th. Water began to inundate Lillypond Fish Hatchery and the sewage treatment plant. Backwater flooding occurred along Carroll Creek which sent water onto Gashouse Pike. Israel Creek also overflowed onto Stauffer Road.

Behind the front, northwest winds increased to 30 to 45 MPH. Measured wind gusts included 51 MPH at Andrews AFB, 48 MPH at Martin State Airport just east of Baltimore, 46 MPH at Hagerstown, 45 MPH at Damascus in Montgomery County, 44 MPH at Oraville in St. Mary's County, 43 MPH at Bryan's Road and St. Indigoes in Charles County and at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, 41 MPH at Hollywood and Ridge in St. Mary's County, 40 MPH at Frederick and Cumberland, and 39 MPH at Westminster. MDZ002-006>007- Allegany - Northern Baltimore - Harford - Howard - Southern Baltimore - Prince Georges - Charles 010>011-013-016 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Weather 2000EST MDZ003>005-009 Washington - Frederick - Carroll - Montgomery 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2000EST

62 67 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MARYLAND, Central

Regional Storm Total Snowfall Map from December 19, 2000 (in inches). Low pressure moved across the region on the 19th and produced periods of light to moderate snow between 4 AM and 8 PM. Snowfall totals ranged from 1 to 7 inches with the highest amounts falling across Frederick and Washington Counties and the smallest accumulations right along the Chesapeake Bay. Several traffic accidents were reported during the evening commute after roads became snow covered. After the snow ended, northwest winds gusted up to 30 MPH which caused some of the snow to drift back onto plowed roads overnight. MDZ002>007- Allegany - Washington - Frederick - Carroll - Northern Baltimore - Harford - Montgomery - Howard - 009>011-013>014- Southern Baltimore - Prince Georges - Anne Arundel - Charles - St. Mary'S - Calvert 016>018 22 1500EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 23 0600EST After a cold front moved across the region during the afternoon of the 22nd, northwest winds picked up to 20 to 30 MPH. Temperatures dropped into the teens which created wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees. As the winds subsided during the early morning hours of the 23rd, temperatures ranged from the single digits above zero to the lower teens. MARYLAND, Northeast MDZ008-012-015- Cecil - Kent - Queen Annes - Talbot - Caroline 019>020 12 0900EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 1200EST A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and its associated cold front produced high winds across the Maryland Eastern Shore. during the morning of the 12th. Peak wind gusts ranged between 50 and 60 mph and knocked down trees, tree limbs and power lines. About 11,000 homes and businesses lost power. But by 2 p.m. EST, all but 100 customers had it restored. The worst reported wind damage occurred in Caroline County where seven municipalities reported wind damage. The worst damage within the county occurred in the northern part around Henderson where downed trees blocked several roads. The low pressure system intensified from a 1009 Mb central pressure in Missouri the morning of the 11th to a 984 Mb low near Burlington Vermont the morning of the 12th. The peak wind gust at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport was 54 mph. The rapid drop in the low's central pressure of about 25 Mb within a 24 hour period is normally described as a meteorological bomb. This rapid intensification normally occurs over the western Atlantic Ocean, but when it does occur over land, could cause high winds and wind damage. Queen Anne'S County Stevensville 17 0200EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 1100EST Cecil County Countywide 17 0730EST 0 0 Flood 1230EST Kent County West Portion 17 0730EST 0 0 Flood 1230EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flash flooding across the northwestern half of the Maryland Eastern Shore. A series of showers and

63 68 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MARYLAND, Northeast thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell from Kent Island in extreme western Queen Anne's County into the western half of Kent County and most of Cecil County. Doppler storm total estimates showed about a 10 mile wide band of solid 3 to 4 inch rains from Fairlee in Kent County northeast through Elkton in Cecil County. Cecil County bore the brunt of the flooding. The flooding in Elkton was described as the worst since Hurricane Floyd with the Farr Creek area suffering the most flooding. Sections of U.S. Route 40 and Maryland State Route 213 were closed. The Big Elk Creek overflowed onto Delaware Avenue in Elkton and the Little Northeast Creek flooded in North East. The Stevensville (Queen Anne's County) storm total was 3.04 inches. MDZ008-012-015- Cecil - Kent - Queen Annes - Talbot - Caroline 019>020 17 0300EST 0 0 Wind 2300EST Cecil County Countywide 17 0900EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 0915EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across the Maryland Eastern Shore on December 17th. Gusty southerly winds buffeted the region during the first half of the day. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind, especially in Cecil County. As the cold front passed through the region during the early afternoon of the 17th, the strong southerly winds were replaced by equally strong westerly winds into the evening. The difference was there were no thunderstorms to mix down even stronger winds. Most of the peak wind gusts occurred during the morning and were between 40 and 50 mph, with higher gusts in Cecil County during the severe thunderstorm.

Trees and power lines were knocked down in and around Elkton (Cecil County). Trees were knocked down on Delaware Avenue near Maryland Route 7. About 200 customers lost power. The peak wind gust at Baltimore-Washington International Airport was 43 mph and the high temperature was 62 degrees. The high temperature in Stevensville (Queen Anne's County) was 61 degrees and was 64 degrees in Easton (Talbot County). MDZ008-012-015- Cecil - Kent - Queen Annes - Talbot - Caroline 019>020 19 1800EST 0 0 Snow 20 0500EST A secondary low pressure system that developed along the Middle Atlantic coast the evening of the 19th gave the Maryland Eastern Shore its first measurable snow of the winter season during the evening and the night of the 19th. Snowfall accumulations averaged between 1 and 2 inches. Roads were treacherous as temperatures were around the freezing mark when the snow began to fall and were well into the 20s by the morning of the 20th. In Cecil County, a fuel truck overturned after sliding along an icy curve. Hazardous road conditions prompted two hour delayed openings in Cecil County and school closings in Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline and Talbot Counties. MDZ015-019>020 Queen Annes - Talbot - Caroline 22 0000EST 0 0 Snow 0600EST An upper air disturbance helped produce a band of snow, which fell heavy at times, across the Maryland Eastern Shore during the predawn hours on the 22nd. Accumulations by daybreak averaged between one and three inches. A cold frontal passage during the afternoon of the 22nd was preceded by additional light snow, but brought little additional accumulation. The heaviest snow fell in the southeastern part of the Eastern Shore. Accumulations included 2.5 inches in Federalsburg (Caroline County), 2 inches in Centreville (Queen Anne's County) and 1 inch in Easton (Talbot County). A jet streak at higher levels of the atmosphere combined with sufficient moisture to produce about a 50 mile wide band of accumulating snow during the predawn hours on the 22nd. Untreated roads were treacherous. MARYLAND, South

NONE REPORTED. MARYLAND, West MDZ001 Garrett 12 0530EST 0 0 25K High Wind (G57) High winds estimated at 65 MPH downed numerous trees and power lines across the county. A strengthening area of low pressure and associated cold front swept across the area during the overnight hours, bringing a several-hour period of high winds to western Maryland. MDZ001 Garrett 13 2200EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0400EST A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow spread across western Maryland during the day on the 13th. By late afternoon on the 13th, the snow turned over to sleet in many areas. Finally, by the evening hours of the 13th the precipitation had turned over to freezing rain across all of Garrett County, with ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch reported by the late evening hours on the 13th. Overnight, the freezing precipitation gradually turned over to rain. However, even by the early morning hours of the 14th a few pockets of freezing drizzle were still being reported as cold air remained trapped in some of the valleys.

64 69 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MARYLAND, West MDZ001 Garrett 17 1900EST 0 0 5K High Wind (G52) An intensifying area of low pressure moving across the area produced several wind gusts estimated at 60 MPH. A few trees and several large limbs were downed by the high winds in and around the Oakland area. , Central and East MAZ002>006- Western Franklin - Eastern Franklin - Northern Worcester - Western Middlesex - Western Essex - Western 008>010-013>014-017- Hampshire - Western Hampden - Eastern Hampshire - Western Norfolk - Southeast Middlesex - Northern 019-023 Bristol - Eastern Plymouth - Dukes 12 0800EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1800EST MAZ007-011>012- Eastern Essex - Eastern Hampden - Southern Worcester - Suffolk - Eastern Norfolk - Western Plymouth - 015>016-018-020>022- Southern Bristol - Southern Plymouth - Barnstable - Nantucket 024 12 0800EST 0 0 High Wind (G68) M 1800EST A strong cold front brought damaging wind gusts to parts of Massachusetts. Most of the wind damage was concentrated along the coastal plain of eastern Massachusetts, as well as in the higher elevations of Hampden and southern Worcester counties, but there were scattered reports of damage in other areas of the Bay State. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph were common, but a gust as high as 76 mph was reported at the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier. There were many reports of downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines. A total of about 10,000 electric customers were left without power throughout the state. MAZ015 Suffolk 17 0000EST 0 0 Record Warmth 2359EST Logan International Airport, Boston MAZ002>004-006>010 Western Franklin - Eastern Franklin - Northern Worcester - Western Essex - Eastern Essex - Western Hampshire - Western Hampden - Eastern Hampshire 17 1100EST 0 0 Strong Wind 2200EST MAZ005-011>024 Western Middlesex - Eastern Hampden - Southern Worcester - Western Norfolk - Southeast Middlesex - Suffolk - Eastern Norfolk - Northern Bristol - Western Plymouth - Eastern Plymouth - Southern Bristol - Southern Plymouth - Barnstable - Dukes - Nantucket 17 1100EST 0 0 High Wind (G68) M 2200EST A rapidly strengthening low pressure system west of New England brought a period of damaging southerly winds to much of the Bay State, as lines of showers passed through southern New England. The warm southerly winds boosted the temperature to 64 degrees at Logan International Airport in Boston, which broke the previous record high for the date of 62 degrees set in 1984.

Following the passage of a strong cold front later in the day, increasing northwest winds caused damage over the same areas. Most of the damage was concentrated in eastern Massachusetts, and also in the higher terrain surrounding the Connecticut River. There were countless reports of downed trees, tree limbs, and wires. Over 11,000 electric customers were left without power. Ferry service between Hyannis and Nantucket was suspended for a time due to the high winds and rough seas. A peak wind gust to 78 mph was reported at the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton. Other official high wind gusts included 70 mph on Nantucket, 61 mph in Hyannis, and 59 mph in Worcester.

The remainder of central and western Massachusetts experienced winds gusting between 45 and 55 mph, and damage reports were more scattered in nature. About 2,400 electric customers in that part of the state were left without power, due to downed tree limbs and wires. Minor flooding was also reported early in the day from locally heavy rainfall. MAZ012-016-022 Southern Worcester - Eastern Norfolk - Barnstable 25 1500EST 0 0 Strong Wind 26 1700EST Strong northwest winds buffeted the higher elevations of southern Worcester and the Blue Hills in eastern Norfolk County, as well as the outer portion of Cape Cod. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph were reported, with peak gusts of 45 to 50 mph. No damage was reported. MAZ002>006-008>013 Western Franklin - Eastern Franklin - Northern Worcester - Western Middlesex - Western Essex - Western Hampshire - Western Hampden - Eastern Hampshire - Eastern Hampden - Southern Worcester - Western Norfolk 30 1300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The season's first winter storm dumped up to a foot of snow across western and central Massachusetts. Since the storm occurred on a Saturday, no major problems with travel were noted, aside from flight delays at Worcester Regional Airport. The axis of highest snowfall totals, around one foot, ran from the east slopes of the Berkshires in Hampshire and Hampden Counties across much of Worcester County and into northern Middlesex County. From the immediate Boston area to the south shore, snow changed to rain after 1 to 4 inches of accumulation.

65 70 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MASSACHUSETTS, Central and East

Some snowfall totals reported include 12 inches in Palmer, Townsend, Westford, Fitchburg, and Spencer; 10 to 11 inches in Holland, Southwick, Northampton, Littleton, Tyngsboro, Worcester, and Sturbridge; 8 to 10 inches in Leverett, Chicopee, West Springfield, Amherst, Hopkinton, and Westboro; and 6 to 8 inches in Sunderland, Agawam, Williamsburg, Lowell, Bellingham, and West Brookfield. MAZ022>024 Barnstable - Dukes - Nantucket 30 1400EST 0 0 Strong Wind 31 1900EST Strong northwest winds buffeted Cape Cod and the Islands. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph were reported, with frequent gusts to between 40 and 50 mph. No damage was reported. MASSACHUSETTS, West MAZ001 Berkshire 12 1200EST 0 0 50K High Wind 1700EST An area of low pressure developed across the Tennessee Valley late on December 11th. The storm then rapidly deepened as it moved northeast into the Ohio Valley, Saint Lawrence Valley and eventually across the Canadian Maritimes on December 12th. The pressure difference between this intensifying storm and large arctic high pressure building over the Southeast, produced a significant high wind event across Berkshire county on December 12th. The strongest winds with the storm came after the passage of the cold front, during the midday hours. A strong westerly wind brought down large limbs, trees and powerlines across all of the county. The hardest hit areas were Lanesboro and Stockbridge. A large tree fell on a house in Becket. Berkshire County Berkshire 17 0836EST 0 0 27K Flood 1500EST Berkshire County Pittsfield 17 0920EST 0 0 15K Thunderstorm Wind Berkshire County Berkshire 17 0947EST 0 0 12K Thunderstorm Wind Berkshire County Berkshire 17 0958EST 0 0 Flood 1500EST Berkshire County Cheshire 17 1000EST 0 0 Flood 1500EST Berkshire County Pittsfield 17 1000EST 0 0 25K Thunderstorm Wind Berkshire County Berkshire 17 1020EST 0 0 20K Thunderstorm Wind Berkshire County Berkshire 17 1300EST 0 0 21K Flood 1500EST MAZ001 Berkshire 17 1700EST 0 0 Flood 18 0000EST A complex storm system began to evolve on Saturday December 16 across the Mississippi Valley. A surface low tracked north into the Eastern Great Lakes by December 17. At the same time, the associated upper level trough became negatively tilted as it moved toward the northeast on Sunday. This allowed for rapid cyclogenesis. Unseasonably warm and moist air was transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico. This scenario brought a record breaking rainstorm to Western Massachussetts. At the same time, the airmass became unstable enough for widepsread thunderstorm development. There were very strong winds aloft. Two of the storms transported those strong winds to the surface, and became severe. One storm produced downed wires in the towns of Pittsfield and Berkshire. In addition, tree limbs were blown down and spotty power outages took place. About two hours later, winds from another severe thunderstorm blew more trees down in the town of Berkshire The bigger problem was the heavy rainfall. Rainfall amounts were in the 2 to 4 inch range, with Dalton receiving 2.44 and Great Barrington 3.87 inches, respectively. The bulk of the rainfall was in a short interval of time, with some localites receiving an inch per hour. The excessive rainfall combined with melting snow and frozen ground, to produce massive runoff. Streets were flooded in the town of Berkshire. In Pittsfield, flooding was reported at the intersection of Lincoln and 4th Avenue. Roads were also flooded around Pittsfield Airport. The Williams River swelled just over its 6-foot flood stage at New Boston. MAZ001 Berkshire 30 0900EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 0700EST Energy from a strong upper level disturbance, diving southeast from the northern Plains into the Ohio Valley, developed a coastal area of low pressure off the DelMarVa pennisula by early Saturday December 30. This low deepened while tracking almost due northward, about 50 miles east of the coastline. The storm reached central Long Island by mid afternoon and interior southern New England by

66 71 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MASSACHUSETTS, West the evening hours. The low then tracked more to the northeast near the I-95 Corridor and slid off the coastline near Boston by early Sunday December 31. With plenty of cold air in place, this storm brought a significant snowstorm to Berkshire county. A general 7 to 14 inch swath of snow fell across the county, with Savoy reporting 13 and Dalton 7.6 inches respectively. Since the snow fell during a holiday weekend, the impact of the storm was minimized. No major problems were reported to the National Weather Service. There was some blowing and minor drifting reported with the snow. MICHIGAN, East MIZ047 Midland 04 1800EST 0 0 25K Wind 05 0800EST A bus barn and pavilion, both under construction, were reduced to lumber by strong wind gusts sometime during the night. Wind gusts around 35 mph were enough to topple the structures, being built in the city of Midland for the Calvary Baptist Academy. MIZ049-054>055- Huron - Tuscola - Sanilac - Genesee - Lapeer - St. Clair - Livingston - Oakland - Macomb - Washtenaw - 061>063-068>070- Wayne - Lenawee - Monroe 075>076-082>083 05 0100EST 0 0 Snow 1000EST A clipper low pressure system passed north of the Great Lakes, bringing light snow and windy conditions to much of southeast Michigan. Snowfall amounts were only around an inch or less. However, the snow and blowing snow quickly melted and then refroze on area roads, producing unusually dangerous driving conditions. The morning commute became a serious mess, with dozens of accidents. An Ypsilanti man was killed, and another injured, when their car slid off a road and overturned. Two serious injuries resulted from a rear-end collision near Kinde in Huron County. Interstate 75 and US 23 in Monroe County both suffered long backups, as tractor-trailers were unable to gain enough traction to move. Several school districts in Monroe County were forced to cancel classes.

This would prove to be just the opening act in a month-long onslaught of winter weather. MIZ082>083 Lenawee - Monroe 07 0900EST 0 0 Snow 2300EST A clipper low pressure system moved east across far southern lower Michigan on the evening of the 7th. Snow developed out ahead of the low, with the heaviest snow near the Ohio border. Reports of 4 to 5 inches of snowfall were common across Monroe and Lenawee Counties; the highest amount, 5.5 inches, was in Hudson. Snow amounts dwindled as you went further north; most of metro Detroit got 2 to 4 inches, as did Port Huron. Many auto accidents resulted, though most were minor. MIZ047>049-053>055- Midland - Bay - Huron - Saginaw - Tuscola - Sanilac - Shiawassee - Genesee - Lapeer - Livingston - Oakland 060>062-068>069 11 1200EST 0 1 1.1M Heavy Snow 12 0500EST MIZ063-070-075>076- St. Clair - Macomb - Washtenaw - Wayne - Lenawee - Monroe 082>083 11 1200EST 0 0 50K Winter Storm 12 0500EST Washtenaw County 8 NW Ann Arbor 11 2330EST 0 0 1.1M Lightning A lightning strike ignited a large home just northwest of Ann Arbor. The home was destroyed by fire. MIZ049-054>055 Huron - Tuscola - Sanilac 12 0030EST 0 0 Blizzard 0330EST A powerful storm system moved east just south of Michigan, dumping heavy snow across all of the area, with some freezing rain and sleet near the Ohio border. Near blizzard conditions were found across all of the area, with an outright blizzard in the Thumb. Many schools were closed for two to four days after the storm. Mail delivery the next day was spotty at best, and many businesses and government offices were closed. Several communities declared snow emergencies, forbidding all non-emergency travel until crews could clear roads. Presidential Emergency Declarations were made for all counties in southeast Michigan except Wayne, Lenawee, and Monroe.

Specific snowfall amounts and impacts of the storm, by county: Bay: 7" in Essexville; 8" near Linwood; 8 to 10" in Bay City with lightning. Genesee: 14" in Fenton; 13-14" in Burton with 45 mph winds. In Flint, 12-14" fell, along with 45 mph winds and 4 foot drifts. Flint Bishop International Airport closed in the afternoon of the 11th, and ended up with 14", the third largest snowfall on record. Up to 200 cars were stranded on Interstate 75 just south of Flint during the storm. The Flint Journal was unable to publish on the 12th, the first time that happened in 42 years (it was a strike that shut the newspaper down then). This was believed to be the first time ever that the Flint Journal did not publish due to a weather event in its 124 year history. In Burton, the roof of a window manufacturing company collapsed. One person suffered a hand injury. Huron: 6-10" in Bad Axe; 13" near Rapson; 16.2" in Port Hope with blizzard conditions and wind gusts to 58 mph; 8" in

67 72 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, East Sebewaing. Lapeer: 12-16" near Lapeer (city), with 3 foot drifts and 40 mph winds, closing the Lapeer Post Office for the first time ever due to weather. More than 12" in Imlay City. Interstate 69 was closed from Davison to Imlay City during the night. Lenawee: 5.7" in Adrian with some freezing rain; 5.8" in Tipton; Hudson had 2.5" and freezing rain, and missed mail delivery for the first time since the blizzard of 1978. Livingston: 10.4" in Hell; 10" in Howell; 10-15" in Brighton, with 3 to 5 foot drifts and 40 to 50 mph winds. Macomb: 12" in Harrison Township, Romeo, Sterling Hts, and Utica; 9.8" in Mt Clemens; 9-11" in St Clair Shores. A house burned to the ground in Richmond during the night, as firefighters were unable to reach the home due to weather and road conditions. Midland: 7 to 11" in Midland (city) with 35 mph winds; 8.6" in the south central portion of the county. Monroe: 8.5" just southeast of Milan; up to half an inch of freezing rain in Monroe (city) along with 2-5" of snow, with several trees downed due to ice and wind, and power outages to 2500 homes, and several injury accidents; 3-5" in Dundee with some sleet and freezing rain, and 2 foot drifts covered US-23. Oakland: 12" in Royal Oak; 12-14" in Oxford; 14" in White Lake; 11-12" in Farmington and Farmington Hills; 11" in West Bloomfield; 8.8" in Milford; 11-12" in South Lyon with 40 mph winds. St Clair: 12.3" near Avoca, with thunder and a 48 mph wind gust; 14.7" in Ruby; 17.5" in Yale, which was the biggest storm since 1947; 14" in Capac. In Port Huron, 12-20" of snow fell along with thunder and wind gusts to 50 mph, closing the Blue Water Bridge to Canada, and destroying a golf dome. Saginaw: 8.5" in Saginaw (city); 8" near Shields with thunder and near blizzard conditions; 6.7" in Chesaning; 11" in Frankenmuth with 3 foot drifts, roads drifted shut, 40 mph winds, and lightning. MBS (Tri Cities) International Airport had many flights cancelled, and the airport was closed at 830 pm on the 11th, with 40 mph winds, visibilities as low as 2 feet, and snowfall of 9.8". Sanilac: 13" in Brown City; 12" in Sandusky; 8" in Marlette; 8.9" in Deckerville. Shiawassee: 10.2" in Owosso with very strong winds; 12" in Byron; 15.5" in Morrice; 9.3" in Corunna. Tuscola: 8" in Akron with thunder; 10.5" in Caro Center; 11.0" in Cass City; 13.5" in Millington and Fairgrove Township; 10-14" in Vassar. In Caro, 16.3" of snow fell, along with 40-50 mph wind, zero visibility, 4 foot drifts, and lightning, producing 41 automobile accidents, including an 18 car pile-up on the north side of town that required snowmobiles to rescue stranded motorists. Washtenaw: 10.5" in Chelsea; 8-12" in Ann Arbor; 7-12" in Ypsilanti with 35 mph gusts along with thunder and sleet, closing Eastern Michigan University for only the second time ever; 7.5" near Saline; more than 10" in Dexter; 6-12" in Manchester. Wayne: 6-12" in Dearborn and Dearborn Hts, as well as 45 mph winds and around 50 auto accidents; 7" in Grosse Pointe Farms; 8-10" in Hamtramck; 6-8" in Romulus with sleet; 12" in Belleville; 5" and some freezing rain in Grosse Ile (power outages in nearby Trenton); 4-6" in Flat Rock; 8.1" in Allen Park; three-eighths inches of freezing rain in Rockwood; 8-11" in Wayne (city) with some sleet and 35 mph winds; 10.5" in Livonia; 6-9" in Plymouth and Canton; golf dome collapsed in Northville. At Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 6.1" fell, with 197 departures and 165 arrivals were cancelled (many hours ahead of time), and 150 travelers spent the night at the airport. Cancellations numbered 125 the next day. MIZ082>083 Lenawee - Monroe 13 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0330EST MIZ047>049-053>055- Midland - Bay - Huron - Saginaw - Tuscola - Sanilac - Shiawassee - Genesee - Lapeer - St. Clair - Livingston - 060>063-068>070- Oakland - Macomb - Washtenaw - Wayne 075>076 13 1500EST 0 0 25K Snow 14 0330EST A strong upper level disturbance helped develop a low pressure system in the central Ohio Valley on the 13th. The low moved quickly off to the northeast that night. This system brought another round of snow to the central and southern Great Lakes. The heaviest snow was near the Ohio border, with 6.5 inches of snow in Monroe and Adrian. Most of the rest of the area picked up 3 to 6 inches. The accumulated snow caused a golf dome in Burton to burst while it was being deflated. MIZ069 Oakland 16 1000EST 0 0 200K Rain A strong low pressure system moved across the northern Great Lakes late on the 16th. Warm air moving north ahead of the system allowed precipitation - which began as snow - to switch to freezing rain and then just rain. The precipitation was not especially heavy, with around a quarter to a half inch of mainly rain. That was still enough to do in an aircraft hangar in New Hudson. The additional weight of the rain, falling onto deep snow on the roof, was enough to cause the hangar to collapse. Three airplanes were damaged. MIZ047>048-053>054- Midland - Bay - Saginaw - Tuscola - Shiawassee - Genesee 060>061 17 0100EST 0 0 560K Heavy Snow 1300EST MIZ063-068>069-075- St. Clair - Livingston - Oakland - Washtenaw - Lenawee 082 17 0100EST 0 0 400K Snow 1300EST More snow. As the low moved to the east, arctic air returned to the Great Lakes, changing precipitation back to snow. A strong upper level disturbance enhanced snowfall during the early morning hours of the 17th. Snowfall amounts were as high as 7 inches in

68 73 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, East Wheeler, Akron, Fairgrove Township (Tuscola County), Corunna, Bay City, Saginaw, and Flint. In the Tri-Cities area, high winds combined with the snow to drift many roads shut, and to snap off snow-covered tree limbs. About 7000 homes lost power. In Flint, the weight of the accumulated snow collapsed the roof of a banquet room at a Ramada Inn. A home patio roof also gave way in Flint. Much of the rest of southeast Michigan saw 2 to 4 inches of snow. A furniture/appliance/electronics store in Tecumseh saw its roof collapse under the snow. The storm contributed to dozens of accidents on Washtenaw County roads.

This storm would be the last big one of the month, though another few inches would fall here and there. A low pressure system would drop 2 to 4 inches of snow on the night of the 18th into the morning of the 19th. A lake effect snow event would produce isolated reports of heavy snow in the Thumb just before the New Year. Detroit would end the month with 25.1 inches of snow, making it the 3rd snowiest December on record, dating back to 1870. But both Flint and Saginaw had that beat. With 35.3 and 40.3 inches of snow respectively, both cities set all time snowfall records for ANY month.

The snow would cause problems across southeast Michigan for weeks to come. The sheer volume of it was difficult to handle, and the process of moving it out of the way became difficult (and expensive), as there was almost no place to put it. Many communities used the majority of their snow removal budget, and their road salt supply, during December. There were fears that both would run out if the winter did not calm down. In Lenawee County, snow removal expenditures were greater in December 2000 than for all of the previous winter. Ice dams and water seepage confounded thousands of businesses and homeowners well into January. Several house fires erupted when meltwater seeped into electric meter boxes. MIZ047>049-053>055- Midland - Bay - Huron - Saginaw - Tuscola - Sanilac - Shiawassee - Genesee - Lapeer - St. Clair - Livingston - 060>063-068>070- Oakland - Macomb - Washtenaw - Wayne - Lenawee - Monroe 075>076-082>083 21 1800EST 0 0 475K Extreme Cold 29 1200EST Though the worst of the snow was over, the worst of the cold was just beginning. Temperatures never got out of single digits on the 22nd, with Detroit seeing a high of only 4 degrees, after a morning low of 3 below zero. Flint wasn't much better, recovering from a low of -5 to reach 8 degrees in the afternoon. That would prove to be the coldest daytime temperatures of the month - but some colder nights were still in store, especially for Flint. Christmas morning dawned clear and frigid, with a morning low of 13 degrees below zero at Flint, setting an all-time mark for the month of December (the old record was -12 on Dec 23, 1989). Three nights later, Flint would give the new record a run for its money, coming up just short with a low of -11 on the 28th (this was still a new record for the day).

The arctic weather would take a toll on pipes. Both Ypsilanti High School and Chelsea High School had pipes burst over Christmas weekend, damaging classrooms. Several buildings on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor had similar ruptures, including the School of Dentistry and Wolverine Tower.

The cold also hampered shipping interests. Ice formation was extremely rapid on the Great Lakes and the connecting waterways. Several freighters got stuck in ice on both the Detroit River and Lake St Clair, blocking the shipping channel and bringing dozens of ships to a halt. Icebreaker assistance was needed to free the freighters. Ferry service on the St Clair River between Michigan and Canada was also interrupted due to ice jams.

Average temperatures for the month were 19.3 degrees in Detroit, 16.6 at Flint, and 17.2 in Saginaw. End result: the 4th coldest December of all time in Detroit, and the 2nd coldest at both Flint and Saginaw. Combined with the high snowfall totals, and it's safe to say: if you don't like cold and snow, then December of 2000 was the most miserable December in southeast Michigan history. No other December on record comes close to its combination of heavy snow and brutal cold. MIZ049 Huron 30 0400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2200EST An extended period of lake effect snow occurred in the Thumb area, on the back side of a strong East Coast storm system. Around 2 to 4 inches of snow fell every 12 hours for several days. During the heaviest snow on the 30th, up to 8 inches of snow accumulated along the Huron County lakeshore. Also on the 30th, a fire gutted a home in Filion (Huron County), killing the family dog; accumulated snow made it almost impossible for firefighters to make it to the scene. MICHIGAN, Extreme Southwest MIZ077>081 Berrien - Cass - St. Joseph - Branch - Hillsdale 11 0800EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 12 1400EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions on December 11th... An unseasonably cold arctic airmass spilling southward out of southern Canada on the 10th combined with a very strong upper level disturbance and upper level jet of 160 knots came together over the Midwest early on the 11th. Surface low pressure developed over Oklahoma early on the 11th and rapidly deepened as it lifted northeastward into central Indiana by late afternoon. Heavy snow developed quickly during the morning and mixed with some sleet at times due to the tremendous warm air advection out ahead of the intensifing system. Heavy snow continued into the early morning hours of the 12th with thunder snow reported at several locations in northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan within the mid level deformation zone of the upper low. As the surface low continued to intensify and pull out into Ohio during the night of the 11th...strong gradient winds developed creating near blizzard conditions over

69 74 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, Extreme Southwest northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan and caused some damage to trees and power lines over northwest Ohio with wind gusts of 59 mph reported in Putnam Ohio and 56 mph in Lima Ohio. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 16 inches in Cassopolis... 14 in Elkhart... 13.5 in Goshen... 12 in Niles, St. Joseph, Salem Center, and the South Bend airport... and 10 inches in Berrien Springs, Westville, Middlebury, Mishawaka, Union, and White Pigeon. MIZ079>080 St. Joseph - Branch 17 0000EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 0600EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions on December 17th... The last in a series of strong upper level disturbances and associated upper level jet streaks moving northward out of the lower Mississippi valley combined with another arctic cold front dropping down out of southern Canada on the 17th. Developing surface low pressure along the advancing arctic front was initially quite weak...however as the strong upper level low ejected out of the mean long wave trough through the central US and two distinct upper jet streaks coupled...the surface low bombed as it moved northeast from Louisville Kentucky to Toledo Ohio late that evening. Very heavy snow developed within the developing mid level deformation zone due in part to considerable moisture wrapping westward in advance of the upper level low, increasing deep upward vertical motion as the jet streak coupling occurred and rapid intensification of the system in general. Several locations reported thunder snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour for a 6 hour period during the early morning hours of the 17th. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 10.5 inches in Lagrange... 9 in Sturgis and Albion, 8 in Warsaw and La Otto, 7 in Columbia City, Cromwell, Kendallville and Middlebury and 6 inches in Rochester, Royal Center, Logansport and Fort Wayne. MICHIGAN, North MIZ019-021>022- Charlevoix - Antrim - Otsego - Kalkaska - Crawford 027>028 05 0415EST 0 0 Winter Storm 1800EST A strong cold front moved across Northern Michigan during the late evening hours of the 4th. Behind this cold front, arctic air quickly moved into the Great Lakes region. This triggered heavy lake effect snow across portions of northwest Lower Michigan. The snowfall began late in the evening on the 4th and continued through the afternoon hours of the 5th. By the afternoon of the 5th, 16-hour snowfall accumulations were around 10 inches across much of Otsego, western Charlevoix, western Antrim, northeastern Kalkaska and northwestern Crawford counties. Strong winds behind the frontal boundary also caused widespread blowing and drifting snow across all of Northern Michigan. MIZ016-019-021 Emmet - Charlevoix - Antrim 06 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1800EST West to southwest winds, combined with an arctic airmass centered over the Midwest, brought lake effect snowfall to much of northwest Lower Michigan during the day on the 6th. The heaviest snowfall occurred across Emmet, western Charlevoix and northwestern Antrim counties, where 12 hour snowfall ending the evening of the 6th totaled around 6 inches. MIZ018-024 Presque Isle - Alpena 07 2300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 08 0600EST A weak low pressure system passed across the southern Great Lakes region from the afternoon of the 7th through the early morning hours of the 8th. Southeast winds developed across Lake Huron as this system passed. These winds, combined with the cold air and relatively warm waters of Lake Huron, triggered heavy lake enhanced snow across a portion of northeast Lower Michigan. By early morning on the 8th, 12 hour snowfall amounts of 6 to 8 inches were reported across much of Alpena county as well as the eastern half of Presque Isle county. Some isolated locations along the Lake Huron shoreline received 12 to 15 inches of snowfall. MIZ029>030-033>036- Oscoda - Alcona - Missaukee - Roscommon - Ogemaw - Iosco - Gladwin - Arenac 041>042 11 2000EST 0 0 Winter Storm 12 0600EST A strong low pressure system moved east across northern Indiana and northern Ohio during the late afternoon of the 11th and through the early morning hours of the 12th. This spread snowfall to portions of northern Lower Michigan. The heaviest snow occurred to the southeast of a line from Mio to Lake City, where storm total accumulations of 6 to 8 inches were reported by the morning of the 12th. The southern half of Gladwin county was the hardest hit, receiving 9 to 11 inches of snowfall. MIZ035>036-042 Ogemaw - Iosco - Arenac 17 0500EST 0 0 Winter Storm 1200EST A strengthening low pressure system moved from the Ohio River Valley northeast into southern Ontario (just east of Lake Huron) during the day on the 16th through the early morning hours of the 17th. This caused a brief period of heavy snow across portions of northeast Lower Michigan during the early morning hours on the 17th. Some of the heaviest snow actually fell from thunderstorms. By noon on the 17th, 8-hour snowfall totals were around 6 inches across portions of Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw counties. MIZ018-023>024- Presque Isle - Montmorency - Alpena - Oscoda - Alcona 029>030 19 0200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1800EST A low pressure system that developed over the southern plains moved northeast into the southern Great Lakes region during the

70 75 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, North evening of the 18th through the morning of the 19th. This allowed snow to develop across Northern Michigan during the evening of the 18th. The snowfall persisted through the late afternoon on the 19th. Easterly winds associated with this storm system combined with very cold air over Lake Huron to enhance snowfall intensities across northeast Lower Michigan. Thunderstorms, which produced snowfall instead of rain, actually developed in the Alpena area during the early morning hours on the 19th. By late afternoon on the 19th, 16-hour snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 12 inches across northeast Lower Michigan (mainly in locations both east of M-33 and north of M-72). The heaviest snowfall occurred across eastern Alpena county, where accumulations totaled 12 to 15 inches. MIZ008-015-025-031 Chippewa - Mackinac - Benzie - Manistee 21 0830EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1800EST A low pressure system moved into the western Great Lakes region on the 21st. Southeast winds ahead of this system triggered heavy lake effect snow across eastern Chippewa county, where 6 to 12 inches fell from late in the evening on the 20th through the morning of the 21st. Meanwhile, south winds developed on Lake Michigan ahead of this system. This triggered heavy lake effect snow across western Mackinac county and along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Manistee to Frankfort. Snow fell from the early morning hours to late in the afternoon and produced 8 to 10 inches of snow in these areas. MIZ016>017-019>021- Emmet - Cheboygan - Charlevoix - Leelanau - Antrim - Kalkaska 027 22 1030EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 23 0600EST A low pressure system moved east across Northern Michigan during the early morning hours of the 22nd. Ahead of this low, southwest winds off of Lake Michigan, combined with very cold air, caused heavy Lake effect snowfall across northern Emmet county and around the straits of Mackinac. From the evening of the 21st, through the early morning of the 22nd, around 6 inches of snow fell across this area. During the morning and afternoon on the 22nd, the low moved into the eastern Great Lakes region, north to northwest winds behind this system caused heavy lake effect snow across portions of northwest Lower Michigan. By early morning on the 23rd, snowfall totaled around 6 inches across much of Leelanau county, with 6 to 10 inches across much of Charlevoix, Antrim and Kalkaska counties. MIZ008-020-025>026 Chippewa - Leelanau - Benzie - Grand Traverse 23 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 24 1200EST A low pressure system moved across northern Lake Michigan during the evening of the 23rd. The low then moved east across northern Lower Michigan during the early morning hours of the 24th. Southeast winds ahead of this storm system produced a narrow band of heavy snow downwind of Lake Huron. This band was confined to areas around Drummond Island and De Tour Village in far eastern Upper Michigan. During the evening of the 23rd, these locations received around 10 inches of snowfall. As the low pressure system moved across Lake Michigan, the relatively warm lake water caused some heavier snow showers to develop across portions of northwest Lower Michigan. The heaviest showers occurred across northern Benzie county, southern Leelanau county, and northern Grand Traverse county. From late in the evening on the 23rd to early in the morning in the 24th, these areas received 6 to 8 inches of snowfall. MIZ019-021 Charlevoix - Antrim 26 1900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 27 0500EST A cold front moved across northern Michigan during the afternoon and evening hours on the 26th. West to northwest winds and cold air associated with this front helped to produce heavy lake effect snow across a portion of northwest Lower Michigan. From mid afternoon on the 26th through the late evening, much of Charlevoix county and eastern Antrim county received 6 to 7 inches of snow. MICHIGAN, Upper MIZ002>003-006-009 Ontonagon - Houghton - Alger - Gogebic 16 1900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 17 0800EST Cold northwest winds blowing across the relatively warm waters of Lake Superior, combined with an upper air disturbance moving over the lake, produced lake effect snow showers across most of Upper Michigan overnight on the 16th and early on the 17th. The heaviest snowfall amounts occurred over the western and north-central parts. Ironwood reported 9.5 inches of new snow, 9.0 inches fell at Chatham, and 8.2 inches at Ontonagon and Chassell. MIZ002-004>006-009 Ontonagon - Baraga - Marquette - Alger - Gogebic 18 0900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 19 2100EST On the 18th and 19th of December, low pressure moved from western Illinois to Lake Huron, spreading snow across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. North winds turned northeast and intensified lake effect snow bands. The lake enhanced snow showers tapered off during the evening of the 19th as the low pulled away and winds became variable. Twenty-four hour snowfall reports included 16 inches in Negaunee and Gwinn, 14.5 inches in Ontonagon and Herman, 15 inches in Bergland, 13 inches in Chatham and 11 inches in Bessemer. MIZ001>003-006-009- Keweenaw - Ontonagon - Houghton - Alger - Gogebic - Schoolcraft 014 20 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 22 1600EST During the 21st and 22nd, a winter storm system moved from Minnesota, across Upper Michigan, and into Lake Huron. Southeast winds ahead of the storm center picked up moisture from Lake Michigan. As the low moved farther east, winds shifted to the northeast

71 76 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, Upper behind the system and Lake Superior fueled the snow machine. Snow fell over all of the Upper Peninsula with the greatest amounts in areas where the system snow was enhanced by the moisture and instability from Lakes Michigan and Superior. Twenty-four hour snowfall amounts included 12 inches in Ironwood, 16 inches in Manistique, 16 inches in Copper Harbor, 11 inches in Chatham, and 10 inches in Ontonagon and Houghton. MIZ004>005 Baraga - Marquette 23 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 24 1600EST On the 23rd and 24th, a low pressure system moved from Wisconsin to Lake Huron. Strong north winds generated more lake effect snow showers over Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Most areas received some snow as the system passed by, but the heaviest amounts fell in the north-central part around Marquette. Negaunee reported 13 inches, Herman recorded 10 inches and 8.5 fell in Marquette. MIZ006 Alger 26 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 27 0700EST Northwest winds continued to produce lake effect snow showers over the Lake Superior snowbelt. Most accumulati0ons were not excessive, but one persistent band of snow showers deposited 12.2 inches of snow on Shingleton between 7 AM on the 26th and 7 AM on the 27th.

December 2000 was the snowiest December on record at the National Weather Service Office in Marquette with a total of 89.5 inches of snowfall. The cooperative observer 5 miles north of Shingleton reported 117.4 inches and the observer in Melstrand measured a total of 113.5 inches. The Keweenaw County Road Commission reported a new December record of 133.7 inches and Rockland had 126.9 inches for a monthly total. Houghton recorded 87.9 inches, 89 inches was reported from near Munising and 85 inches near Ironwood. Manistique set a record for December with 56 inches of snowfall. MICHIGAN, West MIZ037-043-056>057- Mason - Oceana - Ottawa - Kent - Allegan - Van Buren 064-071 05 1900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 07 0700EST

The combination of an arctic cold front that moved through late on the 4th of December, and an Alberta Clipper passing north of Michigan on the 6th, resulted in heavy lake effect snowfall. The majority of the snow fell between the afternoon hours of the 6th through the early morning hours of the 7th.

The heaviest band of snow fell just west of the US-131 corridor from western Mason county south to western Van Buren county. 8 to 12 inches of snow fell in about a 15 mile wide band across that area.

The following is a list of snowfall occurring primarily between 7 a.m. on December 6th through 6 a.m. on December 7th: Allegan county: 9-11 inches; Mason county: 8-10 inches; Ottawa county: 6-10 inches; Oceana county: 6-8 inches; Muskegon county: 4-8 inches; Van Buren county: 5-7 inches; Kent county: 5-6 inches; Grandville (Kent county): 6 inches; NWS Grand Rapids (Kent county): 5.5 inches.

Additional lighter snowfall accumulations through the period: Newaygo county: 2-4 inches; Barry county: 1-3 inches; Kalamazoo county: 2 inches; Calhoun county: trace to 1 inch; Lansing (Ingham county): trace to 1 inch. MIZ056-064-071 Ottawa - Allegan - Van Buren 07 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1900EST

An Alberta Clipper passed south of Michigan on the 7th. Snow developed out ahead of the system between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the 7th. The heaviest snow fell across southern Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, where 6 to 7 inches of snow fell. Specific snowfall totals within this band include 7" in Bloomingdale (Van Buren county); 6" in South Haven (Van Buren county); and 6" in Saugatuck (Allegan county).

3 to 5 inches of snow fell across southern Muskegon, northern Ottawa, extreme southwestern Kent, Barry, northern Kalamazoo, southern Eaton and northern Jackson counties. Only 1.3" of snow was measured at the NWS in Grand Rapids. MIZ037>040-043>046- Mason - Lake - Osceola - Clare - Oceana - Newaygo - Mecosta - Isabella - Muskegon - Montcalm - Gratiot - 050>052-056>059- Ottawa - Kent - Ionia - Clinton - Allegan - Barry - Eaton - Ingham - Van Buren - Kalamazoo - Calhoun - 064>067-071>074 Jackson 11 0600EST 0 0 Winter Storm 12 0200EST

A significant winter storm affected southern lower Michigan with very heavy snow and strong winds. A weak area of low pressure developed over Oklahoma during the late evening hours of the 10th. The low intensified quickly as it moved northeast to near Indianapolis, Indiana by 7 p.m. on the 12th.

A 24 hour record snowfall was tied at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids of 15.1", measured between 6 a.m. on the 11th

72 77 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, West through 6 a.m. on the 12th. The heaviest snowfall total observed was in Albion (Calhoun county) where 18 inches fell.

The following is a list of snowfall totals by county: Kent, 11 to 15 inches; Barry, 10 to 15 inches; Clinton, 10 to 15 inches; Calhoun, 10 to 14 inches; Allegan, Ottawa and Clare, 11 to 12 inches; Kalamazoo and Van Buren, 10 to 12 inches. Anywhere from 6 to as much as 15 inches of snow fell across all of the other counties as well. Strong winds caused blowing and drifting snow.

Some snowfall totals in specific locations: Albion (Calhoun county): 18 inches; NWS Grand Rapids (Kent county): 15.1 inches; Lansing (Ingham county): 14.5 inches; Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo county) 13.7 inches; Muskegon (Muskegon county): 10.8 inches; Battle Creek (Calhoun county): 13 inches; Paw Paw (Van Buren county): 10 inches; Hastings (Barry county): 12 inches; Holland (Ottawa county): 9.5 inches.

The combination of the heavy snow and winds that gusted to 40 m.p.h. created blizzard conditions at times, causing virtually every school and many businesses to close for a day. In fact many area schools, particularly in outlying and rural areas, were closed for several days and even a week in some instances. Numerous accidents were reported in blowing and drifting snow. Many counties reported upwards of 100 accidents occurring between 7 a.m. on the 11th and 7 a.m. on the 12th. MIZ051-057>058- Montcalm - Kent - Ionia - Allegan - Barry - Van Buren - Kalamazoo - Calhoun - Jackson 064>065-071>074 13 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0200EST

An area of low pressure moved northeast through the Ohio Valley region and produced a swath of moderate to heavy snow across southern lower Michigan.

The following is a list of storm total snowfalls by county from 2 p.m. on the 13th through 2 a.m. the 14th: Van Buren, 5-6; Kalamazoo, 5-6; Calhoun, 5-6; Jackson, 5-6; Allegan, 4-6; Barry, 4-6; Kent, 4-6; Ionia, 4-6; Montcalm, 4-6.

Lighter snowfall accumulations of 4-5 inches were observed across Eaton, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo counties. 3 to 5 inches of snow fell across Oceana, Osceola, Ingham, Clinton, Gratiot, Isabella, and Mecosta counties. 3 to 4 inches of snow fell across Clare, Lake and Mason counties. MIZ051>052-058>059- Montcalm - Gratiot - Ionia - Clinton - Barry - Eaton - Kalamazoo - Calhoun 065>066-072>073 16 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 17 1000EST

A low pressure system developed over Kentucky during the afternoon hours of the 16th, and moved north across western Ohio late on the 16th, and to London, Ontario by 7 a.m. on the 17th. It produced a narrow band of moderate to heavy snow from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek north northeast to just east of Grand Rapids. The heaviest snowfall report came from just north of Battle Creek, where a foot of snow fell.

The following is a list of storm total snowfall, by county, between 10 p.m. on the 16th and 10 a.m. the 17th: Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun and Ionia, 7 to 11 inches; Eaton, western Clinton, Gratiot and southeastern Montcalm, 6 to 8 inches.

Lighter snowfall totals included 4 inches across Ingham county, 3 to 4 inches across Jackson county, 1 inch across Isabella county, and just a trace across Clare, Mecosta and Kent counties. MIZ038 Lake 18 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 19 1900EST

This was a lake effect snow event that developed as result of northwest air ushering in much colder air in the wake of strong low pressure over Quebec, Canada. 6 inches of snow fell across portions of Lake county between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the 19th. Additional lighter snowfall totals include: 4-5 inches across Mason and Oceana counties; 3-4 inches across Osceola and Mecosta counties; 3 inches across Muskegon county; and 1-2 inches across Clare, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. MIZ037-043-064-071 Mason - Oceana - Allegan - Van Buren 19 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 20 0700EST

Heavy snow fell across several lakeshore counties as a result of a combination of an Alberta clipper that moved through, and lake effect snow that developed behind it. The heaviest snowfall total was received from Hart (Oceana county) where 8 inches of snow fell. 4 to 8 inches of snow fell across Mason and Oceana counties. 4 to 6 inches of snow fell across Van Buren and southern Allegan counties. MIZ037-043-050 Mason - Oceana - Muskegon 20 1900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 21 1100EST

73 78 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MICHIGAN, West A combination of an Alberta clipper moving across northern lower Michigan and cold air moving in behind it produced heavy snow and lake effect snow. The heaviest snow fell across Oceana, Mason and Muskegon counties, where many locations received 6 to 10 inches of snow. The most snow, 12 inches, fell in Montague (Muskegon county).

The following is a list of snowfall totals, by county, between 7 p.m. the 20th and 11 a.m. the 21st: Oceana, Mason, and Muskegon, 8 to 10 inches; Ottawa, 3 to 6 inches; Lake and Newaygo, 3 to 5 inches; Allegan and Clare, 2 to 5 inches; Osceola, Isabella, Montcalm and Ionia, 3 to 4 inches. Van Buren and Mecosta, 2 to 4 inches. Gratiot, Kent, Clinton and Kalamazoo, 2 to 3 inches. Barry, Eaton, Jackson, Calhoun, 2 inches; Ingham, 1 to 2 inches. MIZ050-056-064-071 Muskegon - Ottawa - Allegan - Van Buren 21 1900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 22 1900EST

Lake effect snow fell across the lakeshore counties of southwestern Michigan between 7 p.m. on the 21st and 7 p.m. on the 22nd. The heaviest snow fell from southern Muskegon county south across Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, where generally 9 to as much as 12 inches of snow fell. The heaviest specific snow reports came from Bloomingdale (Van Buren county) and southern Muskegon (Muskegon county), where 12 inches of snow fell.

Lighter snowfall totals of 3 to as much as 6 inches were observed across Mason, Oceana, Lake, Newaygo, Kent, Barry and Kalamazoo counties.

A 30 car pileup occurred on I-94 in Galesburg (Kalamazoo county) during the afternoon hours of the 22nd as a result of the snow and icy roads. The interstate had to be closed for over 3 hours as police cleared the wreckage. Several people were injured in the pileup, but there were no serious injuries or fatalities. MIZ037-043-064-071 Mason - Oceana - Allegan - Van Buren 23 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 25 0700EST

An Alberta Clipper moved across upper Michigan during the overnight hours of the 23rd, producing light snow out ahead of it. After it passed by, lake effect snow developed once again. 6 to 8 inches of snow fell across most of Mason, Oceana, Allegan and Van Buren counties. There were a few isolated reports of even more snow, with a maximum snowfall of 10 inches reported in Ludington (Mason county).

3 to as much as 6 inches of snow fell across Lake, Newaygo, Osceola, Mecosta, Montcalm, Kent, Ionia, western Barry, and western Kalamazoo counties. MINNESOTA, Central and South Central MNZ085-092>093 Steele - Faribault - Freeborn 18 0000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1600CST A surface low pressure system tracked east-northeast through Iowa on the 18th and then into western Illinois during the early evening hours. A dumping of snow, mainly in the 6 to 10 inch range, was recorded in extreme south central Minnesota, and into southeast Minnesota. (Southeast Minnesota's storm data is completed by the La Crosse National Weather Service office). Some snow totals of note: Albert Lea 10.5 inches; Kiester 6.0 inches; Bixby 6.0 inches. MNZ047-054>056-064 Stevens - Lac Qui Parle - Swift - Chippewa - Yellow Medicine 20 1600CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2100CST A storm system which entered northwestern Minnesota during the morning hours tracked east southeast into Northern Wisconsin during the late afternoon and evening hours. Little snowfall occurred with this storm, but sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph caused significant blowing snow and near zero visibility throughout the region. Wind chills in the -40 to -50 range were common. MNZ041>045- Douglas - Todd - Morrison - Mille Lacs - Kanabec - Stevens - Pope - Stearns - Benton - Sherburne - Isanti - 047>053-055>063- Chisago - Swift - Chippewa - Kandiyohi - Meeker - Wright - Hennepin - Anoka - Ramsey - Washington - 065>070-076>078- Renville - Mcleod - Sibley - Carver - Scott - Dakota - Le Sueur - Rice - Goodhue - Waseca - Steele - Freeborn 084>085-093 28 0200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2359CST A strong low pressure system over central North Dakota early on the 28th, trekked into southwestern Minnesota during the afternoon, and then moved into northern Iowa during the evening hours. This system deposited heavy snow in the 6 to 10 inch range across much of central and southeast Minnesota (southeast Minnesota's storm data is handled by the Lacrosse National Weather Service office). Some notable snow amounts include: Princeton 10 inches; Owatonna 9.0 inches; Forest Lake 8.0 inches; Chanhassen NWS Forecast Office 7.8 inches; St Cloud 7.5 inches; Hutchinson 7.0 inches; Willmar 7.0 inches; Albany 7.0 inches; Red Wing 7.0 inches; Long Prairie 7.0 inches. MINNESOTA, Northeast MNZ021 Southern Cook 07 0800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2000CST A band of heavy lake effect snow produced 10 inches in Tofte and 9.5 inches near Lutsen. 74 79 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MINNESOTA, Northeast MNZ012-020>021 Northern Cook / Northern Lake - Southern Lake - Southern Cook 20 0415CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 21 0415CST Heavy lake effect snow produced 12 inches at Sawbill Lake, about 22 miles north of Tofte, up to 17 inches near Grand Marais, and 6 inches at Finland. MINNESOTA, Northwest MNZ006-009-016>017- Lake Of The Woods - North Beltrami - North Clearwater - South Beltrami - South Clearwater - Hubbard - 023>024-028-031 East Becker - East Otter Tail 16 0325CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1525CST An inverted trough extended into the Red River Valley from an area of surface low pressure over Iowa. This brought up to 4 inches of new snow from Baudette to Park Rapids, Minnesota. The wind also gusted up to 30 mph across this area. MNZ001>005- West Polk - Norman - Clay - Kittson - Roseau - West Marshall - East Marshall - Pennington - Red Lake - East 007>008-013>015-022- Polk - Mahnomen - West Becker - Wilkin - West Otter Tail - East Otter Tail - Grant 027-029>031-040 16 0900CST 0 0 Blizzard 1900CST An inverted trough extended into the Red River Valley from an area of surface low pressure over Iowa. Little new snowfall occurred, with most locations reporting one to two inches. However, as the low pulled away, a strong pressure gradient formed over eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley portion of northwest Minnesota. Peak wind speeds of 45 mph occurred at both Devils Lake, North Dakota and Crookston, Minnesota. These strong wind speeds whipped the fresh snow around, with widespread visibilities reported below a quarter mile, especially outside city limits. MNZ001-004-007 West Polk - Kittson - West Marshall 20 0100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1146CST An Alberta Clipper dropped from southeast Saskatchewan into east central North Dakota, producing a band of snow to the north and east of its track. Northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota received up to 5 inches of light fluffy snow. MNZ005>006- Roseau - Lake Of The Woods - East Marshall - North Beltrami - Pennington - Red Lake - East Polk - North 008>009-013>017 Clearwater - South Beltrami 20 0830CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2030CST An Alberta Clipper dropped from southeast Saskatchewan into southeast Minnesota, dropping up to 6 inches of snow from Baudette to Bemidji. MNZ001>004-007-027- West Polk - Norman - Clay - Kittson - West Marshall - West Becker - Wilkin - West Otter Tail - Grant 029>030-040 20 1147CST 0 0 Blizzard 2030CST As the area of surface low pressure tracked out of east central North Dakota and moved into west central Minnesota, the pressure gradient tightened and wind speeds increased over the Red River Valley. The light fluffy snow that had fallen over northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota began to blow, with blizzard conditions moving from north to south down the valley. Also, very little snow fell south of the Grand Forks / East Grand Forks area. Wind speeds up to 40 mph were reported from Hallock to Fergus Falls. Several schools closed early on the 20th and part of the day on the 21st. Several vehicles slid into ditches during the height of the blizzard. MNZ001>003- West Polk - Norman - Clay - Mahnomen - South Clearwater - Hubbard - West Becker - East Becker - Wilkin - 022>024-027>032-040 West Otter Tail - East Otter Tail - Wadena - Grant 27 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 28 1800CST An Alberta Clipper tracked from Bismarck, North Dakota, to Watertown, South Dakota. This track brought the most snow along a line from Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Park Rapids, Minnesota, where up to 8.5 inches of snow were reported. The snow caused several flights to be cancelled or delayed at Fargo and Grand Forks. MINNESOTA, Southeast MNZ095>096 Fillmore - Houston 10 2300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 2345CST The first winter storm of the season hit the southeast tip of Minnesota, with the heaviest amounts near the Minnesota/Iowa border. Cooperative observers at Highland and Preston (Fillmore County) reported 7 and 6.5 inches respectively. MNZ079-086>088- Wabasha - Dodge - Olmsted - Winona - Mower - Fillmore - Houston 094>096 18 0400CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2330CST The second snowstorm to hit southeast Minnesota in a week resulted in accumulations of 4 to 8 inches. Cooperative observers in Grand Meadow (Mower County) and Rochester (Olmsted County) reported 8 inches of snow, with 5.3 inches at Theilman (Wabasha County) and 5 inches at Lanesboro (Fillmore County).

75 80 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MINNESOTA, Southeast MNZ079-086>088- Wabasha - Dodge - Olmsted - Winona - Mower - Fillmore - Houston 094>096 28 0800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2325CST The last in a series of winter storms to hit southeast Minnesota in December, produced 5 to 9 inches of snow. Specific reports from cooperative observers included 9.3 inches at Byron and Stewartville (Olmsted County), 9 inches at Grand Meadow (Mower County) and 8 inches at the Rochester International airport (Olmsted County) as well as Preston (Fillmore County). The city of Rochester established an all-time record for the most snow in a month, as well as the snowiest December, with a total of 35.3 inches. MINNESOTA, Southwest MNZ071>072- Lincoln - Lyon - Murray - Cottonwood - Nobles - Jackson - Pipestone - Rock 080>081-089>090- 097>098 16 0300CST 0 0 Blizzard 2359CST Winds gusting above 50 mph combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 4 inches of new snow to produce prolonged blizzard conditions. Visibilities near zero and drifting snow made travel impossible. Even snow plows were pulled off the roads until conditions improved. Interstate highway 90 was closed for several hours. Many businesses, colleges, and technical schools closed during the storm. Wind chills dropped to colder than 60 below zero at times. While no significant damage was reported, the economic impact of the storm was still large in lost travel, business, and snow removal costs. MNZ098 Rock 28 1300CST 0 0 Blizzard 2000CST Strong winds, gusting to near 50 mph at times, combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 2 inches of new snowfall to create blizzard conditions. Visibilities were near zero at times, especially in open areas. The reduced visibility and drifting snow made travel impossible in some areas. Several businesses were forced to close. MINNESOTA, West

NONE REPORTED. MINNESOTA, West Central MNZ039-046 Traverse - Big Stone 16 0800CST 0 0 Blizzard 2200CST Northwest winds of 30 to 50 mph combined with the newly fallen snow and arctic air to bring widespread blizzard conditions and extreme wind chills to 60 below to west central Minnesota. Events were canceled and travel was shutdown. MNZ039 Traverse 27 2200CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 28 1800CST Heavy snow of up to 8 inches fell across Traverse County. Wheaton and Browns Valley both reported 8 inches. MISSISSIPPI, Central MSZ018>019-034 Bolivar - Sunflower - Washington 13 0300CST 0 0 13K Ice Storm 1700CST Ice accumulations of one eighth to one fourth of an inch were reported in portions of northwest Mississippi; mainly in extreme northern Sunflower county, northern and western Bolivar county, and northwestern Washington county. Throughout the event, temperatures remained close to the freezing mark. Also, initial precipitation was very light. Therefore, although freezing rain occurred much of the day, damage to trees and powerlines was relatively minor. Lawrence County 10 SE Monticello 13 1630CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees were blown down in a rural area. Marion County Goss 13 1635CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind (G56) A number of large tree limbs were blown down in a mainly rural area. Winds were estimated by a trained spotter to be around 65 mph. Jefferson Davis County 3 W Prentiss 13 1640CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind Several large tree limbs were blown down. Covington County Seminary 13 1700CST 0 0 1K Thunderstorm Wind (G52) A few large branches were blown down and winds were estimated by a trained spotter to be around 60 mph. Jasper County 1 N Paulding 13 1738CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees were blown down and blocked a road. 76 81 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSISSIPPI, Central Jones County 3 S Laurel 13 1820CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind Several powerlines were blown down. Lamar County 3 N Lumberton 13 1835CST 0 0 1K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees were blown down in a rural area. Forrest County Carnes 13 1850CST 0 0 6K Hail (1.00) A brief period of 1-inch hail caused roof damage to several buildings in a mostly rural area. Forrest County Carnes 13 1850CST 0 0 1K Thunderstorm Wind A few large tree limbs were blown down. Lauderdale County 4 NE Meridian to 16 1130CST 12 440 0 17 2.1M Tornado (F2) 1.5 SE Lauderdale 1145CST An F2 tornado caused major damage in the Marion and Dalewood Shore Lake communities, northeast of Meridian. Two houses and thirteen mobile homes were destroyed. Eleven houses and twelve mobile homes received major damage. Thirty-three houses and twenty-two mobile homes received minor damage. Three businesses were destroyed and one business had minor damage. Thousands of trees were blown down or snapped off, and numerous power poles and power lines were also downed. Seventeen people were injured, including one in critical condition. Montgomery County Kilmichael 16 1330CST 0 0 6K Thunderstorm Wind A number of trees were blown down. Several awnings were destroyed in the downtown area. Webster County 3 SE Walthall 16 1330CST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees and powerlines were blown down. Clay County Montpelier 16 1355CST 0 0 3K Thunderstorm Wind A number of trees were blown down in a mainly rural area. Lowndes County Caledonia 16 1440CST 0 0 4K Thunderstorm Wind Several trees were blown down causing minor damage to a few homes. MSZ037-045-047>048- Attala - Neshoba - Warren - Hinds - Newton - Copiah - Jasper - Adams - Lincoln - Lawrence - Lamar - Forrest 051-054-057-060- 062>063-073>074 16 1330CST 0 0 38K High Wind 1530CST Strong gradient winds in advance of a cold front led to numerous reports of downed trees and power lines. Several billboards were blown down. MSZ026-028>033- Grenada - Montgomery - Webster - Clay - Lowndes - Choctaw - Oktibbeha - Winston - Noxubee 038>039 21 0130CST 0 0 12K Ice Storm 0400CST A brief freezing rain event occurred across portions of north central and northeast Mississippi. Since temperatures were close to the freezing mark during the entire event, the primary problem caused was icing of bridges and other elevated road surfaces. MSZ018>019-025- Bolivar - Sunflower - Leflore - Washington - Humphreys 034>035 31 1530CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2359CST Widespread reports of three to four inches of snow were received for this event. Due to the very cold temperatures, the snow was very dry. Therefore, the snow accumulation did not cause any significant damage. Most of the event occurred on the 31st, but up to one inch of the snow occurred after midnight on the 1st of January. MISSISSIPPI, North MSZ001-007-010 De Soto - Tunica - Coahoma 13 0800CST 0 0 30K Ice Storm 1700CST Freezing rain fell across the northwest corner of Mississippi. Numerous tree limbs fell due to the ice with some homes losing power for a short period of time. Monroe County 2 SE Aberdeen to 16 1045CST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind Gibson 1055CST Several trees were blown down.

77 82 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSISSIPPI, North Monroe County Hatley 16 1135CST 0 0 7.5K Hail (2.75) 1140CST Monroe County Hatley 16 1135CST 0 0 25K Thunderstorm Wind 1140CST Numerous trees and power lines blown down. Lee County Tupelo to 16 1348CST 0 0 0.01K Hail (0.75) Shannon 1355CST Lee County Shannon 16 1350CST 0 0 30K Thunderstorm Wind 1355CST A roof was blown off of a barn. Several homes suffered roof damage. Numerous trees were knocked down. Itawamba County Fulton 16 1410CST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind 1415CST Numerous trees were blown down. Itawamba County Tilden 16 1410CST 0 0 0.01K Hail (0.75) 1415CST MSZ006-009-014>017- Tishomingo - Prentiss - Union - Pontotoc - Lee - Itawamba - Calhoun - Chickasaw - Monroe - Lowndes 022>024-031 20 2000CST 0 0 10K Winter Storm 21 0500CST A mixture of sleet and freezing rain fell over the northeast part of Mississippi. MSZ013 Lafayette 31 1400CST 1 0 Extreme Cold A man was found dead outside his home in Lafayette County. The cause of death was hypothermia. . M84OU MISSISSIPPI, South

NONE REPORTED. MISSISSIPPI, Southeast Wayne County Waynesboro 16 1410CST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1412CST High winds from a thunderstorm blew down several trees just southeast of Waynesboro. MSZ067 Wayne 21 0500CST 0 0 Winter Storm 0830CST Light Freezing Rain occurred during the early morning hours, resulting in a thin layer of ice accumulating on elevated surfaces of bridges and overpasses. MISSOURI, East MOZ018>019- Knox - Lewis - Shelby - Marion - Ralls - Pike 026>027-035>036 10 0400CST 0 0 Ice Storm 11 1600CST A mixture of freezing rain and sleet left a glaze of ice 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick across northeast Missouri. Travel on area roads was very hazardous throughout the event. Some power lines were downed, primarily due to a combination of ice and wind. MOZ026>027- Shelby - Marion - Monroe - Ralls - Pike - Boone - Audrain - Moniteau - Cole - Osage - Callaway - Montgomery 034>036-041>042- - Lincoln - Gasconade - Warren - St. Charles - Franklin - St. Louis - St. Louis (C) - Jefferson - Crawford - 047>052-059>065- Washington - St. Francois - Ste. Genevieve - Iron - Madison - Reynolds 072>075-084>085-099 13 0600CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1800CST The first major snowfall of the season hit virtually all of the eastern half of Missouri. Snowfall from 6 to 12 inches fell across the area. Some schools in rural areas remained closed into the middle part of the next week as the weather stayed very cold and some minor snowfalls kept traveling conditions poor.

78 83 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSOURI, East MOZ018>019- Knox - Lewis - Shelby - Marion - Monroe - Ralls - Pike - Boone - Audrain - Moniteau - Cole - Osage - Callaway 026>027-034>036- - Montgomery - Lincoln - Gasconade - Warren - St. Charles - Franklin - St. Louis - St. Louis (C) - Jefferson - 041>042-047>050- Crawford - Washington - St. Francois - Ste. Genevieve - Iron - Madison - Reynolds 050>052-059>065- 072>075-084>085-099 16 2000CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 1200CST A strong cold front moved across the area the afternoon of December 16 bringing in a blast of Arctic air. Temperatures by 900 pm on the 16th had dropped into the single digits with wind chill values down to 30 below zero. The wind chill remained from 20 below to 40 below zero through Noon on the 17th. MISSOURI, Lower

NONE REPORTED. MISSOURI, Northeast MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Cold 31 2359CST December 2000 was notable for the record cold conditions across the upper midwest. Much of the month was characterized by a persistent northwest flow pattern, which produced repeated significant outbreaks of bitterly cold Arctic air. National Weather Service records indicate the average temperature for December at the Burlington Iowa Airport was only 13.1 degrees, well below the normal of 26.8. The extreme cold temperatures combined with occasional high winds to produce dangerous wind chills to 50 below zero. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 01 0200CST 0 0 Snow 1600CST A weak storm system, lacking abundant moisture, produced the season's first significant snowfall across the area. Cooperative observers in Clark and Scotland counties reported snowfall amounts of a few tenths up to one inch. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 10 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 2200CST A powerful early winter storm developed in the Rockies and tracked through southern Missouri and Illinois late on Sunday the 10th through the Monday the 11th. The snow began late Sunday night and continued through Monday night. Storm totals of 8 to 11 inches were common over much of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, with 5 to 8 inch amounts to the south in far southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri, and west central Illinois. The strong low pressure center produced wind gusts up to 40 miles an hour Monday afternoon and night, which created near blizzard conditions and drifted many area roads shut. Many road crews across the area were pulled Monday afternoon and night, before returning to the job early Tuesday. An accident in Hancock county Monday claimed one life after a vehicle slid into oncoming traffic. Otherwise, there were surprisingly few accidents involving injuries reported by area law enforcement. Road crews reported very light traffic Monday. An eastern Iowa resident suffered a heart attack after shoveling snow Monday. Area hospitals also treated many people suffering from hypothermia, chest pains, and injuries from falling on the ice. Most area schools were closed both Monday and Tuesday, and many businesses closed early Monday. Temperatures dropped into the single digits Monday night into Tuesday, as wind chills dipped to 20 to 40 below zero. The dangerously cold conditions continued Tuesday as snow removal efforts continued. Law enforcement reported a number of accidents on Tuesday as traffic picked up. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 13 0800CST 0 0 Snow 2100CST As the region was busy digging out from a major winter storm on 12/11, another storm developed over the southern plains during the early morning hours of 12/13. The system tracked northeast through the lower Mississippi valley into the Ohio valley through the day. The storm tapped into Gulf moisture to the south, and the result was another round of significant snow for the area, before the snow tapered to flurries during the evening hours. NWS Cooperative Observers and sheriffs officials reported snowfall amounts of 3-4 inches in Scotland and Clark counties. The snow created hazardous driving conditions, and law enforcement officials were kept busy responding to calls of cars in the ditch. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 15 1300CST 0 0 Ice Storm 16 0500CST A potent storm system tracked out of the southern Plains into the mid Mississippi Valley, and brought warm air aloft, which set the stage for a mix of precipitation across the area. Freezing rain and sleet started in far northeast Missouri and west central Illinois around midday, then spread northward across eastern Iowa and western Illinois during the afternoon and evening hours. The mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow continued overnight into the early morning hours of the 16th. Law enforcement, NWS cooperative observers, and spotters reported significant ice accumulations across the entire area, with amounts up to a half inch in Scotland county. The icy roads made for very dangerous driving conditions, and numerous reports of accidents and cars in ditches. Fortunately, area law enforcement did not report any serious accidents, despite the high level of activity. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 16 1400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 1600CST

79 84 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSOURI, Northeast In the wake of the ice storm that hit the region on 12/15 and 12/16, a powerful Arctic cold front swept through the area from the northern Rockies during the afternoon of 12/16. The front brought blizzard conditions to portions of western and central Iowa, but the earlier ice coating across eastern Iowa, western Illinois, and far northeast Missouri all but eliminated the problem of blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall amounts across the area were light as the front moved through, and area law enforcement reported only a few visibility problems on rural roads, and minimal drifting. The main problem was dangerously cold wind chill values, as a strong northwest wind gusting to 35 miles an hour buffeted the area in the wake of the system's low pressure center. Wind chill values dipped to 25 to 40 below by evening on 12/16, and dropped to 30 to 50 below early on 12/17. The bitterly cold wind chills persisted through much of the day, before the center of low pressure exited the area to the east. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 18 0400CST 0 0 Snow/Blowing Snow 19 0600CST Another Alberta Clipper storm system moved southeast into the plains during the early morning hours of 12/18. The storm, coupled with a strong upper-level jet, brought more significant snow to the area, beginning before sunrise in northeast Iowa, and spreading in northeast Missouri through the day. Along and north of the Interstate 80 corridor, 3 to 5 inch snowfall totals were common, with some isolated amounts near 6 inches, before the snow tapered to flurries Monday night. Across Clark and Scotland counties, snowfall totals generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches. A strong northwest wind raked the area Monday night in the wake of the storm. Winds of 20 to 30 miles an hour produced considerable blowing and drifting of the light, fluffy snow. Accidents were widespread across the area on 12/18 and 12/19, but no serious injuries were reported by law enforcement. The strong northwest wind combined with temperatures near zero to produce wind chills values as low as 40 below zero during the evening hours of 12/18 and the early morning of 12/19. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 20 0700CST 0 0 Snow 2300CST Yet another Alberta Clipper storm chugged into the upper Midwest during the early morning hours of 12/20, this time tracking from the high Plains into Minnesota and Wisconsin. The system brought periods of heavy snow to the area. The snow began in east central and northeast Iowa around sunrise, and then spread south and east through the morning hours. The heaviest amounts of 4 to 5 inches fell to the north, in parts of eastern Iowa and far northwest Illinois, with only 1 to 3 inch amounts in Clark and Scotland counties. The snow had tapered to flurries by midnight. As low pressure headed off to the northeast, a northwest wind picked up to 20 to 30 miles an hour during the overnight, and produced bitterly cold wind chills of 30 to 45 below zero, as actual temperatures dropped into the single digits. Blowing and drifting snow continued into the day on 12/21. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 21 0400CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 22 0300CST Low pressure over the Great Lakes region moved to the east through the day. A strong northwest wind on the back side of the low brought bitterly cold Arctic air into the region, which produced dangerously cold wind chills as well as blowing and drifting snow. High temperatures during the day were in the single digits above zero, and combined with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour to produce wind chills as low as 40 below zero. The winds also created widespread blowing and drifting snow, in the wake of a system that brought several inches of snow to the area on December 20th. Area hospitals treated numerous patients for frostbite, falls, chest pains from shoveling snow, and snow blower injures. Law enforcement reported numerous accidents and vehicles in ditches. Many county roads were closed, or reduced to one lane, by drifting snow. The weather prompted the closing of many area schools. The harsh conditions continued overnight into the early morning hours of December 22nd. Actual temperatures across the area dropped into the single digits below zero, with wind chills as low as 40 below, before the wind diminished in the pre-dawn hours. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 23 2200CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 24 1200CST Frigid Arctic air remained entrenched across the upper Midwest, and combined with a blustery northwest wind up to 20 miles an hour to produce dangerous wind chill values of 25 to 45 below zero. Actual temperatures fell to between five and ten below during the overnight hours. MOZ009>010 Scotland - Clark 28 1000CST 0 0 Snow 29 1100CST An unusually strong Alberta Clipper storm tracked southeast through Iowa into central Illinois and spread some locally heavy snow over parts of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The snow began in east central Iowa during the mid-morning on December 28th, then spread eastward into western Illinois during the afternoon. West of the Mississippi River, much of the snow ended before dawn on the 29th, but snow on the back side of the system persisted during the morning hours along and east of the river. Storm total snowfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches were common across much of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, with local higher amounts. Far northeast Missouri was spared from the heavier snowfall. 1 to 3 inches of snow fell over Clark and Scotland counties. MISSOURI, Northwest MOZ001>008- Atchison - Nodaway - Worth - Gentry - Harrison - Mercer - Putnam - Schuyler - Holt - Andrew - De Kalb - 011>017-020>025- Daviess - Grundy - Sullivan - Adair - Buchanan - Clinton - Caldwell - Livingston - Linn - Macon - Platte - Clay 028>033-037>040- - Ray - Carroll - Chariton - Randolph - Jackson - Lafayette - Saline - Howard - Cass - Johnson - Pettis - Cooper 043>046-053>054 - Bates - Henry 10 0800CST 1 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST Arctic air gripped the region from around the 10th of December, through the end of the month. Except for a few hours on the 15th and

80 85 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSOURI, Northwest 16th, temperatures remained below freezing through the entire period. Snow cover persisted from the 13th through the end of the month. Kansas City had its second coldest December on record. The Kansas City International Airport averaged 10 to 20 degrees below normal through the cold outbreak. Average highs were in the teens and twenties with average lows in the single digits. No daily records were broken. The lowest reading at the Kansas City international airport was 9 below zero and it went to 16 below zero at Maryville, both on the 22nd. Numerous broken water pipes and water mains were reported, especially in the Kansas City area. The extreme cold claimed the life of a 19 year old Lafayette county man from exposure. M19OU MOZ002>008- Nodaway - Worth - Gentry - Harrison - Mercer - Putnam - Schuyler - Holt - Andrew - De Kalb - Daviess - 011>017-020>025- Grundy - Sullivan - Adair - Buchanan - Clinton - Caldwell - Livingston - Linn - Macon - Platte - Clay - Ray - 028>033-037>038- Carroll - Chariton - Randolph - Jackson - Lafayette - Cass - Johnson - Bates - Henry 043>044-053>054 10 2300CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 1530CST MOZ001 Atchison 11 0100CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1400CST MOZ039>040-045>046 Saline - Howard - Pettis - Cooper 11 0100CST 0 0 Ice Storm 1500CST A storm system brought a mixed bag of wintery precipitation to northern Missouri on December 11th. Precipitation began as freezing drizzle late in the evening of December 10th. After midnight precipitation increased in intensity and changed over to snow across the northern tier of Missouri. Snowfall totaled 7 inches in Fairfax Missouri, with 3-5 inches reported north of a St. Joseph to Kirksville line. Ice accumulations of up to 3/8 of an inch were reported from Marshall and Sedalia into the Boonville area. While heavy accumulation of snow and ice were not noted over the remainder of the area, the combination of snow and ice was sufficient to disrupt travel. Numerous traffic accidents were reported, and two airplanes slid off icy taxiways at the Kansas City International Airport, but no serious injuries were reported. Most schools in the area were closed and many remained closed the next day. MOZ028-033-037>040- Platte - Randolph - Jackson - Lafayette - Saline - Howard - Cass - Johnson - Pettis - Cooper - Bates - Henry 043>046-053>054 13 0900CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1900CST Snow overspread west-central Missouri during the overnight hours on December 12-13th. The snow fell heavily at times and accumulations reached 6 inches by early afternoon. Total snow accumulations reached 6 to 9 inches along and south of a line, from Lee's Summit to Moberly. However, localized heavy snow brought as much as 7 inches to the Kansas City International Airport. 4 to 6 inches fell south of a St. Joseph to Trenton line, with 1 to 3 inches farther north. Schools were closed for up to 3 days in many locations, and there were numerous reports of traffic accidents. MISSOURI, Southeast MOZ076-086>087-100- Perry - Bollinger - Cape Girardeau - Wayne - Carter - Ripley - Butler - Stoddard - Scott - Mississippi - New 107>112-114 Madrid 12 0001CST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359CST An invasion of arctic air occurred on December 12. The arctic air became permanently entrenched over the region for the remainder of the month, resulting in the coldest December on record at Paducah, KY. The average monthly temperature of 25.9 degrees was 11.4 below normal. On the coldest day of the month, the 17th, the high was 17 and the low was 6. Unusually high energy prices, combined with the record cold, caused homeless shelters to fill to capacity. The usual problems associated with frigid temperatures, such as frozen pipes and water main breaks, were common during the latter half of the month. A combination of heavy ice and low water conditions on the Mississippi River prompted the Coast Guard to restrict barge traffic north of Cairo, IL. Low water led to the grounding of 15 loaded coal barges about 10 miles north of Cape Girardeau. MOZ076-086>087-100- Perry - Bollinger - Cape Girardeau - Wayne - Carter - Ripley - Butler - Stoddard - Scott - Mississippi - New 107>112-114 Madrid 13 0700CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1900CST A major winter storm produced 2 to 6 inches of snow across southeast Missouri, followed by 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice. The snow began shortly before sunrise, falling at rates near one inch per hour. Snow accumulations before the changeover to ice ranged from just an inch or two at New Madrid up to 6 inches at Perryville. By midday, the snow changed to freezing rain after a brief period of sleet. Light to occasionally moderate freezing rain fell during the afternoon and early evening hours. The heavy precipitation was caused by a strong upper level disturbance that tracked east-northeast from the southern Rockies, across the southern Plains, and then over the lower Mississippi Valley. A strong southerly flow of milder air just above ground level was unable to scour out very cold air right at the surface, which produced an extended period of snow and ice. The liquid equivalent of all the frozen and freezing precipitation was between three quarters of an inch and one inch. Numerous accidents occurred, most of which were minor. Most schools were closed by the storm. Ice on trees and power lines contributed to scattered power outages, mainly east of the Poplar Bluff area. MOZ076-086>087-100- Perry - Bollinger - Cape Girardeau - Wayne - Carter - Ripley - Butler 107>109 15 0900CST 0 0 Freezing Rain 1300CST

81 86 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MISSOURI, Southeast Freezing rain spread across most of southeast Missouri during the mid-morning hours. Most of the icing was north and west of a line from Poplar Bluff to Cape Girardeau. The thin layer of ice, less than a quarter inch thick, caused some hazardous travel conditions. The precipitation ended by mid afternoon. MOZ076-086>087-100- Perry - Bollinger - Cape Girardeau - Wayne - Carter - Ripley - Butler - Stoddard - Scott - Mississippi - New 107>112-114 Madrid 26 1500CST 0 0 Freezing Rain 2200CST Minor accumulations of snow and sleet caused major travel problems. The precipitation, which began falling during the morning, accumulated between 1 and 2 inches by evening. Interstate 55 and U.S. 60 were completely covered with snow and ice during the evening. Treacherous roads caused numerous accidents on Highway 25 and U.S. Highway 60. There were several injuries in wrecks that occurred around Dexter. MISSOURI, Southwest MOZ055>058- Benton - Morgan - Miller - Maries - Vernon - St. Clair - Hickory - Camden - Pulaski - Phelps - Barton - Cedar - 066>071-077>083- Polk - Dallas - Laclede - Texas - Dent - Jasper - Dade - Greene - Webster - Wright - Newton - Lawrence - 088>098-101>106 Christian - Douglas - Howell - Shannon - Mcdonald - Barry - Stone - Taney - Ozark - Oregon 12 0000CST 0 0 125K 105K Extreme Cold 31 2359CST Abnormally cold air moved into the Ozarks by the middle of December as the main jet stream carved out a deep trough of low pressure over the eastern 2/3's of the nation. This pattern continued through the early part of January. The combination of deep snow cover and an abnormally strong arctic air mass kept temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal. The severe cold caused numerous water mains to brake, roof leakage, and hazardous roadways due to ice and snow. In Stafford, a water main broke under a new high school gymnasium causing considerable damage to the school ceiling tiles, light fixtures and the gymnasium floor.

In addition, hay supplies rapidly decreased as persistent ice and snow covered fields. Snow cover and cold conditions also made it difficult for farmers and ranchers to feed their animals, which had an adverse affect on livestock and newly born calves. Several calves died due to the severe stress of the cold and low supply of hay, especially in southwest Missouri. MOZ055>058- Benton - Morgan - Miller - Maries - Vernon - St. Clair - Hickory - Camden - Pulaski - Phelps - Barton - Cedar - 066>071-077>083- Polk - Dallas - Laclede - Texas - Dent - Jasper - Dade - Greene - Webster - Wright - Newton - Lawrence - 088>098-101>106 Christian - Douglas - Howell - Shannon - Mcdonald - Barry - Stone - Taney - Ozark - Oregon 12 2100CST 0 0 450K Heavy Snow 13 1800CST A major winter storm dropped as much as 14 inches of snow across the Missouri Ozarks. The hardest hit areas were along I-44 from Joplin to Lebanon. In these areas, over a foot of snow was reported. Lesser amounts were found near the Arkansas border where some sleet and freezing rain mixed in with the snow. Due to the weight of the heavy snowfall, some roofs and carports were damaged along with some minor power outages. In addition, a turkey farm was damaged in Ozark County, an appliance store outdoor canopy collapsed in Nevada, and a sports complex dome collapsed in Joplin due to the heavy snowfall.

Although numerous accidents and road closures were reported, no serious injuries occurred. MOZ056>058- Morgan - Miller - Maries - Camden - Pulaski - Phelps - Laclede - Texas - Dent - Wright - Douglas - Howell - 069>071-081>083-092- Shannon - Ozark - Oregon 096>098-105>106 15 0945CST 0 0 10K Ice Storm 1300CST Light freezing rain produced ice accumulations of one quarter to one half inch over a broad area of central and south central Missouri. The icing caused numerous accidents and several large pileups on I-44 between Lebanon and Rolla. Due to significant ice accumulations near Tuscumbia, a tree fell onto a power line, causing power outages to a few hundred people on the western side of town. MOZ088-093>097- Jasper - Newton - Lawrence - Christian - Douglas - Howell - Mcdonald - Barry - Stone - Taney - Ozark - 101>106 Oregon 25 1600CST 0 0 0 Winter Storm 26 1530CST A winter storm produced a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain over portions of extreme southern Missouri. The freezing rain was locally heavy at times, producing one quarter inch of ice on area roadways. Numerous accidents were reported, however, no deaths or serious injuries were noted. No major power outages occurred. MONTANA, Central MTZ010 Eastern Glacier 06 1335MST 0 0 High Wind (G36) M Steady winds at Cut Bank. MTZ054 Meagher 09 0300MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1400MST 6 inches Martinsdale.

82 87 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MONTANA, Central MTZ055 Gallatin 09 0800MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600MST 7 inches Bozeman. MTZ009 North Rocky Mountain Front 15 0800MST 0 0 Blizzard 1300MST Zero visibility...all roads closed...8 inches of snow at East Glacier. MTZ012 Cascade 15 0850MST 0 0 Blizzard 1110MST 1/8 mile blowing snow at Simms...100 yard visibility at Great Falls. MTZ046 Eastern Pondera 15 0855MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 100 yards at Conrad. MTZ011 Hill 15 0908MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 100 yards in blowing snow at Rudyard. MTZ049 Eastern Teton 15 0914MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout 38N of Great Falls. MTZ014 Southern Lewis And Clark 15 0920MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 1/8 mile in Helena. MTZ013 Chouteau 15 0945MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout at Carter. MTZ054 Meagher 15 1000MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 100 feet at White Sulphur Springs. MTZ010 Eastern Glacier 15 1010MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 100 feet at Gold Butte. MTZ050 Judith Basin 15 1100MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility at 200 yards at Hobson. MTZ015 Madison 15 1100MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout at Pony. MTZ048 Southern Rocky Mountain Front 15 1100MST 0 0 Blizzard Near zero visibility in blowing snow. MTZ044 Toole 15 1105MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 1/4 mile. MTZ008 Beaverhead 15 1115MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout at 3N Dillon. MTZ055 Gallatin 15 1155MST 0 0 Blizzard Visibility less than 200 yards at Bozeman and elsewhere. MTZ047 Blaine 15 1230MST 0 0 Blizzard 1440MST Whiteout numerous areas...roads closed...wind gust to 50kt at Chinook 11S. MTZ045 Liberty 15 1245MST 0 0 Blizzard Zero visibility Hiway 2. MTZ052 Jefferson 15 1250MST 0 0 Blizzard Zero Visibility.

83 88 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MONTANA, Central MTZ053 Broadwater 15 1255MST 0 0 Blizzard Zero visibility in blowing snow. MTZ051 Fergus 15 1300MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout and roads closed in blowing snow. MTZ009 North Rocky Mountain Front 16 1805MST 0 0 Blizzard Whiteout 8W Browning gust 87kt. MTZ046 Eastern Pondera 16 2030MST 0 0 Blizzard 2 mi south Valier gust 75kt with blowing snow. MTZ010 Eastern Glacier 16 2100MST 0 0 Blizzard Low visibility Cut Bank gust 61kt. MTZ047 Blaine 16 2130MST 0 0 Blizzard Ft Belknap Raws gust 50kt blowing snow. MTZ054 Meagher 16 2200MST 0 0 High Wind (G60) M White Sulphur Springs. MTZ008 Beaverhead 17 0100MST 0 0 High Wind (G51) M Antelope Raws. MTZ044 Toole 17 0147MST 0 0 Blizzard Gold Butte 7N gust 63kt blowing snow. MTZ012 Cascade 17 1245MST 0 0 High Wind (G50) M 5S Cascade. MTZ047 Blaine 18 0528MST 0 0 High Wind (G54) M Chinook 11S. MTZ047 Blaine 20 1050MST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M Chinook 11S. MTZ055 Gallatin 25 1600MST 0 1 Avalanche Near West Yellowstone. MTZ047 Blaine 28 1341MST 0 0 High Wind (G57) M Chinook 11S. MTZ055 Gallatin 29 2000MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 30 0745MST 6 inches 10N Bozeman...8 inches Big Sky 2WNW and 10N. MONTANA, East MTZ016>027 Central And Se Phillips - Central And Southern Valley - Daniels - Sheridan - Western Roosevelt - Petroleum - Garfield - Mccone - Richland - Dawson - Prairie - Wibaux 15 1000MST 0 0 Blizzard 16 0200MST Strong winds of 25 to 40 mph along with a gusts to 60 mph produced blizzard conditions across northeastern Montana. Snowfall amounts up to 4 inches were reported with drifts to 3 and 4 feet in some locations. One location at Bloomfield, in Dawson County, reported a wind gust to 81 mph. MTZ025 Dawson 17 1655MST 0 0 High Wind (G65) Bloomfield MTZ016>027 Central And Se Phillips - Central And Southern Valley - Daniels - Sheridan - Western Roosevelt - Petroleum - Garfield - Mccone - Richland - Dawson - Prairie - Wibaux 27 0700MST 0 0 Ice Storm 1500MST

84 89 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MONTANA, East An ice storm moved through northeastern Montana producing from a quarter inch to over an inch of ice across the region. Nearly all the paved roads were closed, including Interstate 94 from Terry east to the North Dakota border. Numerous rollover accidents were reported but no serious injuries were reported. MTZ017-017-017>020- Central And Southern Valley - Daniels - Sheridan - Western Roosevelt - Garfield - Mccone - Richland - 020-022>025-025-025- Dawson - Prairie - Wibaux 025>027 27 1800MST 0 0 High Wind (G81) M 2341MST MONTANA, South MTZ035 Yellowstone 09 1230MST 0 0 Extreme Windchill Pompeys Pillar reported wind chills of 30-40 degrees below zero. A wind chill of 51 degrees below zero was recorded earlier. MTZ028-034 Wheatland - Stillwater 09 1530MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1640MST Judith Gap... Harlowton and 18 miles northwest of Columbus reported 3 inches of new snow. MTZ034 Stillwater 10 0800MST 0 0 Heavy Snow Nye received 6 inches of new snow overnight. Storm total for December 9-10 in Harlowton was 3 inches. MTZ028-030 Wheatland - Treasure 15 1430MST 0 0 High Wind (G72) M 1745MST Livingston reported a wind gust of 72 mph. Hysham reported sustained winds of 27-35 mph with a gust to 48 mph...along with blowing snow. MTZ029-031>032-032- Musselshell - Northern Rosebud - Custer - Fallon - Yellowstone - Carter - Southern Big Horn 032>033-033-033-035- 037>038-038-038 15 1635MST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 2030MST Badger Peak wind chill...-52 Cannonball Creek...-45 Miles City...-44 Little Big Horn...-44 Wolf Mountain...-49 Big Horn Mountain...-41 Big Snowy Mountain...-66 Kilo...-62 Knowlton...-58 Camp Crool...-42 Baker...-62 MTZ028 Wheatland 16 1633MST 0 0 High Wind (G52) M Livingston reported sustained winds of 52 mph. MTZ032 Custer 17 2002MST 0 0 High Wind (G40) M Miles City reported sustained winds of 40 mph. MTZ028 Wheatland 19 0400MST 0 0 High Wind (G68) M Livingston reported sustained winds of 56 mph with gusts to 68 mph. MTZ028 Wheatland 19 0507MST 0 0 High Wind (G77) M 5 miles east of Livingston reported sustained winds of 63 mph with a gust to 77 mph. MTZ028 Wheatland 19 0855MST 0 0 High Wind (G78) M Livingston airport reported sustained winds of 57 mph with gusts to 78 mph. MTZ034 Stillwater 19 1710MST 0 0 High Wind (G63) M Nye reported winds of 63 mph. MTZ032 Custer 27 2028MST 0 0 High Wind (G59) M Miles City reported sustained winds of 44 mph with gusts to 59 mph.

85 90 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

MONTANA, South MTZ032 Custer 27 2124MST 0 0 High Wind (G62) M Knowlton reported winds gusting to 62 mph. MTZ033 Fallon 27 2155MST 0 0 High Wind (G60) M Cannonball Creek reported a wind gust to 60 mph. MTZ033 Fallon 27 2155MST 0 0 High Wind (G43) M Baker reported sustained winds of 43 mph. MTZ028 Wheatland 30 0700MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 5 to 6 inches of new snow at Gardiner. MTZ028-034>035 Wheatland - Stillwater - Yellowstone 30 1530MST 0 0 Heavy Snow New snowfall for South Central Montana: Columbus...6 inches 5 miles south of Red Lodge...5 inches NWS Office Billings...4 inches Park City...3 inches MTZ028 Wheatland 31 1600MST 0 0 Avalanche Location: Emigrant Peak near Chico Hot Springs in the Paradise Valley Fatalities: Father and Son killed MONTANA, West MTZ001>007-043 Kootenai/Cabinet Region - West Glacier Region - Flathead/Mission Valleys - Lower Clark Fork Region - Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys - Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains - Butte / Pintlar Region - Blackfoot Region 14 1700MST 0 0 Winter Storm 15 1700MST Widespread strong gusty winds and heavy snow invaded western Montana by the morning of 12/15/00. Local blizzard conditions caused emergency travel on many roads and even temporary road closures. The strongest winds reported were 75 mph at Deborgia, 55 mph at Hot Springs, 50 mph at Missoula and Deer Lodge, and 44 mph at Butte, which caused dangerous wind chills. Snow totals in the valleys were: 6 inches at West Glacier, 7 inches at Missoula, Kalispell, Olney and Noxon, 8 inches at Troy, 9 inches at Seeley Lake and Libby, and 10 inches at Thompson Falls and St. Regis. Snow totals in the mountains were: 8 inches at Lolo Hot Springs and Essex, 9 inches at Skalkaho Summit, 12 inches at Deborgia, Banfield Mountain, Twin Lakes, Flattop Mountain, and Noisy Basin, 13 inches at North Fork Jocko, Badger Pass, Moss Peak, 15 inches at Poorman Creek, 16 inches at Lolo Pass and Stuart Mountain, and 28 inches at Hoodoo Basin. MTZ004>007 Lower Clark Fork Region - Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys - Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains - Butte / Pintlar Region 15 0600MST 0 0 Blizzard 1330MST 75 mph wind gusts produced whiteout conditions in Deborgia. At Lookout Pass, wind gusts to 41 mph and snow produced whiteout conditions with wind chill to near 30 degrees below zero. In Missoula, wind gusts to 50 mph produced visibility to less than 1/4 mile in blowing snow; 4 inches of snow accumulated in one half hour. In Butte, winds gusted to 44 mph producing whiteout conditions and wind chills to 20 degrees below zero. Weather spotters in Sula, Anaconda and Arlee reported blizzard conditions from strong winds and blowing snow, reducing visibility less than 1/4 mile. Butte Sheriff reported blizzard conditions over Homestake Pass with deep snow drifts. DOT declared emergency travel on many roads with some roads closed at times due to blizzard conditions. MTZ001-001>004-006- Kootenai/Cabinet Region - West Glacier Region - Flathead/Mission Valleys - Lower Clark Fork Region - 043 Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains - Blackfoot Region 16 1400MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 17 1400MST DOT reported 6 inches new snow from Kalispell to Stryker and at Happy's Inn. In the mountains, snowfall totals were: 6 inches at North Fork Jocko, 7 inches at Lookout Ski Resort, Banfield Mountain and Saddle Mountain, 8 inches at Lolo Pass and Stahl Peak, 9 inches North Fork Elk Creek, 10 inches at Lookout Pass, Hoodoo Basin, Skalkaho Summit and Twelvemile Creek, and 12 inches at Poorman Creek and Flattop Mountain. MTZ001>002-004 Kootenai/Cabinet Region - West Glacier Region - Lower Clark Fork Region 26 1200MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 27 1600MST 24 hour snowfall totals were 17 inches at Stahl Peak and 12 inches at Grave Creek in Lincoln County, 21 inches at Flattop Mountain in Flathead County and 8 inches at Lookout Ski Resort in Mineral County. NEBRASKA, Central

NONE REPORTED.

86 91 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEBRASKA, East NEZ044>045-050>053- Dodge - Washington - Butler - Saunders - Douglas - Sarpy - Seward - Lancaster - Cass - Otoe - Saline - 065>068-078-088>091 Jefferson - Gage - Johnson - Nemaha 10 1900CST 0 0 Winter Storm 11 1500CST A winter storm hit southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa Sunday evening 12/10/00 and continued into early Monday afternoon, although blowing and drifting snow persisted into Monday evening. An arctic cold front pushed through southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa Sunday afternoon dropping temperatures into the single digits. The front stalled over Kansas as low pressure developed along it and tracked into the mid Mississippi Valley by Monday afternoon. The developing system dropped heavy snow over much of east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The snowfall was accompanied by northeast winds gusting to 25 mph Sunday evening, and over 30 mph by late Monday morning. Besides lowering visibilities to less than 1 mile in snow and blowing snow, the strong winds also lowered wind chill values to 30 to 45 below zero. Most schools across the area were canceled Monday and many rural schools started 2 hours late Tuesday 12/12/00.

Heavier snow amounts included 10 inches in Gretna, 8 to 10 inches in the Lincoln and Blair areas, 8 inches in Omaha and Seward, Nebraska and Shenandoah and Little Sioux, Iowa, 7 inches near Dunbar, and 6 to 7 inches at Auburn, Fremont, Utica, Friend, Sterling and Plymouth, Nebraska and Harlan and Red Oak, Iowa. NEZ011>012-015>018- Knox - Cedar - Thurston - Antelope - Pierce - Wayne - Boone - Madison - Stanton - Cuming - Burt - Platte - 030>034-042>045- Colfax - Dodge - Washington - Butler - Saunders - Douglas - Sarpy - Seward - Lancaster - Cass - Otoe - Saline - 050>053-065>068-078- Jefferson - Gage - Johnson - Nemaha - Pawnee - Richardson 088>093 16 0200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1800CST A surge of arctic air on very strong northwest winds combined with snow showers, blowing snow and dangerously cold wind chills producing near blizzard conditions across much of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa Saturday 12/16/00. The strong winds moved into northeast Nebraska shortly after midnight and reached southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa between 4 and 6 am cst. Although most new snow amounts were only an inch or two, the snow showers combined with blowing snow to produce white-out conditions for short time periods, especially in open areas, and frequently reduced the visibility to less than 1 mile.

There were numerous reports of semi-trucks and cars that had slid off of roads into ditches...because of slick roads, strong winds or both. Many roads, mostly country, also drifted shut. Sustained winds were 25 to 35 mph with frequent gusts of 45 to 50 mph into late Saturday afternoon. As temperatures fell into the single digits, the winds produced wind chill values of 40 to 50 below zero over much of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. A period of light freezing drizzle or sleet fell Friday over parts of the area which created a thin crust of ice on the snow that was already on the ground, probably keeping conditions across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa from reaching and sustaining blizzard criteria much of Saturday.

Stronger wind gusts included 61 mph at Gretna, 56 mph at Norfolk, 51 mph at the NWS office in Valley, 48 mph in Columbus, 47 mph at Fremont, Offutt Afb, Tekamah and Omaha Eppley, 46 mph at Harlan, Iowa and 44 mph in Beatrice.

Wind Chill values got as low as 50 below at Harlan, Iowa during the afternoon, and were as cold as 47 or 48 below zero at Omaha, Norfolk, Columbus and Offutt Afb. Much of the afternoon saw wind chill values of 35 to 45 below zero. NEZ011>012-015>018- Knox - Cedar - Thurston - Antelope - Pierce - Wayne - Boone - Madison - Stanton - Cuming - Burt - Platte - 030>034-042>045- Colfax - Dodge - Washington - Butler - Saunders - Douglas - Sarpy - Seward - Lancaster - Cass - Otoe - Saline - 050>053-065>068-078- Jefferson - Gage - Johnson - Nemaha - Pawnee - Richardson 088>093 16 1800CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 17 0300CST This event was a continuation of the winter storm which impacted eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa Saturday 12/16/00. Even though northwest winds decreased to 20 to 35 mph Saturday night allowing the blowing and drifting snow to subside, dangerously cold wind chills of 35 to 50 below zero continued into the early morning hours of Sunday 12/17/00. Temperatures during this time period dropped to zero to 5 below. The wind decreased to 10 to 20 mph after 300 am on the 17th, and even though wind chill values remained cold, they moderated somewhat from the extreme values recorded earlier. NEZ033>034-044>045- Cuming - Burt - Dodge - Washington - Saunders - Douglas - Sarpy - Seward - Lancaster - Cass - Saline 051>053-065>067-078 17 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 18 2200CST Eastern Nebraska and western Iowa experienced their third winter storm in a week as 4 to 8 inches of snow fell from parts of southeast Nebraska into southwest Iowa. The snow fell basically across the same area that received heavy snow a week earlier, and was accompanied by northwest winds gusting over 50 mph. When temperatures fell into the single digits Monday morning, 12/18/00, wind chill values dropped to 35 to 45 below zero. The strong winds created near blizzard conditions from Lincoln and Seward northeast through Omaha and into western Iowa. White-out conditions south of Seward on Highway 15 caused a 6 car accident, but with no serious injuries, Monday afternoon. Drifting snow caused a semi truck and a few cars to become stranded on Highway 32 east of West Point Monday, closing the Highway for several hours. Most schools across the region were closed Monday. Due to the low wind chills, some drifting snow and unplowed secondary roads, many schools remained closed Tuesday as well.

87 92 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEBRASKA, East Heavier snow totals included...7.5 inches in Harlan, Iowa, 6.7 inches at the NWS in Valley (the official snow recording site for Omaha), 6 inches at Fremont, Gretna, Roca and Papillion and 4 to 5 inches in Lincoln, Bennington, Blair, West Point, Hickman, Raymond, Bellevue and Plattsmouth.

Wind gusts of 52 mph were recorded in Omaha at the NWS in Valley, and 51 mph at Lincoln. NEZ011>012-015>018- Knox - Cedar - Thurston - Antelope - Pierce - Wayne - Boone - Madison - Stanton - Cuming - Burt - Platte - 030>034-042>045- Colfax - Dodge - Washington - Butler - Saunders - Douglas - Sarpy - Seward - Lancaster - Cass - Otoe - Saline - 050>053-065>068-078- Jefferson - Gage - Johnson - Nemaha - Pawnee - Richardson 088>093 18 2200CST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 19 0300CST This event was a continuation of the winter storm that hit parts of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa from late Sunday 12/17/00 into Monday 12/18/00. Northwest winds decreased to 15 to 25 mph across the area from Monday evening into early Tuesday morning 12/19/00. This allowed the blowing and drifting snow to subside. However, wind chill values of 30 to 40 below zero continued until around 300 am Tuesday as temperatures fell to zero to 5 below. Many schools remained closed Tuesday across parts of east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa due to drifting snow which persisted much of Monday, and the cold wind chills of Tuesday morning. NEBRASKA, Extreme Northeast NEZ013>014 Dixon - Dakota 16 0400CST 0 0 Blizzard 2359CST Winds gusting above 50 mph combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 4 inches of new snow to produce prolonged blizzard conditions. Visibilities near zero and drifting snow made travel impossible. Even snow plows were pulled off the roads until conditions improved. Businesses, colleges, and technical schools closed during the storm. Wind chills dropped to near 60 below zero at times. Although no significant damage was reported, the economic impact of the storm was still large in lost travel, business, and snow removal costs. NEZ013>014 Dixon - Dakota 17 2100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 18 1800CST Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches combined with strong winds to produce blowing and drifting snow, with visibility less than a quarter mile at times. The winds, gusting to 45 mph, also caused wind chills to drop to 50 below zero. Travel was difficult or impossible during the storm, and schools and businesses were forced to close. NEZ013>014 Dixon - Dakota 28 1400CST 0 0 Blizzard 2200CST Strong winds, gusting to over 50 mph at times, combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 2 inches of new snowfall to create blizzard conditions. Visibilities were near zero at times, especially in open areas. The reduced visibility and drifting snow made travel impossible in places. Some businesses were forced to close. NEBRASKA, Extreme Southwest NEZ079>081 Dundy - Hitchcock - Red Willow 16 0200MST 0 0 High Wind (G61) 18 1600MST High winds were common across far southwest Nebraska for almost 3 days in a row. A strong cold frontal passage increased wind gusts on the 17th, followed by gusts to around 70 mph on the 18th across Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow Counties. Considerable blowing dust restricted visibilities to near zero in places. The combination of high winds and blowing dust made travel difficult until later in the afternoon on the 18th. NEBRASKA, South Central NEZ039>041-046>049- Valley - Greeley - Nance - Sherman - Howard - Merrick - Polk - Dawson - Buffalo - Hall - Hamilton - York - 060>064-072>077- Gosper - Phelps - Kearney - Adams - Clay - Fillmore - Furnas - Harlan - Franklin - Webster - Nuckolls - 082>087 Thayer 11 0100CST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 1130CST The first of three significant winter storms hit south-central Nebraska early on December 11th. Snow, wind and cold all infiltrated the area. Snow amounts of 3 to 6 inches were common east of a Loup City to Red Cloud line, with the heaviest snow around York, Aurora and Polk. About 2 inches of snow fell further west, around Cozad and Holdrege.

Despite the varied snow amounts, strong winds on the back side of the storm caused widespread blowing and drifting of the snow. Wind chill factors of 30 to 45 below zero were common at the height of this quick moving storm. Most schools were closed around the area on the 11th. A few schools where heavier snow fell were still closed on the 12th as poor road conditions persisted in rural areas.

88 93 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEBRASKA, South Central NEZ039>041-046>049- Valley - Greeley - Nance - Sherman - Howard - Merrick - Polk - Dawson - Buffalo - Hall - Hamilton - York - 060>064-072>077- Gosper - Phelps - Kearney - Adams - Clay - Fillmore - Furnas - Harlan - Franklin - Webster - Nuckolls - 082>087 Thayer 16 0400CST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 1600CST The second of three quick moving but powerful winter storms pounded south-central Nebraska with high winds, dangerous cold and near blizzard conditions. The storm struck in the middle of the night. Though actual snowfall was light, fresh snow already on the ground was more than enough for the high winds, which developed, to cause hazardous conditions. Visibilities dropped to near zero in white-out conditions overnight as wind gusts to 50 mph were recorded. Significant blowing and drifting snow made travel in some areas difficult to impossible at times.

Though the sky cleared during the day, the wind continued to howl over 40 mph. Temperatures dropped to the single digits by midday. The combination of wind and cold produced dangerously cold wind chills to 50 below zero. Many area events scheduled for the evening of the 16th were canceled due to the combination of the wind, extreme cold and problems caused by blowing and drifting snow. NEZ041-048>049- Nance - Merrick - Polk - Hall - Hamilton - York - Adams - Clay - Fillmore - Webster - Nuckolls - Thayer 062>064-075>077- 085>087 18 1200CST 0 0 0 0 Winter Storm 1800CST conditions made travel very difficult across parts of south-central Nebraska the afternoon of December 18th. This storm was the last of three, and brought high winds, cold temperatures and near white-out conditions to the area. Previously fallen snow teamed with wind gusts over 50 mph and caused zero visibilities in rural areas, mainly east of U. S. Highway 281. The Nebraska State Patrol cautioned against travel given such poor visibilities. Many county road crews were pulled from clearing rural roads until the wind subsided. Temperatures dipped into the teens during the afternoon with wind chill factors near 35 below zero. NEBRASKA, West

NONE REPORTED. NEVADA, North NVZ031 N Elko Cnty 13 1800PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0500PST A weather spotter in Tuscarora reported 8 inches of new snow overnight. NVZ031>032 N Elko Cnty - Sw & Sc Elko 15 0005PST 0 0 Blizzard 0900PST NVZ030-032 Humboldt - Sw & Sc Elko 15 0200PST 0 0 High Wind (G58) M 0430PST A strong cold front moving across northern Nevada produced a wind gust to 67 mph at a remote sensor in Paradise Valley in Humboldt county and a gust to 61 mph at a remote sensor 18 miles south of Denio also in Humboldt county. As this cold front moved into Elko county it produced winds around 50 mph which caused areas of near zero visibility in snow and blowing snow. These strong winds caused damage to a garage roof in Currie in southeast Elko county. NEVADA, South NVZ020 Las Vegas Valley 24 1815PST 0 0 High Wind (G40) A strong cold front pushed through the Great Basin bringing wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph across the Las Vegas valley. A large pine tree was blown down near I-215 and Warm Springs Rd. causing minor traffic delays. NEVADA, West NVZ002 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 0615PST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0615PST Diamond Peak ski area reported 6-12 inches of snow in 24 hours. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 13 1413PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G63) M High wind gust to 72 mph reported by a spotter in Southwest Reno. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 13 1432PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G63) M High wind gust of 72 mph reported by a spotter in Southwest Reno. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 13 1449PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G54) M High wind gust to 62 mph reported by a spotter in Northwest Reno.

89 94 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEVADA, West NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 13 1455PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G52) M High wind gust of 60 mph recorded at the National Weather Service office in Reno, NV. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 13 1717PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G60) M High wind gust of 69 mph recorded by a NDOT sensor in South Reno. NVZ002 Greater Lake Tahoe Area 13 1730PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G50) M High wind gust to 58 mph reported by a spotter in Carson City, NV. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 14 2200PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G50) M High wind gust to 58 mph recorded at the Weather Service Office in Reno, NV. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 21 1300PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G55) M Spotter reported high wind gust to 63 mph in Southwest Reno. NVZ003 Greater Reno/Carson City/Minden Area 21 1310PST 0 0 0 High Wind (G61) M Spotter reported high wind gust to 70 mph in South Reno. NEW HAMPSHIRE, North and Central NHZ001>010-013>014 Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Sullivan - Merrimack - Belknap - Strafford - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham 12 1000EST 0 0 Strong Winds 1700EST A low pressure system strengthened as it moved northeast across New York State and into Canada. The storm produced strong, gusty winds across New Hampshire. The gusty winds downed trees and limbs, causing scattered power outages which affected approximately 16,000 customers. Peak wind gusts were measured at 54 mph at Laconia and 43 mph at Concord. NHZ001>002-007>008- Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Sullivan - Merrimack - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham 013>014 14 0400EST 0 0 Moderate Snowfall 1600EST NHZ003>006-009>010 Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Belknap - Strafford 14 0400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600EST An area of low pressure that intensified off the mid-Atlantic Coast on the 14th moved northeastward and brought moderate to heavy snow to much of New Hampshire during the day. Snowfall amounts in the area ranged from 4 to 8 inches in most of central New Hampshire to 3 to 6 inches in both the northern and southern parts of the state. The precipitation ended as a brief period of freezing drizzle. NHZ001>010-013>014 Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Sullivan - Merrimack - Belknap - Strafford - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham 17 1530EST 0 0 High Wind (G52) 18 0800EST A low pressure system strengthened as it moved across the eastern Great Lakes and into Canada. The storm produced a prolonged period of high winds across New Hampshire. Numerous trees were downed, causing property damage and temporarily blocking roadways. Power outages affected 10,000 customers. Peak wind gusts were estimated at 61 mph in New Durham. NHZ003>005 Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton 17 1715EST 0 0 Flood 18 1215EST Grafton County Countywide 17 1930EST 0 0 Flood 18 0500EST Merrimack County New London to 17 2000EST 0 0 Flood Andover 18 0600EST A deep low pressure center tracked northeastward across the eastern Great Lakes bringing strong southerly winds, temperatures in the 50s, and heavy rains into the region. In general, 2 to 4 inches of rain fell across the area, and the wind and warm temperatures rapidly melted up to a foot of snow that was on the ground. The rainfall and snowmelt caused several rivers and streams to overflow their banks. The Connecticut River at West Lebanon rose above the 18 foot flood stage from 11:45 pm on the 17th until 10:15 am on the 18th, reaching a crest of 19.86 feet. The Pemigewasset River flooded at both Woodstock and Plymouth. At Woodstock, the River was above its 9 ft flood stage from 5:15 pm on the 17th until 5:30 am on the 18th, reaching a crest of 11.99 feet. At Plymouth, the Pemigewasset River rose above its 13 foot flood stage from 12:30 am until 6:00 pm on the 18th, cresting at 16.41 feet. The Saco River in Conway went above its 9 ft flood stage from 9:00 am until 10 pm on the 18th, cresting at 10.95 feet. Several small rivers and streams in Grafton and Merrimack Counties also overflowed their banks.

90 95 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW HAMPSHIRE, North and Central NHZ001>002 Northern Coos - Southern Coos 19 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 20 1400EST NHZ003>005 Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton 19 2200EST 0 0 Moderate Snowfall 20 1400EST An area of low pressure moving through the Great Lakes and a secondary low developing off the mid-Atlantic coast brought moderate to heavy snow to portions of central and northern New Hampshire. The secondary low moved rapidly northeast through the Gulf of Maine as it deepened during the early morning hours of the 20th. Snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 6 inches in Grafton and northern Carroll Counties to as much a foot in northern Coos County. NHZ001>010-013>014 Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Sullivan - Merrimack - Belknap - Strafford - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham 25 1200EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill Temperatures 26 1100EST Low pressure moving northeast and intensifying off the New England coast caused strong winds to develop over the state. The strong northwest winds brought arctic air into the area Christmas day. The combination of the strong winds and the cold temperatures on the 25th and 26th caused wind chill temperatures to drop to 35 to 45 degrees below zero in the mountains and 25 to 35 degrees below zero over the remainder of central and southeastern New Hampshire. NHZ005-008>009 Southern Grafton - Merrimack - Belknap 26 1130EST 0 0 Strong Winds 1630EST A strong low pressure system over Newfoundland produced gusty, northwest winds over the Lakes Region. The gusty winds downed trees and limbs causing widely scattered power outages. A downed tree damaged a mobile home in Bridgewater. Another downed tree disrupted traffic on Route 3 in Laconia. Peak wind gusts were measured at 48 mph in Concord and 41 mph in Laconia. NHZ001>010-013>014 Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Sullivan - Merrimack - Belknap - Strafford - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham 30 1300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 31 1000EST An area of low pressure developed rapidly in the early morning hours of the 30th off the mid-Atlantic coast, just south of Long Island. The low moved slowly northeastward during the day and brought snow to the state beginning during the afternoon and evening on the 30th. Snow continued overnight as the low moved slowly northeastward to extreme southwestern Maine by the morning of the 31st. The low continued to move slowly northeast during the 31st, reaching the Canadian Maritimes by the morning of the January 1st. Snow ended across most of the area during the morning of the 31st, but lingered in the mountains into the evening. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 4 to 8 inches in the northern and western part of the state to 6 to 10 inches in the remainder of central and southeastern New Hampshire. NEW HAMPSHIRE, Southern NHZ011>012 Cheshire - Hillsborough 12 0800EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1800EST Strong winds buffeted southwest New Hampshire ahead of a cold front. Gusts of 45 to 55 mph resulted in scattered occurrences of downed tree limbs and wires. About 2,500 electric customers in Cheshire and Hillsborough Counties were left without power, with the greatest concentration in and around Manchester. NHZ011 Cheshire 17 1100EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1200EST NHZ012 Hillsborough 17 1100EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 2200EST A rapidly strengthening low pressure system west of New England brought a period of damaging southerly winds to southwest New Hampshire, as lines of showers passed through southern New England. Following the passage of a strong cold front in the afternoon, increasing northwest winds caused additional damage. Peak wind gusts of nearly 60 mph were common in Hillsborough County, where there were several reports of downed trees. Damage was more scattered in nature across Cheshire County, where peak winds were between 45 and 55 mph. Minor flooding was also reported early in the day in Cheshire County, where locally heavy rain fell. NHZ011>012 Cheshire - Hillsborough 30 1300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The season's first winter storm dumped up to a foot of snow in southwest New Hampshire. Since the storm occurred on a Saturday, no major travel problems were noted, aside from flight delays at Manchester Airport. Some of the snowfall totals reported include 13 inches in Jaffrey; 11 inches in Rindge and Francestown; 10 inches in Peterborough, Swansey, Bedford, Temple, Nashua, and Mason; and 8 to 9 inches in Keene, Milford, and Amherst.

91 96 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, Northeast NJZ002>006-011 Western Passaic - Bergen - Eastern Passaic - Essex - Hudson - Union 12 0820EST 0 3 High Wind (G54) M 0940EST

High winds developed rapidly in an unstable air mass following the passage of a strong cold front across the area. Several measured peak wind gusts were at least 58 mph. They were responsible for causing at least 3 injuries, as follows:

In Summit (Union County), a tree fell on and crushed a moving car, that injured the 2 occupants.

In Glen Rock (Bergen County), an awning blew off a house and struck a nearby pedestrian.

High winds downed many trees onto houses, cars, power lines, and streets, which caused significant property damage and power outages. On the Bayonne Bridge, high winds whipped across the Kill Van Kull, lifted a southbound tractor-trailer and dropped it sideways in the northbound lanes, which closed the bridge at 9:30 am.

Here are selected specific peak wind gusts for:

Bergen County - Although the peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Teterboro Airport was 47 mph at 10:02 am, numerous trees and wires were downed in Hillsdale, a partial building collapsed in Rutherford, and a tree fell on a house and trapped people inside in Woodbridge.

Essex County - Peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Newark Airport was 62 mph at 9:48 am and at Caldwell Airport was 50 mph at 8:27 am. Several trees fell onto and through houses in Newark.

Hudson County - A peak wind gust to 58 mph was measured by spotter equipment from Harrison at 9:25 am. Numerous trees were downed in Hudson Heights and a chimney was blown off a building in Bayonne.

Union County - A peak wind gust to 61 mph was measured by spotter equipment from Elizabeth at 9:20 am. Several trees were downed across roads in Union and many trees and power lines were downed in Springfield. NJZ002 Western Passaic 14 0538EST 0 0 Ice Storm

During the early morning hours of December 14th, a low pressure system over the Ohio Valley weakened, while a new low developed along the mid Atlantic coast. This new low tracked northeast toward southern New England by the late morning on December 14th. To the northwest of this low pressure center, a narrow swath of freezing rain and sleet fell, as warm, moist air was lifted over a pre-existing colder airmass. This mixture of freezing rain and sleet created treacherous travel for the morning commute on December 14th. In addition, power outages resulted as tree limbs fell due to significant ice accretion. Ice accumulated at least one quarter inch throughout the area, with some locations receiving up to one half inch of ice. NJZ006-011 Hudson - Union 17 1043EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 1105EST Essex County Maplewood 17 1055EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Passaic County Clifton 17 1058EST 0 2 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Bergen County Ramsey 17 1105EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Union County Union 17 1105EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Union County Plainfield 17 1154EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Essex County West Caldwell to 17 1205EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Essex Falls Union County Rahway to 17 1206EST 0 0 Flood Springfield 1730EST Bergen County Central Portion 17 1212EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Passaic County Central Portion 17 1212EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50)

92 97 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, Northeast Essex County Countywide 17 1222EST 0 0 Flood 1330EST Bergen County Countywide 17 1247EST 0 0 Flood

A low pressure system rapidly intensified as it moved northeast across the Great Lakes as a strong high pressure system northeast of New England moved slowly northeast during Sunday, December 17th. The difference in pressure between these systems caused increasing south winds. As an intensifying cold front trailing from the low approached the area with abundant low level moisture in place, widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms occurred. Heavy rain caused significant flooding at several locations. Heavy showers, some associated with severe thunderstorms, produced wind damage at several locations.

Here are selected wind damage reports and measured peak wind gusts:

In Passaic County, high winds downed trees that fell on a car which injured 2 occupants in Clifton.

In Bergen County, trees were downed in Ramsey. The peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Teterboro Airport was 41 mph at 10:27 am.

In Essex County, numerous trees were downed in West Caldwell, Caldwell, Essex Fells, Maplewood and Nutley. The peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Newark Airport was 51 mph at 10:50 pm.

In Hudson County, trees were downed in Kearney and two sections of Harrison. The peak wind gust measured by spotter equipment at Harrison was 47 mph at 11:00 am.

In Union County, trees were downed in Plainfield, Hillside, and Union. Telephone poles were also downed across part of Route 22 in Union. The peak wind gust measured by spotter equipment at Elizabeth was 53 mph.

The heaviest rain occurred in bands oriented from southwest to northeast ahead of the approaching cold front. The axis of the heaviest rain extended from Western Union County northeast across Western Essex, Central Passaic, and Western Bergen Counties, where 2 to 3 inches of rain fell with isolated amounts up to 3 1/2 inches. Flooding of low-lying poor drainage areas and streams occurred.

Here are selected rainfall amounts and flood damage reports:

In Passaic County, rainfall amounts ranged from 2.20 inches at West Patterson to 3.11 inches at Charlottesburg.

In Bergen County, rainfall amounts ranged from 1.32 inches at New Milford to 2.91 inches at Franklin Lakes. Flooding was reported in Oakland and the Saddle River in Lodi was near bankfull at 11:29 am.

In Essex County, rainfall amounts ranged from 1.38 inches at Maplewood to 2.60 inches at Essex Fells. Flooding occurred along parts of the JFK Parkway in Millburn. The Peckman River at Verona crest stage was 4.60 feet at 1:00 pm, which was 1.1 feet above its' flood stage of 3.5 feet.

In Union County, rainfall amounts ranged from 2.10 inches at Cranford to 2.48 inches at Mountainside. Urban flooding of low-lying poor drainage areas was reported in Elizabeth and Union. The Rahway River at Springfield was above its' flood stage of 5.5 feet from 12:15 pm through 5:30 pm. Its' crest stage was 6.04 feet at 2:00 pm. NJZ002>006-011 Western Passaic - Bergen - Eastern Passaic - Essex - Hudson - Union 30 0700EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0830EST

A low pressure system rapidly intensified and moved north along the mid Atlantic coast during Saturday December 30th. This produced a wide swath of heavy snow to the northwest of the storm track. Snowfall began between 5 and 7 AM across the area, and fell at intense rates right from the start. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were common. There were also numerous reports of thunder and lightning accompanying the most intense snow bands. Winds also began to increase later Saturday morning, causing some blowing and drifting of snow, which reduced visibilities significantly, and created near blizzard conditions at times in some areas.

The low pressure center crossed central Long Island during mid afternoon on Saturday, before moving northeast into southern New England later that evening. As the low moved away, the precipitation tapered off across the area. Subfreezing temperatures and gusty winds lingered behind the storm system.

Here are some specific snowfall totals from this storm system:

Passaic County: 16 inches at Hawthorne, to 25 inches at Hewett.

Bergen County: 13 inches at Teterboro Airport and Palisades Park, to 17 inches at Rutherford.

93 98 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, Northeast

Essex County: 13.9 inches at Newark International Airport, to 17.5 inches at West Caldwell.

Hudson County: 12 inches at Kearny, to 16 inches at Jersey City and Union City.

Union County: 14 inches at Elizabeth, to 18.5 inches at Roselle. NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest NJZ001-007>010- Sussex - Warren - Morris - Hunterdon - Somerset - Middlesex - Western Monmouth - Eastern Monmouth - 012>026 Mercer - Salem - Gloucester - Camden - Burlington - Western Ocean - Cumberland - Western Atlantic - Western Cape May - Eastern Cape May - Eastern Atlantic - Eastern Ocean 12 0800EST 0 11 875K High Wind (G62) M 1300EST A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and its associated cold front produced high winds across New Jersey during the morning of the 12th. Peak wind gusts ranged between 50 and 71 mph in most areas. The most serious injury occurred when a 13-year-old boy was crushed by a fallen tree in Trenton. Ten other injuries were reported. A quick thinking bus driver avoided further injuries by evacuating a school bus before downed wires set it aflame. The high wind knocked down trees, tree limbs, power lines and holiday decorations. Several buildings, homes and vehicles were damaged by either the wind or fallen trees. The high winds spewed the streets with fallen branches and runaway trash and recyclables and knocked down numerous Christmas trees at nurseries. About 82,000 homes and businesses lost power in the state. All power was restored by the afternoon of the 13th. New Jersey Transit reported about 25 trains were delayed because of debris on the tracks. The tree damage was relatively high given the reported wind speeds. Part of the reason was due to relatively benign winds during the latter half of the year. Many trees and tree limbs that were rotted or diseased were knocked down.

In Northwest New Jersey, Sussex County reported the most wind damage as numerous trees were knocked down. There were 21 calls of downed trees in 5 municipalities along. Several roads were closed including U.S. Route 206 in Stanhope and Newton. In Andover Township, a woman was trapped in a vehicle for one hour because of downed wires.

The worst reported property damage occurred across central New Jersey. In Monmouth County, the facade was ripped from a building in Sea Bright. The second floor of a home in Union Beach was damaged by a fallen tree. In Middletown Township, a man was injured by a fallen tree. Numerous roads were closed and several vehicles were damaged by downed trees. In Middlesex County, a 150 foot by 200 foot section of aluminum roof was peeled from a store in the Shoprite Plaza. Five properties were damaged by downed trees in Woodbridge. In Middlesex Borough, the wind broke four large panes of glass. A 29-year-old man was injured on River Road in Piscataway when a 100 foot tree fell on the hood of the vehicle he was driving. Winds were so strong on the Garden State Parkway Driscoll Bridge that vehicles were blown from lane to lane. In Somerset County, in Branchburg, a quick thinking bus driver evacuated 25 first and second graders through the rear of a school bus before a downed wire set the bus on fire. The bus was charred. In Mercer County, in Trenton, 9 students were injured when a large tree fell on them while they were waiting in front of a school. One 13-year-old boy was critically injured with a fractured skull. He shoved another student from harm's way. The injuries to all of the students could have been worse if not for the downed tree falling first onto a traffic signal box. The Mercer County Board of Social Services was evacuated and closed after a chunk of its roof and shingles fell onto the parking lot. Two of the three buildings owned by the Zettler Food Supply Company were condemned after they suffered roof damage. A downed tree damaged a house in Lawrence Township.

While damage reports diminished across the southern half of New Jersey, some were reported in Mercer and Burlington County. In Burlington County, the wind tore part of the roof and the chimney from a deli in Mount Holly. A 130-year-old tree fell through a fence and was leaning on a Medford house. A driver in Riverside escaped injury after their moving vehicle was struck by a falling tree. In Ocean County, the high winds ripped the overhang away from the store roof in the Beachwood Shopping Center. A sign fell on and damaged a boat in Beachwood. Nine municipalities reported downed trees and wires.

The strong west to northwest winds caused lower than normal tides at the time of low tide the afternoon of the 12th. The low tide at Sandy Hook was 2.6 feet below mean lower low water. Blowout tides (as these are referred as) start causing low water problems when they reach 1.8 feet below mean lower low water. The only exception were west facing shorelines. The strong winds and wave actions brought water from Barnegat Bay into the streets of Seaside Park.

Peak wind gusts included 71 mph in High Point (Sussex County), 69 mph in Keansburg (Monmouth County), 67 mph in Seaside Park and Barnegat (Ocean County) and Cape May (Cape May County), 61 mph in Stewartsville (Warren County), 58 mph in Lawrence Township (Cumberland County), 54 mph at the Belmar (Monmouth County) Airport, 53 mph at the Atlantic City International Airport, 51 mph at the McGuire AFB (Burlington County), 48 mph at the Millville (Cumberland County) and Morristown (Morris County) Airports, 46 mph at the Trenton (Mercer County) Airport and 45 mph at the Somerville (Somerset County) Airport.

The low pressure system intensified from a 1009 Mb central pressure in Missouri the morning of the 11th to a 984 Mb low near Burlington, Vermont the morning of the 12th. The rapid drop of the central pressure of the low of about 25 Mb within a 24 hour period is normally described as a meteorological bomb. This rapid intensification normally occurs over the western Atlantic Ocean, but when it does occur over land, can produce high winds and wind damage.

94 99 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest NJZ001-007>010 Sussex - Warren - Morris - Hunterdon - Somerset 13 1100EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0900EST NJZ012-015-019 Middlesex - Mercer - Burlington 13 1100EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0300EST A winter storm of sleet and freezing rain encrusted much of Northwest New Jersey with a combination of about three-quarters of an inch of sleet and ice. A combination of about an inch and a half of snow, sleet and ice fell in Sussex County. Precipitation began during the late evening of the 13th as a mixture of sleet and snow in Sussex County, a mixture of sleet and freezing rain across the rest of Northwest New Jersey and as mainly freezing rain across central New Jersey. Precipitation changed to plain rain in Trenton and New Brunswick by around 3 a.m. EST on the 14th with ice accretions generally less than one-tenth of an inch. By that time across Northwest New Jersey precipitation was falling as mainly freezing rain. Temperatures slowly rose above freezing from southwest to northeast that morning, but took until around 900 a.m. EST for the last of the sub-freezing air to be scoured from the valleys of Sussex County.

The hardest hit locations were in a strip across northern Hunterdon County, Warren County, southeastern Sussex County, northern Somerset County and western Morris County where freezing rain was the predominate precipitation type. Ice accretions in these areas averaged around half an inch. Elsewhere ice accretions were around one-quarter of an inch as either more sleet and snow fell (farther to the northwest) or the precipitation changed to plain rain (central New Jersey) faster. The ice knocked down tree limbs and power lines. GPU Energy reported about 9,000 customers lost power. Power was restored the afternoon of the 14th. Schools were closed in Sussex County. Two hour opening delays were common elsewhere. Precipitation occurred overnight and this reduced the number of accidents. The greatest number were reported in Sussex County where the freezing rain lingered into the morning commute.

A strong high pressure system nestled itself across the northeastern United States on the 13th. It brought some very cold and dry air into the region. As the high moved offshore the evening of the 13th, temperatures did not have enough time to recover to the freezing mark. During the evening of the 13th, the low pressure system moved from the lower Tennessee Valley northeast into the upper Ohio Valley during the early morning of the 14th. A secondary low pressure system did form in Chesapeake Bay toward dawn on the 14th and moved northeast through New Jersey during the morning. It eventually became the primary low pressure system on that afternoon as it headed toward Cape Cod. These lows were relatively weak (their central pressures as of 1 p.m. EST on the 14th were around normal sea level pressure). Thus as warmer air was streaming in aloft, the weak southeast flow from the relatively warm Atlantic Ocean took a while to move inland and change the freezing rain to plain rain, especially in Sussex County. NJZ001-007>010- Sussex - Warren - Morris - Hunterdon - Somerset - Middlesex - Western Monmouth - Eastern Monmouth - 012>026 Mercer - Salem - Gloucester - Camden - Burlington - Western Ocean - Cumberland - Western Atlantic - Western Cape May - Eastern Cape May - Eastern Atlantic - Eastern Ocean 17 0400EST 0 0 Wind 2300EST NJZ001-008-012>013 Sussex - Morris - Middlesex - Western Monmouth 17 0400EST 0 0 High Wind (G61) M 1100EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Gusty southerly winds buffeted the region during the first half of the day. Winds reached high wind levels across Sussex, Morris, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties even without the thunderstorms before noon EST. Elsewhere (and later in central New Jersey) thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind. Please look at separate Stormdata entries on this date about the severe thunderstorms. As the cold front passed through the region during the afternoon of the 17th, the strong southerly winds were replaced by equally strong westerly winds into the evening. The difference was there were no thunderstorms to mix down even stronger winds. Most of the peak wind gusts occurred during the morning and were between 40 and 60 mph.

Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down in Northwest New Jersey. GPU Energy reported 26,800 customers lost power in Northwest New Jersey. In Middlesex County, a tree fell on a house at 7 a.m. EST in East Brunswick Township. Trees and wires were also knocked down on Agate Road. A similar incident (tree on a house) occurred about the same time in Willingboro (Burlington County) Township. About 8,500 homes and businesses lost power around Flemington (Hunterdon County). Power was lost at the Hamilton Mall in Atlantic County about 6 p.m. EST after some wires were pulled down, stranding numerous holiday shoppers. In addition to Northwest New Jersey, an additional 30,200 customers lost power in Central and Southern New Jersey. Most of the outages occurred during the severe thunderstorms.

Reported peak wind gusts included 70 mph in Keansburg (Monmouth County), 58 mph in Sparta (Sussex County), 56 mph in Stewartsville (Warren County), 53 mph at the Cape May Coast Guard Station, 48 mph at Barnegat Light (Ocean County) and Mount Holly (Burlington County), 46 mph in Trenton (Mercer County), Wildwood (Cape May County) and Whitehouse Station (Hunterdon County) and 44 mph at the Atlantic City International Airport. Record breaking high temperatures occurred at both the (65 degrees) and Lehigh Valley (63 degrees) International Airports on the 17th, but fell one degree short of tying (64 degrees and 63 degrees respectively) the record at both the Atlantic City International Airport and the Marina within Atlantic City.

95 100 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest Cumberland County Sea Breeze to 17 0600EST 0 0 Heavy Rain Deerfield Street 1200EST Salem County Countywide 17 0600EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 1200EST Camden County Central Portion 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Gloucester County Central Portion 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Burlington County West Portion 17 0830EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Mercer County Countywide 17 0900EST 0 0 Flood 1930EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across southwest New Jersey. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell in a band across eastern Salem County, western Cumberland County, central Gloucester and Camden Counties, northwest Burlington County and most of Mercer County. Doppler Radar storm total estimates were 1.5 to 3.0 inches within this band with the heaviest rain falling in Camden and Burlington Counties. In Willingboro (Burlington County), Beverly-Rancocas Road was closed because of a flooded creek. A flooded creek caused the closure of Rancocas Road in Westampton Township (Burlington County). In Mercer County, stream flooding caused the closure of a couple of roads in Princeton and Howell Townships. The heavy rain also caused flooding along the Assunpink Creek. In Trenton, the creek reached its 7 foot flood stage at 1130 a.m. EST, crested at 8.17 feet at 330 p.m. EST and was back within bankfull at 730 p.m. EST.

Storm totals included 2.78 inches in Mount Laurel (Burlington County), 2.70 inches in Mount Holly (Burlington County), 2.26 inches in Hightstown (Mercer County), 2.24 inches in Willingboro (Burlington County), 2.12 inches in Hamilton Square (Mercer County), 1.63 inches in Seabrook (Cumberland County) and Somerdale (Camden County) and 1.30 inches in Verga (Gloucester County). Camden County Blackwood to 17 0800EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Berlin 0810EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case across central Camden County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down whole trees and wires from Gloucester Township east through Berlin Township. Tree limbs were also knocked down elsewhere in the township. PSE&G reported about 9,000 customers lost power throughout Central New Jersey. Burlington County Marlton to 17 0810EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G56) M Pemberton 0830EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case across the northwestern half of Burlington County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down trees and wires from Evesham Township east through Pemberton Township. In Mount Laurel Township, several poles were knocked down on Elbo Lane. In Hainesport Township, Marne Highway (County Route 537) was closed because of a downed tree. A Spotter measured a wind gust of 65 mph during the thunderstorm in Pemberton. PSE&G reported about 9,000 customers lost power throughout Central New Jersey; 3,400 occurred within Burlington County. Atlantic County Oceanville 17 0815EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case in Galloway Township in Atlantic County. A severe thunderstorm lifted a shed into the middle of a swimming pool. A large tree damaged one fence. A couple of downed trees and wires closed a few township roads. A few wires were also pulled down in Longport Borough. Conectiv Energy reported about 8,500 customers lost power throughout Southern New Jersey. Mercer County Princeton 17 0820EST 0 0 1K 0 Lightning Lightning struck and shattered the skylight of a Princeton Borough building on Nassau Street.

96 101 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest Mercer County Countywide 17 0825EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 0835EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case in Mercer County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down trees and wires in Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell and Princeton Townships. About a dozen streets were blocked by either downed trees and/or wires with Hamilton Township hit the hardest. PSE&G reported about 9,000 customers lost power throughout Central New Jersey. Hunterdon County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flood 1200EST Middlesex County Northwest Portion 17 1000EST 0 0 Flood 1400EST Somerset County East Portion 17 1000EST 0 0 Flood 1400EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding of the smaller streams in the Raritan River Basin in Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex Counties. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region through the early afternoon of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell in two bands, across northwest Hunterdon County and along the Middlesex/Somerset County border. Doppler Radar storm total estimates reached between 4 and 5 inches in the Hunterdon County band. The heavy rain caused urban and poor drainage flooding and also led to the flooding of some of the smaller streams in the region. In Hunterdon County, the Pohatcong Creek flooded and trapped one motorist in their vehicle. In Somerset County, both Old York Road and Griggstown Causeway were closed. In Middlesex County, U.S. Route 1 was closed for 30 minutes. Storm totals included 4.90 inches in Milford (Hunterdon County), 3.23 inches in Whitehouse Station (Hunterdon County), 2.57 inches in Pottersville (Somerset County), 2.50 inches in Flemington (Hunterdon County) and 2.03 inches in New Brunswick (Middlesex County). Sussex County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Warren County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Morris County Countywide 17 1000EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across Northwest New Jersey hitting Sussex County again the hardest. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. Doppler Radar storm total estimates indicated a widespread area of 2.5 to 4.0 inches of rain fell across most of Warren and Sussex Counties. In Morris County, the heaviest rain fell along its western and eastern borders with storm estimates of 2.0 to 2.5 inches. The heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding and also led to the flooding of streams, especially the smaller ones, in the region.

In Sussex County, a local state of emergency was declared in Branchville Borough as several creeks were flooding over bridges and streets. Flooded streams were reported in Hamburg Borough, Hampton Township, Frankford Township, Fredon Township, Montague Township, Newton Borough, Sandyston Township and Stillwater Township. The Walkill River was spilling over the Franklin Pond Dam in Franklin Borough. In Newton, 30 homes had flooded basements. Many roads were flooded and closed. U.S. Route 206 was closed between Newton and Andover. Sections of New Jersey State Route 94 were closed in Newton, Hamburg and Hardyston. In Warren County, a mobile home park was evacuated in Washington Township. Parkland was flooded within Blairstown. In Morris County,. creek flooding forced the closure of a roadway in Chatham.

Storm totals included 3.92 inches in High Point (Sussex County), 3.89 inches in Wantage (Sussex County), 3.86 inches in Hackettstown (Warren County), 3.20 inches in Sparta Township (Sussex County), 3.03 inches in Vernon Township (Sussex County), 3.65 inches in Washington Township (Warren County), 3.62 inches in Sussex Borough (Sussex County), 3.60 inches in Andover (Sussex County) and Stewartsville (Warren County), 2.68 inches in Newton (Sussex County), 2.57 inches in Long Valley (Morris County) and 2.20 inches in Chatham (Morris County) Morris County Parsippany 17 0833EST 0 0 1K 0 Lightning Lightning struck a Lake Drive home in Parsippany Township. A small smoldering fire occurred in one of the bedroom walls and the home's phone lines were damaged. Salem County Pittsgrove 17 0945EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some

97 102 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest instances became severe. This was the case in Pittsgrove Township in Salem County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down several whole trees within the township. Middlesex County Countywide 17 1155EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1205EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case in Middlesex County as for the second time that day damaging winds knocked down trees, tree limbs and wires within the county. Mercer County Hamilton Square 17 1200EST 0 0 50K 0 Lightning Lightning struck a Hamilton Township apartment building. The ensuing fire badly damaged one unit before it was extinguished. Burlington County Batsto to 17 1230EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) New Gretna 1240EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. For the second time this day, it occurred in Burlington County. The severe thunderstorm mainly affected the southeast part of the county and pulled down additional trees, tree limbs and power lines. Ocean County Countywide 17 1240EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 1250EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case in Ocean County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down several trees and power lines throughout the county. Monmouth County Cream Ridge to 17 1250EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Colts Neck 1305EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across New Jersey on December 17th. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind and in some instances became severe. This was the case in Monmouth County. Severe thunderstorms knocked down trees and power lines from Allentown Borough and Upper Freehold Township northeast through Colts Neck Township. NJZ001-007>010- Sussex - Warren - Morris - Hunterdon - Somerset - Middlesex - Western Monmouth - Eastern Monmouth - 012>022-026 Mercer - Salem - Gloucester - Camden - Burlington - Western Ocean - Cumberland - Western Atlantic - Eastern Ocean 19 1900EST 0 0 Snow 20 0800EST A primary low pressure system that moved through the eastern Great Lakes and a secondary low pressure system that developed along the Middle Atlantic coast the evening of the 19th brought most of the state of New Jersey its first widespread snow of the winter season. Accumulations were not heavy and ranged between 1 and 3 inches. Temperatures were near the freezing mark when the snow began the evening of the 19th and fell well into the teens and the 20s when it ended during the morning of the 20th. Untreated roadways were treacherous. Accumulations included 3 inches in Phillipsburg (Warren County) and Riegelsville (Hunterdon County), 2 inches in Wantage (Sussex County), Long Valley (Morris County) and Seabrook (Cumberland County), 1.5 inches in New Lisbon (Burlington County), 1.3 inches in Washington's Crossing (Mercer County), 1 inch in Pottersville (Somerset County), New Brunswick (Middlesex County), Cherry Hill (Camden County), and Verga (Gloucester County) and 0.4 inches at the Atlantic City International Airport. NJZ013>014-016>026 Western Monmouth - Eastern Monmouth - Salem - Gloucester - Camden - Burlington - Western Ocean - Cumberland - Western Atlantic - Western Cape May - Eastern Cape May - Eastern Atlantic - Eastern Ocean 22 0300EST 0 0 Snow 1600EST An upper air disturbance helped produce a band of snow, which fell heavy at times, across southeast New Jersey during the early morning commute on the 22nd. Heavy snow fell at the Atlantic City International Airport between 530 a.m. and 7 a.m. EST. Accumulations by 9 a.m. EST averaged between one and four inches. Untreated, especially secondary roads were slippery and treacherous. A cold frontal passage during the afternoon of the 22nd was preceded by additional light snow. But accumulations were lighter, generally around half an inch. This cold front did drop more snow across northwest New Jersey (which escaped most of the first shot) as between 1.5 and 2.5 inches accumulated by early afternoon. The heaviest snow fell across southern parts of Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Monmouth Counties as well as the rest of southeast New Jersey. Even within this band, there was an axis of maximum snowfall (around 4 inches) across eastern Cumberland County, Atlantic County between New Jersey State Route 50 and the Garden State Parkway and extreme southeast Burlington County. Accumulations included 4.3 inches in Estell Manor (Atlantic County), 3 inches in Mays Landing (Atlantic County), Northfield (Atlantic County) and Howell (Monmouth County), 2.8 inches in Tabernacle (Burlington County), 2.5 inches in Shamong (Burlington County) and Manasquan (Monmouth County), 2 inches in New Lisbon (Burlington County) and 1 inch in Avalon (Cape May County). A jet streak at higher levels of the atmosphere combined with sufficient moisture to produce about a 50 mile wide band of accumulating and sometimes heavy snow

98 103 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW JERSEY, South and Northwest during the morning commute on the 22nd. NJZ001-007>010- Sussex - Warren - Morris - Hunterdon - Somerset - Middlesex - Western Monmouth - Eastern Monmouth - 012>015-017>026 Mercer - Gloucester - Camden - Burlington - Western Ocean - Cumberland - Western Atlantic - Western Cape May - Eastern Cape May - Eastern Atlantic - Eastern Ocean 30 0300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The first widespread major snowstorm of the season blanketed New Jersey, especially the northern half, with heavy snow. In the northern half of the state, it was the heaviest snow since the Blizzard of 1996. The snow began between 3 and 5 a.m. EST across most of the state and fell heavy at times during the morning. As the low intensified during the afternoon, its heavy snow shield expanded and slowed. The low was too far north during the afternoon to drop heavy snow across the southern half of the state, but the snow fell even heavier across the northern half. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour were occurring across the Raritan Basin and this increased to 4 inches per hour during thunderstorms in Sussex and Morris Counties. Accumulations across the southern half of the state were mainly between 4 and 12 inches. But in the northern half, they ranged from about a foot to 30 inches in the Hamburg Mountains of Sussex County. The 15 inches of snow that accumulated in New Brunswick was the 10th heaviest snow on record. canceled its Metroliner Service between Washington D.C. and . New Jersey Transit canceled bus service in the northern half of the state. New Jersey Transit had about 20 minute rail delays on their line. Businesses and malls either closed early, or never opened, especially in the northern half of the state. The number of accidents were relatively low given this snow occurred on a Saturday morning. Most of the injuries occurred from heart attacks caused by shoveling the heavy snow, snow blower accidents and slip and fall accidents. The snow was powdery and nature. Thus few tree limbs and wires were pulled down. GPU Energy reported only 5,500 customers lost power in Northwest and Central New Jersey.

In Sussex County, a countywide state of emergency was declared at 3 p.m. EST. Cars and even plows were sliding off the roads. In Morris County, a Parsippany Police Officer was struck and injured by a moving vehicle. A jackknifed tractor trailer caused lane closures on Interstate 80 in Denville. In Somerset County, the heavy snow forced the closure of a few roads. In Middlesex County, a Red Cross shelter was opened for residents of a Spotswood trailer park when the heavy snow blocked their exhaust pipes. The snow was so heavy in Perth Amboy, they were dumping it into Raritan Bay. A snow emergency was declared in Princeton (Mercer County). In Gloucester County, State Route 42 was closed after a vehicle struck a traffic light.

Sussex County (11 to 30 inches), Morris County (14 to 25.5 inches) and Somerset County (12 to 25 inches) received the heaviest snow. Specific accumulations included 30 inches in Mountain Creek (Sussex County), 25.5 inches in Randolph Township (Morris County), 25 inches in Sussex and Highland Lakes (Sussex County) and Somerset (Somerset County), 24 inches in Marcella, Rockaway and Morris Townships (all Morris County), 22 inches in Barry Lake (Sussex County) and Basking Ridge (Somerset County), 19.8 inches in Whitehouse Station (Hunterdon County), 18.1 inches in Belle Mead (Somerset County), 17.5 inches in Milltown (Middlesex County), 15 inches in East Windsor (Mercer County) and New Brunswick (Middlesex County), 14 inches in Neptune and Middletown (Monmouth County), 12.5 inches in Brick Township (Ocean Township), 12 inches in Stewartsville and Washington (Warren County), Yardville (Mercer County) and Jackson Township (Ocean County), 11 inches in Bordentown (Burlington County), 10 inches in Browns Mills (Burlington County), 9.5 inches in Tabernacle (Burlington County), 8 inches in Williamstown (Gloucester County), Haddonfield and Pennsauken (Camden County), 7 inches in Voorhees (Camden County) and at the Atlantic City International Airport, 6 inches in Bridgeton (Cumberland County) and Margate (Atlantic County), 5 inches in Upper Township (Cape May County) and 4 inches in Atlantic City (Atlantic County) and Salem and Pennsville (Salem County).

The low pressure system responsible for the heavy snow developed just east of Elizabeth City, North Carolina during the evening of the 29th. By 5 a.m. EST it was located about 75 miles east of Cape Charles, Virginia and by 9 a.m. EST it was located about 50 miles east of Delaware Bay Buoy. At this point, the low started to intensify more rapidly and by 5 p.m. EST on the 30th as it crossed the Twin Forks of Long Island, it had dropped to a 992 Mb low, a 10 millibar drop in an eight hour period. NEW MEXICO, Central and North NMZ005-010>012- Northeast Highlands - Sandia/Manzano Mountains - Central High Plains/Estancia Valley County - Conchas 016>017 Lake/Guadalupe - Lincoln County High Plains/Hondo Valley - Capitan/Northern Sacramento Mountains 17 2200MST 0 0 50K High Wind (G63) M 18 0500MST An arctic cold front swept south producing sustained winds of 40-45 mph with gusts to 60 mph across the eastern plains and highlands adjacent to the central mountains. Light damage to trees was widespread in the cities and towns across the east during this overnight blow. However, Moriarty saw heavier damage with reports of roof shingles being blow off and light poles blown down at local auto dealers, while a large section of a 55,000 gallon storage tank under construction crumpled. NMZ002>006- Northwest Mountains Including Jemez - Upper Rio Grande Valley - Sangre De Cristo Mountains - Northeast 009>013-016>019-021 Highlands - Harding - Middle Rio Grande Valley - Sandia/Manzano Mountains - Central High Plains/Estancia Valley County - Conchas Lake/Guadalupe - Quay - Lincoln County High Plains/Hondo Valley - Capitan/Northern Sacramento Mountains - De Baca - Chaves County Plains - Curry 25 1500MST 0 0 Winter Storm 27 0600MST Heavy snows developed over the central and southern mountains and then spread northeast through the plains as an intense upper level storm moved slowly over New Mexico. Snows began Christmas afternoon over the peaks and nearby foothills of the Sandia, Manzano and Sacramento mountains. Snow levels dropped in elevation considerably by early on the 26th with amounts of 4 to 6 inches accumulating in the Rio Grande Valleys from Socorro north through the Albuquerque metro area into Santa Fe by late

99 104 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW MEXICO, Central and North afternoon. Snows of 5 to 8 inches were being reported across the eastern plains by early evening on the 26th. By the time snow tapered off during early morning on the 27th, eastern slopes of the Sandia-Manzano mountains had measured 12 to 14 inches, while the southern Sangre de Cristo mountain communities of Cowles, Pecos and Mineral Hill were buried in 16 to 20 inches of heavy snow. Despite the heavy snow, this storm caused mainly just delays in post-Christmas travel. Interstate Highways 25 and 40 were closed during the late night both north and east of Albuquerque. A number of state government offices in Santa Fe and in the smaller communities across the eastern plains were closed throughout the 26th and the morning of the 27th. NEW MEXICO, South Central and Southwest

NONE REPORTED. NEW MEXICO, Southeast

NONE REPORTED. NEW YORK, Central NYZ018 Onondaga 05 2300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 06 1100EST A narrow band of lake effect snow moved south into extreme northern Onondaga County late on the 5th. The band of snow was stationary through the early morning across northern Onondaga County north of Syracuse. Maximum estimated hourly snowfall rates were 1.5 inches per hour. The band weakened as it lifted back north into Oswego County at 11 AM EST. 6 to 9 inches fell in Camillus, Clay, and at the Syracuse International Airport in North Syracuse. NYZ009-015>018- Northern Onedia - Yates - Seneca - Southern Cayuga - Onondaga - Steuben - Schuyler - Chemung - Tompkins 022>025-036>037- - Madison - Southern Oneida - Cortland - Chenango - Otsego - Tioga - Broome - Delaware - Sullivan 044>046-055>057-062 12 0400EST 0 0 1.1M High Wind (G54) M 1600EST Low pressure moved quickly from northeast Ohio early on the 12th to northeast New York at 7 AM. The low dragged a strong cold front through the area during the morning. Winds with and behind the front were 20 to 35 mph sustained with gusts measured to 62 mph. The highest gusts were with the front. Numerous power lines and trees were brought down. Power outages were widespread. Other damage included roofs collapsed and blown off, signs were blown over, a mobile home was moved off its pad, a mobile home was flipped onto its side while being moved, a barn collapsed, a silo was damaged, and trees falling onto houses, cars and wires. NYZ009-018-037-062 Northern Onedia - Onondaga - Southern Oneida - Sullivan 13 2300EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 1000EST A complex storm system moving up the Ohio Valley on the 13th reformed off the mid Atlantic coast on the morning of the 14th. The storm then moved northeast up the coast the remainder of the 14th and on the 15th. Snow moved into most of central New York near the end of the 13th. In Sullivan County, the snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain early on the 14th before changing to mostly freezing rain around 4 AM. Snow and sleet amounts were up to 3 inches before one quarter to one half inch of freezing rain fell. The freezing rain moved east of the area by 10 AM. Across Onondaga and Oneida Counties, precipitation stayed as snow with 5 to 8 inches of accumulation. The snow was moderate to heavy in Onondaga and Oneida Counties between 2 and 6 AM, before ending by 10 AM. The greatest amounts of snow were in north central and northeast Oneida County in the southern part of the Tug Hill Plateau. Sullivan County Countywide 17 1000EST 0 0 1M Flash Flood 2300EST Very heavy rain, totaling 2 to 5 inches of rain, fell across this area from the 16th into the 17th. This combined with snowmelt of up to another inch of water equivalent. Many roads were flooded or washed out. People were evacuated in Jeffersonville. A state of emergency was declared in the towns of Rockland, Liberty and Callicoon. Many streams were out of their banks. Basements also became flooded. Delaware County Countywide 17 1100EST 0 0 500K Flash Flood 2300EST Very heavy rain, totaling 2 to 5 inches of rain, fell across this area from the 16th into the 17th. This combined with snowmelt of up to another inch of water equivalent. Many roads were flooded or washed out. People were evacuated in Arkville. Many streams were out of their banks. Basements also became flooded. NYZ056>057 Broome - Delaware 17 1230EST 0 0 Flood 18 0700EST In Delaware County, 2 to 5 inches of rainfall plus snowmelt of 0.5 to 1 inch water equivalent brought a rapid rise to the Beaver Kill at Cooks Falls. The Beaver Kill went above the flood stage of 10 feet at 1230 PM EST on the 17th, crested at 16.32 feet at 500 PM EST, then fell back below the flood stage at 1145 PM EST on the same day. The peak height was the third highest crest on record. Minor flooding also occurred on the East Branch Delaware River at Fishs Eddy just below the confluence of the Beaver Kill. The river gage at Fishs Eddy went above flood stage of 13 feet at 1245 PM EST on the 17th, peaked at 13.93 feet at 230 PM then fell back below flood stage at 445 PM EST on the same day. In Broome County, there was very minor flooding on the during this heavy rain event. Average rainfall was 1 to 2

100 105 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, Central inches combined with snowmelt of 0.5 to 1 inches water equivalent. At the Conklin River gage in Broome County the crest of 11.06 feet was just above the flood stage of 11 feet. The river at Conklin was above flood stage on the 18th from 1200 AM EST to 700 AM EST. NYZ009 Northern Onedia 17 2200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 18 1500EST Heavy lake effect snow affected northern Oneida County over about a 24 hour period. Snowfall rates were 1 to 2 inches per hour at the event's peak between 2 and 6 AM EST. Snowfall amounts were 6 to 13 inches in the towns of Lee, Western, Forestport, and Boonville. NYZ018-036 Onondaga - Madison 20 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2200EST A band of lake effect snow set up across northern Onondaga and northern Madison counties around 5 AM on the 20th. The snow became heavy with rates of an inch per hour for several hours around noon, before slowly tapering off to flurries during the evening. The largest snow totals were 6 to 11 inches from Lysander through North Syracuse and Clay all in northern Onondaga county to the city of Oneida in northeast Madison county. NYZ009 Northern Onedia 22 2000EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 23 0900EST Lake effect snow started when arctic air moved east across Lake Ontario into northwest Oneida County. In this area 6 to 12 inches fell. The Camden NWS cooperative observer received 11.8 inches for the two days. Maximum snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour occurred at the peak of the event during the early morning hours of the 23rd. NYZ009-018-018-036- Northern Onedia - Onondaga - Madison - Southern Oneida 036>037 26 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 27 2200EST Lake effect snow set up early on the 26th. A band of heavy snow, with snowfall rates of around an inch per hour, was across northern Onondaga, northern Madison, and southern Oneida Counties starting at 5 AM. This band continued at about the same intensity and in about the same location til around 10 PM that same day. Snowfall totals were 4 to 10 inches. Starting at around noon on the 26th, other bands of heavy lake effect snow were across northern Oneida County. On the evening of the 26th the main heavy band shifted north to be across Oneida County. Snowfall rates increased to 2 inches an hour late on the 26th and continued into the 27th. Before the winds shifted the band back south around 9 AM on the 27th, parts of western Oneida County had up to 2 feet of snow. Snowfall rates of around an inch per hour continued through most of the the 27th in northern Onondaga, Madison and southern Oneida Counties. Snowfall amounts were another 4 to 10 inches. Late on the 27th the wind shifted further to the north weakening the bands. NYZ009-018-036>037- Northern Onedia - Onondaga - Madison - Southern Oneida - Cortland - Chenango - Otsego - Broome - 044>046-056>057-062 Delaware - Sullivan 30 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 31 0600EST A major winter storm developed off the DelMarVa Peninsula early on Saturday, December 30th. The storm then intensified as it moved north to be off the New Jersey coast during the day Saturday. This storm rapidly spread moderate to heavy snow north and west through the Catskills, the Susquehanna region, and the western Mohawk Valley of New York. The moderate to heavy snow reached the Catskills and eastern parts of the Susquehanna region by 8 AM, then into the rest of the Susquehanna region and the western Mohawk Valley by 9 AM. The heavy snow remained confined to locations east of interstate 81. The snow tapered to lake effect snow showers from south to north during the morning hours on Sunday December 31st. Snowfall totals in most of these areas generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches. However, across eastern portions of Sullivan and Delaware counties snowfall totals were between 22 to 26 inches. Most of these reports were from the higher elevations of the Catskills. NYZ018 Onondaga 31 0900EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2359EST A cold arctic airmass moved southeast across the Great Lakes behind a winter storm to create lake effect snow showers and squalls. 6 to 16 inches of snow fell in extreme northern Onondaga County over the entire event. The towns affected included Lysander, Clay, and North Syracuse. The event went into the early morning hours of January 1st, 2001 before it tapered off to flurries. NEW YORK, Coastal NYZ069 Rockland 11 0300EST 0 1 Fog

Dense fog blanketed the area and reduced visibilities to less than one quarter mile. A Stony Point resident was struck by a car while walking along the Palisades Interstate Parkway southbound lanes near Exit 9.

In addition, subfreezing temperatures combined with dense fog caused several traffic accidents across the region early Monday morning, December 11th.

101 106 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, Coastal NYZ067>081 Orange - Putnam - Rockland - Northern Westchester - Southern Westchester - New York (Manhattan) - Bronx - Richmond (Staten Is.) - Kings (Brooklyn) - Queens - Nassau - Northwest Suffolk - Northeast Suffolk - Southwest Suffolk - Southeast Suffolk 12 0845EST 1 6 High Wind (G56) M 1024EST

High winds developed rapidly in an unstable air mass following the passage of a strong cold front across the area. Several measured peak wind gusts were at least 58 mph. They were responsible for causing 1 death and at least 6 injuries, as follows:

At 9:05 am, a tree fell through a car wind shield and injured 1 person in Islip (Suffolk County).

At 9:30 am, a street sign struck and injured 2 pedestrians in Kings County (Brooklyn).

At 9:40 am, a sign struck and injured 1 person in Flatbush (Brooklyn) and a tree fell on and injured 1 person in Great Neck (Nassau County).

At 10:30 am, a sign struck a police car, which caused injury to 1 person in Patchogue (Suffolk County).

At 1:00 pm, a man was crushed by a tree while trying to remove a branch that dangled over the driveway of a house at 135 Heatherdell Road in Ardsley (Westchester County).

High winds downed many trees onto houses, cars, power lines, and streets. In urban areas, high winds downed signs, collapsed scaffolds, and caused five partial building collapses. They caused significant property damage and power outages. On the Throgs Neck Bridge in Queens, 2 tractor trailers flipped with unknown additional injuries. In Brooklyn, high winds combined with high astronomical tides drove water from New York Harbor over retaining walls that flooded parts of the Belt Parkway near the Verrazano Bridge. In Rockland County, wind blew off part of the roof at Suffern Middle School.

Here are selected specific peak wind gusts for:

Orange County - The peak measured wind gust reported by a spotter in Warwick was 64 mph. Peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing Systems at Stewart Field Airport in Newburgh was 53 mph at 8:45 am and at Montgomery Airport was 50 mph at 9:58 am.

Queens County - Peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at JFK Airport was 60 mph at 9:46 am and at LaGuardia Airport was 54 mph at 8:59 am.

Suffolk County - Peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at:

Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach was 58 mph at 10:24 am.

Brookhaven Calabro Airport in Shirley and Islip MacArthur Airport was 54 mph at 10:08 am and 10:19 am respectively.

Republic Airport in Farmingdale was 53 mph at 9:35 am. M50UT NYZ067>070 Orange - Putnam - Rockland - Northern Westchester 14 0538EST 0 0 Ice Storm 0600EST

During the early morning hours of December 14th, a low pressure system over the Ohio Valley weakened, while a new low developed along the mid Atlantic coast. This new low tracked northeast toward southern New England by the late morning on December 14th. To the northwest of this low pressure center, a narrow swath of freezing rain and sleet fell, as warm, moist air was lifted over a pre-existing colder airmass. This mixture of freezing rain and sleet created treacherous travel for the morning commute on December 14th. In addition, power outages resulted as tree limbs fell due to significant ice accretion. Ice accumulated at least one quarter inch throughout the area, with some locations receiving up to one half inch of ice. Orange County Countywide 17 1140EST 0 0 Flash Flood Queens County Countywide 17 1235EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Rockland County Countywide 17 1235EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Westchester County Countywide 17 1235EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Putnam County Mahopac Falls 17 1241EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50)

102 107 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, Coastal Rockland County Suffern 17 1300EST 0 0 Flood 1800EST Nassau County Oyster Bay 17 1346EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Suffolk County Huntington 17 1352EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Suffolk County Southold 17 1500EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50)

A low pressure system rapidly intensified as it moved northeast across the Great Lakes as a strong high pressure system northeast of New England moved slowly northeast during Sunday, December 17th. The difference in pressure between these systems caused increasing south winds. As an intensifying cold front trailing from the low approached the area with abundant low level moisture in place, widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms occurred. Heavy rain caused significant flooding in Orange and Rockland Counties. It also caused localized flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas. Heavy showers, some associated with severe thunderstorms, produced wind damage at several locations.

Here are selected wind damage reports and measured peak wind gusts:

In Putnam County, high winds downed several trees and power lines throughout the county. Large trees fell across Route 6N in Mahopac Falls, which caused a partial road closure.

In Rockland County, high winds downed trees and power lines at several locations.

In Westchester County, high winds downed trees and power lines at several locations including Sleepy Hollow, Ossining, Rye, Yorktown, and Lewisboro.

In Queens County, high winds downed trees onto buildings and lifted sidewalks as they uprooted. The peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at John F. Kennedy Airport was 54 mph at 8:32 pm.

In Nassau County, high winds downed trees that fell onto and downed power lines at the corner of Muttontown's Mill Neck Road and Upper Brookville's Juniper Lane in Oyster Bay.

In Suffolk County, high winds downed trees onto cars and power lines at Huntington Station and toppled signs at the 7-11 store in Greenport within Southold Town. Trees and power lines were downed throughout the town of Southold. Trees were also downed in Sag Harbor. The peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Farmingdale Republic Airport was 56 mph at 1:47 pm.

The heaviest rain occurred in two bands oriented from southwest to northeast ahead of the approaching cold front. The axis of the heaviest rain extended from Western New Jersey northeast across Orange County, where 3 to 4 inches of rain fell, mainly across Western and Northern Orange County. The second band of heavy rain extended from Eastern New Jersey northeast across Western Rockland County, where 2 to 2 1/2 inches of rain fell with isolated amounts up to 3 inches. Widespread flash flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas occurred at several locations throughout Orange County. Both small stream and urban flooding occurred across Western Rockland County.

Here are selected rainfall amounts and flood damage reports:

In Orange County, rainfall amounts from available locations ranged from 2.11 inches at Gardnerville to 2.80 inches at Sterling Forest. In Pine Bush, 15 cars had to be moved when the back parking lot of the Schuyler Crossing Senior Citizen Complex flooded. In Port Jervis, flooding caused the closure of Jersey Avenue between Owen and Cole Streets. Serious flooding occurred in parts of Mountain Lodge Park in Blooming Grove, where some trails partially washed away.

In Rockland County, rainfall amounts ranged from 1.89 inches at Nanuet to 2.09 inches at Suffern. The Mahwah River at Suffern rose above its' flood stage of 4.0 feet at 1:00 pm. Its' crest stage was 4.98 feet at 4:45 pm.

In Westchester County, rainfall amounts ranged from 1.78 inches at Dobbs Ferry to 2.38 inches at White Plains. NYZ067>078 Orange - Putnam - Rockland - Northern Westchester - Southern Westchester - New York (Manhattan) - Bronx - Richmond (Staten Is.) - Kings (Brooklyn) - Queens - Nassau - Northwest Suffolk 30 0800EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0930EST NYZ079>081 Northeast Suffolk - Southwest Suffolk - Southeast Suffolk 30 0850EST 0 0 Winter Storm 0955EST

103 108 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, Coastal A low pressure system rapidly intensified and moved north along the mid Atlantic coast during Saturday December 30th. This produced a wide swath of heavy snow to the northwest of the storm track. Snowfall began between 5 and 7 AM across the area, and fell at intense rates right from the start. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were common. There were also numerous reports of thunder and lightning accompanying the most intense snow bands. Winds also began to increase later Saturday morning, causing some blowing and drifting of snow, which reduced visibilities significantly, and created near blizzard conditions at times in some areas.

As the low pressure center approached the south shore of Suffolk county early Saturday afternoon, milder air from the Atlantic Ocean wrapped into the storm system, and changed the heavy snow to a mixture of sleet and rain across eastern Suffolk county. This limited snowfall amounts somewhat across eastern Suffolk County.

The low pressure center crossed central Suffolk County during mid afternoon on Saturday, before moving northeast into southern New England later that evening. As the low moved away, the precipitation tapered off across the area. Subfreezing temperatures and gusty winds lingered behind the storm system.

Here are some specific snowfall totals from this storm system:

Orange County: 14 inches at Harriman, to 21 inches at Warwick and Rock Tavern.

Putnam County: 13 inches at Carmel and Brewster.

Rockland County: 15 inches at Airmont, to 18 inches at Suffern.

Westchester County: 13 inches at Mount Kisco, to 16.5 inches at Mamaroneck.

Bronx County: 11 inches.

New York County (Manhattan): 12 inches at Central Park.

Kings County: 12.7 inches at Gravesend.

Queens County: 10 inches at John F. Kennedy International Airport, to 13 inches at LaGuardia Airport and Middle Village.

Richmond County: 12.5 inches at Grymes Hill.

Nassau County: 11 inches at Lynbrook, to 15.6 inches at Oceanside.

Suffolk County: 2.7 inches at Bridgehampton, to 12 inches at Huntington Station, East Northport, and North Lindenhurst. NEW YORK, East NYZ033-033-038- Hamilton - Southern Herkimer - Fulton - Montgomery - Northern Saratoga - Warren - Washington - 038>040-040>043-047- Schoharie - Western Schenectady - Eastern Schenectady - Southern Saratoga - Western Albany - Eastern 047>052-059-063>066 Albany - Eastern Greene - Western Ulster - Eastern Ulster - Western Dutchess - Eastern Dutchess 12 0900EST 0 0 950K High Wind (G62) M 1700EST An area of low pressure developed across the Tennessee Valley late on December 11th. The storm then rapidly deepened as it moved northeast into the Ohio Valley, Saint Lawrence Valley and eventually across the Canadian Maritimes on December 12th. The pressure difference between this intensifying storm and large arctic high pressure building over the Southeast, produced a significant high wind event across eastern New York on December 12th. The strongest winds with the storm came after the passage of the cold front, during the morning hours. A strong westerly wind brought down large limbs, trees, and powerlines in just about every county in Eastern New York. Many signs were reported blown down along the Andirondack Northway from the Essex/Warren county line, south to its terminus in the town of Guilderland. In addition, there were reports of scattered structural damage. In Saratoga county, high winds smashed windows in a restaurant in downtown Saratoga Springs. Another restaurant had a portion of its roof ripped off in that town. A 60-foot Norwegian pine fell across Route 50 blocking traffic in Balston Spa. The tree fell onto a car, trapping a woman inside for nearly an hour while fire personnel worked to move the live wires away from the car. The passenger was not injured. The winds took down a portion of a block wall under construction at a new Staples store in Queensbury, Warren county. Damage in Fulton county included windows being blown out of buildings in the city of Gloversville. Also, gas pumps were blown over in Johnstown and the skirting blown off trailers in Oppenheim. The winds severely damaged a large shopping window in downtown Little Falls, Herkimer county. In Montgomery county, roofs were blown off homes in the town of Paletine, and in the town of Canajoharie. Also, signs were blown off buildings in Amsterdam. In Albany county, the most numerous downed wires and trees were reported in Delmar, Slingerlands, Bethlehem and Voorheesville. Elsewhere, a downed limb punctured the roof of a house located in Cohoes. A roof was blown off a trailer in Dover Plains, Dutchess county. In Schenectady county, Route 147 at West Glennville Road was temporarily closed due to a large pine tree down on power lines.

104 109 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, East Power lines and trees were blown down on Wood Road in the town of Easton, Washington county. The glass from windows was sucked out of the Wells Central School in Hamilton county. Officially the strongest wind gust during the event was 54 mph at Albany International Airport. However, weather spotters reported wind gusts to 61 mph in Summit, Schoharie county and 62 mph at Amsterdam in Montgomery county , respectively. During the height of the storm, an estimated 22,000 customers were without power across eastern New York. There were no casualties reported to the National Weather Service, as a result of the high winds. Ulster County Countywide 17 1030EST 0 0 500K Flood 1340EST Columbia County Countywide 17 1040EST 0 0 100K Flood 1500EST NYZ043-058-063-063 Washington - Western Greene - Western Ulster 17 1108EST 0 0 25K Flood 18 1200EST Schoharie County Summit 17 1227EST 0 0 22K Flood 1600EST Rensselaer County Countywide 17 1300EST 0 0 160K Flood 1700EST Saratoga County Countywide 17 1300EST 0 0 190K Flood 1700EST Ulster County Shandaken 17 1330EST 1 0 Flash Flood M15IW Washington County Countywide 17 1330EST 0 0 1M Flood 1700EST Greene County Countywide 17 1355EST 0 0 55K Flood 1800EST Schenectady County Countywide 17 1400EST 0 0 50K Flood 1600EST Warren County Glens Falls 17 1400EST 0 0 30K Flood Fulton County Johnstown 17 1430EST 0 0 19K Flood 1730EST Montgomery County Amsterdam 17 1435EST 0 0 25K Flood 1600EST Dutchess County Pine Plains 17 1530EST 0 0 35K Flood 1700EST Albany County Countywide 17 1545EST 0 0 100K Flood 1700EST Dutchess County La Grange 17 1545EST 0 0 45K Flood 1700EST Dutchess County Wappingers Falls 17 1600EST 0 0 25K Flood 1730EST A complex storm system began to evolve on Saturday December 16 across the Mississippi Valley. A surface low tracked north into the Eastern Great Lakes by December 17. At the same time, the associated upper level trough became negatively tilted as it moved toward the northeast on Sunday. This allowed for rapid cyclogenesis. Unseasonably warm and moist air was transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico. This scenario brought a record breaking rainstorm to eastern New York. On average, rainfall ranged between 2 and 4 inches with some locally higher amounts. At Albany International Airport, the 2.79 inch rainfall for December 17 easily shattered the previous daily precipitation record of 1.34 inches set back in 1970. This was also the third wettest day ever in recorded December history. A few other specific localities included 3.96 inches at Shushan in Washington county, 3.97

105 110 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, East inches at Stormville in Dutchess County, and 4.58 inches at Boiceville in Ulster county. The air mass was unstable enough to produce widespread thunderstorms across the region. While none of the thunderstorms was severe, they increased the rainfall amount and intensity. In some cases, well over an inch of rain fell in just one hour. The combination of the excessive rainfall, snowmelt, and frozen ground, lead to a massive runoff and resultant flooding. Washington county was the hardest hit. In Salem, heavy rains swelled White Creek to an unprecedented level. This scenario resulted in widespread evacuations and a state of emergency. Residents of 80 homes had to be evacuated. Route 149 was washed out near Granville. Also, in the town of Granville, the Mettawee River crested at 13.5 feet. Not only was this nearly double the flood stage of 7 feet, but it was the highest stage on record! Water from the Mettawee inundated Granville covering roads and producing property damage. Route 147 was washed out near Argyle. Many other roads, including highways were under water and closed. Significant flood damage was also noted to buildings, including the Salem Central School. At the height of the storm, more than 50 roads were closed throughout the county. Ulster county was also hit hard. Six towns declared a local state of emergency, including Woodstock, Gardiner, Rosendale, Hardenburgh, Denning and Kingston, due to widespread flooding in these towns. In Shankanden a 15 year old boy drowned as he and four other boy scouts attempted to cross the swollen West Branch of the Neversink River while descending Slide Mountain. The remaining four boy scouts were rescued and treated for hypothermia, then released from a nearby hospital. Both Saratoga and Rensselaer Emergency Management Authorities reported widespread flooding in their respective counties, including many roads washed out. The mayor of Mechanicville, in Saratoga county, declared a state of emergency after the Anthony Kill overflowed, and the Hudson River began to approach the city wharf. In Albany county, Route 5 was flooded near Interstate 90 in the town of Colonie. Also in Colonie, Albany Shaker Road was flooded. Route 20 was flooded near Stuyvesant Plaza and Fuller Road, in the town of Guilderland. This flooding impacted many holiday shoppers at nearby malls. There were numerous basements flooded throughout the county. In Warren County, roads were flooded in the town of Glens Falls. In Greene county, flooding was noted on roads in New Baltimore. The Catskill creek overflowed its banks onto Route 32, in the town of Greenville. In Columbia county, flooding was noted throughout the region. While most of it was minor, a state of emergency was declared in the towns of Germantown and Canaan. Street flooding was reported in the city of Amsterdam, Montgomery county as well as Johnstown, Fulton county. Street flooding was noted in Wappingers Falls, Pine Plains and LaGrange in Dutchess county The Schoharie Creek swelled a foot and half over its 12-foot flood stage at Prattsville. The Mohawk River crested slightly over its 403 flood foot stage at Utica. The Hudson River rose to 92.50 at Schuylerville and 54.7 feet at Mechanicville, 2.5 and 1.7 feet above flood stage respectively. With the exception of minor flooding on the Stillwater Flats, there were no flooding problems reported to the National Weather Service on either the Mohawk or Hudson Rivers. However, there were up to a thousand spotty power outages, the result of the heavy rain coupled with some wind and lots of lightning. NYZ032>033-038>043- Northern Herkimer - Hamilton - Southern Herkimer - Fulton - Montgomery - Northern Saratoga - Warren - 047>054-058>061- Washington - Schoharie - Western Schenectady - Eastern Schenectady - Southern Saratoga - Western Albany - 063>066 Eastern Albany - Western Rensselaer - Eastern Rensselaer - Western Greene - Eastern Greene - Western Columbia - Eastern Columbia - Western Ulster - Eastern Ulster - Western Dutchess - Eastern Dutchess 30 0800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 0800EST Energy from a strong upper level disturbance, diving southeast from the northern Plains into the Ohio Valley, developed a coastal area of low pressure off the DelMarVa pennisula by early Saturday December 30. This low deepened while tracking almost due northward...about 50 miles east of the coastline. The storm reached central Long Island by mid afternoon and interior southern New England by the evening hours. The low then tracked more to the northeast near the I-95 Corridor and slid off the coastline near Boston by early Sunday December 31. With plenty of cold air in place, this storm brought a significant snowstorm to all of eastern New York. The snow began during the early morning hours across southeastern New York, then spread quickly across the remander of eastern New York by midday. Snow fell at the rate of 2-3 inches per hour at times during the midday and early afternoon hours. For the fifth time in 2000, an official daily snowfall record was broken as 10.2 inches fell on the 30th. The storm total at Albany International Airport was 12.6 inches. A snowfall swath of 8-16 inches fell across most of eastern New York. However, over two feet fell across a portion of the Catskills. Platte Cove in Greene county had the heaviest amount with 28.9 inches. East Jewett was close behind with 26. Since the storm hit during a holiday weekend its impact was minimized. Some businesses were forced to close early on Saturday. While Albany International airport never closed, there were as many as 50 cancellations of flights reported. There were numerous traffic accidents, but no major injuries were reported to the National Weather Service. There was some blowing and minor drifting with the snow, especially in outlying regions. NEW YORK, North NYZ026 Northern St. Lawrence 06 2100EST 0 0 5K Lake Effect Snow 07 0400EST Cold air moving across Lake Ontario set up snow bands impacting St. Lawrence county. Generally between 3 and 6 inches fell under these bands. A few reports included 6 inches of snowfall at Gouverneur...with locally 8 inches in Canton. Elsewhere, 4 inches fell at Potsdam with 2 inches at Massena. The heaviest snow fell along and south of Route 11. NYZ026>027 Northern St. Lawrence - Northern Franklin 12 0200EST 0 0 10K Winter Storm 1100EST A storm system moved across western New York late Monday night, December 11th and then down the St Lawrence River Valley on

106 111 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, North Tuesday December 12th. A narrow band of locally heavy (5 to 7 inches) snow mixed with freezing precipitation fell across northern portions of these counties, with lesser snowfall across the remainder of these counties. South Bombay (Franklin county) received 7 inches while Massena (St. Lawrence county) received 6 inches along with icing. Strong winds followed this storm system during Tuesday, December 12th. NYZ029 Southern St. Lawrence 12 0800EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1400EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system, with trees and power lines blown down in and around the Cranberry Lake area. NYZ026 Northern St. Lawrence 12 0800EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1400EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system, with trees and power lines blown down in and around the Parishville area. NYZ028 Northeast Clinton 12 1000EST 0 0 10K High Wind (G55) M 1500EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. Winds were measured at 63 mph (55 knots) at Peru, NY at 1034 AM. NYZ035 Eastern Essex 12 1000EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1500EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. Trees and power lines were blown down in and around the Westport, NY area around 11 AM. NYZ034 Western Essex 12 1000EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1500EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. Trees and power lines were blown down in and around the Lake Placid area. NYZ027 Northern Franklin 12 1000EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1500EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system, with trees and power lines blown down in and around the towns of Burke and Chateaugay. NYZ030 Southern Franklin 12 1000EST 0 0 High Wind (G35) M 1500EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. ASOS wind at the Adirondack Airport Saranac Lake , NY measured at 40 mph (35 knots). NYZ026>031-034>035 Northern St. Lawrence - Northern Franklin - Northeast Clinton - Southern St. Lawrence - Southern Franklin - Southwest Clinton - Western Essex - Eastern Essex 14 0100EST 0 0 8K Light Snow 1000EST A storm system moved from the Ohio Valley Late Wednesday night, December 13th and across New England by the afternoon of Thursday, December 14th. Snowfall across the area early Thursday resulted in generally 3 to 6 inches. A few reports were as follows: 6 inches in Tupper Lake (Franklin county) with 5 inches in the locations of Gouverneur (St Lawrence county), Ellenburg Depot (Clinton county) and Newcomb (Essex county). NYZ026 Northern St. Lawrence 16 1600EST 0 0 1K Light Freezing Rain 2100EST A storm system moved from the Ohio Valley into Canada Saturday night, December 16, 2000. Light freezing rain fell across the St Lawrence Valley through the evening hours. NYZ034 Western Essex 18 0300EST 0 0 10K High Wind 0600EST A storm system tracked through the eastern Great Lakes region and into Canada on Monday, December 18, 2000. Gusty winds accompanied this system. Trees were blown down across portions of Rte 9 and I-87 in and around the Schroon Lake area. NYZ028 Northeast Clinton 18 0600EST 0 0 5K Flood 19 0900EST Minor flooding occurred from the Great Chazy River in the Perry Mills area.

107 112 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, North NYZ027>028-030>031- Northern Franklin - Northeast Clinton - Southern Franklin - Southwest Clinton - Western Essex - Eastern 034>035 Essex 19 2300EST 0 0 30K Light Snow 20 0500EST A storm system developed along the mid atlantic coast Tuesday night, December 19th and moved northeast to Cape Cod Wednesday morning, December 20th. Snow fell across the area Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. Amounts were generally between 3 and 5 inches. A few snowfall reports included: 5 inches in the locations of Saranac Lake (Franklin county), Peru (Clinton county), and Wilmington (Essex county). NYZ028-031 Northeast Clinton - Southwest Clinton 31 0500EST 0 0 40K Winter Storm 2300EST A storm system moved north along the east coast during Saturday (December 30, 2000) and reached eastern Maine Sunday, December 31, 2000. Snow became steady the evening of the 30th and continued overnight into Sunday, before tapering off Sunday night. Significant accumulations were reported by early Sunday, December 31. Storm total accumulations generally ranged from 10 to 20 inches. A few specific reports from Clinton county were 20 inches in both Mooers and Ellenburg Depot with 10 inches in Plattsburgh. NYZ026>027-029>030- Northern St. Lawrence - Northern Franklin - Southern St. Lawrence - Southern Franklin - Western Essex - 034>035 Eastern Essex 31 0800EST 0 0 120K Winter Storm 1500EST A storm system moved north along the east coast during Saturday (December 30, 2000) and reached eastern Maine Sunday, December 31, 2000. Snow became steady the evening of the 30th and continued overnight...into Sunday, before the snow tapered off late Sunday. Significant accumulations were reported by early Sunday, December 31. Storm total accumulations generally ranged from 8 to 14 inches with a few higher amounts in Essex county. A few specific reports included: In St Lawrence county...Edwards 12 inches and Potsdam 8 inches. Franklin county...Malone 14 inches. Essex county Wilmington 12 inches while Lake Placid reported 18 inches. NEW YORK, West NYZ001>002-004>005- Niagara - Orleans - Wayne - Northern Cayuga - Jefferson - Lewis - Erie - Genesee - Wyoming - Chautauqua - 007>008-010>012- Cattaraugus 019>020 06 0400EST 0 0 151K Heavy Snow 07 1120EST Lake effect snow bands meandered across the areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario from late on the 5th through the 7th. A cold front crossed the region and ushered in a west to northwest flow of cold air. The squalls which developed dropped up to two feet of light, fluffy snow. Off Lake Erie, reported snow totals included: 16" at Sinclairville; 15" at Sherman and North Tonawanda; 14" at Grand Island and East Aurora; 13" at Lockport, South Dayton and Perrysburg; 12" at Getzville and Elma; 11" at Warsaw; 10" at Lancaster, Colden and Buffalo; and 9" at Niagara Falls, New Albion and Salamanca. Off Lake Ontario reported snow totals included: 14" at Hooker; 12" at Watertown and 10" at Highmarket. NYZ001>004-006-008- Niagara - Orleans - Monroe - Wayne - Oswego - Lewis - Erie - Genesee - Wyoming - Livingston - Ontario - 010>014-019>021 Chautauqua - Cattaraugus - Allegany 12 0247EST 0 0 1.7M High Wind (G55) M 1130EST Deep low pressure over Ohio tracked northeast across the region. The strong pressure gradient on the back side of the low combined with rapid pressure rises resulted in very strong northwest winds across the region. The damaging winds downed trees and line throughout the area. Specific reports of damage were received from Cuba, Olean, Jamestown, Buffalo, Amherst, Darien, Lyonsdale, Lima, Spencerport, North Tonawanda, Medina, Fulton and Newark. Schools were forced to close. The Red Cross opened several shelters throughout the area. Structural and property damage was also reported, specifically in Cassadaga, Stockton, Lily Dale, South Dayton, Buffalo, Phelps, Hall, Olean, Allegany, Wellsville, Geneva, Jamestown and Lakewood. Nearly a hundred thousand customers were without power across the region. Over 50 crews from the Ontario Hydro Power Company in Canada assisted in power restoration. Power outages lasted from several hours to nearly a day in some spots. Flights on the morning of the 12th were either delayed or cancelled at both the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Rochester Airport. Specific wind gusts recorded were: 66 mph at Buffalo; 63 mph at Cuba, Yorkshire and Dunkirk; 61 mph at Jamestown; 59 mph at Niagara Falls, and 58 mph at Olean. Erie County Buffalo 12 0540EST 0 0 50K Seiche 0715EST Deep low pressure centered over the Finger Lakes was accompanied by strong winds. The high winds caused water levels at the eastern end of Lake Erie to rise over five feet in a few hours. The high water levels coupled with waves of 10 to 14 feet caused shoreline erosion and localized flooding. Evacuations took place at Hoover Beach. The lake remained above flood stage for a couple of hours. NYZ006-010-012- Oswego - Erie - Wyoming - Chautauqua - Cattaraugus 019>020 18 0615EST 0 0 63K Heavy Snow 1200EST Lake Effect snow bands combined with strong post-cold frontal winds to make driving hazardous in blowing and drifting snow. Snowfalls of up to a foot off Lake Ontario were enhanced in part by orographic lift. Specific snowfall reports off Lake Ontario were:

108 113 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NEW YORK, West 14" at Hooker; 13" at Highmarket; 8" at Lowville and 7" at Lacona. Off Lake Erie: 9" at Warsaw; 8" at Springville; and 7" at Stockton. NYZ004-006>008-010- Wayne - Oswego - Jefferson - Lewis - Erie - Chautauqua - Cattaraugus 019>020 22 1245EST 0 0 103K Heavy Snow 23 1020EST This lake effect event began as some of the coldest air of the season crossed the Great Lakes. Meandering snow squall produced snowfall rates of two inches an hour. The activity began off Lake Erie during the early morning hours of the 22nd as a cold front crossed the region. The band set up across the Buffalo southtowns with schools across those areas forced to close. During the afternoon, the band lifted north into the city of Buffalo and adjacent suburbs. The band drifted south during the evening hours. A similar scenario developed off Lake Ontario during the mid to late morning hours, then drifted south in the late evening. Specific reports off Lake Erie: 14" at West Seneca, 12" at Hamburg, 11" at Perrysburg and 9" at Stockton. Off Lake Ontario: 24" at Hooker, 19" at Lowville; 16" at Oswego, and 15" at North Rose. NYZ004>006-008-008- Wayne - Northern Cayuga - Oswego - Lewis - Chautauqua - Cattaraugus 019>020 24 1315EST 0 0 95K Heavy Snow 27 2335EST This long lasting lake snow event featured a nearly continuous snowfall on a west to northwest flow. The event began following a strong cold front on Christmas eve with bands setting up over Oswego county off Lake Ontario and southern Erie and Wyoming off Lake Erie. The activity drifted south and intensified on the 26th and 27th, lasting through the morning of the 28th. The snowfall amounts were excessive due primarily to the length of the event. Oswego County was particularly hard ht, especially the area from Fulton to Parish which received three feet or more. Specific snow totals from these extended event included off Lake Erie: 16" at Sinclairville and Warsaw; 14" at Colden; 13" at Perrysburg; and 10" at Silver Creek. Off Lake Ontario: 47" at Parish; 34" at Fulton, 27" at West Monroe; 15" at Oswego; and 12" at Lowville. NYZ001>003-003>006- Niagara - Orleans - Monroe - Wayne - Northern Cayuga - Oswego - Lewis - Erie - Chautauqua - Cattaraugus 008-010-019>020 31 0700EST 0 0 550K Heavy Snow 2300EST Low pressure developed off the mid Atlantic coast then moved north along the coast bringing a general snowfall to the area. Between six and twelve inches of snow fell across the area with higher amounts downwind from Lakes Erie and Ontario due to lake enhancement. The heavy snowfall was accompanied by brisk northwest winds that resulted in blowing and drifting snow and wind chills of ten to twenty degrees below zero. Visibilities were near zero at times in intense snow and blowing snow. Specific snowfall reports included: 18" at Castorland; 14" at Fulton; 11" at Niagara Falls and Oswego; 10" at Perinton, Parish and Colden; 9" at Hannibal and Greece; 8" at Fairport and West Monroe; and 7" at Rochester and Albion. NORTH CAROLINA, Central NCZ010>011-026>028- Warren - Halifax - Franklin - Nash - Edgecombe - Johnston - Wilson - Harnett - Wayne - Cumberland - 042>043-077-077>078- Sampson 088>089 03 1200EST 0 0 Winter Storm The first major winter storm of the season produced heavy snow across the Coastal Plain of North Carolina on the afternoon of December 3. A low pressure system developed off the coast and quickly moved northeast, preventing the snowfall from moving west of Raleigh. Most locations along and east of I-95 received between 4 and 8 inches, with some locations in Edgecombe county recording nearly a foot of snow. The snow created hazardous driving conditions, leading to numerous accidents and several road closures. Many county schools were either closed or delayed the next day or two. Cumberland County Pope Afb 17 0000EST 0.1 25 0 0 Tornado (F0) Observers at Pope AFB reported a tornado moving northeast. Harnett County Anderson Creek 17 0010EST 0.1 25 0 0 Tornado (F0) Windows were blown out of buildings at Ray Road and Hwy 210. Harnett County Coats 17 0015EST 0.1 25 0 0 Tornado (F0) Large tree limbs were blown down, smashing car windows. Johnston County Hardy Xrds 17 0020EST 0 0 Hail (1.50) Nash County Central Portion 17 0020EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) High winds and heavy rains pounded Nash county. A few tin roofs were blown off barns and outbuildings. Franklin County Bunn 17 0113EST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Dime-size hail reported near Lake Royale.

109 114 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH CAROLINA, Central Orange County Hillsborough 17 0231EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees were blown down along Hwy 57. Anson County Wadesboro 17 0235EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Panels were blown off gas tanks at a local store, and power outages were reported. Person County Timberlake 17 0240EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Numerous reports of trees and power lines down. Richmond County Rockingham 17 0255EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees fell onto power lines, causing power outages. Montgomery County Candor 17 0300EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees were blown down. Granville County Creedmoor 17 0325EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees blown down on Hwy 50. Vance County Countywide 17 0335EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Many reports of trees down across the county. Chatham County Countywide 17 0352EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees blown down. Durham County Durham 17 0410EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees down near Cheek and Essex Road. Halifax County Enfield 17 0435EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees blown down on Hwy 301 near Enfield. Wilson County Sims 17 0535EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees were blown down across Shiloh Church Road. NORTH CAROLINA, Central Coastal NCZ029-044>045- Martin - Pitt - Washington - Greene - Beaufort - Duplin - Lenoir - Craven 079>080-090>091-093 03 0500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 04 1800EST A heavy snow event unfolded over Eastern North Carolina as a Northeaster developed off the North Carolina coast. An average of six inches of snow fell across much of the Coastal Plain. Reports of 9 to 13 inches on snow were not uncommon across Pitt and Martin counties. The heavy snow fell as far east as Plymouth, Washington, New Bern, and Jacksonville. NCZ045>046-095-098- Washington - Tyrrell - Carteret - Onslow - Eastern Dare - Eastern Hyde 103>104 16 0800EST 0 2 High Wind (G62) M 1600EST On the morning of December 17th, a strong cold front moved across Eastern North Carolina followed by a very powerful high pressure system. As the high pressure moved into the region, afternoon non-thunderstorm winds of 40 to 50 mph caused some minor damage to street lights and outdoor signs. Two boaters were lost that morning in the New River when their fishing boat capsized in the high wind. Onslow County Sneads Ferry 17 0440EST 0 0 50K Thunderstorm Wind A severe thunderstorm moved across eastern Onslow county blowing down a large oak tree that destroyed a trailer. Carteret County Beaufort 17 0445EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G54) M Carteret County Atlantic Beach 17 0515EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G61) M Hyde County Swanquarter 17 0605EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G54) M Dare County (Hat)Cape Hatteras 17 1127EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G56) M

110 115 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH CAROLINA, Extreme Southwest NCZ060>061 Cherokee - Clay 02 1900EST 0 0 Winter Storm 03 1400EST Widespread snow fell across southwest North Carolina. Amounts averaged 1 to 2 inches in the valleys to 3 to 4 inches across the higher elevations. NCZ060>061 Cherokee - Clay 18 1900EST 0 0 Winter Storm 19 1200EST Widespread light snow fell across extreme southwest North Carolina. Amounts averaged between 1 and 3 inches. NORTH CAROLINA, North Coastal NCZ012>017-030>032- Northampton - Hertford - Gates - Pasquotank - Camden - Western Currituck - Bertie - Chowan - Perquimans - 102 Eastern Currituck 03 1000EST 0 0 25K Winter Storm 2300EST A winter storm struck parts of northeast North Carolina. The storm struck a relatively small area, but the locations that had snow received impressive totals. Some specific snow totals were: Aulander 15"; Woodland, Winton and Murfreesboro 13"; Rich Square and Como 12"; Gatesville 11"; Windsor and Conway 10"; Eure and Milwaukee 9"; Edenton, Ahoskie and Moyock 8"; South Mills and Sunbury 7"; Severn 6"; and Weeksville and Seaboard 5". Local law enforcement reported numerous traffic accidents, but no injuries were recorded. NORTH CAROLINA, Northwest and North Central Rockingham County Countywide 10 0400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 0800EST Freezing rain during the morning of the 10th produced icy roads. Several accidents were reported with 2 injuries. NCZ005-018 Rockingham - Watauga 12 0800EST 0 0 0 High Wind 1130EST High winds during the morning of the 12th downed and uprooted trees across Rockingham County and knocked down trees in Boone in Watauga County. NCZ001>002 Ashe - Alleghany 13 1900EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0800EST Freezing rain during the late evening of the 13th and early morning of the 14th produced 1/4 inch of glaze. Numeorus accidents were reported on icy roads. Surry County Countywide 13 2000EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0900EST Freezing rain during the evening of the 13th and morning of the 14th produced icy roads. Numerous accidents were reported along with several injuries. NCZ001>002-018 Ashe - Alleghany - Watauga 17 1200EST 0 0 0 High Wind 1600EST High winds during the afternoon of the 17th downed trees across Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties, blocking numerous roads. NCZ001-018 Ashe - Watauga 30 0100EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1100EST Snow during the morning of the 30th accumulated 6 to 8 inches. NORTH CAROLINA, South Coastal NCZ087 Robeson 03 0800EST 0 0 20K Winter Storm 1600EST Low pressure moving up the coast of the Carolinas combined with cold air and an upper level disturbance moving in from the Midwest to create a winter weather scenario. Snowfall measured up to around 10 inches in parts of eastcentral North Carolina, while less fell further south in southeast NC and northeast SC. A trained spotter in Robeson county reported 3 inches, and 1 to 2 inches fell in Bladen and Florence counties. Dillon county received around an inch. The rest of the area reported some snow and sleet, but no accumulations. The wintery mix was directly responsible for numerous traffic accidents, reported by 911 and law enforcement. NCZ087-097-099>101 Robeson - Pender - Columbus - Brunswick - New Hanover 17 0830EST 0 2 50K High Wind (G52) M 1500EST A strong cold front moved through the area in the early morning with strong gusty winds behind the front. There were many reports of sustained winds 30-40 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph. Damage included a billboard blowdown in Whiteville, Columbus County. Several trees were downed, contributing to power outages to at least 600 homes. A tree fell on a house and car in Southport, Brunswick County. In Wilmington, 2 people were injured when a fence was blown down.

111 116 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH CAROLINA, Southwest NCZ033>037-048>059- Avery - Caldwell - Alexander - Iredell - Davie - Madison - Yancey - Mitchell - Swain - Haywood - Buncombe - 062>072-082 Mcdowell - Burke - Catawba - Rowan - Graham - Northern Jackson - Macon - Southern Jackson - Transylvania - Henderson - Polk - Rutherford - Cleveland - Lincoln - Gaston - Mecklenburg - Cabarrus - Union 01 0000EST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359EST December, 2000 will long be remembered for the brutal hold that cold weather had on the region. Temperatures ran 6 to 8 degrees below normal for the entire month. At Charlotte, it was the coldest month in 83 years. NCZ033>034-048>055- Avery - Caldwell - Madison - Yancey - Mitchell - Swain - Haywood - Buncombe - Mcdowell - Burke - Polk - 066>068 Rutherford - Cleveland 03 0300EST 0 0 Snow 1300EST NCZ062-065 Macon - Henderson 03 0300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1300EST A developing surface cyclone off the Carolina Coast spread abundant moisture into western North Carolina, which was still mired in a cold, winter-like temperature regime. The result was another widespread snowfall. Accumulations ranged from a dusting in the northern foothills to more than 6 inches in western Macon County and 5 inches in Henderson County. Most accumulations were in the 1 to 3 inch range. NCZ033-050 Avery - Mitchell 12 0300EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 0600EST High winds following a frontal passage downed trees and powerlines in part of the northern mountains. In Bakersville, a door was blown off a house. NCZ052>053-059- Haywood - Buncombe - Northern Jackson - Macon - Southern Jackson - Transylvania - Henderson - Polk - 062>067-069 Rutherford - Lincoln 13 1400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0200EST NCZ033>036-049>050- Avery - Caldwell - Alexander - Iredell - Yancey - Mitchell - Mcdowell - Burke - Catawba - Cleveland - Lincoln 054>056-068>069 13 1700EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0500EST Low pressure moving northward through the Tennessee River Valley brought abundant moisture into western North Carolina, initiating a cold air damming event for the region. The progressive surface high for the event was centered over New England. Light freezing rain began to fall across the far western zones early in the afternoon of the 13th, and by late afternoon in the east, continuing through the evening. Significant ice accumulation was limited to bridges, overpasses and a few secondary roads, with several accidents. NCZ056-067 Catawba - Rutherford 14 1800EST 0 0 Dense Fog 15 0200EST Dense fog developed early in the evening on the 14th, continuing until after midnight, resulting in a number of traffic accidents. NCZ033 Avery 16 0300EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 1300EST Light freezing rain, mainly in sheltered valleys, created slick roads through early afternoon. Jackson County 8 N Sylva to 16 1345EST 0 0 Hail (0.88) Sylva 1347EST Trained spotter reported nickel-sized hail 8 miles north of Sylva. Haywood County Canton 16 1615EST 0 0 1K Lightning Lightning struck a tree and then a house, causing some property damage. NCZ048>049-051>053- Madison - Yancey - Swain - Haywood - Buncombe - Catawba - Northern Jackson - Macon - Southern Jackson 056-059-062>063 16 1800EST 0 0 High Wind (G55) 17 0200EST NCZ057-071 Rowan - Mecklenburg 17 0100EST 0 0 50K High Wind (G55) 0300EST

112 117 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH CAROLINA, Southwest NCZ033-048>053-056- Avery - Madison - Yancey - Mitchell - Swain - Haywood - Buncombe - Catawba - Northern Jackson - Macon - 059-062>065 Southern Jackson - Transylvania - Henderson 17 0600EST 0 0 Snow 1300EST A dynamic system affected western North Carolina during the 16th and 17th, bringing a variety of weather to the region, from freezing rain in mountain valleys to large hail and damaging winds across much of the region. A number of meteorological factors came together to produce such interesting atmospheric phenomena: a very strong cold front that would eventually usher in the coldest air in nearly two years into the state, strong mid-level and upper-level jets, a potent upper level disturbance, a temporary surge of warm, moist air into the region and the antecedent cold air trapped in lower valleys of the higher terrain in the mountains.

Heavy rain, with embedded thunderstorms, crossed the region from late morning through the afternoon on the 16th. Cold air trapped in some valleys of the northern mountains never completely scoured out, resulting in a light glaze south and west of Newland. Just as surface temperatures rose above freezing in the northern mountains, thunderstorms pushed out ahead of the strong front, with numerous small hail reports. Nickel-sized hail was reported 8 miles north of Sylva in Jackson County. As the front, and attendant pressure gradient, pushed its way into western North Carolina, winds increased into the 50 to 60 mph range, resulting in numerous downed trees and power lines. Nearly every county in the mountains reported some wind damage. The high winds eventually affected the foothills and piedmont. In Charlotte, numerous trees were downed and furniture was blown off porches. An unsturdy building in Spencer collapsed.

In the wake of the frontal passage, much colder air invaded the region, and as another shortwave affected the region on the 17th, a wide swath of 1 to 3 inch snow blanketed the higher terrain. Flurries were reported as far east as Hickory and Gastonia. NCZ033-048>050-058- Avery - Madison - Yancey - Mitchell - Graham - Macon - Southern Jackson 062>063 19 0300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0900EST NCZ034>037-051>056- Caldwell - Alexander - Iredell - Davie - Swain - Haywood - Buncombe - Mcdowell - Burke - Catawba - Graham 058>059-064>067 - Northern Jackson - Transylvania - Henderson - Polk - Rutherford 19 0300EST 0 0 Snow 0900EST The latest in a sprightly succession of Arctic cold fronts crossed the region on the 18th and 19th. Abundant low level moisture and an upper level disturbance riding over the new surge of cold air provided the ingredients for the latest round of snow. The heaviest snow accumulations, in general, were north and west of Asheville, especially near the Tennessee border. The northern half of Mitchell County recorded 5 to 6 inches of new snow...as did the higher-terrain Highlands/Cashiers area of southern Jackson and Transylvania counties in the southern mountains. Buncombe, Transylvania and Macon counties each reported numerous 4 inch accumulations, with most other mountain locations reporting between 1 and 3 inches. Foothill locations, especially those closest to the mountains, racked up some impressive totals as well, with Marion and Morganton each reporting 2 to 3 inches. Farther east, in the northwest piedmont, accumulations were limited to less than 2 inches. More than 200 traffic accidents were reported from the region due to the wintry weather. NCZ057 Rowan 19 2200EST 1 0 Cold 20 0600EST The bitterly cold weather claimed the life of a 50 year-old male. The man was found outside his home, wearing only a few articles of clothing. M50OU NCZ068 Cleveland 28 0600EST 0 0 Icy Roads 0900EST "Black ice" caused at least 15 traffic accidents through the morning rush hour on the 28th...through mid morning. NCZ033-049>052 Avery - Yancey - Mitchell - Swain - Haywood 30 0000EST 0 0 Snow 0900EST A strong northwest flow across the higher terrain produced a fresh blanket of 1 to 3 inch snowfall near the Tennessee border. NCZ048-058 Madison - Graham 30 0000EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0900EST A strong northwest flow into the western facing slopes of the North Carolina mountains produced heavy snow in Graham and Madison counties. Accumulations ranged from 3 to 5 inches with most of the heavy snowfall reported in the extreme western halves of both counties. There was one unverified report of 8 inches along the Skyway in Graham County, with drifts as high as 3 feet reported there. NCZ033-049-058 Avery - Yancey - Graham 30 2100EST 0 0 Snow 31 0600EST A second round of upslope snow showers into the western facing slopes produced an additional 1 to 2 inch snow accumulation.

113 118 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH DAKOTA, Central and West NDZ034 Morton 10 0000CST 1 0 Extreme Windchill 2359CST A frigid airmass covered the northern plains over an extended time period with subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. In western Morton county, in the city of Hebron, a women died due to exposure while walking home early sunday morning. Early morning temperature was 18 below zero with wind chills near 60 below zero. F43OU NDZ001>005-009>013- Divide - Burke - Renville - Bottineau - Rolette - Williams - Mountrail - Ward - Mchenry - Pierce - Mckenzie - 017>023-025-031>037- Dunn - Mercer - Oliver - Mclean - Sheridan - Wells - Foster - Golden Valley - Billings - Stark - Morton - 040>048-050>051 Burleigh - Kidder - Stutsman - Slope - Hettinger - Grant - Bowman - Adams - Sioux - Emmons - Logan - La Moure - Mcintosh - Dickey 15 2000CST 0 0 Blizzard 16 2000CST A strong low pressure system moved rapidly across southern Canada ushering frigid arctic air and strong northwest winds across western and central North Dakota. Wind gust to 60 mph were common throughout the region. The frigid arctic air kept daytime temperatures 5 to 10 below zero. The cold temperatures coupled with the high winds brought dangerous wind chills to 75 below zero. Snowfall was light, around an inch total, however existing snow on the ground created near zero visibilities in blowing and drifting snow for an extended period of time. This prompt the closing of many roads throughout western and central North Dakota. NDZ009-017>018- Williams - Mckenzie - Dunn - Golden Valley - Billings - Stark - Slope - Hettinger - Grant - Bowman - Adams - 031>033-040>045 Sioux 28 0005CST 0 0 High Wind (G64) M 0830CST A strong low pressure system over Alberta Canada moved rapidly southeast tracking from northwest to southeast North Dakota. The system brought winds and snow across the region. Strong winds developed on the back side of this system across western through extreme south central areas of North Dakota. Wind speeds between 60 to near 75 mph. were reported . This is the same storm system which brought heavy snow across north and east central areas of the region. NDZ002>005-011>013- Burke - Renville - Bottineau - Rolette - Ward - Mchenry - Pierce - Wells - Foster 023-025 28 0200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1000CST A strong low pressure system over Alberta Canada moved rapidly southeast tracking from northwest to southeast North Dakota. The system brought winds and snow across the region. A band of heavy snow, 6 to 8 inches, fell across eastern Bottineau and Rolette counties southeast to Foster county. Three to five inches fell across Burke...Ward and McHenery counties. Gusty northwest winds to 35 mph caused reduced visibilities to less than a quarter mile and considerable blowing and drifting snow. NORTH DAKOTA, East NDZ006>008-014>016- Towner - Cavalier - Pembina - Benson - Ramsey - Eastern Walsh - Eddy - Nelson - Grand Forks - Griggs - 024-026>030-038>039- Steele - Traill - Barnes - Cass - Ransom - Sargent - Richland - Western Walsh 049-052>054 16 0900CST 0 0 Blizzard 1900CST An inverted trough extended into the Red River Valley from an area of surface low pressure over Iowa. Little new snowfall occurred, with most locations reporting one to two inches. However, as the low pulled away, a strong pressure gradient formed over eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley portion of northwest Minnesota. Peak wind speeds of 45 mph occurred at both Devils Lake, North Dakota and Crookston, Minnesota. These strong speeds whipped the fresh snow around, with widespread visibilities reported below a quarter mile, especially outside city limits. NDZ007>008-016-054 Cavalier - Pembina - Eastern Walsh - Western Walsh 20 0100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1146CST An Alberta Clipper dropped from southeast Saskatchewan into east central North Dakota, producing a band of snow to the north and east of its track. Northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota received up to 5 inches of light fluffy snow. NDZ007>008-016- Cavalier - Pembina - Eastern Walsh - Nelson - Grand Forks - Griggs - Steele - Traill - Barnes - Cass - Ransom - 026>030-038>039-049- Sargent - Richland - Western Walsh 052>054 20 1147CST 0 0 Blizzard 2030CST As the area of surface low pressure tracked out of east central North Dakota and moved into west central Minnesota, the pressure gradient tightened and wind speeds increased over the Red River Valley. The light fluffy snow that had fallen over northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota began to blow, with blizzard conditions moving from north to south down the valley. Also, very little snow fell south of the Grand Forks / East Grand Forks area. Wind speeds up to 40 mph were reported from Hallock to Fergus Falls. Several schools closed early on the 20th and part of the day on the 21st. Several vehicles slid into ditches during the height of the blizzard.

114 119 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

NORTH DAKOTA, East NDZ006>008-014>016- Towner - Cavalier - Pembina - Benson - Ramsey - Eastern Walsh - Eddy - Nelson - Grand Forks - Griggs - 024-026>030-038>039- Steele - Traill - Barnes - Cass - Ransom - Sargent - Richland - Western Walsh 049-052>054 27 2200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 28 1800CST An Alberta Clipper tracked from Bismarck, North Dakota, to Watertown, South Dakota. This track brought the most snow along a line from Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Park Rapids, Minnesota, where up to 8.5 inches of snow were reported. The snow caused several flights to be cancelled or delayed at Fargo and Grand Forks. OHIO, East OHZ039-041-050-059 Tuscarawas - Columbiana - Jefferson - Belmont 12 0200EST 0 0 125K High Wind (G52) 0400EST A strengthening area of low pressure and associated cold front swept across the area during the overnight hours, bringing high winds to portions of east central Ohio. In general, damage was confined to downed trees and power lines, but several incidents of property damage were also reported.

In Columbiana County, the winds blew the roof off of a mobile home in Lisbon. In Salem, a large tree was blown over onto a house, causing minor damage to the roof.

Several traffic accidents resulted from motorists driving into downed trees in Belmont County. An unoccupied camper was also blown from the top of a hill on Belmont Township Route 72, near Hunter.

In Jefferson County, officials reported that some rural communities had to use snow plows to remove branches and debris from county roads. OHZ039>041-048>050- Tuscarawas - Carroll - Columbiana - Coshocton - Harrison - Jefferson - Muskingum - Guernsey - Belmont - 057>059-068>069 Noble - Monroe

13 2000EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0400EST A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow spread across east central Ohio during the day on the 13th. By late afternoon on the 13th, the snow turned over to sleet in many areas, with several counties reporting sleet accumulations of up to one inch. Finally, by the evening hours of the 13th the precipitation had turned over to freezing rain across all of east-central Ohio. Every county across the area reported ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch by the late evening hours on the 13th. Numerous accidents were reported on area highways as the freezing rain coated roadways. Overnight, the freezing precipitation gradually turned over to rain. However, even by the early morning hours of the 14th a few pockets of freezing drizzle were still being reported as cold air remained trapped in some of the valleys. Coshocton County West Portion 16 1852EST 0 0 Flood 17 0100EST Minor roadway flooding was reported on Township Road 338 and County Road 22 near the town of Warsaw. Several other reports of minor roadway flooding were received across the western part of the county. Muskingum County Nashport 16 2030EST 0 0 Flood 17 0100EST Minor flooding was reported on secondary roads. Coshocton County Coshocton 17 0300EST 0 0 Flood 22 0700EST The Muskingum River at Coshocton rose above the flood stage of 13.0 feet during the early morning hours of the 17th. The river crested at 14.62 feet early on the 18th and then slowly receded to below flood stage on the morning of the 22nd. Flooding was predominantly in low-lying areas and resulted in the closure of several secondary roads. Heavy rains across east central Ohio during the day of the 16th produced some minor flooding events across portions of Muskingum and Coshocton Counties. OHIO, North OHZ011>014 Cuyahoga - Lake - Geauga - Ashtabula 06 2200EST 0 0 155K Heavy Snow 07 1400EST West to northwest winds behind an area of low pressure caused lake effect snow showers to develop late on the 6th. Accumulations of up to 10 inches were reported in southern Geauga and Ashtabula Counties. Accumlations of around 6 inches were reported closer to Lake Erie with nearly 8 inches of snow in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland. OHZ003 Lucas 11 1800EST 0 0 250K Ice Storm 2300EST A deep area of low pressure moved across Lake Erie during the evening hours. Freezing rain fell for several hours along a warm front

115 120 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OHIO, North stretching east from the low. Ice accumulations in excess of one quarter inch fell over Lucas County. Scattered power outages and numerous accidents occurred. OHZ006>014-017>023- Wood - Ottawa - Sandusky - Erie - Lorain - Cuyahoga - Lake - Geauga - Ashtabula - Hancock - Seneca - 027>033-036>038-047 Huron - Medina - Summit - Portage - Trumbull - Wyandot - Crawford - Richland - Ashland - Wayne - Stark - Mahoning - Marion - Morrow - Holmes - Knox 11 2330EST 0 0 4.4M High Wind 12 0400EST A very strong area of low pressure moved across Northwest Ohio and Lake Erie on the evening of the 11th. Damaging winds occurred along and behind a cold front stretching south from the low. The damaging winds began just before midnight and continued through the early morning hours then gradually diminished. Widespread power outages occurred with several thousand trees downed. Over 20 percent of the homes in Northeast Ohio suffered power outages. Wind gusts in excess of 55 mph were measured at all of the major reporting sites. A gust to 80 mph was recorded on the east side of Cleveland with a 74 mph measured in Portage County at the Kent State Airport. A 72 mph gust was measured at Canton with a 67 mph gust in downtown Akron. Buildings lost roofs in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), Polk (Ashland County), Bainbridge (Geauga County), Shelby (Richland County) and rural Erie County. Buildings under construction in Summit County (near Richfield) and Ottawa County (Oak Harbor) were destroyed. Radio towers were toppled near Painesville in Lake County and also in Stark County. Also in Stark County, a small plane was blown over a chain link fence and destroyed. A new mobile home was blown over and destroyed in Wayne County. Many barns were either blown down or lost roofs. Several dozen homes were damaged by fallen trees as were approximately 100 cars. In rural Hancock County, a row of 32 power poles was knocked down by the winds. OHZ003-006>014- Lucas - Wood - Ottawa - Sandusky - Erie - Lorain - Cuyahoga - Lake - Geauga - Ashtabula - Seneca - Huron - 018>023-030>033- Medina - Summit - Portage - Trumbull - Ashland - Wayne - Stark - Mahoning - Marion - Morrow - Holmes - 036>038-047 Knox 13 1400EST 0 0 2.5M Winter Storm 14 1400EST Low pressure moved up the Ohio Valley and across central Ohio late on the 13th. Light precipitation began during the afternoon hours and increased in intensity during the evening. Freezing rain fell south of a line from Marion County northeast to Trumbull County. Significant ice accumulation was reported in this area by early on the 14th. Further north, most of the precipitation fell in the form of snow. The heaviest snow fell along and just south of Lake Erie. Accumulations of 7 inches were reported from Lucas County east to Huron County. Around 6 inches of snow fell from the Cleveland Metro area northeast to Ashtabula County. Locations just south of the heavy snow band saw a mixture of freezing rain and snow. Scattered power outages resulted from the freezing rain accumulation. Numerous accidents were also reported. OHZ013 Geauga 19 1800EST 0 0 30K Heavy Snow 20 1200EST Lake effect snow showers dumped up to 7 inches of snow on Geauga County. OHZ014 Ashtabula 22 1400EST 0 0 20K Heavy Snow 23 0700EST Lake effect snow showers dumped up to 6 inches of snow along the Lake Erie shoreline. Gusty northwest winds accompanied the snow and caused considerable blowing and drifting. OHZ012>014-023 Lake - Geauga - Ashtabula - Trumbull 24 0600EST 0 0 145K Heavy Snow 25 0100EST Lake effect snow showers developed during the morning. Snow first fell along the shoreline but shifted inland and intensified during the afternoon as winds switched from the northwest to west. Six to eight inches of accumulation occurred. In addition, the snow was accompanied by gusty northwest winds which caused considerable blowing and drifting snow. OHZ011>014-023 Cuyahoga - Lake - Geauga - Ashtabula - Trumbull 27 0500EST 0 0 295K Heavy Snow 28 1500EST Lake effect snow showers developed during the morning of the 27th. Heavy snow first fell along the lakeshore then spread inland as winds shifted from the west to the northwest. Accumulations of up 10 inches were reported along the Lake Erie shoreline from the eastern end of Cuyahoga County to northern Ashtabula County. Snow totals further inland were generally slightly less, but a storm total of 16 inches was measured near Chardon in Geauga County. OHZ011-013>014 Cuyahoga - Geauga - Ashtabula 31 0600EST 0 0 85K Heavy Snow 2300EST Lake effect snow showers developed before daybreak and continued most of the day. Accumulations of 6 to 7 inches were measured in eastern Cuyahoga , southern Ashtabula and northern Geauga Counties. OHIO, Northwest OHZ015>016-024>025 Paulding - Putnam - Van Wert - Allen 11 2200EST 0 0 0 High Wind (G51) M 12 0200EST

116 121 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OHIO, Northwest ...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions on December 11th and 12th... An unseasonably cold arctic airmass spilling southward out of southern Canada on the 10th combined with a very strong upper level disturbance and upper level jet of 160 knots came together over the Midwest early on the 11th. Surface low pressure developed over Oklahoma early on the 11th and rapidly deepened as it lifted northeastward into central Indiana by late afternoon. A burst of heavy snow developed during the morning and quickly changed to heavy rain by late morning due to the tremendous warm air advection out ahead of the intensifing system. As the surface low continued to intensify and pull out into northern Ohio during the night of the 11th...strong gradient winds developed which caused some damage to trees and power lines over northwest Ohio with wind gusts of 59 mph reported in Putnam Ohio and 56 mph in Lima Ohio. OHZ001>002-004>005- Williams - Fulton - Defiance - Henry - Paulding - Putnam - Van Wert - Allen 015>016-024>025

13 1400EST 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0000EST

...Synoptic and mesoscale conditions for December 13th... Another in a series of strong upper level disturbances coming out of the southern plains combined with an intensifing upper jet over southern Canada led to another bout of heavy snow across part of Indiana and Northwest Ohio on the 13th. Although the surface low remained quite weak and the upper level system moved rather quickly... moisture was able to quickly advect northward out of the lower Mississippi valley as the low level jet intensified in response to increasing upper level divergence associated with the strong upper level jet over southern Canada. Snow developed around noon and quickly became heavy by mid afternoon and continued into late evening before tapering off. Some notable storm total snowfall reports included 8 inches at Grissom AFB... 7.4 in Young America... 7 in Defiance, Huntington, Monroeville, Portland, Bluffton, and Montpelier, and 6 in Marion, Columbus Grove, Fort Wayne, Hartford City, Monticello, Van Wert, Wabash, Wauseon, and Columbia City. OHIO, Southeast OHZ066>067-075>076- Perry - Morgan - Athens - Washington - Jackson - Vinton - Meigs - Gallia - Lawrence 083>087 01 0000EST 0 0 Prolong Cold 31 2300EST Persistent west and northwest winds aloft, plus a widespread snow cover over the Midwest, resulted in the monthly average temperature to be 8 to 9 degrees colder than normal. From preliminary data, the coldest temperature was from Perry County. New Lexington had 6 degrees below zero at dawn on the 23rd. OHZ066>067-075- Perry - Morgan - Athens - Jackson - Vinton - Meigs - Gallia - Lawrence 083>087 11 2230EST 0 0 Wind 12 0300EST OHZ076 Washington 11 2300EST 0 0 75K High Wind 12 0300EST

Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were common in the wake of a strong cold frontal passage. However, a few stronger gusts were seen in Washington County, with some speeds reaching near 60 mph. One house in Belpre and one in Reno sustained severe roof damage. A spokesman for the electric company reported scattered power outages throughout southeast Ohio due to downed trees. Temperatures went from the mid 50s ahead of the front, to the mid 20s by dawn, a time span of about 6 hours. OHZ066>067-075>076- Perry - Morgan - Athens - Washington - Jackson - Vinton 083>084 13 1700EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0100EST A storm lifted northeast out of the Tennessee Valley and into Ohio by midnight. Freezing rain fell with temperatures in the 25 to 30 degree range during a Wednesday evening. Liquid amounts were between 0.25 and 0.40 inches. Ice accumulated to around a quarter of an inch, causing numerous accidents. The most widespread ice was in Jackson, Vinton, and Perry Counties. Temperatures moderated to near freezing after midnight, improving the road conditions. Gallia County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Jackson County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Lawrence County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Meigs County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST

117 122 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OHIO, Southeast Morgan County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Perry County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Vinton County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Washington County Countywide 16 1400EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0200EST Rains of 1.5 to 2.5 inches fell ahead of a strong cold front. A few streams swelled into the usual low spots, such as fields. OHIO, Southwest OHZ026-034>035- Hardin - Mercer - Auglaize - Darke - Shelby - Logan - Union - Delaware - Miami - Champaign - Clark - 042>046-051>056- Madison - Franklin - Licking - Preble - Montgomery - Greene - Fayette - Pickaway - Fairfield - Butler - 060>065-070>074- Warren - Clinton - Ross - Hocking - Hamilton - Clermont - Brown - Highland - Adams - Pike - Scioto 077>082-088 11 2100EST 1 0 100K High Wind (G58) M 12 0600EST A strong low pressure system dragged a sharp cold front across the region dropping temperatures by 30 degrees. Very strong winds occurred along and behind the front with numerous locations receiving gusts over 58 mph. The highest recorded gust was 69 mph in Ostrander in Delaware county. Numerous trees, large limbs, and power lines were knocked down across the region. Some of the trees fell on cars and homes. A motel sign was blown onto a truck in Warren county. A church that was under construction collapsed due to the winds. One woman was killed in Clermont county when a 200 foot tree fell through her mobile home and landed on her. F23MH OHZ026-034>035- Hardin - Mercer - Auglaize - Darke - Shelby - Logan - Miami 042>044-051 13 1200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0500EST A weak low pressure system brought a band of 5-8 inches of snow across the region. OHZ045>046-052>056- Union - Delaware - Champaign - Clark - Madison - Franklin - Licking - Preble - Montgomery - Greene - 060>065-070>074- Fayette - Pickaway - Fairfield - Butler - Warren - Clinton - Ross - Hocking - Hamilton - Clermont - Brown - 077>082-088 Highland - Adams - Pike - Scioto 13 1800EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0600EST A weak low pressure system brought freezing rain to the region. Widespread ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch occurred. Clermont County Countywide 16 1650EST 0 0 5K Flood 2015EST Heavy rainfall caused flooded roads across the county. Brown County Countywide 16 1710EST 0 0 100K Flood 2015EST Several hours of heavy rainfall caused flooded roads across the county. A bridge was also washed out. Highland County Countywide 16 1720EST 0 0 5K Flood 2015EST Heavy rainfall across the county caused the closing of Bald Knob Road. Adams County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 20K Flood 2300EST Persistent heavy rainfall caused the flooding of roads across the county. A truck was washed into a creek by the water. Fairfield County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 5K Flood 17 0300EST Heavy rainfall caused the closing of several roads across the county. Hocking County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 5K Flood 17 0300EST Heavy rainfall flooded 5 roads across the county.

118 123 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OHIO, Southwest Pike County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 5K Flood 2300EST Four roads were closed, including Highway 124 in the western part of the county, due to heavy rainfall. Scioto County Countywide 16 2000EST 0 0 10K Flood 17 0300EST Numerous roads across the county were flooded due to heavy rainfall. Licking County Countywide 16 2200EST 0 0 5K Flood 17 0300EST Several hours of heavy rainfall caused roads to be closed. A few creeks also overflowed. OHZ081 Adams 16 1900EST 0 0 Flood 17 0930EST Heavy rainfall caused the Ohio Brush Creek at West Union to overflow its banks. The creek crested at 18.9 feet at 300 am on the 17th. Flood stage is 15.0 feet. Water flooded onto the west side of State route 348 south of Cedar Mills. Water also flooded onto Routes 32 and 41 near Peebles. OHZ064 Pickaway 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 19 0000EST Several hours of heavy rainfall caused the Scioto River at Circleville to overflow its banks. The river crested at 16.4 feet at 500 am on the 18th. Flood stage is 14.0 feet. Flooding was limited to lowland areas along the river. OHZ074 Hocking 17 0930EST 0 0 Flood 2300EST Heavy rainfall caused the Hocking river at Enterprise to overflow its banks. The river reached a crest of 12.7 feet at 400 pm on the 17th. Flood stage is 12.0 feet. Flooding was limited to the low land areas along the river. OHZ082-088 Pike - Scioto 17 1330EST 0 0 Flood 19 0030EST Persistent heavy rainfall caused the Scioto River at Piketon to overflow its banks. The river reached an estimated stage of 19.8 feet around 800 pm on the 17th. Flood stage is 18.0 feet. Flooding affected a few low lying roads in Pike and northern Scioto counties. OKLAHOMA, Eastern OKZ054>072-074>076 Osage - Washington - Nowata - Craig - Ottawa - Pawnee - Tulsa - Rogers - Mayes - Delaware - Creek - Okfuskee - Okmulgee - Wagoner - Cherokee - Adair - Muskogee - Mcintosh - Sequoyah - Haskell - Latimer - Le Flore 11 0600CST 0 0 Ice Storm 1800CST A strong Arctic cold front moved south across Eastern Oklahoma on the morning of December 11, 2000. Freezing rain and freezing drizzle developed behind the boundary producing a thin layer of ice on pavement surfaces. Cold temperatures produced black ice across a large portion of Eastern Oklahoma. This thin layer of ice was responsible for numerous accidents during the morning commute across a large portion of Eastern Oklahoma. No widespread power outages were reported. Many area schools and some government offices were also closed due to the slick roads. OKZ049-053-070>076 Pushmataha - Choctaw - Muskogee - Mcintosh - Sequoyah - Pittsburg - Haskell - Latimer - Le Flore 12 1500CST 0 0 Ice Storm 13 1400CST OKZ054>069 Osage - Washington - Nowata - Craig - Ottawa - Pawnee - Tulsa - Rogers - Mayes - Delaware - Creek - Okfuskee - Okmulgee - Wagoner - Cherokee - Adair 12 1700CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 13 1800CST Summary of winter weather on December 12-13 2000.

A powerful winter storm developed over the Southern Plains and produced a mixture of snow...sleet and freezing rain. The precipitation was mostly snow in parts of Northeast Oklahoma near and to the north of Interstate 44. A mixture of sleet, snow and some freezing rain fell between Interstate 44 and Interstate 40 in East Central Oklahoma. Across Southeast Oklahoma the precipitation was mainly sleet and freezing rain. The icing was significant enough in the far Southeast Oklahoma counties of Pushmataha and Choctaw that 5,000 customers of Choctaw Electric were without power on December 13.

Some snow and sleet totals include: Big Cabin...16, Miami...13, Ketchum...13, Bartlesville...12, Nowata...12, Chelsea...12, Grove...12, Vera...11, Lenapah...11, Rose...11, Pawhuska...10, Claremore...10, Hominy...10, Owasso...9, Copan...9, Sapulpa...9, Skiatook...9, Catoosa...9, Tulsa...8.4, Hulbert...8, Pryor...8, Grainola...7, Bixby...7, Pawnee...7, Jenks...7, Broken Arrow...7, Tahlequah...6, Drumright...6, mazie...6, Stilwell...6, Bristow...5, Coweta...5, Glenpool...5, Henryetta...4, Wagoner...4, Okmulgee...5,

119 124 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OKLAHOMA, Eastern Welty...3, Clayton...3, Wilburton...3, Haskell...3, Muskogee...3, Okemah...2, McAlester...2, Porter...2, Oktaha...2, Webbers Falls...2, Sallisaw...2, Poteau...2, Stigler...1 and Talihina...1 inches. OKZ049-053>076 Pushmataha - Choctaw - Osage - Washington - Nowata - Craig - Ottawa - Pawnee - Tulsa - Rogers - Mayes - Delaware - Creek - Okfuskee - Okmulgee - Wagoner - Cherokee - Adair - Muskogee - Mcintosh - Sequoyah - Pittsburg - Haskell - Latimer - Le Flore 25 0700CST 0 0 Ice Storm 27 1400CST Summary of winter weather events for December 25-27 2000.

A slow moving winter storm moved across the State Christmas day bringing heavy freezing rain and dangerous ice accumulations. While all of Eastern Oklahoma received significant ice accumulations, East Central and Southeast Oklahoma were hardest hit. One to two inches of ice accumulation were common in these areas with locally higher amounts. Over 500 power poles were downed during the event and over 200,000 Oklahomans were without power. The heavy ice accumulations also left thousands without telephone and water service. Some locations in Southeast Oklahoma were without utility services for more than a week. Numerous shelters and feeding sites were established across Southeast Oklahoma to provide water, food and a warm place to sleep. Thousands of trees were damaged across Southeast Oklahoma including 7 State parks where damage was estimated at over 1 million dollars. Numerous reports of trees downed on vehicles and homes were reported across Southeast Oklahoma. Some of the areas that experienced the most damage were in Pittsburg, Latimer and LeFlore counties. While damage estimates were not finalized as of late February, a preliminary total for the state was $168.9 million. OKZ049-053>054-059- Pushmataha - Choctaw - Osage - Pawnee - Creek - Okfuskee - Okmulgee - Wagoner - Muskogee - Mcintosh - 064>067-070>071- Pittsburg - Haskell - Latimer - Le Flore 073>076 31 0100CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2359CST Summary of winter weather for December 31 2000-January 1 2001.

An upper level storm system over the Upper Midwest moved southeast across the Southern Plains on the morning of December 31 2000. A large area of moderate snow developed across central and eastern Oklahoma during the early morning hours. Snowfall amounts were generally in the 3 to 5 inch range across much of the area. The heaviest snow was along and west of a line from Tulsa Oklahoma to Fort Smith Arkansas.

The following snowfall amounts were observed...Pawnee...5, Bristow...5, Henryetta...5, Okmulgee...5, Stigler...5, Talihina...5, 3E Porter...4.5, Hugo...4.5, Hominy...4, Eufaula...4, Okemah...4, Oktaha...4, Mcalester...4, Wilburton...4, Clayton...4, Tulsa...3, 6S Haskell...3, Pawhuska...3, Antlers...3, Poteau...3, Broken Arrow...2.8, Tahlequah...2.5, Stillwell...2.5, Skiatook...3, Claremore...1.5, Oologah...1.5, Jay...1, Bartlesville...1, 7 West of Nowata...1, Copan...0.8, Wann...0.5, Vinita...0.5, The following locations reported a trace...Welch, Miami, and Pryor. OKLAHOMA, Extreme Southeast OKZ077 Mccurtain 12 2000CST 0 0 140K Ice Storm 13 1600CST An artic air mass spilled southward out of the central plains and into the lower Mississippi Valley. This cold, surface airmass, was overrun by a warm and humid air mass which combined with a strong upper level storm system across west Texas. The result was widespread rain across southeast Oklahoma, most of which became freezing rain. Sleet and light snow accompanied the freezing rain and in the aftermath of the storm, ice accumulations of two to four inches were common. Much of the county lost electrical power due to ice covered power lines breaking under the wight of the ice, or ice covered tree limbs falling onto power lines and snapping them. Numerous traffic accidents were also reported across the county as ice covered roads and bridges played havoc with travel. Many homes suffered damage from fallen trees and tree limbs. As a result, the Oklahoma governor declared a state of emergency for McCurtain county. OKZ077 Mccurtain 24 2300CST 0 0 1.2M Ice Storm 26 2155CST After trying to recover from an ice storm two week earlier, another even more devastating ice storm struck much of southeast Oklahoma. Freezing rain resulting in accumulations ranging from 1/4 inch to 3 inches which paralyzed the entire county. At one point there was no power anywhere in the county and some locations went without power for almost a month. Numerous trees and utility poles were snapped due to the weight of the ice. The county was declared a disaster area. OKLAHOMA, Panhandle

NONE REPORTED.

120 125 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OKLAHOMA, Western, Central and Southeast OKZ006-011-014>019- Alfalfa - Major - Roger Mills - Dewey - Custer - Blaine - Kingfisher - Logan - Beckham - Washita - Caddo - 021>047-050>051 Canadian - Oklahoma - Lincoln - Grady - Mcclain - Cleveland - Pottawatomie - Seminole - Hughes - Harmon - Greer - Kiowa - Jackson - Tillman - Comanche - Stephens - Garvin - Murray - Pontotoc - Coal - Cotton - Jefferson - Carter - Johnston - Love - Marshall 13 0600CST 0 0 Winter Storm 0800CST OKZ048-052 Atoka - Bryan 13 0800CST 0 0 Ice Storm OKZ007>008-012>013- Grant - Kay - Garfield - Noble - Payne 020 13 1000CST 0 0 Heavy Snow A winter storm affected much of western and central Oklahoma and western north Texas during the evening of the 12th and the morning of the 13th. Mostly snow fell across north central Oklahoma with amounts averaging 4 to 6 inches across portions of Alfalfa, Major, Grant, Garfield, Kay, Noble, and Payne Counties, while farther south a mixture of sleet and snow, along with a little freezing rain, accumulated to a depth of 1 to 3 inches. Across far southeast Oklahoma, including Atoka and Bryan Counties, up to 1 inch of a sleet and freezing rain mixture fell. Numerous schools and businesses were closed for 1 to 2 days, and many people were left without power. OKZ015-027 Dewey - Grady 16 0840CST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 0925CST Wind speeds between 50 and 60 mph affected portions of Dewey and Grady Counties during the morning of the 16th. OKZ004>022-033>036 Harper - Woods - Alfalfa - Grant - Kay - Ellis - Woodward - Major - Garfield - Noble - Roger Mills - Dewey - Custer - Blaine - Kingfisher - Logan - Payne - Beckham - Washita - Harmon - Greer - Kiowa - Jackson 26 0300CST 0 0 1.9M Winter Storm 1400CST OKZ023>032-037>048- Caddo - Canadian - Oklahoma - Lincoln - Grady - Mcclain - Cleveland - Pottawatomie - Seminole - Hughes - 050>052 Tillman - Comanche - Stephens - Garvin - Murray - Pontotoc - Coal - Cotton - Jefferson - Carter - Johnston - Atoka - Love - Marshall - Bryan 26 0300CST 0 0 74.3M Ice Storm 1800CST A major winter storm developed during the evening of the 25th across all of western, central, and southeast Oklahoma, with significant accumulations of snow and ice beginning shortly after 0000 CST on the 26th. Mainly snow fell across northwest Oklahoma with accumulations between 8 and 12 inches reported across northern Beckham, Roger Mills, and southern Ellis Counties. Snow amounts varied widely across the rest of northwest Oklahoma with 4 to 8 inches falling across portions of Dewey and Custer Counties, and only 1 to 2 inches across Woods and Alfalfa Counties, however even in areas where snow amounts were light, significant disruptions in travel and power outages were reported.

A broad zone of a mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain fell to the east of the above mentioned area. Four to 8 inches of a snow/sleet mixture fell from near Enid and Weatherford southwestward to Elk City, while farther east, 2 to 4 inches of a snow/sleet/freezing rain mixture fell from near Ponca City and , southwestward to near Lawton and Altus.

The worst ice storm in decades affected much of south central and southeast Oklahoma with a mixture of freezing rain and sleet accumulating to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Where the precipitation fell as mainly freezing rain, ice accumulations were about 1 inch. Damage to property was extensive with the greatest damage observed in a narrow corridor from Walters and Randlett in Cotton County northeastward through Duncan, Ringling, Waurika, Pauls Valley, Sulphur, Ardmore, Marietta, Ada, Centrahoma, Wewoka, and Holdenville. Thousands of homes and vehicles were damaged by falling trees and ice, while thousands of additional trees and utility poles were damaged or destroyed. Tens of thousands of residents were left without electricity for nearly a week, while thousands of residents were without water or phone service for several days. Statewide, near 170,000 residents were without electricity on the 26th and 27th.

Six indirect fatalities are believed to be associated with the winter storm. On the 25th, 2 passengers were killed on Interstate 35, west of Stillwater in Payne County, when their vehicle crossed the median and struck another vehicle head-on. Another accident on the 25th resulted in 1 fatality when a vehicle on Interstate 35 near Purcell in McClain County, crossed the median and struck another vehicle head-on. Two women died on the 26th after falling on the ice, one near Ponca City in Kay County, and the other in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County. The last known fatality occurred on the 27th when a man working for a utility company was electrocuted while attempting to restore electrical power in Hughes County. OKZ005>008-011>013- Woods - Alfalfa - Grant - Kay - Major - Garfield - Noble - Blaine - Kingfisher - Logan - Payne - Lincoln - 017>020-026-042>043- Pontotoc - Coal - Johnston - Atoka 047>048 31 1100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1800CST Snow fell across most of the Oklahoma during the morning and afternoon of the 31st, with 4 to 6 inches accumulating in 2 narrow bands, one across north central Oklahoma and the other across southeast Oklahoma. The first band was located from near Alva and

121 126 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OKLAHOMA, Western, Central and Southeast Fairview in northern Oklahoma east and southeastward to near Ponca City, Perry, Stillwater, and Chandler, while the other band was located across portions of Pontotoc, Coal, Johnston, and Atoka Counties in southeast Oklahoma. Numerous disruptions in routine travel and school closings were reported. OREGON, Central and East ORZ043 Central Oregon 11 0800PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1900PST 6 inches of snow fell within 12 hours at Wickiup Dam, which is 9 miles west of La Pine at an elevation of 4400 feet. ORZ046 Blue Mountains 14 1000PST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 15 0930PST 12 inches of snow fell at Tollgate, which is located in the Blue Mountains at an elevation of 5100 feet. ORZ042 North Central Oregon 14 1730PST 0 0 120K High Wind (G52) 1930PST High winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, created widespread damage and caused a power outage that affected the Madras Industrial Park. At the Bright Wood Corp, a metal roof blew onto another building and caused 50,000 dollars of damage. At the Madras Airport, winds damaged the doors and windows of a hanger as well as three planes parked inside. Several homes in Madras lost shingles and fence boards ORZ045 Foothills Of The Blue Mountains 14 1815PST 0 0 200K 0 High Wind (G54) M 1915PST Widespread damage occurred along the foothills of the Blue Mountains during a rain and snow squall. In Pendleton, a peak wind gust of 62 mph was recorded by ASOS at 6:32 pm at the airport. In addition, several dozen mature trees were toppled in Olney Cemetery. Power outages occurred in Pendleton when winds blew objects into power lines. Pacific Power Company mentioned that around 2300 customers lost power, which wasn't fully restored until noon the next day. Winds also tore off a 10 by 100 foot section of roof from the Harris Jr Academy, which is located in southwest Pendleton. Many roofs and chimneys were damaged nearby in the neighborhood of SW 18th Street and Perkins. Elsewhere, winds caused outages and blew down trees in the Umatilla Indian Reservation and near Cabbage Hill. A tree fell onto a house in Wildhorse Canyon, which is 10 miles southeast of Athena. At another location 5 miles east of Lexington, winds tore the roof off a residence. In Mission, a wind gust estimated as high as 100 mph tore the roof from a commercial building. ORZ047 John Day Basin 14 1850PST 0 0 0 0 High Wind (G50) A line of showers produced an estimated wind gust of 58 mph 9 miles west of Service Creek. This location is next to the John Day River at an elevation of 1600 feet. ORZ049>050 Grand Ronde Valley - Wallowa County 14 1900PST 0 0 40K 0 High Wind (G45) 2100PST High winds during the evening blew down trees and brought widespread power outages to portions of the Grande Ronde Valley and Wallowa County. In the Grande Ronde Valley, the Union airport recorded a wind gust of 48 mph. The towns of Summerville, Imbler, and Union all lost power for several hours. In Wallowa County, several trees were downed on Highway 3 in Minam Canyon. A wind gust of 52 mph was recorded by a spotter in Joseph at 6:30 pm. ORZ046-049 Blue Mountains - Grand Ronde Valley 15 0800PST 0 0 200K 0 High Wind (G50) 1600PST High winds throughout the day closed roads and caused considerable damage to businesses and residences throughout the Grande Ronde Valley and the Blue Mountains. In the Blue Mountains, power was lost at Spout Springs for 3 days. Highway 204, which crosses the Blue Mountains between Elgin and Westin, was closed for almost two days due to downed trees and an additional high wind threat. The Oregon DOT estimated that over 140 trees were felled either across or next to Highway 204. Interstate 84 through Ladd Canyon was closed for three hours during the afternoon. Upon reopening, high winds and blowing snow snarled traffic. In La Grande, wind gusts as high as 58 mph damaged the roof and a wall at Globe Furniture and the roof of a nearby sub shop. Several streets were closed at times due to fallen power lines. Elsewhere in the Grande Ronde Valley, several power poles were downed between Imbler and Elgin. ORZ041 Eastern Columbia River Gorge 15 1030PST 1 0 100K High Wind Strong crosswinds gusting as high as 60 mph blew a semi-truck off the Highway 97 bridge that crosses the Columbia River Gorge. The vehicle fell into the river, killing the driver. M47VE ORZ043 Central Oregon 16 1814PST 0 0 0 0 High Wind (G56) M A sustained of 35 mph with a gust as high as 65 mph was measured by a RAWS automated sensor located on Lava Butte ( Elevation 4500 feet ).

122 127 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OREGON, Central and East ORZ042 North Central Oregon 16 1838PST 0 0 0 0 High Wind (G56) M Sustained winds of 40 mph with a gust of 65 mph were measured with an automated sensor at a RAWS site at North Pole Ridge. ( Elevation 3500 feet ). Nearby, a gust of 58 mph was measured at an elevation of 2200 feet at the Patjens RAWS site. ORZ049 Grand Ronde Valley 18 2200PST 0 0 0 0 High Wind (G42) M 19 1000PST High winds were measured overnight by an Oregon Dept. of Transportation wind sensor at the mouth of Ladd Canyon. Throughout the night sustained winds of over 40 mph with gusts around 60 mph created hazardous driving conditions. ORZ042 North Central Oregon 21 0500PST 0 5 170K 0 Winter Storm 1600PST Light freezing rain that fell early in the morning left roads slick. This lead to at least 7 accidents over a period of 5 hours near the town of Madras. The most serious accident was a rollover on Highway 97 near High Bridge that injured several people. OREGON, Northwest ORZ007-011-013 Central Willamette Valley - Northern Oregon Cascades - Cascades In Lane County 11 1200PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 22 2200PST A winter storm brought 6 inches of snow to Dallas, 3 inches to Salem, 12 inches to Willamette Pass, and 8 inches to Santiam Pass. ORZ001-004-006>007- Northern Oregon Coast - Central Coast Range Of W Oregon - Greater Portland Metro Area - Central 009 Willamette Valley - Western Columbia River Gorge 13 0200PST 0 0 20K High Wind (G57) M 15 1200PST A winter storm brought strong winds to the North and Central Oregon Coast, and North and Central Willamette Valley, along with snow and freezing rain to the Western Columbia River Gorge. The Coast Guard in Tillamook and Siuslaw River both reported winds to 46 mph, while Seaside reported gusts to 66 mph. In the Willamette Valley, Mollala, Woodburn, McMinnville and Canby had gusts to 52 mph. Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge had 4 to 5 inches of snow along with heavy freezing rain. Damage from this storm included trees toppled, power lines downed, widespread power outages, and some roof damage. A hardware store in Sweet Home reported roof damage at $20,000. ORZ001>002-011 Northern Oregon Coast - Central Oregon Coast - Northern Oregon Cascades 16 0300PST 0 0 Winter Storm 2200PST A winter storm brought strong winds and heavy swell to the North and Central Oregon Coast, and very strong winds to the Northern Oregon Cascades. Along the coast, Seaside reported gusts to 65 to 70 mph, and Netarts gusts to 63 mph. Buoy 050 (near Newport) reported swell to 20 feet. Strong winds also buffeted the Northern Cascades, with Timberline Lodge reporting a gust to 116 mph and Mt. Hood Meadows gusts to 106 mph. Along with the strong winds, Mt Hood Meadows reported receiving 12 inches of snow, Government Camp 11 inches, Willamette Pass 7 inches and Santiam Pass 6 inches. ORZ001>002-009 Northern Oregon Coast - Central Oregon Coast - Western Columbia River Gorge 21 0200PST 0 0 Winter Storm 22 1900PST A winter storm brought strong winds and heavy swell to the Oregon Coast. It also brought heavy snow to the Western Columbia River Gorge. On the coast Florence reported winds to 67 mph, Garibaldi gusts to 63 mph and Netarts gusts to 55 mph. Bouy 050 (near Newport) had swells to 28 feet and Bouy 29 (at the mouth of the Columbia River) reported swells to 25 feet. In the Gorge Hood River had 10 inches of snow while Cascade Locks reported 7 inches. OREGON, Southeast

NONE REPORTED. OREGON, Southwest ORZ025 Eastern Douglas County Foothills 14 0541PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 15 0001PST See below. A was issued for the above zone and times above 3500 feet. Unfortunately, this is a sparsely populated area and no verifying reports were received. ORZ021>022 South Central Oregon Coast - Curry County Coast 16 0529PST 0 0 High Wind (G46) M 1655PST See below. In anticipation of a winter storm, a High Wind Warning was issued for the above zones and times. While strong south winds did develop along the coast, none of the reported winds met warning criteria. ORZ021-021-021 South Central Oregon Coast 21 0300PST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 0900PST Cape Blanco winds sustained 46 KT gusting to 52 KT. 123 128 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

OREGON, Southwest A High Wind Warning was issued for the Southern Oregon coast (zones ORZ021/022) at 0346 PST on 12/21/00 and expired at 0448 PST on 12/22/00. This was due to a winter storm which moved onshore this day. The only verifying winds were recorded at Cape Blanco with the highest sustained and peak winds reported above. PACIFIC Guam Countywide 03 0200SST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 0600SST Convergent trade wind flow generated heavy showers over Guam. The heaviest precipitation occurred between 0200 to 0600. 0.33 inches of rain was recorded at the National Weather Service Office at Tiyan between midnight and 0400 most of it falling between 0200 and 0400. An additional 0.61 inches was recorded between 0400 and 1000 with most of this falling between 0400 and 0600. Guam Countywide 18 1000SST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 19 0000SST Remnants of a Shear line brought heavy showers and a few thunderstorms to Guam with 1 inch of rain falling between 1000 and midnight. A wind gust of 38 mph was observed at the National Weather Service Office at 1922. Guam Countywide 23 0200SST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 1000SST An Inverted trough brought heavy rain to Guam between 0200 and 1000. 1.07 inches of rain fell between midnight and 1000 at the National Weather Service Office at Tiyan. A wind gust of 45 mph was recorded at the Weather Office at 0715. Guam Countywide 25 0700SST 0 0 Urban/Sml Stream Fld 1000SST Convergent trade wind flow generated heavy showers over Guam. 1.08 inches of rain was recorded at the National Weather Service Office at Tiyan between 0400 and 1000 most of it falling between 0700 and 1000. An automated weather observing station recorded in Mangilao recorded 0.98 inches of rain between 0300 and 0800. PENNSYLVANIA, Central PAZ004>005 Warren - Mckean 05 1500EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 06 1000EST A northwest flow of cold air across Lake Erie produced bands of lake effect snow across the area. Snowfall totals ranged from about 6 to 8 inches around Columbus and Bear Lake in Warren County to 3 to 5 inches in other areas. PAZ004>006-010>012- Warren - Mckean - Potter - Elk - Cameron - Northern Clinton - Clearfield - Northern Centre - Southern 017>019-024>028- Centre - Cambria - Blair - Huntingdon - Mifflin - Juniata - Somerset - Bedford - Fulton - Franklin - Tioga - 033>037-041>042- Northern Lycoming - Sullivan - Southern Clinton - Southern Lycoming - Union - Snyder - Montour - 045>046-049>053- Northumberland - Columbia - Perry - Dauphin - Schuylkill - Lebanon - Cumberland - Adams - York - 056>059-063>066 Lancaster 12 0400EST 1 2 500.4K High Wind 1000EST Low pressure tracked northeast from the Mississippi Valley, intensifying rapidly as it tracked across Cleveland, OH overnight to , Canada by Tuesday morning of the 12th. A strong cold front trailing from the low moved east across Pennsylvania producing wind damage in every central PA county. Statewide, it was estimated some 200,000 customers were without electricity at some time during the event. A 79-year old female died at 5:30 a.m. in Westport, Clinton County, when a tree fell on her mobile home as she slept. The tree, a sycamore, broke off about 15 feet above the ground and fell on the mobile home. A volunteer fireman was injured when a tree fell on his truck near Ebensburg in Cambria County, and a girl had a leg broken by a falling tree at Kantz in Snyder County.

Some wind reports included: 82 mph 2 west of Somerset, 77 mph at Schuylkill Haven, 74 mph in Shippensburg, 73 mph in Lancaster at TV-8. 68 mph was reported at Rock Springs west of State College, and 68 mph at the Penn State Meteorological Observatory; 67 mph at Emergency Management near Williamsport; 64 mph at Altoona Airport; 63 mph at Clearfield Airport; 61 mph in Lebanon; 69 mph at Johnstown Airport; and 59 mph in Pottsville.

Trees and power lines were blown down in many locations across the region. Some homes had structural damage from trees, and a number of barns and outbuildings had roofs removed. A high school in Fannetsburg in Franklin County had a large part of the roof blown off the gymnasium. Fortunately, the damage occurred around 5:30 a.m. A roof was blown off an oil change station east of Bedford. The same station was destroyed by a small tornado in January of 1999. In Warren, United Refining had a 110-foot smoke stack blown over by the wind about 4:30 a.m. A mobile home was blown off its foundation and a barn collapsed in Somerset. A glass window was blown out of a hardware store in Galeton. A home lost a metal roof in Danville, and 2 homes and a mobile home had parts of roofs blown off in Columbia County. A roof was blown off a lumber yard building in Huntingdon and a rubber roof was pealed off a water treatment plant in York. Southeast of State College, a barn lost 1/3 of its roof on Route 45 and a 4-foot diamter Elm was blown down just north of the Penn State Campus. Winds also tore the roof from a house in New Berlin. F79MH

124 129 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, Central PAZ004>006-010>012- Warren - Mckean - Potter - Elk - Cameron - Northern Clinton - Clearfield - Northern Centre - Southern 017>019-024>028- Centre - Cambria - Blair - Huntingdon - Mifflin - Juniata - Somerset - Bedford - Fulton - Franklin - Tioga - 033>037-041>042- Northern Lycoming - Sullivan - Southern Clinton - Southern Lycoming - Union - Snyder - Montour - 045>046-049>053- Northumberland - Columbia - Perry - Dauphin - Schuylkill - Lebanon - Cumberland - Adams - York - 056>059-063>066 Lancaster 13 2200EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 1000EST A complex area of low pressure moved from the Mississippi Valley northeast across Pennsylvania. A hazardous mixture of sleet and freezing rain fell across much of the area. From one to two inches of heavy sleet accumulated in many locations and freezing rain formed a glaze of 1/4 inch in some spots. Precipitation amounts measured close to one inch of water in many locations. Schools were delayed or cancelled, power was out in a few areas, and travel was hazardous through the early morning hours. Columbia County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Dauphin County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Lebanon County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Montour County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Northumberland County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Schuylkill County Countywide 17 0830EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Lycoming County Countywide 17 0930EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Sullivan County Countywide 17 0930EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1230EST Lancaster County Countywide 17 1030EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1330EST York County Countywide 17 1030EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1330EST From one to three inches of rain fell across the region from late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Pine Grove reported a 24 hour rainfall of 2.88 inches. 2.54 inches fell in Harrisburg. Reports around 2 inches were common across much of the Susquehanna Region. Small streams flooded, and many roads were closed. Several people were rescued from their cars as they drove into flooded areas. PAZ041>042-046-049- Northern Lycoming - Sullivan - Southern Lycoming - Union - Montour 051 19 0800EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2200EST Moderate to heavy snow fell across a large portion of central Pennsylvania. Most areas picked up from 3 to 5 inches, but a narrow band of heavier snow accumulating up to 7 inches fell across parts of Union and southern Lycoming County northeast into Sullivan and Montour counties. PAZ004 Warren 24 1800EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 25 1000EST Several narrow bands of lake effect snow affected western Warren County during the evening of the 24th and into early on the 25th. Local snow accumulation amounts of 6 to 8 inches were reported across western portions of the county.

125 130 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, East PAZ054>055-060>062- Carbon - Monroe - Berks - Lehigh - Northampton - Chester - Montgomery - Bucks - Delaware - Philadelphia 067>071 12 0700EST 1 1 360K High Wind (G51) M 1200EST A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and its associated cold front produced high winds across Eastern Pennsylvania during the morning of the 12th. Peak wind gusts ranged between 50 and 60 mph. A 50-year-old man was killed in Alsace Township (Berks County) when a tree fell onto his pickup truck at 930 a.m. EST. The high wind knocked down trees, tree limbs, power lines and holiday decorations. Several buildings, homes and vehicles were damaged by either the wind or fallen trees. The high winds spewed the streets with fallen branches and runaway trash and recyclables and knocked down numerous Christmas trees at nurseries. About 105,000 homes and businesses lost power. This was part of the about 450,000 homes and businesses that lost power statewide. Dozens of schools dismissed their children early because the loss of power left them unable to heat the classrooms and serve lunch. All power was restored by the evening of the 13th. The tree damage was relatively high given the reported wind speeds. Part of the reason was due to relatively benign winds in the latter half of this year. Many weakened trees were pruned by the high winds.

In the southern Poconos about 7,500 homes and businesses lost power. In Carbon County the worst damage occurred in Lansford when a roof was torn off from a fitness center. The roof debris scattered throughout the neighborhood and damaged a rain gutter and broke at least one window. All of Jim Thorpe lost power when fallen trees took down wires in Weissport. In Monroe County, the greatest concentration of power outages were in Pocono Farms and Bartonsville. In the Lehigh Valley, about 7,000 homes and businesses lost power. A billboard was knocked down in Allentown. Several flights at the international airport were canceled.

In southeast Pennsylvania, the 89,300 customers that lost power in the PECO Energy service area was the largest outage of the year. The worst damage occurred in Bucks County as numerous trees were knocked down. In Northampton Township alone, emergency personnel responded to 29 calls of downed trees and wires. In Bristol Township, a 300-year-old oak tree fell through the guest room of one house. In Middletown Township, sections of a roof was stripped from a building at Business Route 1 and damaged several cars. In Perkasie, a tattoo store had two of its large windows blown out. Most of the southern half of Sellersville lost power. In Montgomery County, a construction worker in Conshohocken suffered a head injury when a wind driven pulley struck him. Part of the roof of a Sears building in Norristown was ripped away. In Chester County, a brush fire was started by downed power lines in Modena. In Philadelphia, the wind blew out a window from a Market Street building. The peak wind gust of 53 mph at Philadelphia International Airport was the highest wind gust at the airport since June 1, 1998.

Other peak wind gusts included 59 mph within Reading (Berks County), 58 mph at the Reading Regional Airport, 57 mph at FDR Park (Philadelphia), 56 mph in Lansdale (Montgomery County) and the Mount Pocono (Monroe County) Airport, 54 mph at Northeast Philadelphia Airport and Scranton Avoca Airport, 53 mph at the Doylestown (Bucks County) Airport, 51 mph at the Willow Grove NAS (Montgomery County) and 49 mph at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

The low pressure system intensified from a 1009 Mb central pressure in Missouri the morning of the 11th to a 984 Mb low near Burlington, Vermont the morning of the 12th. The rapid drop of the central pressure of the low of about 25 Mb within a 24 hour period is normally described as a meteorological bomb. This rapid intensification normally occurs over the western Atlantic Ocean, but when it does occur over land, could cause high winds and wind damage. M50VE PAZ054>055-060>062- Carbon - Monroe - Berks - Lehigh - Northampton - Chester - Montgomery - Bucks 067>069 13 2230EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0830EST PAZ070>071 Delaware - Philadelphia 13 2240EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0330EST A winter storm of sleet and freezing rain encrusted much of Eastern Pennsylvania with a combination of about three-quarters of an inch of sleet and ice. Precipitation began during the late evening of the 13th as a mixture of sleet and snow in the Poconos, a mixture of sleet and freezing rain in Berks and Bucks Counties and the Lehigh Valley and as mainly freezing rain across the rest of southeast Pennsylvania. Precipitation changed to plain rain in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties by around 3 a.m. EST on the 14th with ice accretions generally less than one-tenth of an inch. But by that time across the rest of Eastern Pennsylvania precipitation was falling as mainly freezing rain. Temperatures slowly rose above freezing from southwest to northeast that morning, but took until around 830 a.m. EST for the last of the sub-freezing air to be scoured from the Poconos.

The hardest hit locations were in a strip across Berks east into Upper Chester, Montgomery and Bucks Counties where freezing rain was the predominate precipitation type. Ice accretions in these areas averaged around half an inch. Elsewhere they were around one-quarter of an inch as either more sleet fell (farther to the north) or the precipitation changed to plain rain (closer to Philadelphia) faster. The ice knocked down tree limbs and power lines. In Berks County, about 16,000 customers lost power. Hardest hit were the rural locations in the seven westernmost townships in the county. PECO Energy reported about 16,500 customers lost power in Chester, Montgomery and Bucks Counties. There were several accidents because of the slippery roads, but the number was relatively low due to the time the most hazardous precipitation was falling. Schools were closed in the Poconos. Two hour opening delays were common elsewhere. A few other schools were closed because of the lack of power. Since most of the sleet and ice fell overnight, the number of traffic accidents were relatively low.

A strong high pressure system nestled itself across the northeastern United States on the 13th. It brought some very cold and dry air

126 131 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, East into the region. As the high moved offshore the evening of the 13th, temperatures did not have enough time to recover to the freezing mark. During the evening of the 13th, the low pressure system moved from the lower Tennessee Valley northeast into the upper Ohio Valley during the early morning of the 14th. A secondary low pressure system did form in Chesapeake Bay toward dawn on the 14th and moved northeast through New Jersey during the morning. It eventually became the primary low pressure system on that afternoon as it headed toward Cape Cod. These lows were relatively weak (their central pressures as of 1 p.m. EST on the 14th were only around normal sea level pressure). Thus as warmer air was streaming in aloft, the weak southeast flow from the relatively warm Atlantic Ocean took a while to move inland and change the freezing rain to plain rain. PAZ054>055 Carbon - Monroe 16 0900EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 1400EST A weak low pressure system developed along the North Carolina coastline during the early morning of the 16th and moved offshore during the day. In a situation similar to what occurred on December 14th, a large high pressure system brought in cold air near the surface the day before. The low itself was relatively weak and the warmer east winds took until the early afternoon to raise all surface temperatures in the Poconos above freezing even though it was warm enough aloft for precipitation to fall as rain. Rainfall amounts were light, generally under one-tenth of an inch. But, it does not take much freezing rain to cause problems on untreated roadways. An example of this occurred in Coolbaugh Township (Monroe County) when a vehicle lost control, flipped and knocked down a street sign. No very serious injuries were reported. PAZ054>055-060>062- Carbon - Monroe - Berks - Lehigh - Northampton - Chester - Montgomery - Bucks - Delaware - Philadelphia 067>071 17 0300EST 0 0 Wind 2300EST PAZ060 Berks 17 0300EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 0800EST Chester County Countywide 17 0615EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) 0630EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front set the stage for an extremely windy day across Eastern Pennsylvania on December 17th. Gusty southerly winds buffeted the region during the first half of the day. Thunderstorms embedded within bands of heavy precipitation exacerbated the wind, especially in Chester County. As the cold front passed through the region during the afternoon of the 17th, the strong southerly winds were replaced by equally strong westerly winds into the evening. The difference was there were no thunderstorms to mix down the stronger winds. Most of the peak wind gusts occurred during the morning and were between 40 and 55 mph.

Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down in Berks County, particularly in Saint Lawrence Borough and the Reiffton area of Exeter Township. About 2,000 homes and businesses lost power. In Chester County, numerous trees and wires were knocked down also with about 10,000 PECO Energy customers losing power. Elsewhere across Eastern Pennsylvania, the strong winds knocked down weakened trees and tree limbs and power lines that were in their way of the ground. In Lehigh County, U.S. Route 222 was closed in Breinigsville (Upper Macungie Township) because of downed poles. The combination of wind and lightning caused about 6.000 GPU Energy customers to lose power in Berks County and the Lehigh Valley and 47,900 PECO Energy customers to lose power in and around Philadelphia.

Reported peak wind gusts included 57 mph in Telford (Bucks County), 55 mph in Kimberton (Chester County), 46 mph at the Philadelphia International Airport, 41 mph at Pottstown (Montgomery County) Airport and the Lehigh Valley International Airport and 40 mph at Reading (Berks County) Airport. Record breaking high temperatures occurred at both the Philadelphia (65 degrees) and Lehigh Valley (63 degrees) International Airports. Chester County Westtown 17 0619EST 0 0 250K 0 Lightning Lightning struck the Jefferson Mews Apartments in Westtown Township. The ensuing fire gutted 24 units, but no serious injuries were reported. Chester County Countywide 17 0645EST 0 0 Flood 18 0400EST Bucks County Countywide 17 0730EST 0 0 Flood 2200EST Montgomery County Countywide 17 0730EST 0 0 Flood 2030EST Delaware County Countywide 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 18 0400EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across Southeast Pennsylvania. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy

127 132 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, East downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell just on the Chester County side of the Chester/Delaware County line northeast through central Montgomery County into northern Bucks County. Doppler Radar storm total estimates exceeded four inches in isolated locations in Upper Bucks County. The heavy rain caused urban and poor drainage flooding and also led to the flooding of some major streams and rivers in the region.

In Bucks County, the upper part of the county was hit hard by flooding. In the Pennridge area 2.5 inches of rain fell between 630 a.m. and 730 a.m. EST alone. Streams in the area including the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek flooded. Roads, basements and parkland were flooded. In Sellersville, a half dozen homes had their basements pumped. Roads were also closed in Perkasie, West and East Rockhill Townships. In West Rockhill Township, a rockslide blocked one roadway. In Chester County, the Brandywine Creek flooded and forced road closures including Pennsylvania State Route 100 in Pocopson Township. The French Creek flooded. Other creek flooding forced road closures in Westtown and East Goshen Townships.

In Chester County, the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek below Downingtown reached its 7 foot flood stage at 930 a.m. EST on the 17th, crested at 10.78 feet at 130 p.m. EST and was back within bankfull at 730 p.m. EST on the 17th. Farther downstream, the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford (sharing the Delaware County line) exceeded its 9 foot flood stage from 230 p.m. EST on the 17th through 4 a.m. EST on the 18th. It crested at 10.64 feet at 9 p.m. EST on the 17th. In Delaware County, the Chester Creek near Chester was above its 8 foot flood stage from 915 a.m. through 6 p.m. EST on the 17th. It crested at 8.97 feet at Noon EST. In Montgomery County, the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford reached its 11 foot flood stage at 10 a.m. EST on the 17th, crested at 13.71 feet at 5 p.m. EST on the 17th and was back within bankfull at 830 p.m. EST on the 17th. In Bucks County, the Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne reached its 9 foot flood stage at 4 p.m. EST on the 17th, crested at 9.93 feet at 7 p.m. EST on the 17th and was back within bankfull at 10 p.m. EST on the 17th. The Schuylkill River came within one foot of its flood stage at most of its forecast points including Philadelphia.

Storm totals included 3.45 inches in West Chester (Chester County), 3.34 inches in Glenmoore (Chester County) and Springtown (Bucks County), 3.25 inches in Exton (Chester County), 3.24 inches in Perkasie (Bucks County), 2.72 inches in Palm (Montgomery County), 2.64 inches in Green Lane (Montgomery County), 2.52 inches in Pottstown (Montgomery County), 1.55 inches at the Willow Grove NAS (Montgomery County) and 1.28 inches in Neshaminy Falls (Bucks County) Berks County Countywide 17 0700EST 0 0 Flood 1200EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across Berks County. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The heaviest rain fell in the northwest half of the county where Doppler Radar storm total estimates exceeded four inches in isolated locations. But most of the county had storm totals which exceeded two inches. The heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding and also led to the flooding of some major streams in the county.

Stream flooding was reported in Albany, Earl, Hereford and Richmond Townships. The worst flooding occurred along the Sacony Creek in Richmond Township as homes were evacuated along the creek in the Virginville area. Several major roads were closed. A piece off an old dam along the Schuylkill River in Muhlenberg Township broke away, but caused no damage. Storm totals included 2.94 inches at the Blue Marsh Dam, 2.85 inches in Bechtelsville, 2.53 inches in Vinemont and Morgantown and 2.14 inches in Reading. The Schuylkill River at Berne crested barely (11.99 feet) before its 12 foot flood stage at 4 p.m. EST on the 17th. Northampton County Bethlehem 17 0730EST 0 0 10K 0 Lightning Lightning struck the roof of the Main Street Commons in Bethlehem. A six foot by six foot section of the roof was damaged. A small fire ensued and smoke went down the elevator shaft into the building. Some of the food within the building was damaged. Total building damage and food losses were estimated at $10,000. No serious injuries were reported. Lehigh County Countywide 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 1200EST Northampton County Countywide 17 0800EST 0 0 Flood 1200EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and cold front not only set the stage for an extremely windy day, but also produced heavy rain and flooding across the Lehigh Valley. A series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across the region during the first half of the 17th. The Lehigh Valley was located between the bands of heaviest rains that affected the Poconos and the northwest Philadelphia suburbs. Nevertheless Doppler Radar storm total estimates averaged between 1.5 and 3.0 inches.The heavy rain caused urban and poor drainage flooding and also led to the flooding of some of the streams in the valley.

In Lehigh County, emergency personnel were busy pumping flooded basements, rescuing stranded motorists and barricading roads made impassable by water. This included Pennsylvania State Route 309 in Alburtis Borough. In Allentown, two families were evacuated because of fear of a roof collapse. Also within Allentown, the Cedar Creek flooded, partially submerging trucks in a parking lot. In Northampton County, the Bushkill Creek flooded in both Palmer and Bushkill Townships. Roadblocks were set up on several roadways. In Bethlehem, The Monocacy Creek flooded Center Street and the industrial quarter of the city. The creek also flooded in Allen and East Allen Township and caused more road closures.

128 133 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, East

Storm totals included 3.49 inches in Bath (Northampton County), 2.84 inches in Easton (Northampton County) and 2.28 inches at the Lehigh Valley International Airport Carbon County Countywide 17 0900EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST Monroe County Countywide 17 0900EST 0 0 Flood 1300EST An unseasonably warm air mass and an intense low pressure system and a slow moving cold front pushed a series of showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours across the region during the first half of the 17th. Widespread heavy rains of between 2.5 and 4.0 inches fell across the entire southern Poconos with Carbon County bearing the brunt of the flooding. In Carbon County, East Penn Township declared a state of emergency because of severe flooding and road damage. Many roads were flooded in the township and one bridge was washed away. The Lizard Creek flooded Pennsylvania State Route 895 within the township. One person was rescued from a stranded vehicle. Every fire department was pumping basements. In Parryville Borough, six feet of water flooded the borough hall basement. The Mahoning Creek flooded West Penn Township. Flooding was also reported in Mahoning Township and Jim Thorpe. A vehicle sank into the liquefied ground in Rush Township. In Monroe County, Pennsylvania State Route 447 was closed north of East Stroudsburg. Several ponds and creeks overflowed onto roadways and into homeowner's basements. As considerably colder air came blasting in that evening, roads became icy and several vehicles slid into embankments and ditches. Storm totals included 3.87 inches in Pocono Summit (Monroe County), 3.67 inches in Jim Thorpe (Carbon County) and 3.14 inches in Stroudsburg (Monroe County). PAZ054>055 Carbon - Monroe 19 1230EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 20 0700EST PAZ060>062-067>071 Berks - Lehigh - Northampton - Chester - Montgomery - Bucks - Delaware - Philadelphia 19 1700EST 0 0 Snow 20 0500EST A secondary low pressure system that developed along the Middle Atlantic coast the evening of the 19th and a primary low pressure system that moved through the Great Lakes brought the first widespread snow of the season to Eastern Pennsylvania and heavy snow to the Poconos. The snow associated with the first low pressure system advanced into the Poconos and Berks County during the afternoon of the 19th. Farther east advancement of the snow waited for the secondary development that evening. The accumulating snow ended by sunrise on the 20th. Accumulations averaged 3 to 7 inches in the Poconos, 2 to 5 inches in Berks County and the Lehigh Valley and 1 to 3 inches across southeast Pennsylvania. School openings on the 20th were delayed for two hours in the Poconos. Roads were slippery, even a snow plow slid on its side in Towamensing Township (Carbon County). Actual accumulations included 7 inches in White Haven (Luzerne County), 6 inches in Cresco and Pocono Summit (Monroe County), 5 inches in Tobyhanna (Monroe County) and Womelsdorf (Berks County), 4 inches in Lehighton (Carbon County), 3.6 inches at the Lehigh Valley International Airport, 3.5 inches in Bath (Northampton County) and Blue Marsh Lake (Berks County), 3.3 inches in East Stroudsburg (Monroe County), 3.2 inches in Palm (Montgomery County), 3 inches in Fricks (Bucks County), 2.5 inches in New Hope (Bucks County), 2.3 inches in Glenmoore (Chester County), 2.0 inches in West Chester (Chester County) and Newtown Square (Delaware County), 1.5 inches in Wynnewood (Montgomery County) and 1 inch at the Philadelphia International Airport, Springfield (Delaware County), Doylestown and Neshaminy Falls (Bucks County). PAZ055-061>062- Monroe - Lehigh - Northampton - Chester - Montgomery - Bucks - Delaware - Philadelphia 067>071 30 0400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The first widespread major snowstorm of the season blanketed most of Eastern Pennsylvania with 5 to 12 inches on December 30th. Snow began falling during the predawn hours and fell heavy at times into the early afternoon. The western edge of the heaviest snow cut across the western parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. For example, in Chester County, accumulations ranged from around 6 inches in the far eastern parts of the county to only an inch along its western border with Lancaster County.

The city of Philadelphia declared a snow emergency, permitting only emergency vehicles to drive through Center City. About thirty flights were cancelled at Philadelphia International Airport. Amtrak cancelled its Metroliner Service along the . Snow emergencies were also declared in a few municipalities in Montgomery and Monroe Counties. Dozens of businesses never opened as heavy snow had already fallen by 10 a.m. EST. Because the heavy snow started early in the day and it was a Saturday morning (the 30th), the number of traffic accidents were relatively low.

Accumulations included 12 inches in Souderton (Montgomery County) and Perkasie (Bucks County), 11 inches in Morgan Hill (Northampton County) and Hatfield (Montgomery County), 10.2 inches in Saylorsburg (Monroe County), 10 inches in Warrington (Bucks County), 9 inches at the Philadelphia International Airport and Levittown (Bucks County), 8.5 inches in Pocono Summit (Monroe County), 8.2 inches in King of Prussia (Montgomery County), 8 inches in Bristol (Bucks County) and Franklin Mills (Philadelphia County), 7 inches in Newtown (Delaware County) and Norristown (Montgomery County), 6.4 inches in Clifton Heights (Delaware County), 6 inches in Allentown, 5 inches at the Lehigh Valley International Airport, 4 inches in Green Lane (Montgomery County) and Valley Forge (Chester County), 2.2 inches in Reading (Berks County), 2 inches in West Chester (Chester County), 1.8

129 134 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, East inches in Pottstown (Montgomery County) and 1 inch in Glenmoore (Chester County).

The low pressure system responsible for the heavy snow developed just east of Elizabeth City, North Carolina during the evening of the 29th. By 5 a.m. EST it was located about 75 miles east of Cape Charles, Virginia and by 9 a.m. EST it was located about 50 miles east of Delaware Bay Buoy. At this point, the low started to intensify more rapidly and by 5 p.m. EST on the 30th as it crossed the Twin Forks of Long Island, it had dropped to a 992 Mb low, a 10 millibar drop in an eight hour period. PENNSYLVANIA, Northeast PAZ038>040-043>044- Bradford - Susquehanna - Wayne - Wyoming - Lackawanna - Luzerne - Pike 047>048 12 0500EST 0 0 450K High Wind (G52) M 2000EST Low pressure moved quickly from northeast Ohio early on the 12th to northeast New York at 7 AM. The low dragged a strong cold front through the area during the morning. Winds with and behind the front were 20 to 35 mph sustained with gusts measured to 60 mph. The highest gusts were with the front. Numerous power lines and trees were brought down. Power outages were widespread. Other damage included roofs collapsed or blown off, signs blown over, a tractor trailer blown onto its side, a light pole collapsed, and trees falling onto houses, cars and wires. PAZ040-043>044- Wayne - Wyoming - Lackawanna - Luzerne - Pike 047>048 13 2300EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 1000EST A complex storm system moving up the Ohio Valley on the 13th reformed off the mid Atlantic coast on the morning of the 14th. The storm then moved northeast up the coast the remainder of the 14th and on the 15th. Snow moved into most of northeast Pennsylvania near the end of the 13th. The snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain early on the 14th before changing to mostly freezing rain around 4 AM. Snow and sleet amounts were up to 3 inches before one quarter to one half inch of freezing rain fell. The freezing rain moved east of the area by 10 AM. Lackawanna County Countywide 17 1000EST 0 0 Flash Flood 1500EST Streams out of their banks. Roads under water or washed out. 1 to 3 inches of rain fell melting the snow on the ground. The snowmelt amounted to another half inch to inch of water equivalent. Damage was sporadic. Wayne County Countywide 17 1000EST 0 0 500K Flash Flood 2300EST Streams out of their banks. Roads under water or washed out. 1 to 3 inches of rain fell melting the snow on the ground. The snow melt amounted to another half inch to inch of water equivalent. Damage was sporadic with the hardest hit town being Berlin in Wayne County. PAZ039>040-044-047 Susquehanna - Wayne - Lackawanna - Luzerne 19 1000EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 20 0500EST A coastal storm formed off the mid Atlantic coast late on the morning of the 19th. Snow moved north well ahead of the storm into northeast Pennsylvania also on the morning of the 19th. The storm was off the New England coast on the morning of the 20th. A narrow band of moderate snow set up across these counties the afternoon of the 19th and continued to around midnight. Snowfall amounts were 4 to 7 inches. To the east of these counties, closer to the coast the warmer air kept snow amounts lower. PAZ039>040-044-048 Susquehanna - Wayne - Lackawanna - Pike 30 0400EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 31 0100EST A major winter storm developed off the DelMarVa Peninsula early on Saturday, December 30th. The storm rapidly spread moderate to heavy snow north and west into extreme eastern Pennsylvania by 8 AM. As the storm center moved north and intensified further off the New Jersey coast during the day on Saturday, the snow continued across northeast Pennsylvania. The snow tapered to snow showers from south to north during the late evening and early morning hours on Sunday December 31st. The heavy snow remained confined to locations east of interstate 81 and north of Scranton. Snowfall totals generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches. To the west of interstate 81 snowfall totals dropped off quickly. PENNSYLVANIA, Northwest PAZ002>003 Southern Erie - Crawford 05 1000EST 0 0 35K Heavy Snow 1800EST Gusty west winds across Lake Erie caused lake effect snow showers to develop during the morning hours. Up to 9 inches of snow fell in southern Erie County with 7 inches reported in Crawford County. Considerable blowing and drifting also occurred. PAZ001>003 Northern Erie - Southern Erie - Crawford 06 2100EST 0 0 60K Heavy Snow 07 1400EST West to northwest winds behind and area of low pressure caused lake effect snow showers to develop on the evening of the 6th. Accumulations of up to 8 inches were reported in Erie County with around 6 inches of snow in northern Crawford County.

130 135 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, Northwest PAZ001>003 Northern Erie - Southern Erie - Crawford 12 0000EST 0 0 550K High Wind 0400EST A very strong area of low pressure moved across Lake Erie late on the evening of the 11th. A cold front stretching south from the low moved into extreme northwest Pennsylvania just after midnight on the 12th. Damaging winds occurred along and behind this front. A 103 mph wind gust was measured at 1:13 AM on the east shore of Conneaut Lake in Crawford County. A gust to 60 mph was recorded at Meadville in Crawford County. In Erie County, winds were estimated at 60 to 80 mph countywide. Hundreds of trees were downed in Erie and Crawford Counties and power outages were widespread. Several homes were damaged by fallen trees and a couple other buildings lost sections of roofing. PAZ003 Crawford 12 0400EST 0 0 100K Heavy Snow 1700EST A very strong cold front moved across the area during the early morning. Gusty northwest winds across Lake Erie caused lake effect snow showers to develop. Up to 9 inches of snow fell in northern Crawford County. Wind gusts to 45 mph at the onset of the snow created white out conditions and considerable blowing and drifting. PAZ001>003 Northern Erie - Southern Erie - Crawford 13 1800EST 0 0 350K Winter Storm 14 1700EST Low pressure moved up the Ohio Valley and into western Pennsylvania early on the 14th. Light precipitation began on the evening of the 13th, but the heaviest precipitation fell during the early morning hours of the 14th. A mixture of snow and freezing rain fell in Crawford County with all snow further north. Significant ice accumulation occurred in Crawford County along with 2 to 4 inches of snow. Up to 7 inches of snow fell in Erie County. Scattered power outages resulted from the ice accumulation. Numerous accidents also occurred. PAZ002 Southern Erie 19 2000EST 0 0 30K Heavy Snow 20 1500EST Lake effect snow showers dumped up to 9 inches of snow on inland portions of Erie County. PAZ001 Northern Erie 22 1400EST 0 0 30K Heavy Snow 23 0700EST Lake effect snow showers dumped up to 8 inches of snow along the Lake Erie shoreline. Gusty northwest winds accompanied the snow and caused considerable blowing and drifting. PAZ001>003 Northern Erie - Southern Erie - Crawford 24 0600EST 0 0 130K Heavy Snow 25 0200EST Lake effect snow showers developed in the morning along the lakeshore. The snow intensified and shifted inland during the afternoon as winds switched from the west to northwest. Accumulations of up to 10 inches were reported along the Lake Erie lakeshore with 6 to 8 inches of snowfall in Crawford and inland sections of Erie County. Gusty winds accompanied the snow and caused considerable blowing and drifting. PAZ001>003 Northern Erie - Southern Erie - Crawford 27 0600EST 0 0 120K Heavy Snow 28 1500EST Lake effect snow showers develop during the morning of the 27th. The snow first fell along the Lake Erie lakeshore then shifted inland as winds switched from the west to the northwest. Accumulations of 6 to 8 inches were reported in Erie and Crawford Counties. A peak total of 10.4 inches was measured at Franklin Center in southern Erie County. PAZ002 Southern Erie 31 0600EST 0 0 50K Heavy Snow 2300EST Lake effect snow showers developed before daybreak and continued most of the day. Accumulations of 6 to 9 inches occurred across inland sections of Erie County. PENNSYLVANIA, West PAZ007>009-013>016- Mercer - Venango - Forest - Lawrence - Butler - Clarion - Jefferson - Beaver - Allegheny - Armstrong - Indiana 020>023-030-032 - Westmoreland - Fayette 12 0313EST 0 0 600K High Wind (G65) 0530EST A strengthening area of low pressure and associated cold front swept across the area during the overnight hours, bringing high winds to much of western Pennsylvania. In general, damage was confined mostly to numerous downed trees and power lines, resulting in a loss of power to an estimated 150,000 homes across western Pennsylvania. However, several incidents of property damage were also reported.

In Sharon, Mercer County, wind gusts estimated as high as 70 MPH blew a tree down onto a garage, causing considerable damage. Several homes in Sharon also had parts of their siding blown away.

The highest wind in the event was an estimated 75 MPH gust in Farmington, Fayette County. Part of a roof was blown from a barn at

131 136 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

PENNSYLVANIA, West that location.

In Indiana County, the high wind damaged several residential roofs and produced isolated incidents of structural damage.

Several residences and businesses in Beaver County reported property damage. A window was blown in at a fast-food restaurant in Conway. A pavilion at a park in Monaca was blown over. In Industry, a tree was blown onto a van, crushing it. In South Beaver, the roof was partially ripped off of an industrial supply company. A partially constructed house in the Beaver area was also blown down by the wind.

In Armstrong County, a roof blew off of a building along Main Street in Elderton. In North Buffalo, the winds ripped off three-quarters of the roof of a monastery.

In Allegheny County, these strong winds resulted in the loss of electricity to an estimated 100,000 homes across the county. In the city of Pittsburgh, two abandoned buildings had their walls blown in. Several reports were also received from across the city of porch awnings and sheds blown down by the wind. PAZ007>009-013>016- Mercer - Venango - Forest - Lawrence - Butler - Clarion - Jefferson - Beaver - Allegheny - Armstrong - Indiana 020>023-029>032 - Washington - Westmoreland - Greene - Fayette 13 2100EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 1000EST A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow spread across western Pennsylvania during the day on the 13th. By late afternoon on the 13th, the snow turned over to sleet in many areas, with several counties reporting sleet accumulations of up to one inch. Finally, by the evening hours of the 13th the precipitation had turned over to freezing rain across all of western Pennsylvania. Every county across the area reported ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch by the late evening hours on the 13th. Numerous accidents were reported on area highways as the freezing rain coated roadways. Various stretches of heavily-traveled Route 30 were closed in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties during the evening due to the accidents. Overnight, the freezing precipitation gradually turned over to rain. However, even by the early morning hours of the 14th a few pockets of freezing drizzle were still being reported as cold air remained trapped in some of the valleys. PAZ023 Indiana 17 1800EST 0 0 2K High Wind (G52) An intensifying area of low pressure moving across the area produced several wind gusts estimated at 60 MPH. A few trees were downed by the high winds near Strongstown on State Route 403. PUERTO RICO

NONE REPORTED. RHODE ISLAND RIZ001-006 Northwest Providence - Washington 12 0800EST 0 0 High Wind (G50) 1800EST RIZ002>005-007 Southeast Providence - Western Kent - Eastern Kent - Bristol - Newport 12 0800EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1800EST A strong cold front brought damaging wind gusts to portions of Rhode Island. Even though there were scattered reports of wind damage throughout the Ocean State, the strongest winds of nearly 60 mph were felt in the higher terrain of northwest Providence County, and along the coastal plain of Washington County. There were many reports of downed trees, tree limbs, and wires in these areas. About 3,500 electric customers lost power statewide. In addition, the combination of strong southwest winds ahead of the front and a high astronomical tide caused minor coastal flooding in low lying areas of eastern Narragansett Bay, including Bristol, Barrington, and Newport. RIZ001>007 Northwest Providence - Southeast Providence - Western Kent - Eastern Kent - Bristol - Washington - Newport 17 1100EST 0 2 High Wind (G50) 2200EST A rapidly strengthening low pressure system west of New England brought a period of damaging southerly winds to much of the Ocean State, as lines of showers passed through southern New England. Following the passage of a strong cold front later in the day, increasing northwest winds caused damage over much of the state once again. Peak wind gusts of nearly 60 mph were common throughout Rhode Island, resulting in countless reports of downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines. About 5,700 electric customers were left without power statewide. Two people were injured just outside Providence, when the car they were driving in was struck by a falling tree. High winds and rough seas forced the cancellation of at least one run of the Block Island Ferry. RIZ001-003 Northwest Providence - Western Kent 30 1300EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2100EST The season's first winter storm dumped 6 to 9 inches of snow in western Kent and northwest Providence Counties. Since the storm occurred on a Saturday, no major problems with travel were noted. The immediate Providence area down to the south coast reported 1 to 4 inches of snow, before a change to rain occurred.

Some of the higher snowfall totals reported include 9 inches in Burrillville; 8 inches in North Foster; 7 inches in Cumberland,

132 137 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

RHODE ISLAND Woonsocket, and North Smithfield; and 6 inches in Scituate, Smithfield, Coventry, and West Greenwich. RIZ006 Washington 30 1300EST 0 0 Strong Wind 31 1700EST Strong northwest winds buffeted south coastal Rhode Island. Block Island reported sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with frequent gusts between 40 and 50 mph. No damage was reported. SOUTH CAROLINA, Central Lexington County Swansea 16 2345EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Highway dept. reported several trees down in the Swansea area. Lexington County Leesville 17 0105EST 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) Sheriff reported trees down. Lexington County Gilbert to 17 0115EST 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 4 E Lexington 0130EST Sherff reported trees down. Richland County Columbia 17 0130EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Sheriff reported trees and powerlines down in northeast Columbia. Fairfield County 2 SE Ridgeway 17 0158EST 0 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Highway dept. reported a few trees down on SC34 east of Ridgeway. Chesterfield County Countywide 17 0235EST 0 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G60) 0250EST Highway dept. reported trees down countywide. SOUTH CAROLINA, North Coastal Florence County Florence 17 0155EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G55) 0200EST Florence Sheriff's department reported two trees down between Florence and Mars Bluff. SCZ032-034 Florence - Horry 17 0830EST 0 0 High Wind (G51) M 1530EST Following a cold front, strong gusty winds swept across northeast South Carolina from soon after sunrise through midafternoon. Damage was minimal with only minor power outages. SOUTH CAROLINA, Northwest SCZ001>014-019 Oconee Mountains - Pickens Mountains - Greenville Mountains - Greater Oconee - Greater Pickens - Greater Greenville - Spartanburg - Cherokee - York - Anderson - Abbeville - Laurens - Union - Chester - Greenwood 01 0000EST 0 0 Extreme Cold 31 2359EST December 2000 will long be remembered for the brutal hold that cold weather had on the region. At the NWS office located at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, it was the coldest month on record since the NWS began official record-keeping in November 1962. SCZ001>004-007>008- Oconee Mountains - Pickens Mountains - Greenville Mountains - Greater Oconee - Spartanburg - Cherokee - 010>012-014 Anderson - Abbeville - Laurens - Chester 03 0200EST 0 0 Snow 1200EST SCZ005>006-019 Greater Pickens - Greater Greenville - Greenwood 03 0200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1200EST A developing surface cyclone off the Carolina Coast spread abundant moisture into Upstate South Carolina, which was still mired in a cold, winter-like temperature regime. The result was another widespread snowfall. The heaviest snow totals were near the South Carolina mountains, where Tigerville, in northern Greenville County, recorded 5 inches. However, the snow was not terrain-dependent, as Greenwood, with one of the lowest Upstate elevations, recorded 4 inches, as did Pickens, in the foothills of the mountains. Accumulations, in general, ranged from 1 to 3 inches. SCZ004 Greater Oconee 12 2100EST 1 0 Cold 13 0400EST Bitterly cold temperatures persisted over upstate South Carolina during mid-December, eventually reaching dangerous status. A 79-year old male Alzheimer's patient died of susoected hypothermia sometime during the night of the 12th-13th. The heat was off in

133 138 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

SOUTH CAROLINA, Northwest the man's mobile home when the county coroner went to investigate. The extreme cold would persist until after Christmas. M79MH SCZ001>002-002>008- Oconee Mountains - Pickens Mountains - Greenville Mountains - Greater Oconee - Greater Pickens - Greater 010-012 Greenville - Spartanburg - Cherokee - Anderson - Laurens 13 1300EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 14 0100EST Low pressure moving northward through the Tennessee River Valley brought abundant moisture into Upstate South Carolina, initiating a cold air damming event for the region. The progressive surface high for the event was centered over New England. Light freezing rain began to fall early on the afternoon of the 13th and continued until after midnight on the 14th with light ice accretions. Fortunately, the surface wet bulb temperatures across the region bottomed out around freezing, one reason why ice accrual on exposed surfaces was minimal. Abbeville County 2 W Calhoun Falls 16 2210EST 0.1 .1 0 0 Tornado (F0) A short-lived tornado shook a house and tore off a satellite dish near Calhoun Falls. The northern end of a squall line, preceding a strong cold front that would cross the region that night, brought strong winds to Upstate South Carolina, and produced a brief tornado near Calhoun Falls. Fortunately, damage was minimal. SCZ001 Oconee Mountains 19 0200EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0800EST SCZ002>008-010 Pickens Mountains - Greenville Mountains - Greater Oconee - Greater Pickens - Greater Greenville - Spartanburg - Cherokee - Anderson 19 0200EST 0 0 Snow 0800EST The latest in a sprightly succession of Arctic cold fronts crossed the region on the 18th and 19th. Abundant low level moisture and an upper level disturbance riding over the new surge of cold air provided the ingredients for the latest round of snow. In general, snow accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 inches, although over 5 inches fell in the mountains of Oconee County, near the North Carolina border. For many areas in Upstate South Carolina, the total snow accumulations from the previous 30 days added to this event's accumulations equalled, or exceeded, a normal winter season's total snowfall. SCZ006>010 Greater Greenville - Spartanburg - Cherokee - York - Anderson 21 1400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 2200EST The combination of low pressure moving along the Gulf Coast states and a strong upper level disturbance rounding the base of a deep trof enveloping the eastern half of the nation, resulted in a light glaze of ice for the nothern tier counties of Upstate South Carolina. THe light coat of glaze resulted in slick spots on area roads, with a few accidents. SCZ004 Greater Oconee 22 2200EST 1 0 Cold 23 0500EST The extreme cold that had affected northwest South Carolina for most of December claimed another Oconee County victim early on the 23rd. This victim was a 48-year old female, found locked out of her home, who died due to exposure to the elements. Coroner suspects her medication may have contributed to her disorientation. F48OU SCZ012 Laurens 29 2200EST 1 0 Cold 30 0500EST The cold claimed another victim on the morning of December 30th.The victim this time was a 76-year old female, who became disoriented and died due to exposure to the cold weather. When found, she was clothed only in a thin nightgown. F76OU SOUTH CAROLINA, South Coastal Jasper County Ridgeland 17 0030EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Power lines and large limbs down. Beaufort County Bluffton 17 0050EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees and power lines were down causing over 10 thousand customers to be without power for several hours. Colleton County Green Pond 17 0055EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees and power lines down. Colleton County Cottageville 17 0110EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Trees and power lines down. Dorchester County Reevesville to 17 0110EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) St George 0115EST Trees and power lines down.

134 139 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

SOUTH CAROLINA, South Coastal Berkeley County 10 W Moncks Corner 17 0115EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Large limbs and power lines down. Charleston County North Charleston 17 0130EST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Limbs and power lines down. SOUTH DAKOTA, Central and North SDZ045-048 Jones - Lyman 10 1600CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 11 0300CST Heavy snow of 6 to 8 inches fell across parts of Lyman and Jones counties. Some amounts included, 6 inches at Kennebec and Okaton, and 8 inches at Murdo. SDZ003>004-009- Corson - Campbell - Walworth - Dewey - Potter - Stanley - Sully - Hughes - Jones - Lyman 015>016-033>035-045- 048 15 2325CST 0 0 Blizzard 16 0900CST Northwest winds of 35 to 50 mph gusting to 60 mph combined with the newly fallen snow and arctic air to create widespread blizzard conditions and extreme wind chills to 70 below. Events were canceled, travel was shutdown, and some motorists were stranded. SDZ005>008-010>011- Mcpherson - Brown - Marshall - Roberts - Edmunds - Day - Faulk - Spink - Clark - Codington - Grant - 017>023-036>037-051 Hamlin - Deuel - Hyde - Hand - Buffalo 16 0045CST 0 0 Blizzard 2100CST Northwest winds of 30 to 50 mph combined with the newly fallen snow and arctic air to create widespread blizzard conditions and extreme wind chills to 60 below. Events were canceled, travel was shutdown, and some motorists were stranded. Both Highway 12 and Interstate-29 were closed throughout the day. As a result of the low visibility, a semi truck hit and totaled a pickup stuck in the snow just west of Clark. The semi truck received nine thousand dollars worth of damage. SDZ003>004-009- Corson - Campbell - Walworth - Dewey - Potter - Stanley - Sully - Hughes - Jones - Lyman 015>016-033>035-045- 048 28 0500CST 0 0 High Wind (G57) M 1200CST Northwest winds of 35 to 50 mph gusting to around 65 mph occurred across central and northcentral South Dakota. The high winds resulted in blizzard conditions at some locations east of the Missouri River. SDZ005>007-010>011- Mcpherson - Brown - Marshall - Edmunds - Day - Faulk - Spink - Clark - Codington - Hamlin - Hyde - Hand - 017>020-022-036>037- Buffalo 051 28 0800CST 0 0 Blizzard 1400CST Northwest winds of 30 to 50 mph combined with the newly fallen snow to generate blizzard conditions into the early afternoon hours. Travel was extremely difficult, if not impossible as many motorists went into the ditch. There were also several non-injury accidents. SOUTH DAKOTA, Southeast SDZ038>040-050- Beadle - Kingsbury - Brookings - Gregory - Jerauld - Sanborn - Miner - Lake - Moody - Brule - Aurora - 052>071 Davison - Hanson - Mccook - Minnehaha - Charles Mix - Douglas - Hutchinson - Turner - Lincoln - Bon Homme - Yankton - Clay - Union 16 0000CST 0 0 Blizzard 2359CST Winds gusting above 50 mph combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 4 inches of new snow to produce prolonged blizzard conditions. Visibilities near zero and drifting snow made travel impossible. Even snow plows were pulled off the roads until conditions improved. Interstate highways 90 and 29 were closed for more than 12 hours. Many businesses, colleges, and technical schools closed during the storm. Wind chills dropped to colder than 60 below zero at times. The only reported damage was minor, such as a few signs blown over, but the economic impact of the storm was still large in lost travel, business, and snow removal costs. The main shopping mall in Sioux Falls was forced to close early on the second busiest shopping weekend before Christmas. SDZ070>071 Clay - Union 17 2100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 18 1800CST Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches combined with strong winds to produce blowing and drifting snow, with visibility less than a quarter mile at times. The winds, gusting to 45 mph, also caused wind chills to drop to 50 below zero. Travel was difficult or impossible during the storm, and schools and businesses were forced to close.

135 140 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

SOUTH DAKOTA, Southeast SDZ038>039-052>056- Beadle - Kingsbury - Jerauld - Sanborn - Miner - Lake - Moody - Mccook - Minnehaha - Turner - Lincoln - 061>062-066>067-071 Union 28 0900CST 0 0 Blizzard 2100CST Strong winds, gusting to over 50 mph at times, combined with existing snow cover and 1 to 2 inches of new snowfall to create blizzard conditions. Visibilities were near zero at times, especially in open areas. The reduced visibility and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas. Many businesses were forced to close. SDZ050-057>060- Gregory - Brule - Aurora - Davison - Hanson - Charles Mix - Douglas - Hutchinson - Bon Homme - Yankton - 063>065-068>070 Clay 28 1000CST 0 0 High Wind (G52) 1800CST Strong winds of 30 to 40 mph with occasional gusts to 60 mph existed for several hours. SOUTH DAKOTA, West SDZ001>002-012>013- Harding - Perkins - Butte - Meade Co. Plains - Northern Black Hills - Northern Foot Hills - Pennington Plains - 024>025-031-044-046- Bennett - Mellette - Tripp 049 15 1820MST 0 0 Winter Storm 16 0600MST A strong cold front moved through the region bringing high winds sustained from 40 to 50 mph with gusts over 60 mph. The peak wind of 63 mph was recorded at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Ground blizzard conditions were reported over much of western South Dakota with near zero visiblities for several hours during the evening of the 15th. Wind chill temperatures dropped to 50 to 70 below zero for most of the day on the 16th. Snowfall totals were generally a trace, with the Northern Black Hills receiving one to two inches. SDZ024>025 Northern Black Hills - Northern Foot Hills 18 0600MST 0 0 Winter Storm 1200MST SDZ001-013-026-049 Harding - Meade Co. Plains - Central Foot Hills - Tripp 18 0700MST 0 0 High Wind (G53) M 1330MST A cold front moved through the region and caused sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with some gusts to near 60 mph. The winds lasted for two to four hours before decreasing again. It also brought three to seven inches of snow to the northern Black Hills, with one to three inches to the northern Foothills. The northern Black Hills and Foothills had strong winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph which caused near blizzard conditions at times. SDZ001>002-012>014- Harding - Perkins - Butte - Meade Co. Plains - Ziebach - Central Foot Hills - Custer Plains - Pennington Plains 026-030>032-042>044- - Haakon - Shannon - Jackson - Bennett - Mellette - Todd - Tripp 046>047-049 27 2312MST 0 0 High Wind (G63) M 28 1100MST A cold front moved across the region overnight brought sustained winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts to around 70 mph. The peak wind was 72 mph at Buffalo. TENNESSEE, Central TNZ011-032>034-066 Pickett - Putnam - Overton - Fentress - Cumberland 02 2100CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 03 0300CST Generally, 3 inches of snow accumulated on grassy areas in these counties. TNZ005-022>023 Stewart - Benton - Houston 13 1200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 1800CST Freezing rain struck these counties causing many roads, bridges, and overpasses to be ice covered. Giles County Countywide 16 1200CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1500CST Sheriff's office reported flooding along U.S. Highway 31. Lawrence County Countywide 16 1200CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST Sheriff's office reported numerous road closures due to high water. AT 1430 CST 2 people had to be rescued in Lawrenceburg. U.S Highway 64 had to be closed along an 8 to 10 mile stretch outside of Lawrenceburg. Williamson County Fairview 16 1200CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1500CST EMA reported several roads closed due to high water.

136 141 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TENNESSEE, Central Rutherford County Murfreesboro 16 1250CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST SKYWARN Spotter reported numerous streets were flooded especially along Jefferson Pike near Murfreesboro along with some evacuations. At 1410 CST Spotter reported 1-2 feet of water along a 400 yard section of Old Nashville Highway near Murfreesboro. Williamson County Southeast Portion 16 1255CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST SKYWARN Spotter reported flooding of roads and yards in southeast part of the county. Marshall County Lewisburg 16 1300CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST SKYWARN Spotter reported several roads flooded in Lewisburg. Williamson County Franklin 16 1400CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST Spotter reported flooding in Franklin and Spring Hill. Macon County Countywide 16 1420CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1830CST Many side roads flooded. Putnam County North Portion 16 1420CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST EMA reported flooding along State Highway 111 from Cookeville to Algood. Maury County Countywide 16 1422CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST EMA reported flooding of many roads. The hardest hit area was West Sheepneck Road in the Sandy Hook Community. A drain stoppage caused water to stand on the road and residential driveways. The road was temporarily closed. Once the barrier was removed, the flood waters subsided. Sumner County Countywide 16 1425CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST Widesdpread flooding of roadways reported in Hendersonville and White House. Flooding was along low lying areas. Bedford County Shelbyville 16 1430CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST EMA reported flooding along Bugscuffle Rd. Trousdale County Hartsville 16 1430CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST Sheriff's office reported water overflowing culverts in Hartsville. Wilson County Lebanon 16 1440CST 0 0 Flash Flood 1700CST EMA reported flooding in Four Mile Hill area of south Lebanon. Franklin County Cowan 16 1700CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) EMA reported dime size hail. Franklin County Winchester 16 1700CST 0 0 Flash Flood 2000CST Law enforcement reported several roads flooded. White County Bon Air 16 1700CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Sheriff reported quarter size hail. Coffee County Manchester 16 1730CST 0 0 Flash Flood 2000CST Law enforcement reported several roads closed.

137 142 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TENNESSEE, Central Franklin County Winchester 16 1730CST 0 0 Flash Flood 2000CST Law enforcement reported several roads flooded. Cumberland County Countywide 16 1740CST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) Law enforcement reported several trees blown down. Fentress County Jamestown 16 1755CST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind Newspaper article reported strong thunderstorm winds damaged a barn and took the roof off an adjoining shed. Also, a portion of the fence was destroyed by flying debris from the barn. This occurred at the John Tallent farm, located east of Jamestown Airport. Clay County Celina 16 1800CST 0 0 Flash Flood 2000CST Law enforcement reported Polareesa Road was flooded when nearby pond overflowed. Putnam County Cookeville 16 1800CST 0 0 Flash Flood 2000CST Local law enforcement reported several roads were flooded. Van Buren County Bone Cave 16 1830CST 0 0 Hail (0.88) Spotter reported nickel size hail. Van Buren County Bone Cave 16 1830CST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G50) SKYWARN Spotter reported small trees down on Bone Cave Road. Lincoln County .2 WNW Cash Pt to 16 1308CST 1.5 50 0 0 50K Tornado (F1) 1.5 ENE Cash Pt 1310CST NWS Storm Survey indicated touchdown of the tornado was near Cash Point where a small mobile home was extensively damaged. The roof of the mobile home was peeled off. Other roof damage was observed within 1/4 of a mile from the mobile home. A few trees were also uprooted near the mobile home. The tornado moved to the northeast and did some damage to the crowns of trees. At one mile from touchdown, a small outbuilding was destroyed. The tornado skipped over a school, but it tore off some shingles off a new house. About a tenth of a mile further from the school, the tornado picked up the roof of a cinder block garage and turned it approximately 90 degrees before setting it back down. TNZ031-034-065 Jackson - Fentress - White 30 0000CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 0300CST About 3 to 4 inches of snow fell in Jackson, Fentress and White counties. TENNESSEE, East TNZ012>018-035>047- Scott - Campbell - Claiborne - Hancock - Hawkins - Sullivan - Johnson - Morgan - Anderson - Union - 067>074-081>087- Grainger - Hamblen - Northwest Cocke - Cocke/Smoky Mountains - Northwest Greene - Southeast Greene - 098>102 Washington - Unicoi - Northwest Carter - Southeast Carter - Roane - Loudon - Knox - Jefferson - Northwest Blount - Blount/Smoky Mountains - North Sevier - Sevier/Smoky Mountains - Sequatchie - Bledsoe - Rhea - Meigs - Mcminn - Northwest Monroe - Southeast Monroe - Marion - Hamilton - Bradley - West Polk - East Polk 02 1800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 03 1400EST Widespread snow fell across East Tennessee. Amounts varied widely. In northeast Tennessee, snowfall amounts averaged 1 to 3 inches, with a few spots in the mountains reporting 2 to 4 inches. In central East Tennessee, amounts ranged between 1 and 3 inches, with a few isolated reports of 3 to 5 inches. In southeast Tennessee, amounts were a bit heavier. Snowfall amounts averaged 2 to 4 inches, with a few places reporting 3 to 5 inches. Marion County West Portion 16 1730CST 0 0 7K 4K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Bledsoe County Countywide 16 1800CST 0 0 15K 11K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Marion County East Portion 16 1800CST 0 0 11K 7K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Sequatchie County Countywide 16 1800CST 0 0 15K 17K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. 138 143 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TENNESSEE, East Morgan County Countywide 16 1845EST 0 0 15K 10K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Meigs County Decatur 16 1900EST 0 0 15K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down. Campbell County 7 SW Caryville 16 1900EST 0 0 5K 3K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down on power lines. Hamilton County Countywide 16 1915EST 0 0 3K 5K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Scott County 5 N Huntsville 16 1930EST 0 0 2K Thunderstorm Wind A few trees down. Knox County Halls Xrds 16 1950EST 0 0 3K 5K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down. Roane County Rockwood 16 1955EST 0 0 13K Thunderstorm Wind Numerous trees down. Loudon County Countywide 16 1955EST 0 0 19K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down. Bradley County 5 W Cleveland 16 2000EST 0 0 3K Thunderstorm Wind Trees across a road. Anderson County Lake City 16 2000EST 0 0 9K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down. Campbell County 1 S Disney 16 2007EST 0 0 10K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down. Polk County Conasauga 16 2015EST 0 0 8K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down across road. Claiborne County Clairfield 16 2035EST 0 0 25K Thunderstorm Wind Trees and power lines down Hancock County 3 N Sneedville 16 2110EST 0 0 25K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down on powerlines TNZ012>018-035>047- Scott - Campbell - Claiborne - Hancock - Hawkins - Sullivan - Johnson - Morgan - Anderson - Union - 067>074-081>087- Grainger - Hamblen - Northwest Cocke - Cocke/Smoky Mountains - Northwest Greene - Southeast Greene - 098>102 Washington - Unicoi - Northwest Carter - Southeast Carter - Roane - Loudon - Knox - Jefferson - Northwest Blount - Blount/Smoky Mountains - North Sevier - Sevier/Smoky Mountains - Sequatchie - Bledsoe - Rhea - Meigs - Mcminn - Northwest Monroe - Southeast Monroe - Marion - Hamilton - Bradley - West Polk - East Polk 18 1800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 19 1200EST Widespread light snow fell across East Tennessee. Amounts in counties in the valley generally ranged from 1 to 2 inches. In the higher mountain elevations, amounts were a bit higher, averaging 2 to 4 inches. TENNESSEE, West TNZ001>003-019- Lake - Obion - Weakley - Dyer - Lauderdale - Tipton - Haywood - Crockett - Shelby - Fayette 048>051-088>089 13 0600CST 0 0 200K Winter Storm 1600CST Haywood County Forked Deer 16 0245CST 0 0 50K Lightning A house was destroyed by a fire started by lightning.

139 144 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TENNESSEE, West TNZ088 Shelby 16 1100CST 1 0 Extreme Cold A homeless woman was found dead in downtown Memphis. The cause of death was exposure to the cold. F65OT TEXAS, Central TXZ049-054-098>099- Fisher - Nolan - Haskell - Throckmorton - Jones - Taylor - Callahan 113-127>128 12 1600CST 0 0 Ice Storm 13 0200CST A winter storm produced widespread freezing rain and sleet across the Big Country, where amounts of one quarter to one half inch were common. Hundreds of accidents were reported, including 130 in Abilene alone. Luckily, there were no reported serious injuries. TXZ049-054-064>066- Fisher - Nolan - Sterling - Coke - Runnels - Irion - Tom Green - Concho - Crockett - Schleicher - Haskell - 071>073-076>077- Throckmorton - Jones - Shackelford - Taylor - Callahan - Coleman - Brown 098>099-113>114- 127>128-139>140 25 2000CST 0 0 Ice Storm 27 0000CST A slow moving upper level storm system produced an ice storm across West Central Texas, greatly hampering post Christmas holiday travel. The northern and western counties saw the most accumulations, with areas northwest of a Sonora to Brady to Brownwood line picking up accumulations of freezing rain and sleet totaling at least a quarter inch. Scattered thunderstorms produced pockets of much heavier accumulations, with up to 2 inches reported across parts of Sterling and Coleman counties. Numerous accidents were reported as area roadways quickly became hazardous. Unfortunately, one fatality was reported in Nolan County in a traffic accident on an icy Interstate 20. TEXAS, Central Southeast TXZ163>164-176>177- Houston - Trinity - Madison - Walker - Burleson - Brazos - Washington - Grimes - Colorado 195>198-210 13 0000CST 0 0 1M Ice Storm 1000CST A storm system combined with cold air at the surface led to 1/2 to 1 inch ice accumulation generally north of a line from Columbus to Navasota to Huntsville to Groveton. Precipitation fell mostly in the form of freezing rain, with sleet occurring in heavier thunderstorms. Most accumulation was on trees and power lines, with numerous trees and power lines downed. Heaviest icing occurred in Burleson, Brazos, and Washington counties. SH 36 bridge between Burleson and Washington counties was closed with icing reported on FM 3058 and FM 166 in Burleson County. The ice storm caused numerous power outages with most of the city of Brenham without power for over a 12 hour period. TEXAS, Extreme West

NONE REPORTED. TEXAS, Mid - South Nueces County 2 W Petronila to 26 1430CST 5.4 10 0 0 Tornado (F0) 5 N Petronila 1500CST This tornado traversed across cropless farm land and open country. It caused no damage. TEXAS, North TXZ091>095-098>107- Montague - Cooke - Grayson - Fannin - Lamar - Haskell - Throckmorton - Young - Jack - Wise - Denton - 115>123-129>135- Collin - Hunt - Delta - Hopkins - Stephens - Palo Pinto - Parker - Tarrant - Dallas - Rockwall - Kaufman - Van 141>148-156>162- Zandt - Rains - Eastland - Erath - Hood - Somervell - Johnson - Ellis - Henderson - Comanche - Mills - 174>175 Hamilton - Bosque - Hill - Navarro - Freestone - Anderson - Lampasas - Coryell - Bell - Mclennan - Falls - Limestone - Leon - Milam - Robertson 12 1800CST 0 0 Winter Storm 13 1800CST A mixture of sleet and freezing rain, with sleet accumulations up to one inch, affected all of North Central Texas from the afternoon of the 12th until midday on the 13th. Hundreds of accidents occurred, with numerous closures of businesses and schools, and hundreds of flights were canceled at the DFW airport. The roof of a supermarket in Boyd, in Wise county, collapsed from accumulations of ice. Electricity outages due to ice covered power lines and trees affected approximately 110,000 people. Some state highways and interstate highways were closed due to ice or accidents. TXZ091>095-098>107- Montague - Cooke - Grayson - Fannin - Lamar - Haskell - Throckmorton - Young - Jack - Wise - Denton - 115>123-129>135- Collin - Hunt - Delta - Hopkins - Stephens - Palo Pinto - Parker - Tarrant - Dallas - Rockwall - Kaufman - Van 141>148-156>162- Zandt - Rains - Eastland - Erath - Hood - Somervell - Johnson - Ellis - Henderson - Comanche - Mills - 174>175 Hamilton - Bosque - Hill - Navarro - Freestone - Anderson - Lampasas - Coryell - Bell - Mclennan - Falls - Limestone - Leon - Milam - Robertson 25 0000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 27 2359CST

140 145 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TEXAS, North Freezing rain downed trees and power lines and caused power outages generally along and north of interstate 20 on the 25th and 26th. Thousands of people were without power along the Red River. Up to 4 inches of ice covered trees and power lines along the Red River from Montague County eastward to Lamar County. This was described by some as the worst ice storm in 51 years.

A band of sleet and snow moved across North Central Texas the night of the 27th dropping up to 12 inches of snow on interstate 20 at Ranger Hill in eastern Eastland County. Several thousand people were stranded and had to be rescued by national guard troops in hum-vees.

There were two bands of heavy snow on satellite. One extended from northern Hamilton county across northwest Bosque, Erath, eastern Eastland, southeast Stephens, and western Palo Pinto counties. The second band extended from northern Hill County northeast across eastern Johnson, northwest Ellis, and into southern Dallas County. There was a maximum of 7 inches of snow at Itasca, in Hill County, with the second snow band. Fannin County Honey Grove 26 1030CST 0 0 Flash Flood Highway 100 north of town was flooded. TXZ091>095-098>107- Montague - Cooke - Grayson - Fannin - Lamar - Haskell - Throckmorton - Young - Jack - Wise - Denton - 115>123-129>135- Collin - Hunt - Delta - Hopkins - Stephens - Palo Pinto - Parker - Tarrant - Dallas - Rockwall - Kaufman - Van 141>148-156>162- Zandt - Rains - Eastland - Erath - Hood - Somervell - Johnson - Ellis - Henderson - Comanche - Mills - 174>175 Hamilton - Bosque - Hill - Navarro - Freestone - Anderson - Lampasas - Coryell - Bell - Mclennan - Falls - Limestone - Leon - Milam - Robertson 31 0000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2359CST Snow fell much of the day across North Central Texas with widespread 1-3 inch amounts. The snow melted on streets and highways then refroze after sunset creating a sheet of ice. In the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area hundreds of accidents occurred. The DFW airport canceled hundreds of flights the day and night of the 31st. TEXAS, North Panhandle TXZ001>020 Dallam - Sherman - Hansford - Ochiltree - Lipscomb - Hartley - Moore - Hutchinson - Roberts - Hemphill - Oldham - Potter - Carson - Gray - Wheeler - Deaf Smith - Randall - Armstrong - Donley - Collingsworth 25 1800CST 2 0 40K Heavy Snow 27 0600CST A strong storm system in the upper atmosphere moved from the four corners region into southwestern New Mexico and then moved slowly into west Texas producing heavy snowfall across all of the Texas panhandle. Snowfall amounts ranged from six to eight inches across the extreme northern and western Texas panhandle to between ten and twenty inches extending from the southwest Texas panhandle northeastward across the central sections and then to the northeast Texas panhandle. Numerous accidents with injuries were reported due to the heavy snow and more than two hundred vehicles became stranded along U.S. Highway 287 between Amarillo and Dumas. The Amarillo International Airport was closed due to the heavy snow and several roads and highways were also closed. F4VE, F74VE TEXAS, Northeast TXZ096>097-108>112- Red River - Bowie - Franklin - Titus - Camp - Morris - Cass - Wood - Upshur - Marion - Smith - Gregg - 124>126-136>138- Harrison - Cherokee - Rusk - Panola - Nacogdoches - Shelby 149>153 12 2000CST 0 0 123M Ice Storm 13 1600CST An artic airmass spilled southward out of the central plains and into the lower Mississippi Valley. This cold surface airmass was overrun by a warm and humid airmass which combined with a strong upper level storm system across west Texas. The result was a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow north of a Quitman to Linden Texas line, while further south, precipitation was in the form of freezing rain. Ice accumulations of two to 6 inches were common across the northern third of northeast Texas with accumulations on one to two inches further south. Over 235,000 people were without power from several hours to several weeks from snapped power lines. Upwards of 29 transmission lines atop "H" shaped steel towers were snapped due to the weight of the ice. Numerous traffic accidents were reported from ice covered roads and bridges. Northeast Texas was declared a disaster area. TXZ096>097-108>112- Red River - Bowie - Franklin - Titus - Camp - Morris - Cass - Marion 126 24 2300CST 0 0 31.5M Ice Storm 26 2155CST After trying to recover from an ice storm earlier in the month, another even more devastating ice storm struck the northern third of northeast Texas. Freezing rain resulted in ice accumulations ranging from 1/4 to 3 inches which devastated the middle Red River Valley counties of northeast Texas. Tens of thousands of trees and numerous power lines were either broken or felled from the weight of the ice leaving vast regions of northeast Texas without power for weeks. Bowie, Cass and Red River counties were declared disaster areas. TEXAS, South TXZ248>255 Zapata - Jim Hogg - Brooks - Kenedy - Starr - Hidalgo - Willacy - Cameron 01 0000CST 0 0 Drought 31 0000CST The United States Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency, received a Presidential Disaster Declaration in December. This 141 146 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TEXAS, South declaration was issued for the persistent drought which included the remaining 6 counties of deep south Texas, specifically, Brooks, Jim Hogg, Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Kenedy counties. Both Zapata and Starr counties received their Presidential Declarations in August of 2000. All eight counties in deep south Texas have now received Presidential Declarations because of the drought. However, dollar figures of damages were not available for the recent declaration.

Total yearly rainfall for deep south Texas was below normal as moderate to severe drought conditions persisted throughout 2000. In fact, Brownsville experienced it's 8th driest year on record. The average departure from normal rainfall for deep south Texas was around 8.8 inches. Data from NWS Cooperative Observers and National Weather ASOS sites reported the following departures for the year ending December 31, 2000: Port Mansfield 12.40 inches below normal, La Joya 12.31 inches below normal, McCook 11.68 inches below normal, Raymondville 10.39 inches below normal, Mercedes 10.18 inches below normal, Brownsville 10.13 inches below normal, Rio Grande City 9.04 inches below normal, Harlingen 7.35 inches below normal, McAllen 7.61 inches below normal, Sarita 5.06 inches below normal, and Falcon Dam 7.26 inches below normal. Hidalgo County Weslaco 01 1838CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) TEXAS, South Central TXZ171>173-183>194- Llano - Burnet - Williamson - Val Verde - Edwards - Real - Kerr - Bandera - Gillespie - Kendall - Blanco - 202>209-221-223 Hays - Travis - Bastrop - Lee - Kinney - Uvalde - Medina - Bexar - Comal - Guadalupe - Caldwell - Fayette - Wilson - Gonzales 12 1400CST 0 0 Winter Storm 13 1600CST Bitterly cold arctic winds swept down on South Central Texas during the morning and early afternoon of December 12th. Temperatures that had warmed in many locations to the 70s plunged rapidly into the 40s and 50s shortly after the front's arrival. Northerly winds gusting to 30 and 35 mph further emphasized this dramatic temperature change. By mid afternoon, temperatures over the Texas Hill Country had fallen below the freezing mark and light rain and drizzle had begun to change into freezing rain and freezing drizzle. By the late afternoon, a thin layer of ice was reported over Hill Country bridges, overpasses and elevated highways. However, because the soils over South Central Texas had been quite warm for the previous several weeks, no accumulations on the ground were indicated until late in the evening period.

The combination of freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet continued to spread across the area through the late afternoon and nighttime hours, reaching the Austin area near 4 pm and the San Antonio area near 10 pm. In anticipation of the winter storm threat, many area schools and universities, as well as city and county agencies and private businesses closed down early on the afternoon of the 12th and planned to open late on the morning of the 13th. State offices in Austin also closed early. The wintery precipitation mix continued through the night and early the next morning, requiring the cancellation of several flights at both San Antonio International Airport and Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The layer of icing also forced the closing of numerous bridges and overpasses across the 25 counties involved. Late on the evening of the 12th, counties began to report widespread ice forming on roadways. Interstate 10 was closed between Kerrville and San Antonio from the evening of the 12th until the mid morning of the 13th. The city of San Antonio closed all interstates within its boundaries from shortly after midnight until mid morning on the 13th. Drivers were forced to travel on frontage roads in the mean time. By 10 am on the morning of the 13th, the freezing rain had ended over all but the extreme northeast section of South Central Texas, and by 4 pm that afternoon the last of the warnings and advisories were lifted.

Storm damage generally consisted of accidents on slick roads and trees and tree limbs toppling over on power lines. Motorists were unable to travel safely over the glassy streets and roads, and vehicular accidents in San Antonio and Austin were counted in the hundreds. As the heavy weight of the ice collapsed both trees and tree limbs, power outages became widespread. The worst problems were in the Austin area where over 90,000 persons were without power during the height of the storm. San Antonio reported 20,000 without power during the worst of the event. San Marcos also reported 20,000 power outages, with nearly 8,000 outages across the area from New Braunfels and Seguin. Some of the power was not restored until 36 hours later. Although severe, this storm did not come close to the level of damage and destruction of the Winter Storm of February, 1996. TEXAS, South Panhandle TXZ021>044 Parmer - Castro - Swisher - Briscoe - Hall - Childress - Bailey - Lamb - Hale - Floyd - Motley - Cottle - Cochran - Hockley - Lubbock - Crosby - Dickens - King - Yoakum - Terry - Lynn - Garza - Kent - Stonewall 25 1200CST 0 0 1M Winter Storm 27 0300CST A strong upper level disturbance translated into the southern Rockies on the 25th and across West Texas on the 26th. A shallow cold air mass was in place over the Southern Plains well ahead of this system. Widespread precipitation developed over the region as the system approached as warm and moist air was drawn over the shallow cold air near the surface. Freezing rain produced a layer of glaze on exposed surfaces that was one quarter to three quarters of an inch thick. The freezing rain became mixed with sleet and snow during the early morning hours on the 26th and eventually changed to snow over most of the area shortly before daybreak on the 26th. The snow continued into the early morning hours of the 27th as the upper low moved across the Permian Basin. Eight to twelve inches of snow fell across the South Plains and extreme southern Panhandle with up to sixteen inches reported in the extreme southwestern Panhandle. Two to four inches of snow were reported across the Rolling Plains.

This very heavy snow fell on top of the thick layer of ice resulting in a crippling impact to the region. Most flights into and out of the Lubbock International Airport were canceled for the better part of four days. Many roads were impassable and a number of vehicles were stranded in deep snow. Many traffic accidents were reported with at least two fatalities occurring as a result. Many businesses,

142 147 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

TEXAS, South Panhandle including those in the South Plains Mall in Lubbock, were closed for two to three days due to the weather. Thousands of power poles and power lines were downed resulting in power outages across the region and at least $1 million in damage; most of these outages only lasted a few hours but some lasted up to nine days in Lynn County. The storm also interrupted mail service for up to three days in some locations. TEXAS, Southeast TXZ215>216 Jefferson - Orange 16 1700CST 0 0 175K High Wind 1715CST High winds estimated between 40 and 60 mph blew down many trees and power lines across southeast Texas. Trees were knocked onto homes and vehicles in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Nederland in Jefferson County. In Mauriceville in Orange County, high winds toppled trees onto the train tracks. The high winds were a result of a strong high pressure system over the area. TEXAS, West

NONE REPORTED. TEXAS, Western North TXZ083 Hardeman 26 0300CST 0 0 25K Winter Storm 1400CST TXZ084>090 Foard - Wilbarger - Wichita - Knox - Baylor - Archer - Clay 26 0300CST 0 0 175K Ice Storm 1800CST A major winter storm developed across north Texas during the evening of the 25th, with significant accumulations of ice and snow beginning around 0300 CST on the 26th, and lasting through most of the day. Across Hardeman and northern Foard Counties, a mixture of sleet and freezing rain fell overnight on the 26th before changing to all snow during the day, with total ice and snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches observed. Across the remainder of western north Texas, a mixture of sleet and freezing rain accumulated to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Although damage to personal and public property and infrastructure was greater across portions of south central and southeast Oklahoma, approximately 25,000 residents lost power and schools were closed for 1 to 2 days. Hundreds of insurance claims were also received by local insurance companies for damage to property. UTAH, East UTZ023-027 Eastern Uinta Mountains - Grand Flat And Arches 24 1600MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 25 1500MST An upper level low pressure system dropped slowly south over eastern Utah. This resulted in heavy snow over the eastern Uinta Mountains where 15 to 19 inches of new snow was reported. Significant snowfall also developed over the lower elevations of east-central Utah where 2 to 5 inches of snow was common. UTAH, West and Central UTZ006>008 Wasatch Mountain Valleys/Huntsville/Park City/Heber - Wasatch Mountains I80 North - Wasatch Mountains South Of I80 10 1200MST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 11 1500MST A welcome snowstorm brought copious amounts of fresh powder to the Wasatch Mountains. Two to three feet of the white stuff was quite common. The heaviest amounts included 40 inches at Solitude, 38 inches at Powder Mountain, 28 inches at Alta, 22 inches at Park City and 16 inches at Sundance. UTZ002>003-005>008 Northern Wasatch Front/Brigham City/Ogden Bountiful - Salt Lake And Toole Valleys - Great Salt Lake Desert And Mountains/Wendover/Snowville - Wasatch Mountain Valleys/Huntsville/Park City/Heber - Wasatch Mountains I80 North - Wasatch Mountains South Of I80 12 1800MST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0600MST More snow fell over a little more than a 2-day period, especially over the northern mountains where 1-2 feet were the rule. The benches and valleys along the Wasatch Front picked up 4-8 inches. UTZ002 Northern Wasatch Front/Brigham City/Ogden Bountiful 14 2000MST 1 0 0 0 Avalanche 2015MST A 31-year-old man was killed by an avalanche while snowmobiling in the Willard Basin area near the base of Willard Peak. There were 3 other snowmobilers with him, but none of them were injured by the slide. M31OU UTZ002-007>008 Northern Wasatch Front/Brigham City/Ogden Bountiful - Wasatch Mountains I80 North - Wasatch Mountains South Of I80 15 0400MST 1 1 20K 0 Winter Storm 1500MST A wintery blast dropped heavy snow and produced blizzard-like conditions in the mountains. The storm also brought thunder and lightning with the cold front, with heavy snow making driving hazardous. On Highway 89 in South Willard, the snowy roads caused a

143 148 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

UTAH, West and Central head-on collision that killed a 31-year-old man. The driver of the other car was seriously injured. Snowfall in the Northern Mountains ranged from 12-18 inches, with 4-10 inches in some of the higher mountain valleys. Very strong winds accompanied the snow, with Mt. Baldy at Alta recording a gust to 114 mph (99 kts). Other gusts included 84 mph (73 kts) at Hidden Peak at Snowbird, 71 mph (62 kts) at Deer Creek Dam, and 61 mph (53 kts) at the Provo Airport. M31VE UTZ008 Wasatch Mountains South Of I80 16 1600MST 0 1 0 0 Avalanche 1615MST Two Salt Lake County teenagers were buried in an avalanche north of Alta in Flagstaff Gully. One of the teens was riding a sled while the other waited below taking photographs. The sledder came off a cornice ridge, triggering the avalanche. The sledder was partially buried to his shoulders but managed to dig himself out. The other teen below was buried completely fro about 15 minutes. When the teen and other skiers who had gathered found the buried boy he was unconscious and not breathing. The teen was revived and airlifted to University Hospital, where he was treated for neck injuries and hypothermia. UTZ002-006>008 Northern Wasatch Front/Brigham City/Ogden Bountiful - Wasatch Mountain Valleys/Huntsville/Park City/Heber - Wasatch Mountains I80 North - Wasatch Mountains South Of I80 24 1200MST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 25 0800MST A white Christmas was assured over much of Northern Utah, as Mother Nature brought a nice dose of snow on Christmas Eve. Most of the snow was over early Christmas Morning. Some of the higher amounts included 11 inches at Snowbird, 10 inches at Alta, 8 inches at Solitude and in North Salt Lake, 6 inches in Centerville and 4 inches in East Layton. VERMONT, North and Central VTZ005 Chittenden 12 1100EST 0 0 High Wind (G37) M 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. Winds on Colchester Reef were measured at 43 mph (37 knots) with gusts to 54 mph (47 knots). The US Coast Guard Station on the Burlington waterfront measured wind gusts to 52 mph (45 knots). Trees were also reported blown down across a driveway in North Underhill. VTZ002 Franklin 12 1200EST 0 0 10K High Wind 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. Tree damage with whiteout conditions due to blowing snow were reported in the Richford area. VTZ006 Lamoille 12 1200EST 0 0 5K High Wind 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. The strong winds forced the Stowe Mountain Resort to shut down it's lift line at about 1 PM. VTZ007 Caledonia 12 1200EST 0 0 20K High Wind 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. In East Hardwick several large tree limbs were broken by the wind, with estimated wind speeds of 45 mph (39 knots). Elsewhere power lines were blown down with power outages in the towns of Lyndon, East Burke, West Burke, and Sutton. VTZ004 Essex 12 1200EST 0 0 5K High Wind 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. In East Haven, power lines were blown down. VTZ008 Washington 12 1300EST 0 0 5K High Wind 1600EST A storm system moved down the St Lawrence Valley of New York on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 and continued on into Canada. Strong winds were associated with this system. In Worcester, winds were reported to 50 mph with trees blown down. VTZ003>012 Orleans - Essex - Chittenden - Lamoille - Caledonia - Washington - Addison - Orange - Rutland - Windsor 14 0100EST 0 0 10K Light Snow 1000EST A storm system moved from the Ohio Valley Late Wednesday night, December 13th and across New England by the afternoon of Thursday, December 14th. Snowfall across the area early Thursday resulted in generally 3 to 6 inches. A few reports were as follows: 6 inches in Springfield (Windsor county), 4.8 inches in St Johnsbury (Caledonia county), 4.5 inches in Bridport (Addison county), with 4 inches in the locations of Canaan (Essex county), Chelsea (Orange county), Jay Peak (Orleans county) and East Wallingford (Rutland county). In addition, Worcester (Washington county) received 3.8 inches, with 3 inches in Eden (Lamoille county), while 2.7

144 149 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VERMONT, North and Central inches fell in Burlington (Chittenden county). VTZ003>004-006>008- Orleans - Essex - Lamoille - Caledonia - Washington - Orange - Windsor 010-012 16 1500EST 0 0 7K Light Freezing Rain 2100EST A storm system moved from the Ohio Valley into Canada Saturday night, December 16, 2000. Light freezing rain fell across areas east of the Green Mountains. A weather spotter in Springfield, Vt reported up to a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation. Rutland County Countywide 17 1650EST 0 0 100K Flood 18 0300EST A storm system in the Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 16th tracked northeast across the St Lawrence Valley during Sunday, December 17th. Heavy rain (between 2 1/2 and 4 inches) and mild weather resulted in flooding across the county. Flooding around the Pawlet area in the late afternoon of December 17th resulted in flooding of Routes 149 and 30. Portions of Route 7 in Center Rutland were also closed due to flooding. Many small streams in the county exceeded their banks with low land flooding. Caledonia County Countywide 17 1917EST 0 0 100K Flood 18 0800EST A storm system in the Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 16th tracked northeast across the St Lawrence Valley during Sunday, December 17th. Heavy rain (around 3 1/2 inches) and mild weather resulted in flooding across the county. Flooding was reported in and around the Lyndonville area with portions of Routes 5, 114, and 122 flooded. The Passumpsic River and it's tributaries resulted in local flooding. Portions of Route 5 in St Johnsbury Center were flooded. Across the county, many roads and low land areas were flooded. Addison County Countywide 17 2000EST 0 0 100K Flood 18 0300EST A storm system in the Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 16th tracked northeast across the St Lawrence Valley during Sunday, December 17th. Heavy rain (around 2 inches) and mild weather resulted in flooding across the county. The New Haven River reached flood stage in and around New Haven Mills. Across the county many roads and low land areas were flooded. Washington County Countywide 17 2045EST 0 0 1M Flood 18 0200EST A storm system in the Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 16th tracked northeast across the St Lawrence Valley during Sunday, December 17th. Heavy rain (around 3 inches) and mild weather resulted in flooding across the county. Flooding in Barre was severe with roads closed. Route 302 was closed for several hours and numerous homes and businesses experienced flood damage to the lower floors of structures. Route 2 in Middlesex was flooded at times. Across the county many roads and low land areas were flooded as smaller rivers left their banks. Windsor County Countywide 17 2200EST 0 0 5K Flood 18 0200EST Small streams overflowed their banks with some road flooding and low land flooding. VTZ003 Orleans 18 0200EST 0 0 20K High Wind 0600EST A storm system tracked through the eastern Great Lakes region and into Canada on Monday, December 18, 2000. Gusty winds accompanied this system. Trees and power lines were blown down in portions of Orleans county. Specifically, trees were blown down in Irasburg, Troy, North Troy and Newport Center. VTZ004 Essex 18 0200EST 0 0 15K High Wind 0600EST A storm system tracked through the eastern Great Lakes region and into Canada on Monday, December 18, 2000. Gusty winds accompanied this system. Trees and power lines were blown down in portions of Essex county of Vermont. Specifically, trees were blown down from Norton to Canaan. Lamoille County Countywide 18 0600EST 0 0 10K Flood 0900EST A storm system in the Ohio Valley on Saturday, December 16th tracked northeast across the St Lawrence Valley during Sunday, December 17th. Heavy rain (around 2 inches) and mild weather resulted in flooding across the county. The Lamoille River, as well as its tributaries, flooded portions of roadways. In the Cambridge area Route 15 flooded. Elsewhere across the county, small rivers were at or briefly over bankfull. VTZ005 Chittenden 18 0645EST 0 0 1K Flood 2000EST Portions of the Winooski River exceeded it's banks in eastern Chittenden county with minor low land flooding.

145 150 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VERMONT, North and Central VTZ006 Lamoille 18 0840EST 0 0 1K Flood 1300EST Minor flooding was occurring to low land areas in and around the towns of Johnson and Cambridge along the Lamoille River. VTZ007 Caledonia 18 0840EST 0 0 5K Flood 1300EST Flooding occurred from the Passumpsic River in the St Johnsbury area. VTZ002>004-006>008 Franklin - Orleans - Essex - Lamoille - Caledonia - Washington 19 2300EST 0 0 60K Winter Storm 20 0600EST A storm system developed along the mid atlantic coast Tuesday night, December 19th and moved northeast to Cape Cod Wednesday morning, December 20th. Snow developed across the area Tuesday evening, and became steady overnight before tapering off Wednesday morning. Amounts were generally between 7 and 10 inches. A few reports included: Berkshire in Franklin county...9.7 inches, Eden in Lamoille county...8.2 inches, Jay Peak in Orleans county 8 inches, St. Johnsbury in Caledonia county...7.1 inches, and Worcester in Washington county...7 inches. VTZ001-005-009>012 Grand Isle - Chittenden - Addison - Orange - Rutland - Windsor 19 2300EST 0 0 30K Light Snow 20 0600EST A storm system developed along the mid atlantic coast Tuesday night, December 19th and moved northeast to Cape Cod Wednesday morning, December 20th. Snow fell across the area Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. Amounts were generally between 3 and 6 inches. A few reports included: Burlington in Chittenden county...6.1 inches, Castleton in Rutland county 6 inches, South Lincoln in Addison county 5.8 inches, Springfield in Windsor county 5 inches and Brookfield in Orange county 5 inches. VTZ010>012 Orange - Rutland - Windsor 31 0500EST 0 0 30K Winter Storm 1100EST A storm system moved north along the east coast during Saturday (December 30, 2000) and reached eastern Maine Sunday, December 31, 2000. Snow became steady during the afternoon and evening of the 30th and continued overnight. The snow tapered off Sunday morning. Significant accumulations were reported by early Sunday, December 31. Storm total accumulations generally ranged from 7 to 12 inches. A few specific reports included: In Rutland county...Middletown Springs with 11 inches and Ira with 7 inches. In Orange county Brookfield had 7 inches while in Windsor county Woodstock had 9 inches. VTZ001>002-005>006 Grand Isle - Franklin - Chittenden - Lamoille 31 0700EST 0 0 80K Winter Storm 2300EST A storm system moved north along the east coast during Saturday (December 30, 2000) and reached eastern Maine Sunday, December 31, 2000. Snow became steady the evening of the 30th and continued overnight into Sunday, before tapering off Sunday night. Significant accumulations were reported by early Sunday, December 31. Storm total accumulations generally ranged from 8 to 15 inches with higher amounts in the spine of the Green Mountains. A few specific reports included: In Grand Isle county 8 inches at North Hero. In Franklin county 10 inches at Enosburg Falls while Chittenden county reported 14 inches at Williston with the greatest amount reported of 22 1/2 inches at Underhill. In Lamoille county, 15 inches fell at Eden. A few automobile accidents were reported. VTZ003>004-007>009 Orleans - Essex - Caledonia - Washington - Addison 31 0700EST 0 0 100K Winter Storm 1500EST A storm system moved north along the east coast during Saturday (December 30, 2000) and reached eastern Maine Sunday, December 31, 2000. Snow became steady the evening of the 30th and continued overnight...into Sunday, before the snow tapered off late Sunday. Significant accumulations were reported by early Sunday, December 31. Storm total accumulations generally ranged from 8 to 15 inches with higher amounts in the Mountains. A few specific reports included: In Washington county 10 inches at Worcester and 17 inches at Waitsfield while in Orleans county Greensboro reported 11 inches. In Essex county, Island Pond received 8 1/2 inches. In Addison county, 8 inches fell at Orwell with the greatest amounts being 19 inches at New Haven and 20 inches at South Lincoln. A few automobile accidents were reported. VERMONT, South VTZ013>014 Bennington - Windham 12 1100EST 0 0 60K High Wind 1700EST An area of low pressure developed across the Tennessee Valley late on December 11th. The storm then rapidly deepened as it moved northeast into the Ohio Valley, Saint Lawrence Valley and eventually across the Canadian Maritimes on December 12th. The pressure difference between this intensifying storm and a large arctic high pressure building over the Southeast, produce a high wind event across southern Vermont on December 12th. The strongest winds with the storm came after the passage of the cold front, during the midday hours. A strong westerly wind brought down large limbs, trees and powerlines across Bennington county. Large limbs were blown down at Stratton Mountain in Windham county. Bennington County Dorset 17 1400EST 0 0 11K Flood

146 151 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VERMONT, South Bennington County West Rupert 17 1400EST 0 0 9K Flood Windham County Brattleboro 17 1600EST 0 0 15K Flood Windham County Saxtons River 17 1630EST 0 0 25K Flood A complex storm system began to evolve on Saturday December 16 across the Mississippi Valley. A surface low tracked north into the eastern Great Lakes by December 17. At the same time, the associated upper level trough became negatively tilted as it moved toward the northeast on Sunday. This allowed for rapid deepening cyclogenesis. Unseasonably warm and moist air was transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico. This scenario brought a record breaking rainstorm to southern Vermont. Rainfall averaged 2-3 inches. Peru in Bennington county specifically receiving 3.21 inches and Ball Mountain in Windham county, 3.02 inches. The rain fell very heavily at times, up to an inch per hour. The rain, combined with snowmelt and frozen ground, lead to a significant runoff and flooding. Dorest in Bennington county reported street flooding. Also in Bennington county, Wright Creek at West Ruppert flooded onto a bridge. In Windham county, the Brimstone Creek flooded at Ames Hill. Route 30 and Route 9 were flooded in the city of Brattleboro. The Saxtons River flooded Route 121. VTZ013>014 Bennington - Windham 30 1100EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 0800EST Energy from a strong upper level disturbance, diving southeast from the northern Plains into the Ohio Valley, developed a coastal area of low pressure off the DelMarVa pennisula by early Saturday December 30. This low deepened while tracking almost due northward, about 50 miles east of the coastline. The storm reached central Long Island by mid afternoon and interior southern New England by the evening hours. The low then tracked more to the northeast near the I-95 Corridor and slid off the coastline near Boston by early Sunday December 31. With plenty of cold air in place, this storm brought a significant snowstorm to southern Vermont. A general swath of 6-12 inches of snow fell across the region with locally higher amounts across the hills. Specific amounts included 13 inches at Pownal Center, and 8 inches in the city of Bennington. In Windham county, Marlboro reported 14 inches and Guilford, 9. Since the snow fell during a holiday weekend, the impact of the storm was minimized. No major problems were reported to the National Weather Service. There was some blowing and minor drifting reported with the snow. VIRGIN ISLANDS VIZ002 St. Croix 14 0430AST 0 0 High Wind (G50) M 0435AST A spotter at Maria Hill in St. Croix reported a wind gust of 58 mph. These strong winds were associated with a strong high pressure system north of the area. There were not reports of damage. St. Croix County St. Croix 19 2115AST 0 0 10K High Surf 2140AST A 34 foot sailboat ran into a reef about one half mile north of St. Croix. There were no injuries. VIRGINIA, East VAZ092>093-096-098 Southampton - Isle Of Wight - Suffolk - Virginia Beach 03 1000EST 0 6 50K Winter Storm 2300EST A winter storm struck parts of extreme southern and southeastern Virginia. The storm affected a relatively small area, but the areas that had snow received some hefty totals. Some specific snow totals included: the Whaleyville section of Suffolk 12", Franklin 10", Carrsville 10", Branchville 7", the Blackwater section of Virginia Beach 6", Newsoms 6", Boykins 6", downtown Suffolk 6", the Princess Anne section of Virginia Beach 5", Courtland 4", and Windsor 4". Local law enforcement agencies reported scores of accidents, several of which involved injuries. Schools were closed the following day in Suffolk, Franklin, and Isle of Wight County. VAZ081 Prince George 06 2300EST 0 5 10K Winter Storm 07 0700EST A light accumulation of snow over east central Virginia resulted in slick conditions on untreated roads, especially in Prince George county. Multiple accidents occurred when a light coating of snow and ice made for difficult driving conditions on Route 156, on Middle, Courthouse and Heritage Roads, and on James River Drive. A sports-utility vehicle collided with a school bus on Courthouse Road, resulting in $4,000 worth of damage to the SUV. Fortunately, no students were on the bus at the time of the accident. Total snow accumulations were reported to be just a dusting to up to one inch. Hanover County 3 S Ashland 17 0340EST 0 2 5K 0 Thunderstorm Wind A strong thunderstorm wind gust blew a tree down on a car on Interstate 95 at mile marker 88. Two occupants of the vehicle suffered minor injuries. VAZ060-062-067-069 Prince Edward - Goochland - Nottoway - Powhatan 19 1500EST 0 0 2K Winter Storm 1900EST

147 152 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VIRGINIA, East A light snow accumulation contributed to at least one vehicle accident in Goochland county. Snowfall totals included: Pamplin City 3 inches, Goochland 2 inches, Powhatan 1.5 inches, and Blackstone 1 inch. VAZ070-080>081 Chesterfield - Dinwiddie - Prince George 26 2300EST 0 0 20K Winter Storm 27 0300EST A light accumulation of snow contributed to numerous accidents on untreated roadways in the Tri-City area. Snowfall totals were generally around one inch or less. VIRGINIA, Extreme Southwest VAZ001>002-005>006- Lee - Wise - Scott - Russell - Washington 008 02 1900EST 0 0 Winter Storm 03 1400EST Widespread snow fell across southwest Virginia. Amounts averaged 1 to 3 inches, with a few reports of 2 to 4 inches across higher elevations. Lee County Ewing 16 2105EST 0 0 5K Thunderstorm Wind Trees down over highway VAZ001>002-005>006- Lee - Wise - Scott - Russell - Washington 008 18 1900EST 0 0 Winter Storm 19 1200EST Widespread light snow fell across southwest Virginia. Amounts averaged 2 to 4 inches. VIRGINIA, North VAZ021-025>031- Highland - Augusta - Rockingham - Shenandoah - Frederick - Page - Warren - Clarke - Nelson - Albemarle - 036>042-050>057 Greene - Madison - Rappahannock - Fauquier - Loudoun - Orange - Culpeper - Prince William - Fairfax - Arlington - Stafford - Spotsylvania - King George 12 0300EST 0 0 5K Strong Wind 1200EST A vigorous cold front crossed the region between 4 AM and 8 AM on the 12th. As the front passed, northwest winds gusted up to 45 MPH and didn't begin to subside until midday. In Loudoun County, gusty winds downed power lines north of Leesburg. A wind gust of 45 MPH was recorded at Dulles International Airport. In Prince William County, tree limbs were downed onto power lines and 3000 customers lost power. Winds also blew over a hot grill and started a deck fire in Lake Ridge. In Arlington, a wind gust of 45 MPH was reported at Washington Reagan National Airport. In Fairfax County, a wind gust of 46 MPH was recorded. In Frederick County, numerous power line failures were reported. Downed trees caused power outages in 10 different areas, including Winchester. A wind gust of 46 MPH was recorded at the Winchester Airport. In Warren County, 6 trees were blown down at Massanutten Mountain Drive and High Knob Road. One downed power line sparked a brush fire. In Greene County, three utility poles were downed along Route 33 in Ruckersville. VAZ021-036-054>055- Highland - Nelson - Arlington - Stafford - King George 057 13 1800EST 0 0 Winter Weather 14 0800EST VAZ025>031-037>042- Augusta - Rockingham - Shenandoah - Frederick - Page - Warren - Clarke - Albemarle - Greene - Madison - 050>053-056 Rappahannock - Fauquier - Loudoun - Orange - Culpeper - Prince William - Fairfax - Spotsylvania 13 1800EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0800EST A strong cold front brought chilly air into the region on the 12th. By the afternoon of the 13th, an upper level disturbance brought warm air into the mid levels of the atmosphere and caused snow that fell from the system to melt to rain on its way down. When the rain hit the ground where temperatures were below freezing, ice accumulated. Across the Shenandoah Valley and much of Northern Virginia, the ice accumulated to between one quarter and three quarters of an inch. The weight of the ice brought down some trees, branches, telephone lines, and power lines. Nearly 50,000 customers lost power across Northern Virginia for a short time. Roads were turned into sheets of ice and several traffic accidents were reported. Along the Interstate 81 corridor, law enforcement advised drivers to remain at home overnight after road conditions rapidly deteriorated. Near the Potomac River south of Washington D.C. and across the Central Piedmont, temperatures remained closed to the freezing mark so ice accumulations were less than one quarter of an inch and only caused minor inconveniences. Culpeper County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Fauquier County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Loudoun County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST

148 153 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VIRGINIA, North Nelson County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Orange County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST Rappahannock County Countywide 16 2100EST 0 0 Heavy Rain 17 0300EST VAZ028-031-042- Frederick - Clarke - Loudoun - Fairfax - Arlington 053>054 17 1000EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1900EST A strong cold front moved across the region around midday on the 17th. Ahead of the front, heavy rain fell from showers and thunderstorms. In Loudoun County, rainfall totals included 2.00 inches in Lincoln and 1.98 inches in Leesburg. In Fauquier County, 1.70 inches fell in Remington. In Rappahannock County, 1.90 inches fell in Castleton. In Culpeper County, 2.47 inches fell at Culpeper and 2.00 inches fell at Boston. In Orange County, 1.87 inches was reported in Somerset. In Nelson County, 1.56 inches was reported at Devils Knob.

Behind the front, northwest winds increased to 25 to 40 MPH. Measured wind gusts across northern Virginia included 46 MPH at Winchester, 45 MPH at Washington Reagan National Airport, 44 MPH at Dulles International Airport, 40 MPH at Ft. Belvoir, 39 MPH at Quantico Marine Base, and 36 MPH at Fredericksburg. Wind gusts were lower across the Central Piedmont and Southern Shenandoah Valley. VAZ021-026-036>042- Highland - Rockingham - Nelson - Albemarle - Greene - Madison - Rappahannock - Fauquier - Loudoun - 050>056 Orange - Culpeper - Prince William - Fairfax - Arlington - Stafford - Spotsylvania 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Weather 2000EST VAZ025-027>031 Augusta - Shenandoah - Frederick - Page - Warren - Clarke 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2000EST

Regional Storm Total Snowfall Map for Dec. 19, 2000 (in inches) Low pressure moved across the region on the 19th and produced periods of light to moderate snow between 4 AM and 8 PM. Snowfall totals ranged from 2 to 6 inches with the highest amounts falling along the Blue Ridge Mountains and across the Shenandoah Valley. Several traffic accidents were reported during the evening commute after roads became snow covered. After the snow ended, northwest winds gusted up to 30 MPH which caused some of the snow to drift back onto plowed roads overnight.

149 154 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

VIRGINIA, North VAZ021-025>031- Highland - Augusta - Rockingham - Shenandoah - Frederick - Page - Warren - Clarke - Nelson - Albemarle - 036>042-050>057 Greene - Madison - Rappahannock - Fauquier - Loudoun - Orange - Culpeper - Prince William - Fairfax - Arlington - Stafford - Spotsylvania - King George 22 1500EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 23 0600EST After a cold front moved across the region during the afternoon of the 22nd, northwest winds picked up to 20 to 30 MPH. Temperatures dropped into the teens which created wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees. As the winds subsided during the early morning hours of the 23rd, temperatures ranged from the single digits above zero to the low teens. VIRGINIA, Northwest VAZ003>004 Dickenson - Buchanan 01 0000EST 0 0 Prolong Cold 31 2300EST Winds aloft favored the northwest this month, resulting in the monthly average temperature to be 7 to 9 degrees colder than normal. VAZ003>004 Dickenson - Buchanan 02 2000EST 0 0 Snow 03 0800EST Snow accumulated 1 to 4 inches. VIRGINIA, Southwest Carroll County Countywide 10 0400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 0900EST Grayson County Countywide 10 0400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 0900EST Tazewell County Countywide 10 0400EST 0 0 Freezing Rain 0900EST Freezing rain during the morning of the 10th produced icy roads. Numerous accidents were reported with 14 injuries. VAZ011-017>020-022- Giles - Floyd - Craig - Alleghany - Bath - Roanoke - Rockbridge 024 12 0400EST 0 0 3K High Wind 1100EST High winds during the morning of the 12th downed numerous trees and power lines. A carport in Pearisburg in Giles county was blown down onto a car. VAZ033-044 Franklin - Pittsylvania 12 1100EST 0 0 5K High Wind 1530EST High winds occurred during the midday and afternoon hours on the 12th.

High winds downed a tree in Snow Creek in Franklin County, blocking Route 890. High winds also downed trees, caused power outages, and blew a sign down that damaged a car in Danville in Pittsylvania county. VAZ011-014>015- Giles - Montgomery - Grayson - Floyd - Craig - Alleghany - Bath - Rockbridge 017>020-024 13 2200EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0400EST Freezing rain during the late evening of the 13th through the early morning of the 14th produced frorm 1/4 to 1/2 inch of glaze. Several power lines were downed across the region. Numerous accidents were reported with several minor injuries. VAZ007-009-015 Tazewell - Smyth - Grayson 30 0100EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1100EST Snow during the morning of the 30th accumulated 6 to 9 inches. WASHINGTON, Northeast WAZ033-036>038-041- Washington Palouse - Spokane Area - Northeast Mountains - Okanogan Highlands - Wenatchee Area - 044 Waterville Plateau 14 1400PST 0 0 Winter Storm 15 1400PST One of the strongest winter storms to move across eastern Washington in two years took place from the afternoon of December 14 through the morning of December 15 as a strengthening cyclone moved across the Northwest. The storm started out with a band of heavy snow along the Cascade East Slopes on the afternoon which steadily moved into Idaho by late evening. Due in part to very cold air in place and high snowfall ratios, snowfall rates reached 1.5" per hour. There were even a few spotter reports of lightning and thunder with this feature. Snowfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches were common at elevations below 3000 feet, while elevations above 3000 feet received around 10 to 16 inches of snow. Strong winds followed the snowfall in Spokane and Whitman Counties. This led to

150 155 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WASHINGTON, Northeast whiteout conditions in open country and whipped the powdery snow into drifts of 3 to 5 feet. (See the separate High Wind entry for details on that aspect of this winter storm.) The combination of snow drifts and wind led to the temporary closure of US Hwy 195 from the Pullman bypass to the Idaho border. Nearly all school districts in far eastern Washington either cancelled classes or started classes late on December 15.

Specific 24-hour snowfall amounts include: Sherman Pass...16", Blewett Pass...14", Lake Wenatchee...13.5", 49 North Ski Area...10", Mount Spokane Ski Area...8", Colton...8", Entiat...6.5", Deer Park...5.8", Otis Orchards...5.5", Chesaw...5", Newport...5", NWS Spokane...4.9", Wenatchee...4.9", Waterville...4.8", Ione_3W...4.3", Boundary Dam...4", Northport...4", Rosalia...4", Davenport...4", Cheney...4", Republic...3.9", and Spokane Intl Airport...3.5". WAZ032>033 Lower Garfield & Asotin - Washington Palouse 15 0000PST 0 0 60K High Wind (G55) M 1000PST A major winter storm moving across the Northwest brought strong winds to far eastern Washington on the morning of December 15 following large accumulations of light powdery snow the evening before. Peak wind gusts of 63 mph from the southwest were measured at the Pullman-Moscow Airport from 430 to 530 AM PST. At the Nez Perce (Idaho) County Airport near Lewiston, a peak wind gust of 59 mph was measured at 832 AM PST. Spokane International Airport mesured a peak wind gust of 48 mph at 323 AM PST. This caused snow drifts to pile from 3 to 5 feet high along the Highway 195 corridor from Spokane south through the Palouse and into the Snake River Valley. Wind chill values dropped into the zero to ten below range. US Hwy 195 had to be closed from the Pullman bypass to the Idaho border due to hazardous conditions brought on by wind and snow drifts. The wind also caused several trees to fall into power lines, causing sporadic power outages across the Palouse. Winds knocked down portable toilet facilities near the Washington State University Student Learning Center construction site. Half of a modular home in transit south of Pullman was blown over and destroyed. WAZ038 Okanogan Highlands 16 0000PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1600PST A strong warm front lifted north through eastern Washington on December 16, bringing heavy snow to parts of far northern Washington. Chesaw reported 5" of new snow with this storm. Two to four inches were common in other parts of the northeast Washington mountains. Further south along and south of the I-90 corridor, precipitation changed from snow to either rain or freezing rain before snowfall accumulations could become heavy. WASHINGTON, Northwest WAZ001>012- San Juan - Western Whatcom - Northern Casade Foothills - Central Casade Foothills - Northwest Interior - 015>016-020 Everett And Vicinity - Seattle Metropolitan Area - Tacoma Area - Admiralty Inlet Area - Hood Canal/Kitsap Peninsula - Southwest Interior - Olympics - North Coast - Central Coast - Southwest Interior 14 1400PST 0 0 2.1M High Wind (G77) M 15 0800PST Reported winds gusting to 65 mph started along the coast during the afternoon, and moved inland during the night. There were several roofs damaged or blown off in the Ocean Shores area, as well as in other parts of western WA. About 125,000 customers lost power and there about a dozen reports of trees falling on houses. All of Whidbey Island lost power. Ferry service in the north sound was disrupted. Whatcom County Ferndale 15 0600PST 0 1 650K 0900PST About 50 homes in the Sandy Point area suffered damage from seas 10-12 feet in height. 10 homes suffered major damage, in part due to driftwood that smashed into the homes along with the surf. One woman was injured from debris in the surf. Wind with this event gusted to 52 mph. WAZ009 Admiralty Inlet Area 16 1100PST 0 0 200K High Wind (G63) M 1300PST Sustained winds of 40-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph over parts of Island, Whatcom, Skagit and Kitsap counties, left 1,110 people without power. WASHINGTON, Southeast WAZ029 Blue Mountain Foothills 13 2200PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0900PST Heavy snow fell overnight through mid-morning along the foothills of the Blue Mountains. In Dayton, 4 inches of snow accumulated and delayed the start of classes. In general, snow ranging from 2 to 5 inches fell in the Walla Walla valley. WAZ030 Northwest Blue Mountains 14 1000PST 0 0 0 0 Heavy Snow 15 0930PST Heavy snow fell in the Blue Mountains. Accumulations of 12 inches were measured at elevations above 5000 feet. WAZ029 Blue Mountain Foothills 14 1830PST 0 0 25K 0 High Wind (G41) M 2030PST At 6:45 pm, a sustained wind of 47 mph with a peak gust of 52 mph was measured by ASOS at the Walla Walla Airport. Winds

151 156 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WASHINGTON, Southeast affected 4 utility feeder lines that delivered power to the Walla Walla valley, causing a power loss to around 400 residents. WAZ025-028-030 East Slopes Southern Cascades - Lower Columbia Basin - Northwest Blue Mountains 14 2200PST 0 0 100K 0 High Wind (G52) M 15 0800PST Strong winds blew throughout the night along the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades, the Columbia Basin, and the Blue Mountains of Washington. At 10:35 pm, a spotter 4 miles east of Benton City measured wind gusts as high as 60 mph. Overnight, high winds blew several walls down within a partially completed home in Kennewick. In Richland, several trees were lost and several minor accidents were reported due to winds and slick roads. In the Blue Mountains, downed trees blocked the access road between Dayton and Ski Bluewood. The ski resort was closed the next day as the road was cleared. High winds and slick conditions in Kittitas County closed Interstate-90 for much of the morning. A power outage affected around 1000 customers in Easton and western Cle Elum. This outage led to the closing of schools in Easton. WAZ024 East Columbia River Gorge 15 1030PST 0 0 High Wind (G52) Winds through the Columbia River Gorge gusted as high as 60 mph during the late morning. WAZ026 Kittitas Valley 15 1330PST 0 0 0 0 High Wind (G41) A spotter in East Kittitas estimated sustained winds of 45 to 50 mph. WAZ026 Kittitas Valley 23 0800PST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2000PST 4 inches of snow fell at a location 9 miles north of Ellensburg at an elevation of 2300 feet. WASHINGTON, Southwest WAZ021-039 South Coast - Vancouver Area 13 0200PST 0 0 High Wind (G57) M 15 1200PST A winter storm brought strong winds to Clark County and the Southwest Washington coast. Vancouver reported gusts to 63 mph and La Center gusts to 52 mph. Ocean Park reported gusts to 60 mph. Damage from this storm included toppled trees, and widespread power lines down and associated power outages. WEST VIRGINIA, East WVZ048>049-052 Grant - Mineral - Berkeley 12 0300EST 0 0 High Wind (G72) M 1200EST WVZ050>051-053>055 Hampshire - Morgan - Jefferson - Pendleton - Hardy 12 0300EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1200EST A vigorous cold front crossed the region between 3 and 6 AM on the 12th. As the front passed, northwest winds gusted to between 45 and 65 MPH and didn't begin to subside until midday. One anemometer positioned 75 feet above the ground in Keyser recorded a wind gust of 83 MPH at 4 AM. A total of 31,000 customers across the Eastern Panhandle lost power after trees and power lines were downed. In Grant County, a wind gust of 64 MPH was recorded at the Petersburg Airport. In Hardy County, a weather observer noted high wind damage near Moorfield. In Berkeley County, a wind gust of 66 MPH was recorded in Falling Waters and a gust of 55 MPH was reported at the Martinsburg Airport. WVZ048-054 Grant - Pendleton 13 1800EST 0 0 Winter Weather 14 0500EST WVZ049>053-055 Mineral - Hampshire - Morgan - Berkeley - Jefferson - Hardy 13 1800EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0500EST A strong cold front brought chilly air into the region on the 12th. By the afternoon of the 13th, an upper level disturbance brought warm air into the mid levels of the atmosphere and caused snow that fell from the system to melt to rain on its way down in all but the highest elevations. In the higher elevations, most of the precipitation fell as sleet or light snow with accumulations of 2 inches or less. When the liquid precipitation hit the cold ground east of the ridges it turned to ice on impact and accumulated to between one quarter and three quarters of an inch. The weight of the ice brought down some trees, branches, and power lines. Roads turned to sheets of ice and several traffic accidents were reported. WVZ048>053 Grant - Mineral - Hampshire - Morgan - Berkeley - Jefferson 17 1000EST 0 0 Strong Wind 1900EST A strong cold front crossed the region during the late morning hours of the 17th. This caused northwest winds to gust to between 30 and 45 MPH. Measured wind gusts included 45 MPH at Petersburg in Grant County and 41 MPH at Martinsburg in Berkeley County. In addition, a total of 3.1 inches of lake effect snow fell at Bayard in Grant County right atop the Allegany Front between 10 AM on the 17th and 6 AM on the 18th.

152 157 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WEST VIRGINIA, East WVZ048>049-054>055 Grant - Mineral - Pendleton - Hardy 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Weather 1500EST WVZ050>053 Hampshire - Morgan - Berkeley - Jefferson 19 0400EST 0 0 Winter Storm 1500EST

Regional Storm Total Snowfall Reports from December 19th, 2000 (in inches). Low pressure moved across the region on the 19th and produced periods of light to moderate snow between 4 AM and 8 PM. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches with the highest amounts falling across the eastern tip of the panhandle. Several traffic accidents were reported during the evening commute after roads became snow covered. After the snow ended, northwest winds gusted up to 30 MPH which caused some of the snow to drift back onto plowed roads overnight. WVZ048>055 Grant - Mineral - Hampshire - Morgan - Berkeley - Jefferson - Pendleton - Hardy 22 1500EST 0 0 Extreme Windchill 23 0600EST After a cold front moved across the region during the afternoon of the 22nd, northwest winds picked up to 20 to 30 MPH. Temperatures dropped into the teens which created wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees. As the winds subsided during the early morning hours of the 23rd, temperatures dropped into the single digits above zero. WVZ048 Grant 30 2100EST 0 0 Winter Storm 31 2359EST Up to 9 inches of snow fell along the Allegany Front. Northwest winds blowing off of Lake Erie caused late effect snow to fall along the Allegany Front in Western Grant County from the evening of the 30th through midnight on the 31st. A total of 9.2 inches of snow accumulated in Bayard. Snow totals were much less in Mt. Storm and no snow fell as far east as Petersburg. WEST VIRGINIA, North WVZ003-023-041 Ohio - Preston - Tucker 12 0335EST 0 0 45K High Wind (G66) M 0500EST A strengthening area of low pressure and associated cold front swept across the area during the overnight hours, bringing high winds across portions of northern West Virginia. The control tower at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport recorded a 76 MPH wind gust. In general, damage across the area was confined to downed trees and power lines. WVZ001>004-012- Hancock - Brooke - Ohio - Marshall - Wetzel - Marion - Monongalia - Preston - Tucker 021>023-041 13 2100EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0400EST A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow spread across northern West Virginia during the day on the 13th. By late afternoon on the 13th, the snow turned over to sleet in many areas, with several counties reporting sleet accumulations of up to one inch. Finally, by the evening hours of the 13th the precipitation had turned over to freezing rain across all of northern West Virginia. Every county across the area reported ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch by the late evening hours on the 13th. Numerous accidents were

153 158 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WEST VIRGINIA, North reported on area highways as the freezing rain coated roadways. Overnight, the freezing precipitation gradually turned over to rain. However, even by the early morning hours of the 14th a few pockets of freezing drizzle were still being reported as cold air remained trapped in some of the valleys. WVZ041 Tucker 17 1800EST 0 0 2K High Wind (G52) An intensifying area of low pressure moving across the area produced several wind gusts estimated at 60 MPH. A few trees were downed by the high winds in and around the Parsons area. WVZ023-041 Preston - Tucker 31 1200EST 0 0 Winter Storm 2300EST Strong northwest winds brought orographically enhanced snowfall to the highlands of northern West Virginia. Snow accumulations were generally in the 6 to 10 inch range, with the higher amounts found over higher elevations. WEST VIRGINIA, Southeast WVZ042-044>045 Mercer - Monroe - Greenbrier 13 2330EST 0 0 Ice Storm 14 0430EST During the late evening of the the 13th and early morning of the 14th, sleet accumulated up to 2 inches in Greenbrier County before changing to freezing rain that produced 1/4 inch of glaze. In Mercer and Monroe counties, freezing rain produced 1/4 to 1/2 inch of glaze. WVZ045 Greenbrier 30 0100EST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2200EST Snow during the 30th accumulated up to 12 inches in the higher elevations of western Greenbrier County. WEST VIRGINIA, West WVZ005>011- Wayne - Cabell - Mason - Jackson - Wood - Pleasants - Tyler - Lincoln - Putnam - Kanawha - Roane - Wirt - 013>020-024>040- Calhoun - Ritchie - Doddridge - Mingo - Logan - Boone - Clay - Braxton - Gilmer - Lewis - Harrison - Taylor - 046>047 Mcdowell - Wyoming - Raleigh - Fayette - Nicholas - Webster - Upshur - Barbour - Pocahontas - Randolph 01 0000EST 0 0 Prolong Cold 31 2300EST Persistent west and northwest winds aloft, resulted in the monthly average temperature to be 7 to 9 degrees colder than normal. The coldest periods were around the 3rd and the 4th, then during the last 2 weeks of the month. From preliminary data, the coldest temperature was 11 degrees below zero from Glady of Randolph County on the morning after Christmas. At Charleston it was the third coldest December on record. It was the fourth coldest December for Beckley, Huntington, and Elkins. Most streams and headwater rivers accumulated an ice covering. In a sense, it was too cold for snow. The monthly precipitation was drier than usual in most locations. No big storms occurred, but frequent light snow did accumulate by month's end. Snow depths reached to around a foot over the northern and central mountains. WVZ005>008- Wayne - Cabell - Mason - Jackson - Pleasants - Tyler - Lincoln - Putnam - Kanawha - Roane - Wirt - Calhoun - 010>011-013>020- Ritchie - Doddridge - Mingo - Logan - Boone - Clay - Braxton - Gilmer - Lewis - Harrison - Taylor - Mcdowell - 024>037-039>040 Wyoming - Raleigh - Fayette - Nicholas - Upshur - Barbour 11 2300EST 0 0 Wind 12 0430EST WVZ009-038-046>047 Wood - Webster - Pocahontas - Randolph 11 2300EST 0 0 20K High Wind (G57) M 12 0500EST Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were common in the wake of a strong cold front. Stronger gusts, on the order of 50 to 70 mph were seen in Wood County and across the central mountainous counties. The Wood County Airport measured a gust to 66 mph at 0101E. Elkins recorded a gust to 59 mph at 0232E. The mountain top at Snowshoe registered a gust to 70 mph around 0100E.

Other measured gusts included Huntington with 48 mph at 0018E, Charleston had 39 mph at 0140E, Beckley registered 43 mph at 0319E, and Clarksburg measured 49 mph at 0334E.

Scattered minor damage and power outages occurred. Seasonal decorations, tree limbs, and even a large glass window pane were damaged. The state Christmas tree at the capital in Charleston was blown over. Six schools in Kanawha and Upshur Counties were closed due to the power outages.

Temperatures fell from the 50s to the 20s in about 6 hours. WVZ035 Raleigh 13 1800EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0100EST A southeast wind kept temperatures in the upper 20s with freezing rain accumulating a quarter to a half inch. This was not a major ice storm. However, power outages did occurred in the Spruce vicinity and near Harper Road. Several vehicular accident were reported.

154 159 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WEST VIRGINIA, West WVZ046 Pocahontas 13 1830EST 0 0 Winter Storm 14 0500EST Sleet fell during Wednesday evening, changing to freezing rain after midnight. A quarter inch of ice accumulated during the late night hours. WVZ028-030>032- Braxton - Lewis - Harrison - Taylor - Nicholas - Webster - Upshur - Barbour - Pocahontas - Randolph 037>040-046>047 30 0800EST 0 0 Snow 31 0800EST Dry fluffy snow showers accumulated 2 to 5 inches, with localized higher amounts in the mountains. WISCONSIN, Extreme Southwest

NONE REPORTED. WISCONSIN, Northeast WIZ039 Brown 01 0000CST 0 0 Record Snowfall 31 2359CST Green Bay recorded 28.9 inches of snow during the month of December 2000. This set a new snowfall record for December, breaking the old record of 27.0 inches that was set in 1977. WIZ050 Manitowoc 11 1200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2200CST Heavy snow and winds gusting to 35 mph caused winter storm conditions across Manitowoc county. Snow associated with a surface low pressure system was enhanced by lake effect snow as winds became northeast behind the low. The greatest snow totals were in the eastern part of the county, near Lake Michigan, where Two Rivers received 11 inches of snow and the city of Manitowoc received 7 to 8 inches of snow. WIZ022-040-050 Door - Kewaunee - Manitowoc 18 1200CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 19 0200CST Snowfall associated with low pressure that moved through Illinois was enhanced by lake effect snow as cold northeast winds blew across Lake Michigan. Door county experienced its biggest December snowfall in 15 years with snow totals of 16 inches at Institute, 15 inches at Whitefish Bay and 14 inches 2 miles west of Sturgeon Bay. Two Rivers (Manitowoc co.) had 12.5 inches of snow and Kewaunee county received around 10 inches. WISCONSIN, Northwest WIZ004 Iron 04 1800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 05 1200CST Heavy lake effect snow resulted in accumulations of 8 inches in Pence and Hurley. WIZ003>004 Ashland - Iron 15 1600CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 16 0800CST A major winter storm moving through Iowa and northern Illinois produced onshore winds in the Wisconsin counties bordering Lake Superior. This resulted in heavy lake effect snow accumulations in the snow belt of Ashland and Iron Counties. A couple of the heavier amounts were 12 inches in the Saxon/Hurley area and 8 inches in Mellen. WIZ003>004 Ashland - Iron 17 0500CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1400CST Heavy lake effect snow totaling 8 to 12 inches fell in the snow belt of northern Ashland and Iron Counties. WIZ001>004 Douglas - Bayfield - Ashland - Iron 18 0400CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 19 1530CST Heavy lake effect snow resulted in 12 inches at South Range, 17 inches in Cornucopia, 14 inches in Mellen, and 15.5 inches in Gurney. WIZ001>004 Douglas - Bayfield - Ashland - Iron 21 0900CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 22 0415CST Heavy lake effect snow fell in the northern Wisconsin snow belt from northeastern Douglas County over to northern Iron County. Some of the heavier amounts were 13 inches at the mouth of the Brule River, 22 inches in Oulu, 9.5 inches in Ashland, and 14 inches at Upson. WIZ002>004 Bayfield - Ashland - Iron 23 1800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 24 1600CST Heavy lake effect snow produced 9.5 inches in Cornucopia, 12 inches at Mellen, and 11.5 inches in Gurney.

155 160 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WISCONSIN, Northwest WIZ003>004 Ashland - Iron 29 1330CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2030CST A quick burst of lake effect snow resulted in accumulations of 6 inches in Mellen and 12 inches at Saxon. WISCONSIN, Southeast WIZ062-067>068 Iowa - Lafayette - Green 11 0800CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2300CST Heavy snow accumulations, accompanied by northeast to north winds gusting to 30 mph, affected parts of southcentral and southwest Wisconsin. This system was the first in a series of winter disturbances that accumulatively would lead to new, monthly snowfall records for December, and new record snow depths at any one time. Generally 8 to 10 inches fell, but an estimated 10.5 inches accumulated in norhteastern Iowa County. Dozens of vehicle accidents resulted due to slippery roads and blowing snow.

Synoptically, a surface low moved from central Colorado Sunday night December 10th, to north of Dallas, TX, by the end of the 10th, to eastcental Illinois by noon CST on the 11th, and then to near Toledo, Ohio by 2100CST. Strong upper level forcing due to a coupled jet structure over Wisconsin, along with strong midlevel differential positive vorticity advection, led to significant upward vertical motions over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, thus deepening and slowing the surface lowa.

This system produced a heavy band of snow, ranging from 8 to 12 inches, across northeast Iowa, extreme northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin. As the surface low moved into western Indiana, gusty northeast winds to 30 knots, in the northwest quadrant of the circulation around the low, drew moisture from Lake Michigan. This enhanced the snowfall in the counties adjoining the lake from north of Chicago, to northern Milwaukee county. Snowfall totals in these lakeshore locations were between 12 and 15 inches. WIZ056>058-063>064- Sauk - Columbia - Dodge - Dane - Jefferson - Rock - Walworth 069>070 11 1000CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2359CST Heavy snow, accompanied by northeast to north winds gusting to around 30 mph, affected all of south-central and parts of southeast Wisconsin. This system was the first in a series of winter disturbances that accumulatively would lead to new, monthly snowfall records for December, and new record snow depths at any one time. Accumulations were generally 7 to 10 inches, although a band of 10 to 11 inches was found from northwest Dane County to south-central Columbia County, and across the southern parts of Green, Rock, and Walworth Counties. The greatest reported value was 11.1 inches in Delavan (Walworth Co.). Lesser amounts (7 to 9 inches) were noted in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. Dozens of vehicle accidents resulted due to slippery roads and blowing snow. The fresh snowcover, combined with clear skies during the early morning hours of the 12th, resulted in a new record low of -10 at Janesville (Rock Co.). However, other parts of the Janesville area dropped to -17 and every other location in south-central Wisconsin sunk to the -10 to -15 range for morning lows.

Synoptically, a surface low moved from central Colorado Sunday night December 10th, to north of Dallas, TX, by the end of the 10th, to east-cental Illinois by noon CST on the 11th, and then to near Toledo, Ohio by 2100CST. Strong upper level forcing due to a coupled jet structure over Wisconsin, along with strong mid-level differential positive vorticity advection, led to significant upward vertical motions over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, thus deepening and slowing the surface low.

This system produced a heavy band of snow, ranging from 8 to 12 inches, across northeast Iowa, extreme northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin. As the surface low moved into western Indiana, gusty northeast winds to 30 knots, in the northwest quadrant of the circulation around the low, drew moisture from Lake Michigan. This enhanced the snowfall in the counties adjoining the lake from north of Chicago, to northern Milwaukee county. Snowfall totals in these lakeshore locations were between 12 and 15 inches. WIZ051>052-059>060- Fond Du Lac - Sheboygan - Washington - Ozaukee - Waukesha - Milwaukee - Racine - Kenosha 065>066-071>072 11 1100CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 12 0100CST Heavy snow, accompanied by northeast to north winds gustingn to around 40 mph, affected all of southeast Wisconsin. This system was the first in a series of winter disturbances that accumulatively would lead to new, monthly snowfall records for December, and new record snow depths at any one time. Accumulations ranged from 6 to 8 inches in Fond du Lac County on up to 14.5 inches in Racine and Kenosha Counties (at Wind Point and the city of Kenosha, respectively). A new calendar day snowfall record was set at Milwaukee's Mitchell Field on the 11th where 13.6 inches fell, breaking the old record of 13.1 inches set back in 1987. This is also the greatest total for any calendar day in December at Milwaukee. Dozens of vehicle accidents were noted due to slippery roads and blowing snow. Other notable snowfall totals were 12 inches in Sheboygan (Sheboygan Co.), an estimated 11 to 11.5 inches in extreme southeast Waukesha County, and an estimated 10 to 10.5 inches in extreme southeast Ozaukee County.

Synoptically, a surface low moved from central Colorado Sunday night December 10th, to north of Dallas, TX, by the end of the 10th, to east-cental Illinois by noon CST on the 11th, and then to near Toledo, Ohio by 2100CST. Strong upper level forcing due to a coupled jet structure over Wisconsin, along with strong mid-level differential positive vorticity advection, led to significant upward vertical motions over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, thus deepening and slowing the surface low.

This system produced a heavy band of snow, ranging from 8 to 12 inches, across northeast Iowa, extreme northern Illinois, and

156 161 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WISCONSIN, Southeast southern Wisconsin. As the surface low moved into western Indiana, gusty northeast winds to 30 knots, in the northwest quadrant of the circulation around the low, drew moisture from Lake Michigan. This enhanced the snowfall in the counties adjoining the lake from north of Chicago, to northern Milwaukee county. Snowfall totals in these lakeshore locations were between 12 and 15 inches. WIZ046>047-051- Marquette - Green Lake - Fond Du Lac - Sauk - Columbia - Dodge - Iowa - Dane - Jefferson - Lafayette - 056>058-062>064- Green - Rock - Walworth 067>070 18 1400CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2330CST Heavy snow fell across all of south-central and southeast Wisconsin, adding to what would become record total snowfall amounts for December. Luckily, wind speeds were only 5 to 15 mph, which minimized the blowing and drifting of the snow. Snowfall amounts were geneally 6 to 8 inches, although a band of 9 to 9.5 inches extended from near Lone Rock along the Wisconsin River east across the northern part of Dane County into west-central Dodge County. Middleton (Dane Co.) came in with 9.6 inches. Janesville (Rock Co.), and Wisconsin Dells (Columbia Co.) both measured 7.0 inches, while 8.2 inches was reported from Ft. Atkinson (Jefferson Co.). The 8.2 inches measured at Madison's (Dane Co.), was a new calendar day record for the 18th, breaking the old one of 3.5 inches set back in 1896.

Synoptically, a surface low moved from northern Iowa across northern Illinois to northern Indiana, with an inverted trough of low pressure extending north of the low. Minor jet coupling was noted aloft.

By the end of December, new snowfall or snowdepth records would be set across all of south-central and southeast Wisconsin. Madison registerd 35.0 inches for the month of December (old one was 32.8 inches in 1987), and on December 29th, tied the old snow depth record of 17 inches set back in 1990. The 35.0 inches was 287% of normal and 79% of the average winter snowfall! Other locations had montly totals of 30 to 43 inches (roughly 300 to over 500% of normal), or 80 to 133% of the average winter snowfall! Maximum snowdepths were measured on December 30th, generally ranging from 15 to 25 inches. Monroe (Green Co.) had 31 inches on the ground on the 30th, while Sun Praire (Dane Co.) and Argyle (Lafayette Co.) had 25 inches. WIZ052-059>060- Sheboygan - Washington - Ozaukee - Waukesha - Milwaukee - Racine - Kenosha 065>066-071>072 18 1500CST 0 0 Heavy Snow 19 0400CST

Graphic of total snowfall for the month of December, 2000. New monthly records were established at many locations southeast of a line from La Crosse to Green Bay. Gurney (Iron Co.) measured 81.6 inches, and Port Washington had 55.5 inches. Heavy snow fell across all of south-central and southeast Wisconsin, adding to what would become record total snowfall amounts for December. Luckily, wind speeds were generally 10 to 20 mph, which minimized the blowing and drifting of the snow. Snowfall amounts were geneally 6 to 8 inches, although a band of lake-enhanced amounts of 10 to 14.5 inches was noted from Sheboygan County to Racine County. A location northeast of Milwaukee's Mitchell Field gathered 14.5 inches and Howards Grove (Sheboygan Co.) came in with 14.0 inches. Mitchell Field registered 10.5 inches, while in Racine County, 10.0 inches were measured in Caledonia. The 8.1 inches measured at Mitchell Field was a new calendar day record for the 18th, breaking the old one of 7.1 inches set back in 1929.

Synoptically, a surface low moved from northern Iowa across northern Illinois to northern Indiana, with an inverted trough of low

157 162 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WISCONSIN, Southeast pressure extending north of the low. Minor jet coupling was noted aloft.

By the end of December, new snowfall or snowdepth records would be set across all of south-central and southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee registerd a whopping 49.5 inches for the month of December (old one was 30.7 inches in 1951), and on December 21st, set a new December snow depth record of 32 inches (old record was 18 inches in 1978). The 49.5 inches was 430% of normal and 105% of the average winter snowfall! Other locations had monthly totals of 30 to 55.5 inches (roughly 250 to 694% of normal), or 65 to 145% of the average winter snowfall! Port Washington (Ozaukee County) was the location with the greatest totals and percentages just mentioned. Maximum snowdepths were measured on December 30th, generally ranging from 15 to 25 inches, although at least 30 inches was on the ground from southern Ozaukee County to northern Kenosha County. Racine had the most with 34 inches on the ground, while other notables were Mitchell Field with 30, Germantown (Washington Co.) with 27, and 20 inches at Waukesha (Waukesha Co.). WISCONSIN, Southwest WIZ053>055-061 Vernon - Crawford - Richland - Grant 11 0000CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2345CST Southwest Wisconsin was hit by the first snowstorm of the season, which produced snowfall amounts of 5 to 7 inches. Accumulations of 7.5 and 7 inches were reported by cooperative observers in Muscoda and Cuba City (Grant County) respectively, while 7 inches was reported in Mt. Sterling (Crawford County). WIZ029-032>034- Clark - Buffalo - Trempealeau - Jackson - La Crosse - Monroe - Juneau - Adams - Vernon - Crawford - 041>044-053>055-061 Richland - Grant 18 0600CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2330CST 4 to 8 inches of snow fell across southwest and central Wisconsin, making it the second significant snowfall event in a week. Accumulations of 8 inches were reported by cooperative observers in Prairie du Chien (Crawford County), with 6.5 inches at Victory (Vernon County) and 6 inches respectively near Mather (Jackson County) and La Farge (Vernon County). WIZ032>033-041- Buffalo - Trempealeau - La Crosse - Vernon - Crawford - Grant 053>054-061 28 1100CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2325CST Areas of southwest Wisconsin along the Mississippi River were hit by a winter storm, which produced 5 to 7 inches of snow. Reports from cooperative observers included 7 inches at Victory (Vernon County), 6.5 inches at Lancaster (Grant County), 6 inches at Westby (Vernon County) and 6 inches at Arcadia (Trempealeau County). WISCONSIN, West WIZ014-023>024-026 Polk - St. Croix - Pierce - Pepin 28 0200CST 0 0 Winter Storm 2359CST A strong low pressure system over central North Dakota early on the 28th, trekked into southwestern Minnesota during the afternoon, and then moved into northern Iowa during the evening hours. The storm system then marched into northern Illinois during the morning of the 29th. This system deposited heavy snow in the 6 to 8 inch range across far western Wisconsin. Some snowfall totals of note include: New Richmond 8.0 inches; Ellsworth 6.0 inches; Durand 6.0 inches. WYOMING, Central and West WYZ006 Teton/Moutains 01 0800MST 1 0 Avalanche North side of Teton Pass. Time is estimated. M28OU WYZ006>007-016>017 Teton/Moutains - Jackson Valley - Star Valley - Salt River Range 09 0600MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 2000MST Localized heavy snow event with 6 inches in lower elevations to near a foot in the mountains. WYZ006 Teton/Moutains 09 1700MST 1 0 Avalanche Occured on south side of Teton Pass. Time was estimated. M30OU WYZ007 Jackson Valley 13 0800MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 14 0800MST Localized heavy snow produced around a half foot of snow. WYZ004-014>015-028 Cody Foothills - Green Mountains - Natrona - East Johnson 15 0052MST 0 0 High Wind (G76) M 1543MST Highest wind gusts up to 87 mph along the east slopes of the Absarokas. WYZ007 Jackson Valley 24 0000MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 1500MST Localized heavy snow ranging from 6 inches in the Jackson area to over a foot just northwest of Moose.

158 163 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated December 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

WYOMING, Central and West WYZ006 Teton/Moutains 25 1400MST 1 0 Avalanche Occured near Dead Horse Pass. Time is estimated. F26OU WYOMING, Extreme Southwest

NONE REPORTED. WYOMING, North Central WYZ099 Sheridan Foothills 17 1910MST 0 0 Heavy Snow 4 inches of new snow during the evening with near whiteout conditions. WYZ099 Sheridan Foothills 30 1530MST 0 0 Heavy Snow Dayton reported 4 inches of new snow. WYOMING, Northeast WYZ054>058 Gillette - South Campbell - Moorcroft - Wyoming Black Hills - Weston 15 1630MST 0 0 Winter Storm 2200MST A strong cold front moved across the region producing strong winds from 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Up to three inches of snowfall was reported with ground blizzard conditions bringing visibilities to zero. Area wide there were over 10 auto accidents reported. On one highway south of Gillette several semi-trucks were jack-knifed due to poor visibility and icy conditions. Conditions improved by late evening across the region. Wind chill temperatures dropped to 50 to 70 below zero through the night and into the next day. WYZ055 South Campbell 17 0550MST 0 0 High Wind (G56) M 1030MST Strong southwest winds occurred ahead of a cold front that moved through the region during the day. Sustained winds were from 40 to 45 mph with the peak gust 62 mph at Rochelle Hills in the southeast corner of the county. WYZ057 Wyoming Black Hills 28 0000MST 0 0 High Wind (G58) M 0900MST A cold front moved across the areas which brought strong winds sustained at 40 to 50 mph with gusts to near 70 mph. WYOMING, Southeast WYZ062-066>067-069 North Carbon - Laramie Range - Platte - Cheyenne Foothills 14 1529MST 0 0 High Wind (G72) M 15 2050MST High winds blew across parts of southeast Wyoming, with gusts as high as 83 mph reported about 30 miles north of Laramie, WY. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common in the mountains and adjacent foothills. WYZ062-066>067-069 North Carbon - Laramie Range - Platte - Cheyenne Foothills 16 1455MST 0 0 High Wind (G72) M 17 1300MST Strong winds were reported over the mountains and foothill areas of southeast Wyoming, with gusts as high as 83 mph were recorded in the southwest corner of Laramie county. Gusts to 74 mph were recorded near Chugwater, WY, with gusts up to 73 mph at Arlington, WY. Interstate 80 was closed for a few hours for localized whiteout conditions due to blowing snow. WYZ062-066>067 North Carbon - Laramie Range - Platte 18 2248MST 0 0 High Wind (G83) 19 1535MST High winds were reported over parts of southeast Wyoming, with unofficial gusts of 90 to 100 mph reported near Buford, WY. Gusts to 73 mph were recorded at Arlington, WY, with gusts near 60 mph common elsewhere.

159 164 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated July 1999 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm

ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS WYOMING, Northeast Campbell County 8 SE Gillette07 1545MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Crook County 25 NW Hulett07 1635MST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G52) Crook County 21 N Hulett07 1700MST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Weston County 10 W Upton15 1515MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Campbell County 20 SE Gillette15 1525MST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Crook County 14 SW Sundance15 1615MST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Weston County 6 N Upton15 1615MST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Hail was one foot deep along the Crook and Weston county line. Weston County 15 W Four Corners15 1640MST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G52) Crook County Devils Tower15 1715MST 0 0 Hail (0.88) Weston County 5 SW Newcastle17 1424MST 0.1 10 0 0 Tornado (F0) Brief touchdown. Path width and length estimated. Weston County 4 SW Upton20 1907MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Weston County 16 SW Upton20 2000MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Campbell County Countywide21 1700MST 0 0 Lightning 22 1700MST 11 fires were started throughout the county due to lightning striking rangeland and hay bales. The largest fire reached 300 acres before firefighters were able to contain it. Campbell County Echeta21 1715MST 0 0 Thunderstorm Wind (G66)

1 165 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated February 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS NEW MEXICO, Central and North Bernalillo County Albuquerque08 1330MST 0 0 Tstm Wind/Hail 1345MST An unusual winter thunderstorm produced a mix of snow and large ranging from 3/8 to 1/2 inch over eastern Albuquerque and the nearby Sandia Foothills.

1 166 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated May 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS NORTH CAROLINA, South Coastal Brunswick County Longwood to25 1710EST 0 0 75K Thunderstorm Wind (G60) Calabash 1720EST Brunswick 911 reported dime size hail, and a spotter reported a wind gust blew trees and power lines down. In addition, the roof of the Indigo Plantation clubhouse was damaged. Robeson County Rowland27 1520EST 0 0 100K Thunderstorm Wind (G65) Emergency manager reported trees and power lines down...8 buildings were damaged. Nickle-size hail was also reported. SOUTH CAROLINA, North Coastal Horry County Myrtle Beach25 1717EST 0 0 2K Hail (0.75) 1725EST Horry Emergency Manager reported dime-size hail in Myrtle Beach. Storm moved to Socastee, blowing off shingles on a roof and downing several trees that were 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Darlington County Darlington 25 2000EST 0 0 150K 10K Hail (2.00) 2030EST A severe thunderstorm caused dime size hail in the city of Darlington, and 2 inch hail just to the south. Strong gusty wind caused tree and roof damage to the Landmark Motor Inn, 2 miles south of the city, and overturned a mobile home in Oats, 8 miles south of Darlington. The County Agricultural Service reported several areas of crop damage near highway 401. Florence County 6 SW Florence to25 2004EST 0 2 30M Hail (4.50) 2 NE Florence 2029EST A severe thunderstorm developed west of the city of Florence and moved east. The damage began on the southwest side of the city with reports (including ham radio, media, and spotters) of large hail and wind gusts estimated over 80 mph. The largest hail size was estimated at 4 1/2 inches, which caused extensive damage over $6 million to more than 2000 homes, mainly roof and siding damage.The hail and wind blew out many windows, injuring one person with flying glass. The storm knocked out power to over 20,000 residences. Damage to vehicles was even more costly. Several automobile dealerships sustained major damage to nearly every car in their lots...totaling around 1000 vehicles. One man was injured in his vehicle when a hailstone crashed through his windshield, causing facial lacerations. In addition, the storm produced flash flooding, with many streets rendered temporarily impassable. A National Weather Service damage assessment reported dozens of trees damaged and snapped...was concluded to be due to straight-line winds and hail, not a tornado. An automated weather observation station at the Florence airport, just east of the city, recorded a peak wind of 59 mph. Marion County Britton Neck25 2050EST 0 0 10K Hail (2.75) Department of Transportation reported approximately 20 trees blown down. An emergency manager also reported hail estimated at 2 3/4 inches, breaking windows in the area. Williamsburg County Trio28 1335EST 0 0 50K Thunderstorm Wind (G65) 1340EST National Weather Service storm damage assessment in Trio described damage to 5 model homes in the Blakely housing development due to straight line thunderstorm winds estimated at 65-75 mph. Dime-size hail was also reported in the town.

1 167 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated August 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS NORTH CAROLINA, South Coastal New Hanover County Kure Beach20 1400EST 1 0 Rip Currents Rip currents at Kure Beach drowned a person who was attempting to rescue another person. M?IW

1 168 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated September 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS FLORIDA, West Central Sarasota County 6 E North Port to 17 0454EST 12 5 0 0 60K 0 Tornado (F0) 17 NNE North Port 0512EST A short lived tornado, that originated in Charlotte county and was associated with an outer rainband of Hurricane Gordon, briefly touched down, snapped a few trees, downed power lines and damaged a few carports, east of the intersection of Interstate 75 and Toledo Blade Boulevard. The tornado continued to sporadically touch down along a narrow path as it moved rapidly north across Interstate 75 over rural southeast Sarasota county before it lifted and dissipated. NORTH CAROLINA, South Coastal New Hanover County Kure Beach to13 1230EST 3 0 Rip Currents Carolina Beach 1615EST Large swell waves from distant Hurricane Florence generated rip currents along Pleasure Island Beaches. Deaths by drowning occurred at 1:30 and 2:30 PM EDT at Kure Beach, and at 3 PM EDTat Carolina Beach. F?IW, M?IW, M23IW

1 169 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated October 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS KANSAS, Northwest Wallace County 13.5 NNW Weskan to31 1415MST 5 225 0 0 Tornado (F1) 18 N Weskan 1432MST Large tornado as it approached Wallace-Sherman County Line. A few utility poles were ripped out by tornado before it moved into Sherman County. Sherman County 14 SSW Ruleton to31 1432MST 7 250 0 0 Tornado (F2) 7 S Ruleton 1451MST Tornado destroyed abandoned house and garage as it entered southwest Sherman County from Wallace County. Tornado also ripped out utility poles and trees. It was likely the widest just after crossing the county line, and was briefly described as an "elephant trunk" tornado by storm spotters. Sherman County 14 S Kanorado31 1437MST 0 0 Hail (1.75) Sherman County 2 W Ruleton31 1448MST 0 0 Hail (0.88) Sherman County 4.5 S Ruleton to31 1454MST 0.5100 0 0 Tornado (F1) 4 S Ruleton Tornado touched down on farmstead and took off the roof of a sheep barn, flipped a trailer, destroyed a small buildings, and broke some windows. In addition, the tornado tore out trees, fences, and a utility pole. No one was injured at the residence. Sherman County 1 W Ruleton31 1500MST 0 0 Hail (1.75) Sherman County 3 NNW Caruso31 1501MST 0.5100 0 0 Tornado (F0) 1502MST Brief tornado in open field causing no damage. Thomas County 2 E Mingo31 1510CST 0 0 Hail (1.75) Thomas County 1 N Mingo31 1513CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Thomas County 5 E Mingo31 1516CST 0.3 50 0 0 Tornado (F0) Brief tornado that caused no damage. Thomas County 3 SE Gem31 1524CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Thomas County 4 N Rexford31 1553CST 0.5 75 0 0 Tornado (F0) 1554CST Tornado developed near Thomas-Sheridan County Line, then moved into Sheridan County. No damage reported. Sheridan County 6 W Selden to31 1554CST 2 75 0 0 Tornado (F0) 6 WNW Selden 1559CST Tornado moved through extreme northwest corner of Sheridan County. The tornado traveled from Thomas County, then quickly exited into Decatur County. Decatur County 18.5 SSW Oberlin to31 1559CST 2.5 75 0 0 Tornado (F0) 16 SSW Oberlin 1605CST Tornado that had developed near the Thomas-Sheridan County Line dissipated shortly after entering southwest Decatur County. No damage noted along its path. Decatur County 13.5 SW Oberlin31 1600CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Greeley County 9 E Tribune31 1615MST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Cheyenne County 12 S Wheeler31 1620CST 0 0 Hail (1.25) Decatur County Oberlin31 1620CST 0 0 Funnel Cloud Funnel sighted just above town.

1 170 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena

Time Path Path Number of Estimated October 2000 Local/ Length Width Persons Damage Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards) Killed Injured Property Crops Character of Storm ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS KANSAS, Northwest Wallace County 2 NW Wallace31 1620MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Sherman County 12 SSE Edson31 1631MST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Decatur County 8 NE Oberlin to31 1638CST 4 125 0 0 Tornado (F1) 12 NE Oberlin 1643CST Tornado tore off several roofs, including a patio, machine shed, and calf barn. Tornado lifted shortly before crossing the State Line. Logan County 4 W Oakley31 1648CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Sherman County 3 E Edson31 1649MST 0.3 50 0 0 Tornado (F0) Brief tornado crossed Interstate 70, and was also sighted by Law Enforcement. Cheyenne County 5 N Wheeler31 1700CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Cheyenne County 12 N Bird City31 1725CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Logan County 8 NW Mc Allaster31 1725CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Thomas County 5 SE Brewster31 1745CST 0 0 Hail (0.75) Thomas County Brewster31 1750CST 0 0 Funnel Cloud Funnel spotted from Brewster, but was likely located across county line. Thomas County Levant31 1751CST 0 0 Hail (1.00) Rawlins County 12 S Atwood to31 1815CST 0.7 75 0 0 Tornado (F0) 12 SSE Atwood Brief tornado turned over grain trailers, broke tractor windows, moved a concrete wall, and tore out a garage door. No one was injured on the farmstead.

2 171 Reference Notes:

Fatality Location Abbreviations:

BF Ball Field MH Mobile Home BO Boating OT Other BU Business OU Outside/Open Areas CA Camping PH Permanent Home EQ Heavy Equipment/Construction SC School GF Golfing TE Telephone IW In Water UT Under Tree LS Long Span Roof VE Vehicle

List of Acronyms:

WCM - Warning Coordination Meteorologist NWS - National Weather Service NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration DST - Daylight Savings Time LST - Local Standard Time LDT - Local Daylight Time

Other Notes:

When listing wind speed values under “Character of Storm”, ex. High Wind (G81), the “G” indicates a “Gust” which is a peak 5-second averaged wind speed in Knots (kts). 1 kt. = 1.152 mph.

When listing hail size under “Character of Storm”, ex. Hail (2.25), the hail size is given in inches and hundredths of inches.

When listing property and crop damage, the figures indicated are the best guess made by the NWS from the available sources of information at the time of the printing.

172 The Saffir-Simpson Scale

Category One Hurricane:

Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 kph). Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category Two Hurricane:

Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 kph). Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low- lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category Three Hurricane:

Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 kph). Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large tress blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering of floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.

Category Four Hurricane:

Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 kph). Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).

Category Five Hurricane:

Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 kph). Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destructon of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

173 The Fujita Scale

F-Scale Intensity Wind Speed Typical Damage (mph)

F0 Gale Tornado 40 - 72 Some damage to chimneys; breaks branches off trees; pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damages sign boards.

F1 Moderate 73 - 112 The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind speed; peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos pushed off the roads; attached garages may be destroyed.

Considerable damage. Roofs torn F2 Significant 113 - 157 off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light object missiles generated.

F3 Severe 158 - 206 Roof and some walls torn off well constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in fores uprooted

F4 Devastating 207 - 260 Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown off some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.

F5 Incredible 261 - 318 Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters; trees debarked; steel re-inforced concrete structures badly damaged.

F6 Inconceivable 319 - 379 These winds are very unlikely. The small area of damage they might produce would probably not be recognizable along with the mess produced by F4 and F5 wind that would surround the F6 winds.

* From the Journal of , August 1981, p. 1517-1519

174

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