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{{Short description|North American blizzard in 1983}} |
{{Short description|North American blizzard in 1983}} |
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{{Infobox weather event |
{{Infobox weather event |
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| image = |
| image = Nor'easter 1983-02-12 weather map.jpg |
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| caption = The [[low-pressure area]] causing blizzard conditions across portions of the Northeast on February 12 |
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| caption = Snowfall totals across the [[Mid-Atlantic (region)|Mid-Atlantic]] and Northeastern United States from the blizzard |
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| formed = February 9, 1983 |
| formed = February 9, 1983 |
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| exited = February 12, 1983 |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Winter storm |
}}{{Infobox weather event/Winter storm |
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| RSI = |
| RSI = 14.78 |
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| |
| pressure-prefix = < |
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| pressure = 1002 |
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| lowest-temperature = |
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| maximum-snow = {{Convert|35|in|cm|abbr=on}} in [[Glengary, West Virginia]]<ref name=":3"/> |
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| maximum-rain = |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado outbreak |
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| maximum-snow = {{Convert|35|in|cm|abbr=on}} in [[Glen Cary, West Virginia|Glen Cary]], West Virginia<ref name=":3"/> |
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| name = Tornado outbreak of February 9–10, 1983 |
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| duration = February 9–10, 1983 |
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| tornadoes = 12 |
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| fujitascale = F3 |
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| winds = {{cvt|76|mph}} (highest [[convective winds|convective wind]]) |
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| largest hail = {{convert|3|in|cm|abbr=on}} |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects |
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects |
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| year = |
| year = <!-- Used for damages. --> |
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| casualties = |
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| fatalities = 46<ref name=":3"/> |
| fatalities = 46<ref name=":3"/> |
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| injuries = |
| injuries = 10 |
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| damage = |
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| areas = [[Mid-Atlantic (region)|Mid-Atlantic]], Northeastern United States, and [[New England]] |
| areas = [[Mid-Atlantic (region)|Mid-Atlantic]], Northeastern United States, and [[New England]] |
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| outages = |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer |
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer |
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| season = |
| season = 1982–83 North American winter {{nobold|and}} [[Tornadoes of 1983|tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1983]] |
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}} |
}} |
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A blizzard in February 1983, nicknamed the ''' |
A blizzard in February 1983, nicknamed the "'''Megalopolitan Blizzard'''", impacted the [[Mid-Atlantic (region)|Mid-Atlantic]], [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]], and [[New England]] regions of the United States. First developing as a [[low-pressure area]] on February 9 while a [[1982–83 El Niño event|El Niño event]] ensued, the low then moved eastward across the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. While the low progressed across the Gulf, several tornadoes associated with the system touched down across [[Texas]], [[Louisiana]], and [[Florida]], ultimately resulting in ten injuries. The low then emerged over the Atlantic Ocean near the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]–[[South Carolina]] border, later developing and intensifying into a cyclone as it moved parallel along the [[East Coast of the United States]]. The cyclone then moved northward while producing blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall across portions of the Mid-Atlantic on February 11, including across [[Maryland]] and northern [[Virginia]]. Continuing to intensify and moving northward, the cyclone then brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the Northeast and New England. Overall, the blizzard caused 46 deaths and set multiple weather records in terms of snowfall.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=February 13, 1983 |title=20-inch snowfall paralyzes much of Mid-Atlantic area; 25 die in sinking off Virginia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/13/nyregion/20-inch-snowfall-paralyzes-much-mid-atlantic-area-25-die-sinking-off-virginia.html |access-date=February 1, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201024703/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/13/nyregion/20-inch-snowfall-paralyzes-much-mid-atlantic-area-25-die-sinking-off-virginia.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2020 |title=Blizzard of 1983 buries New York region with as many as 2 feet of snow |url=https://abc7ny.com/blizzard-of-1983-megalopolitan-historic-ny-snow-storms-1980s-snowstorms-in-new-york/5922145/ |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WABC-TV]] |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201024702/https://abc7ny.com/blizzard-of-1983-megalopolitan-historic-ny-snow-storms-1980s-snowstorms-in-new-york/5922145/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Meteorological synopsis == |
== Meteorological synopsis == |
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In [[1982–83 El Niño event|1982 and 1983]], a strong [[El Niño–Southern Oscillation|El Niño]] occurred, including on the dates during the blizzard's |
In [[1982–83 El Niño event|1982 and 1983]], a strong [[El Niño–Southern Oscillation|El Niño]] occurred, including on the dates during the blizzard's occurrence, which led to above-average temperatures across the northern United States and a cooler and wetter weather pattern across the South.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Jack |date=June 12, 2015 |title=How the super El Nino of 1982–83 kept itself a secret |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/06/12/how-the-super-el-nino-of-1982-83-kept-itself-a-secret/ |access-date=February 8, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411114842/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/06/12/how-the-super-el-nino-of-1982-83-kept-itself-a-secret/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Glenn |date=January 16, 2016 |title='Hurricane' Schwartz: The blizzard explained |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/Hurricane_Schwartz_The_blizzard_explained.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208191306/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/Hurricane_Schwartz_The_blizzard_explained.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 9, a [[low-pressure area]] formed, centered over eastern [[Texas]] and along the Texas-[[Gulf of Mexico]] coastline.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=US Department of Commerce |first=NOAA |title=Summary of the February 10 – 12th Nor'easter |url=https://www.weather.gov/rlx/feb83 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[National Weather Service]] Charleston, West Virginia |language=EN-US |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201025814/https://www.weather.gov/rlx/feb83 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Chang |first1=Simon |last2=Brehme |first2=Katherine |last3=Madala |first3=Rangarao |last4=Sashegyi |first4=Keith |date=August 1, 1989 |title=A Numerical Study of the East Coast Snowstorm of 10–12 February 1983 |url=https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/117/8/1520-0493_1989_117_1768_ansote_2_0_co_2.xml |journal=[[American Meteorological Society]] |language=EN |volume=117 |issue=8 |pages=1768–1778 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1989)117<1768:ANSOTE>2.0.CO;2 |bibcode=1989MWRv..117.1768C |issn=1520-0493 |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201025813/https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/117/8/1520-0493_1989_117_1768_ansote_2_0_co_2.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> It then progressed eastward across the Gulf the next day before moving across the Southeastern United States and emerging in the Atlantic Ocean off the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]-Florida coast.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The low-pressure system then intensified and fully developed into a [[cyclone]] as it approached [[Cape Hatteras]], [[North Carolina]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As the cyclone moved northward along the [[East Coast of the United States]], snow fell across the [[Mid-Atlantic (United States)|Mid-Atlantic]] beginning on February 11, with some areas experiencing blizzard conditions.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Christopher |date=February 11, 2021 |title=On This Day in 1983: Megapolitan Blizzard |url=https://www.weatherbug.com/news/On-This-Day-in-1983-Megapolitan-Blizzard |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WeatherBug]] |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201173803/https://www.weatherbug.com/news/On-This-Day-in-1983-Megapolitan-Blizzard |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8" /> The cyclone then produced snow and blizzard conditions across portions of the Northeastern United States and [[New England]] regions, continuing to intensify as its pressure dropped to 1003 millibars by February 12.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":9" /> The low's pressure continued to drop on that day while reaching portions of southern New England<ref name=":0" /> before tracking offshore northward off the New England coast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Snow Storms |url=https://www.weather.gov/rlx/snow |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=National Weather Service Charleston, West Virginia |language=EN-US |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320200611/https://www.weather.gov/rlx/snow |url-status=live }}</ref> The blizzard was nicknamed the '''"Megalopolitan Blizzard"''' after the system hit numerous metropolitan areas along the East Coast of the United States with {{Convert|30-75|cm|in|sp=us}} of snow.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Record snow: Remembering 1983's Megapolitan Blizzard |url=https://www.wgal.com/article/south-central-pennsylvania-record-storm-megapolitan-blizzard/46681876 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[WGAL]] |language=en |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210015258/https://www.wgal.com/article/south-central-pennsylvania-record-storm-megapolitan-blizzard/46681876 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gedzelman |first1=Stanley David |last2=Rosenbaum |first2=Jeffrey Marc |last3=Lawrence |first3=James R. |date=June 15, 1989 |title=The Megalopolitan Snowstorm of 11–12 February 1983: Isotopic Composition of the Snow |url=https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/atsc/46/12/1520-0469_1989_046_1637_tmsofi_2_0_co_2.xml |journal=[[Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences]] |language=EN |volume=46 |issue=12 |pages=1637–1649 |doi=10.1175/1520-0469(1989)046<1637:TMSOFI>2.0.CO;2 |bibcode=1989JAtS...46.1637G |issn=0022-4928 |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308171803/https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/atsc/46/12/1520-0469_1989_046_1637_tmsofi_2_0_co_2.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Preparations and impact == |
== Preparations and impact == |
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=== Mid-Atlantic === |
=== Mid-Atlantic === |
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[[File:Marine Electric.jpg|thumb|The [[SS Marine Electric]] pictured before its sinking. The cyclone caused the merchant ship to |
[[File:Marine Electric.jpg|thumb|The [[SS Marine Electric|SS ''Marine Electric'']] pictured before its sinking. The cyclone caused the merchant ship to capsize on February 12, causing at least 31 deaths.]] |
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In preparation of the blizzard in [[Virginia]], [[Eastern Mennonite University]] and [[James Madison University]] were closed, with the latter cancelling its classes for the first time since the [[Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Beddoes |first=Benjamin |date=February 10, 2023 |title=A look back at the |
In preparation of the blizzard in [[Virginia]], [[Eastern Mennonite University]] and [[James Madison University]] were closed, with the latter cancelling its classes for the first time since the [[Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Beddoes |first=Benjamin |date=February 10, 2023 |title=A look back at the area's biggest February snowstorm |url=https://www.whsv.com/2023/02/10/look-back-areas-biggest-february-snowstorm/ |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WHSV-TV]] |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201033004/https://www.whsv.com/2023/02/10/look-back-areas-biggest-february-snowstorm/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[Richmond International Airport]] in [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], {{Convert|17.7|in|cm}} of snow fell, which was the third-highest snow accumulation in the city on record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Megan |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Top 5 biggest winter storms in Richmond's modern climate history |url=https://www.12onyourside.com/2023/12/07/top-5-biggest-winter-storms-richmonds-modern-climate-history/ |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WWBT]] |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201033004/https://www.12onyourside.com/2023/12/07/top-5-biggest-winter-storms-richmonds-modern-climate-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martz |first=Michael |date=August 12, 2022 |title=IG: Virginia failed to prepare for unexpected with snow that crippled I-95 |url=https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/ig-virginia-failed-to-prepare-for-unexpected-with-snow-that-crippled-i-95/article_91e21255-0363-5908-acfa-640d29921fbf.html |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201175851/https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/ig-virginia-failed-to-prepare-for-unexpected-with-snow-that-crippled-i-95/article_91e21255-0363-5908-acfa-640d29921fbf.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Daily snowfall records were set in [[Lynchburg, Virginia|Lynchburg]] and [[Roanoke, Virginia|Roanoke]], where {{Convert|14.6|in|cm}} and {{Convert|18.4|in|cm}} of snow fell in 24 hours, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2018 |title=Here are DC's 15 worst winter storms of all time |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/weather/weather-blog/here-are-dcs-15-worst-winter-storms-of-all-time/65-598322161 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WUSA (TV)]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630161238/https://www.wusa9.com/article/weather/weather-blog/here-are-dcs-15-worst-winter-storms-of-all-time/65-598322161 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Milenky |first1=Elissa |last2=Hayden |first2=Betty |date=January 8, 1996 |title=Near-blizzard blankets VA.: Roanoke's 24-hour record falls |url=https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1996/rt9601/960108/01080029.htm |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=Virginia Tech Library |place=[[The Roanoke Times]] |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201182419/https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1996/rt9601/960108/01080029.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The heaviest snow fell in [[Woodstock, Virginia|Woodstock]], where {{Convert|32|in|cm}} of snow accumulated.<ref name=":2" /> The cyclone caused the [[SS Marine Electric|SS ''Marine Electric'']], a merchant ship, to capsize, killing 31 of the 34 onboard and prompting an investigation into the incident and the ship's design itself by the [[United States Coast Guard]]'s board of inquiry.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Mike |last2=Colucci |first2=John |date=January 2, 2023 |title=A timeline of the snowiest blizzards in DC, Maryland and Virginia history |url=https://www.fox5dc.com/weather/a-timeline-of-the-snowiest-blizzards-in-dc-maryland-and-virginia-history-snow-2016-2003-1996-blizzard |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[WTTG]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201161807/https://www.fox5dc.com/weather/a-timeline-of-the-snowiest-blizzards-in-dc-maryland-and-virginia-history-snow-2016-2003-1996-blizzard |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Zilnicki |first=Corinne |date=August 27, 2023 |title=40 Years Later: The Loss of the Marine Electric |url=https://maritime-executive.com/editorials/marine-electric-the-wreck-that-changed-the-coast-guard-forever |access-date=March 18, 2024 |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923033845/https://maritime-executive.com/editorials/marine-electric-the-wreck-that-changed-the-coast-guard-forever |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result of the sinking, the Coast Guard's inspection procedures were modified and new additions and requirements were introduced to the maritime law enforcement's marine safety guideline.<ref name=":11" /> |
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In [[Maryland]], {{Convert|22.8|in|cm}} of snow fell in [[Baltimore]], which was the second-highest snowfall after the [[Knickerbocker storm]] in 1922.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Ed |date=February 8, 1993 |title=The famed Blizzard of |
In [[Maryland]], {{Convert|22.8|in|cm}} of snow fell in [[Baltimore]], which was the second-highest snowfall after the [[Knickerbocker storm]] in 1922.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Ed |date=February 8, 1993 |title=The famed Blizzard of '83 buried the Baltimore area in almost 2 feet of snow |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/02/08/the-famed-blizzard-of-83-buried-the-baltimore-area-in-almost-2-feet-of-snow/ |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201182418/https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/02/08/the-famed-blizzard-of-83-buried-the-baltimore-area-in-almost-2-feet-of-snow/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some areas in [[Frederick County, Maryland|Frederick]] and [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery]] counties in Maryland had their heaviest snowfall on record.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Brooke |date=January 19, 2016 |title=The 10 Worst Winter Storms in DC History |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/ten-worst-storms-in-dc-history/60569/ |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[NBC4 Washington]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117042406/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/ten-worst-storms-in-dc-history/60569/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Washington, D.C., {{Convert|16.4|in|cm}} of snow fell, closing [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport]], [[Dulles International Airport]], and [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport]] and shutting down the [[Washington Metro]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weil |first=Martin |date=February 11, 2023 |title=Saturday, warmer than average, was anniversary of a huge storm |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/02/11/washintgon-warm-blizzard-historic-anniversary/ |access-date=February 8, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319182658/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/02/11/washintgon-warm-blizzard-historic-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Numerous vehicle accidents occurred in [[West Virginia]], as there were more than 34,000 homes without power across [[Charleston, West Virginia|Charleston]] and [[Pineville, West Virginia|Pineville]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Coder |first=Tim |date=February 11, 1983 |title=A blizzard crippled the East Coast with nearly 2... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/02/11/A-blizzard-crippled-the-East-Coast-with-nearly-2/8310413787600/ |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[United Press International]] |language=en}}</ref> Among the highest snow accumulations from the blizzard occurred in [[Glengary, West Virginia]], where {{Convert|35|in|cm}} of snow accumulated.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/1983-feb-10-12-snow-stormblizzard-mid-atlantic-to-southern-new-england-31-54/|title=1983 — Feb 10-12, Snow Storm/Blizzard, Mid-Atlantic to Southern New England –31-54|last=Blanchard|first=Lorna Jarrett|orig-date=Original date 10 February 1983|year=2024|website=Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-of-Life Events|access-date=31 March 2024}}</ref> In [[Windsor Locks, Connecticut]], a record {{Convert|19|in|cm}} of snow fell in 12 hours.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=This Day in Weather History: February 11th |url=https://www.weather.gov/abr/This_Day_in_Weather_History_Feb_11 |access-date=March 31, 2024|website=National Weather Service Aberdeen, South Dakota |language=EN-US |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063031/https://www.weather.gov/abr/This_Day_in_Weather_History_Feb_11 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Northeastern United States === |
=== Northeastern United States === |
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[[File: |
[[File: February 1983 nor'easter NESIS map.jpg|thumb|Snowfall totals across the [[Mid-Atlantic (region)|Mid-Atlantic]] and Northeastern United States from the blizzard]] |
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In [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]], the snow prompted firefighters and emergency management to sleep in the fire department's halls to prepare for emergencies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2015 |title=Lancaster That Was: Winter's worst dropped two feet of snow on the county in 1983 |url=https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-that-was-winters-worst-dropped-two-feet-of-snow-on-the-county-in-1983/article_c4f014fa-95b5-11e4-9646-efc2442b89e8.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[Lancaster Online]] |language=en}}</ref> On February 11, the heavy snowfall also cancelled [[Ronald Reagan|Ronald]] and [[Nancy Reagan]]'s trip to [[Camp David]], |
In [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]], the snow prompted firefighters and emergency management to sleep in the fire department's halls to prepare for emergencies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2015 |title=Lancaster That Was: Winter's worst dropped two feet of snow on the county in 1983 |url=https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-that-was-winters-worst-dropped-two-feet-of-snow-on-the-county-in-1983/article_c4f014fa-95b5-11e4-9646-efc2442b89e8.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[Lancaster Online]] |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208173814/https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-that-was-winters-worst-dropped-two-feet-of-snow-on-the-county-in-1983/article_c4f014fa-95b5-11e4-9646-efc2442b89e8.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 11, the heavy snowfall also cancelled [[Ronald Reagan|Ronald]] and [[Nancy Reagan]]'s trip to [[Camp David]], causing Secretary of State [[George Shultz]] to be invited for dinner and marking the beginning of the shift towards ending the [[Cold War]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taubman |first=Philip |date=January 6, 2023 |title='I Protect Ronnie From Himself': How Nancy Reagan Used a Snowstorm to Help Thaw the Cold War |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/01/06/george-shultz-nancy-reagan-cold-war-00076583 |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tumulty |first=Karen |date=April 1, 2021 |title=How Nancy Reagan helped end the Cold War |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/01/nancy-reagan-ronald-cold-war/ |access-date=February 8, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118041543/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/01/nancy-reagan-ronald-cold-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The blizzard also produced {{Convert|21|in|cm}} in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], the third-highest snowfall total there since 1905 as of 2013,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 8, 2013 |title=Historic western Massachusetts winter storms: Top 10 snowfall totals recorded since 1905 |url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/02/historic_winter_storm_top_10_s.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[Masslive]] |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208192229/https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/02/historic_winter_storm_top_10_s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and resulted in thousands of people being stranded at an [[Aerosmith]] concert.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=Tim |date=February 13, 2023 |title=40 Years Ago: New England's Worst Blizzard And An Awful Rock Concert |url=https://patch.com/connecticut/enfield/40-years-ago-new-englands-worst-blizzard-awful-rock-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217003740/https://patch.com/connecticut/enfield/40-years-ago-new-englands-worst-blizzard-awful-rock-concert |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Patch Media]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Lightstone |first=Helayne |date=February 13, 1983 |title=Concertgoers stranded |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/concertgoers-stranded/clpeacgkwlizsrfygvfqitrgdkfzikod_ip-10-166-46-125_1710660338284 |access-date=March 18, 2024 |work=The Sunday Republican |pages=A-9 |via=[[GenealogyBank]] |archive-date=March 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317073310/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/concertgoers-stranded/clpeacgkwlizsrfygvfqitrgdkfzikod_ip-10-166-46-125_1710660338284 |url-status=live }}</ref> The concert itself was delayed by more than an hour after the band's lead singer, [[Steven Tyler]], arrived late because of the blizzard.<ref name=":10" /> The blizzard produced the same snowfall total in Springfield, Massachusetts, as at [[Bradley International Airport]] in [[Hartford, Connecticut]], which is recorded as the fourth-highest snowfall total there as of 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saulmon |first=Greg |date=January 27, 2015 |title=11 historic snow totals from Western Massachusetts winter storms |url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/01/top_western_massachusetts_snow.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=[[Masslive]] |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208192229/https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/01/top_western_massachusetts_snow.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hundreds of vehicles were abandoned on the [[Staten Island Expressway]] as heavy snowfall rates occurred and up to {{Convert|22|in|cm}} of snow fell.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=D'Anna |first=Eddie |date=February 11, 2015 |title=A look back: 32 years ago this week, 'Blizzard of 1983' dropped 22 inches of snow, left cars abandoned on SIE |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2015/02/a_look_back_32_years_ago_this.html |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Staten Island Advance]] |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625231016/https://www.silive.com/news/2015/02/a_look_back_32_years_ago_this.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaffarano |first=Steve |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Blizzard of 1983: Crippling 22-inch 'Megalopolitan' storm; cars abandoned on the SIE |url=https://www.silive.com/news/j66j-2020/02/90067567955199/blizzard-of-1983-crippling-22inch-megalopolitan-storm-cars-abandoned-on-the-sie-.html |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Staten Island Advance]] |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331062727/https://www.silive.com/news/j66j-2020/02/90067567955199/blizzard-of-1983-crippling-22inch-megalopolitan-storm-cars-abandoned-on-the-sie-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[Central Park]], {{Convert|17.6|in|cm}} of snow fell, which is the thirteenth-highest snowfall accumulation there since 1869 as of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biggest Snowstorms (One Foot or More) at Central Park (1869 to Present) |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/Climate/CentralPark/BiggestSnowstorms.pdf |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[National Weather Service]] |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215103734/https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/Climate/CentralPark/BiggestSnowstorms.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2017 |title=Throwback Thursday: The Blizzard of '83 |url=https://www.westsiderag.com/2017/12/28/throwback-thursday-the-blizzard-of-83-2 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=West Side Rag |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808235909/https://www.westsiderag.com/2017/12/28/throwback-thursday-the-blizzard-of-83-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Twenty-four-hour snowfall records were set in [[Allentown, Pennsylvania|Allentown]], [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]], and [[Philadelphia]], with all three cities receiving more than {{Convert|20|in|cm}} of snow.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7" /> In Allentown and [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania|Bethlehem]], {{Convert|5|in|cm}} of snow fell in one hour.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gelber |first=Ben |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=34RKv9fMFo4C&dq=february+1983+blizzard&pg=PP84 |title=The Pennsylvania Weather Book |publisher=[[Rutgers University Press]] |year=2002 |isbn=9780813530567 |page=62 |language= |access-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308171814/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Pennsylvania_Weather_Book/34RKv9fMFo4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=february+1983+blizzard&pg=PP84&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Harrisburg International Airport]], {{Convert|25|in|cm}} of snow fell, which is the second-highest snow accumulation across the [[Susquehanna Valley]].<ref name=":6" /> Lightning also occurred during the blizzard in some areas across the Northeast.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dolce |first1=Chris |last2=Erdman |first2=Jonathan |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Major Northeast Snowstorms Have a Distinct Seasonal Peak, And It Begins Now |url=https://www.wunderground.com/article/storms/winter/news/northeast-winter-storms-january-february-peak |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Wunderground]] |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223180821/https://www.wunderground.com/article/storms/winter/news/northeast-winter-storms-january-february-peak |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Several airports were closed as a result of near-zero visibility caused by the heavy snowfall, including [[LaGuardia Airport]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], and [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] across the [[New York metropolitan area]], as well as [[Philadelphia International Airport]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=February 12, 1983 |title=East hit hard by worst storm of winter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/12/nyregion/east-hit-hard-by-worst-storm-of-winter.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Multiple departing flights from [[Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport]] were cancelled, and the [[Pennsylvania State Police]] noted that [[Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania|Interstate 80]] "closed itself".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 1995 |title=A Winter To Remember During The Winter Of 1982–83, El Nino Sent Warm, Moist Air Through The Northeastern United States. Temperatures Were Unusually Mild, But The Winter Was Eventful – 59.2 Inches Of Snow Fell In The Wilkes-barre Area. |url=https://www.timesleader.com/archive/862558/a-winter-to-remember-during-the-winter-of-1982-83-el-nino-sent-warm-moist-air-through-the-northeastern-united-states-temperatures-were-unusually-mild-but-the-winter-was-eventful-59-2-inches |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Times Leader]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Businesses and schools across [[Pennsylvania]] were closed, and [[Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania|Interstate 95]] in Philadelphia was closed.<ref name=":5" /> A snow emergency was declared in New York City, as well as a state of emergency for several areas in [[New Jersey]], including [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]].<ref name=":5" /> |
Several airports were closed as a result of near-zero visibility caused by the heavy snowfall, including [[LaGuardia Airport]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], and [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] across the [[New York metropolitan area]], as well as [[Philadelphia International Airport]] in Philadelphia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=February 12, 1983 |title=East hit hard by worst storm of winter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/12/nyregion/east-hit-hard-by-worst-storm-of-winter.html |access-date=February 8, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208185942/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/12/nyregion/east-hit-hard-by-worst-storm-of-winter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Multiple departing flights from [[Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport]] were cancelled, and the [[Pennsylvania State Police]] noted that [[Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania|Interstate 80]] "closed itself".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 1995 |title=A Winter To Remember During The Winter Of 1982–83, El Nino Sent Warm, Moist Air Through The Northeastern United States. Temperatures Were Unusually Mild, But The Winter Was Eventful – 59.2 Inches Of Snow Fell In The Wilkes-barre Area. |url=https://www.timesleader.com/archive/862558/a-winter-to-remember-during-the-winter-of-1982-83-el-nino-sent-warm-moist-air-through-the-northeastern-united-states-temperatures-were-unusually-mild-but-the-winter-was-eventful-59-2-inches |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=[[Times Leader]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217003740/https://www.timesleader.com/archive/862558/a-winter-to-remember-during-the-winter-of-1982-83-el-nino-sent-warm-moist-air-through-the-northeastern-united-states-temperatures-were-unusually-mild-but-the-winter-was-eventful-59-2-inches |url-status=live }}</ref> Businesses and schools across [[Pennsylvania]] were closed, and [[Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania|Interstate 95]] in Philadelphia was closed.<ref name=":5" /> A snow emergency was declared in New York City, as well as a state of emergency for several areas in [[New Jersey]], including [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]].<ref name=":5" /> |
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==Tornado outbreak== |
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{{Tornado chart|Total=12|FU=0|F0=3|F1=5|F2=3|F3=1|F4=0|F5=0|Enhanced=no}} |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ Color/symbol key |
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|- |
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! scope="col" | Color / symbol |
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! scope="col" | Description |
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|- |
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! scope="row" style="background-color:#9FCADF;"| † |
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| Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
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|- |
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! scope="row" style="background-color:#B7A3C3;"| ¶ |
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| Data from a local National Weather Service office |
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|- |
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! scope="row" style="background-color:#E89483;"| ※ |
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| Data from the 1983 ''Storm Data'' publication |
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|- |
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! scope="row" style="background-color:#F7D9D3;"| ‡ |
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| Data from the NCEI database |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | ♯ |
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| Maximum width of tornado |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | ± |
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| Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
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|- |
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|} |
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Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of [[NEXRAD]] [[Weather radar|Doppler weather radar]] in 1990–1991.{{sfn|Agee and Childs|2014|p=1496}}{{efn|group=note|name=Count|Historically, the number of tornadoes globally and in the United States was and is likely underrepresented: research by Grazulis on annual tornado activity suggests that, as of 2001, only 53% of yearly U.S. tornadoes were officially recorded. Documentation of tornadoes outside the United States was historically less exhaustive, owing to the lack of monitors in many nations and, in some cases, to internal political controls on public information.{{sfn|Grazulis|2001a|pp=[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/251 251]–[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/254 4]}} Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.<ref name="TornadoClimaFAQ">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Climatology|website=Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes|publisher=[[Storm Prediction Center]]|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=March 5, 2015|archive-date=March 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302230203/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Climatology|url-status=live}}</ref> Significant low biases in U.S. tornado counts likely occurred through the early 1990s, when advanced [[NEXRAD]] was first installed and the [[National Weather Service]] began comprehensively verifying tornado occurrences.{{sfn|Cook|Schaefer|2008|p=3135}}}} 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of [[Fujita scale]] assessments.{{sfn|Agee and Childs|2014|pp=1497, 1503}}{{efn|group=note|name=Fujita|The [[Fujita scale]] was devised under the aegis of scientist [[Ted Fujita|T. Theodore Fujita]] in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=141}}{{sfn|Grazulis|2001a|p=[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/131 131]}} Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the [[National Weather Service]].{{sfn|Edwards et al.|2013|p=641–642}} While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the [[Enhanced Fujita scale]] in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,<ref name="EFscale">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html|website=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|publisher=Storm Prediction Center|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=March 5, 2015|archive-date=July 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709082948/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;<ref name="FscaleCanada">{{cite web |title=Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) |url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |website=Environment and Climate Change Canada |publisher=[[Environment and Climate Change Canada]] |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220706/http://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the [[TORRO scale]].<ref name="TORROscale">{{cite web|title=The International Tornado Intensity Scale |url=http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |website=Tornado and Storm Research Organisation |publisher=[[Tornado and Storm Research Organisation]] |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120332/http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |year=2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian [[Thomas P. Grazulis]]. |
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===February 9 event=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;" |
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|+ List of confirmed tornadoes — Wednesday, February 9, 1983{{efn|All dates are based on the local [[time zone]] where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in [[Coordinated Universal Time]] for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}} |
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! scope="col" style="width:2%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]] |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;"|State |
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! scope="col" align="center"|Start {{abbr|Coord.|Coordinates}}{{efn|group=note|name=Coord|All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses}} |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Path length |
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! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Width{{efn|The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.{{sfn|Agee and Childs|2014|p=1494}} Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. {{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.{{sfn|Brooks|2004|p=310}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1990|p=ix}}|group=note|name=Width}} |
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! scope="col" align="center"|Damage{{efn|group=note|name=NCEI|The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's ''Storm Data'' publication does not list exact damage totals for every event, instead giving damage categories. As such, damage for individual tornadoes is not comprehensive.}} |
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|- |
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! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1 |
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|[[New Waverly, Texas|New Waverly]] |
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|[[Walker County, Texas|Walker]] |
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|[[Texas|TX]] |
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|{{Coord|30.53|-95.50|name=New Waverly (Feb. 9, F0)}} |
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|18:30–? |
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|{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} |
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|- class="expand-child" |
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| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|A [[Hay#Harvest and transport|hay]]-filled barn was uplifted, bits of which were thrown {{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEINewWaverly">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141190 #10141190]}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2± |
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|Southwestern [[Houston]] |
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|[[Harris County, Texas|Harris]] |
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|[[Texas|TX]] |
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|{{Coord|29.65|-95.45|name=Houston #1 (Feb. 9, F2)}} |
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|19:30–? |
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|{{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} |
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|- class="expand-child" |
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| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|A carport was damaged, along with four warehouses, three of which were unroofed. Three injuries were reported.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1245}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIHouston1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141192 #10141192]}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1 |
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|bgcolor=#E89483|[[Pasadena, Texas|Pasadena]]※ |
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|[[Harris County, Texas|Harris]] |
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|[[Texas|TX]] |
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|{{Coord|29.70|-95.03|name=Pasadena (Feb. 9, F1)}} |
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|19:50–? |
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|{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} |
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|- class="expand-child" |
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| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|A few trailers, fences, roofs, traffic lights, and a utility pole were damaged.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIPasadena">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141193 #10141193]}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1 |
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|bgcolor=#E89483|Northern [[Houston]]※ |
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|[[Harris County, Texas|Harris]] |
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|[[Texas|TX]] |
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|{{Coord|29.70|-95.27|name=Houston #2 (Feb. 9, F1)}} |
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|20:10–? |
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|{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{nts|25,000|prefix=$}} |
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|- class="expand-child" |
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| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|This tornado flattened a carport and damaged a garage.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIHouston2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141194 #10141194]}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0 |
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|Western [[Huntsville, Texas|Huntsville]] |
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|[[Walker County, Texas|Walker]] |
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|[[Texas|TX]] |
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|{{Coord|30.72|-95.62|name=Huntsville (Feb. 9, F0)}} |
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|20:15–? |
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|{{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
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|{{unk}} |
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|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|A tornado developed over agricultural land, doing no known structural damage.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIHuntsville">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141195 #10141195]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1 |
|||
|[[Coldspring, Texas|Coldspring]] |
|||
|[[San Jacinto County, Texas|San Jacinto]] |
|||
|[[Texas|TX]] |
|||
|{{Coord|30.60|-95.12|name=Coldspring (Feb. 9, F1)}} |
|||
|20:20–? |
|||
|{{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|30|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|This tornado caused fallen utility poles and trees to land on a house. Billboards were shredded as well, and the tornado also traversed [[Texas State Highway 156]].{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIColdspring">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141196 #10141196]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2± |
|||
|bgcolor=#E89483|N of [[Manvel, Texas|Manvel]] to near [[Pearland, Texas|Pearland]]※ |
|||
|[[Brazoria County, Texas|Brazoria]] |
|||
|[[Texas|TX]] |
|||
|{{Coord|29.48|-95.35|name=Manvel (Feb. 9, F2)}} |
|||
|20:25–? |
|||
|{{convert|8|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|25,000|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|Trees and a few carports were torn apart.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1245}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=22}}<ref name="NCEIManvel">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10141197 #10141197]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2† |
|||
|SE of [[Eunice, Louisiana|Eunice]] |
|||
|[[Acadia Parish, Louisiana|Acadia]] |
|||
|[[Louisiana|LA]] |
|||
|{{Coord|30.43|-92.33|name=Eunice (Feb. 9, F2)}} |
|||
|23:30–? |
|||
|{{convert|3|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|This tornado affected the [[Richard, Louisiana|Richard]]–[[Hundley, Louisiana|Hundley]] area, almost leveling a small home.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1245}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=18}}<ref name="NCEIEunice">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10042881 #10042881]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3 |
|||
|E of [[Church Point, Louisiana|Church Point]] to NNE of [[Courtableau, Louisiana|Courtableau]] |
|||
|[[Acadia Parish, Louisiana|Acadia]], [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana|St. Landry]] |
|||
|[[Louisiana|LA]] |
|||
|{{Coord|30.40|-92.18|name=Church Point (Feb. 9, F3)}} |
|||
|23:45–? |
|||
|{{convert|21|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|bgcolor=#E89483|{{nts|2,500,000|prefix=$}}※ |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|This was a [[multiple-vortex tornado]]. A church, a grain elevator, and at least seven homes were demolished. Seven people were injured.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1246}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=18}}<ref name="NCEIChurchPoint1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10042882 #10042882]}}</ref><ref name="NCEIChurchPoint2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10042883 #10042883]}}</ref><ref name="NCEIChurchPoint3">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10042884 #10042884]}}</ref> |
|||
|} |
|||
===February 10 event=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;" |
|||
|+ List of confirmed tornadoes — Thursday, February 10, 1983{{efn|All dates are based on the local [[time zone]] where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in [[Coordinated Universal Time]] for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}} |
|||
! scope="col" style="width:2%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]] |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|State |
|||
! scope="col" align="center"|Start {{abbr|Coord.|Coordinates}}{{efn|group=note|name=Coord|All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses}} |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Path length |
|||
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Width{{refn|group=note|name=Width}} |
|||
! scope="col" align="center"|Damage{{refn|group=note|name=NCEI}} |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0 |
|||
|Southwestern [[Miami]] |
|||
|[[Miami-Dade County, Florida|Dade]] |
|||
|[[Florida|FL]] |
|||
|{{Coord|25.65|-80.43|name=Southwestern Miami (Feb. 10, F0)}} |
|||
|21:45–? |
|||
|{{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|30|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|This tornado caused window damage, felled trees, and downed power lines.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=16}}<ref name="NCEISWMiami">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10000881 #10000881]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0 |
|||
|bgcolor=#E89483|Western [[Hollywood, Florida|Hollywood]]※ |
|||
|[[Broward County, Florida|Broward]] |
|||
|[[Florida|FL]] |
|||
|{{Coord|26.13|-80.13|name=Hollywood (Feb. 10, F0)}} |
|||
|22:00–? |
|||
|{{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|25,000|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|Coincident with golf ball-sized hail, this tornado damaged roofing and trees.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=16}}<ref name="NCEIHollywood">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10000882 #10000882]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1 |
|||
|bgcolor=#E89483|[[West Palm Beach, Florida|West Palm Beach]]※ |
|||
|[[Palm Beach County, Florida|Palm Beach]] |
|||
|[[Florida|FL]] |
|||
|{{Coord|26.68|-80.13|name=West Palm Beach (Feb. 10, F1)}} |
|||
|22:42–? |
|||
|{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |
|||
|{{nts|2,500|prefix=$}} |
|||
|- class="expand-child" |
|||
| colspan="9" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;|Power lines, fencing, and screened pool enclosures were knocked down. Trees were felled as well.{{sfn|Storm Data|1983|p=16}}<ref name="NCEIWPB">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1983|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10000886 #10000886]}}</ref> |
|||
|} |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
==Notes== |
|||
{{Reflist|group=note}} |
|||
== References == |
== References == |
||
{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist|2}} |
||
==Sources== |
|||
*{{cite journal |first1=Ernest M.|last1=Agee|first2=Samuel|last2=Childs|title=Adjustments in Tornado Counts, F-Scale Intensity, and Path Width for Assessing Significant Tornado Destruction|journal=Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology|date=June 1, 2014|volume=53|issue=6|pages=1494–1505|doi=10.1175/JAMC-D-13-0235.1|publisher=American Meteorological Society|doi-access=free|bibcode=2014JApMC..53.1494A |ref={{sfnRef|Agee and Childs|2014}}}} |
|||
*{{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=Harold E. |author-link1=Harold E. Brooks |title=On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity |journal=[[Weather and Forecasting]] |date=April 2004 |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=310–19 |doi=10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2004WtFor..19..310B }} |
|||
*{{cite journal|last1=Cook|first1=A. R.|last2=Schaefer|first2=J. T. |title=The Relation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to Winter Tornado Outbreaks|journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]] |date=August 2008|volume=136|issue=8|pages=3121–3137|doi=10.1175/2007MWR2171.1 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2008MWRv..136.3121C}} |
|||
*{{cite journal |first1=Roger|last1=Edwards|first2=James G.|last2=LaDue|first3=John T.|last3=Ferree|first4=Kevin|last4=Scharfenberg|first5=Chris|last5=Maier|first6=William L.|last6=Coulbourne|title=Tornado Intensity Estimation: Past, Present, and Future|journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society|date=May 1, 2013|volume=94|issue=5|pages=641–653|doi=10.1175/BAMS-D-11-00006.1|doi-access=free|publisher=American Meteorological Society|bibcode=2013BAMS...94..641E |ref={{sfnRef|Edwards et al.|2013}}}} |
|||
*{{cite tech report|last=Grazulis|first=Thomas P.|author-link=Thomas P. Grazulis|date=May 1984|title=Violent Tornado Climatography, 1880–1982|series=NUREG|number=CR-3670|website=[[Office of Scientific and Technical Information|OSTI]]|institution=[[Nuclear Regulatory Commission]]|location=[[Washington, D.C.]]|osti=7099491 |osti-access=free}} |
|||
**{{cite book | last = Grazulis | first = Thomas P. |title = Significant Tornadoes 1880–1989 |date=November 1990 | publisher = The Tornado Project of Environmental Films | location = [[St. Johnsbury, Vermont]] | isbn = 1-879362-02-3 |volume=2 |author-mask=1}} |
|||
**{{cite book |last1=Grazulis |first1=Thomas P. |title=Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events |date=July 1993 |publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films |location=[[St. Johnsbury, Vermont]] |isbn=1-879362-03-1 |author-mask=1}} |
|||
**{{cite book|last1=Grazulis|first1=Thomas P.|title=The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm|url=https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz|url-access=registration|date=2001a|publisher=[[University of Oklahoma Press]]|location=[[Norman, Oklahoma|Norman]]|isbn=978-0-8061-3538-0|author-mask=1}} |
|||
**{{Cite book|last=Grazulis|first=Thomas P. |title=F5-F6 Tornadoes|publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films|year=2001b |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont|author-mask=1}} |
|||
*{{cite report|ref={{harvid|Storm Data Publication|1983}}|author=National Weather Service|date=February 1983 |title=Storm Data Publication|publisher=[[National Centers for Environmental Information]]|via=Storm Events Database|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/}} |
|||
*{{cite journal |ref={{harvid|Storm Data|1983}} |author=National Weather Service |date=February 1983 |title=Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena |journal=[[Storm Data]] |volume=25 |issue=2 |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |location=[[Asheville, North Carolina]]|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html}} |
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{{United States winter storms}} |
|||
[[Category:Blizzards in the United States]] |
[[Category:Blizzards in the United States]] |
Latest revision as of 23:24, 16 April 2024
![]() The low-pressure area causing blizzard conditions across portions of the Northeast on February 12 | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | February 9, 1983 |
Exited land | February 12, 1983 |
Category 4 "Crippling" winter storm | |
Regional Snowfall Index: 14.78 (NOAA) | |
Lowest pressure | <1002 mbar (hPa); <29.59 inHg |
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion | 35 in (89 cm) in Glengary, West Virginia[1] |
Tornado outbreak | |
Tornadoes | 12 |
Maximum rating | F3 tornado |
Duration | February 9–10, 1983 |
Highest winds | 76 mph (122 km/h) (highest convective wind) |
Largest hail | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 46[1] |
Injuries | 10 |
Areas affected | Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern United States, and New England |
Part of the 1982–83 North American winter and tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1983 |
A blizzard in February 1983, nicknamed the "Megalopolitan Blizzard", impacted the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and New England regions of the United States. First developing as a low-pressure area on February 9 while a El Niño event ensued, the low then moved eastward across the Gulf of Mexico. While the low progressed across the Gulf, several tornadoes associated with the system touched down across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, ultimately resulting in ten injuries. The low then emerged over the Atlantic Ocean near the Georgia–South Carolina border, later developing and intensifying into a cyclone as it moved parallel along the East Coast of the United States. The cyclone then moved northward while producing blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall across portions of the Mid-Atlantic on February 11, including across Maryland and northern Virginia. Continuing to intensify and moving northward, the cyclone then brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the Northeast and New England. Overall, the blizzard caused 46 deaths and set multiple weather records in terms of snowfall.[2][3]
Meteorological synopsis
[edit]In 1982 and 1983, a strong El Niño occurred, including on the dates during the blizzard's occurrence, which led to above-average temperatures across the northern United States and a cooler and wetter weather pattern across the South.[4][5] On February 9, a low-pressure area formed, centered over eastern Texas and along the Texas-Gulf of Mexico coastline.[6][7] It then progressed eastward across the Gulf the next day before moving across the Southeastern United States and emerging in the Atlantic Ocean off the Georgia-Florida coast.[6][7] The low-pressure system then intensified and fully developed into a cyclone as it approached Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.[6][7] As the cyclone moved northward along the East Coast of the United States, snow fell across the Mid-Atlantic beginning on February 11, with some areas experiencing blizzard conditions.[1][8] The cyclone then produced snow and blizzard conditions across portions of the Northeastern United States and New England regions, continuing to intensify as its pressure dropped to 1003 millibars by February 12.[7][1][9] The low's pressure continued to drop on that day while reaching portions of southern New England[6] before tracking offshore northward off the New England coast.[10] The blizzard was nicknamed the "Megalopolitan Blizzard" after the system hit numerous metropolitan areas along the East Coast of the United States with 30–75 centimeters (12–30 in) of snow.[11][12]
Preparations and impact
[edit]Mid-Atlantic
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Marine_Electric.jpg/220px-Marine_Electric.jpg)
In preparation of the blizzard in Virginia, Eastern Mennonite University and James Madison University were closed, with the latter cancelling its classes for the first time since the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962.[13] At Richmond International Airport in Richmond, 17.7 inches (45 cm) of snow fell, which was the third-highest snow accumulation in the city on record.[14][15] Daily snowfall records were set in Lynchburg and Roanoke, where 14.6 inches (37 cm) and 18.4 inches (47 cm) of snow fell in 24 hours, respectively.[16][17] The heaviest snow fell in Woodstock, where 32 inches (81 cm) of snow accumulated.[13] The cyclone caused the SS Marine Electric, a merchant ship, to capsize, killing 31 of the 34 onboard and prompting an investigation into the incident and the ship's design itself by the United States Coast Guard's board of inquiry.[18][19] As a result of the sinking, the Coast Guard's inspection procedures were modified and new additions and requirements were introduced to the maritime law enforcement's marine safety guideline.[19]
In Maryland, 22.8 inches (58 cm) of snow fell in Baltimore, which was the second-highest snowfall after the Knickerbocker storm in 1922.[8] Some areas in Frederick and Montgomery counties in Maryland had their heaviest snowfall on record.[20] In Washington, D.C., 16.4 inches (42 cm) of snow fell, closing Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and shutting down the Washington Metro.[20][21] Numerous vehicle accidents occurred in West Virginia, as there were more than 34,000 homes without power across Charleston and Pineville.[22] Among the highest snow accumulations from the blizzard occurred in Glengary, West Virginia, where 35 inches (89 cm) of snow accumulated.[1][23] In Windsor Locks, Connecticut, a record 19 inches (48 cm) of snow fell in 12 hours.[24]
Northeastern United States
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/February_1983_nor%27easter_NESIS_map.jpg/220px-February_1983_nor%27easter_NESIS_map.jpg)
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the snow prompted firefighters and emergency management to sleep in the fire department's halls to prepare for emergencies.[25] On February 11, the heavy snowfall also cancelled Ronald and Nancy Reagan's trip to Camp David, causing Secretary of State George Shultz to be invited for dinner and marking the beginning of the shift towards ending the Cold War.[26][27] The blizzard also produced 21 inches (53 cm) in Springfield, Massachusetts, the third-highest snowfall total there since 1905 as of 2013,[28] and resulted in thousands of people being stranded at an Aerosmith concert.[29][30] The concert itself was delayed by more than an hour after the band's lead singer, Steven Tyler, arrived late because of the blizzard.[30] The blizzard produced the same snowfall total in Springfield, Massachusetts, as at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, which is recorded as the fourth-highest snowfall total there as of 2015.[31] Hundreds of vehicles were abandoned on the Staten Island Expressway as heavy snowfall rates occurred and up to 22 inches (56 cm) of snow fell.[9][32] In Central Park, 17.6 inches (45 cm) of snow fell, which is the thirteenth-highest snowfall accumulation there since 1869 as of 2021.[33][34] Twenty-four-hour snowfall records were set in Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia, with all three cities receiving more than 20 inches (51 cm) of snow.[1][24] In Allentown and Bethlehem, 5 inches (13 cm) of snow fell in one hour.[35] At Harrisburg International Airport, 25 inches (64 cm) of snow fell, which is the second-highest snow accumulation across the Susquehanna Valley.[11] Lightning also occurred during the blizzard in some areas across the Northeast.[36]
Several airports were closed as a result of near-zero visibility caused by the heavy snowfall, including LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport across the New York metropolitan area, as well as Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia.[37] Multiple departing flights from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport were cancelled, and the Pennsylvania State Police noted that Interstate 80 "closed itself".[38] Businesses and schools across Pennsylvania were closed, and Interstate 95 in Philadelphia was closed.[22] A snow emergency was declared in New York City, as well as a state of emergency for several areas in New Jersey, including Trenton.[22]
Tornado outbreak
[edit]FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Color / symbol | Description |
---|---|
† | Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
¶ | Data from a local National Weather Service office |
※ | Data from the 1983 Storm Data publication |
‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991.[39][note 1] 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments.[43][note 2] Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.
February 9 event
[edit]F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[note 4] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[note 5] | Damage[note 6] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F1 | New Waverly | Walker | TX | 30°32′N 95°30′W / 30.53°N 95.50°W | 18:30–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 40 yd (37 m) | $250,000 |
A hay-filled barn was uplifted, bits of which were thrown 200 yd (180 m).[53][54] | ||||||||
F2± | Southwestern Houston | Harris | TX | 29°39′N 95°27′W / 29.65°N 95.45°W | 19:30–? | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $250,000 |
A carport was damaged, along with four warehouses, three of which were unroofed. Three injuries were reported.[55][53][56] | ||||||||
F1 | Pasadena※ | Harris | TX | 29°42′N 95°02′W / 29.70°N 95.03°W | 19:50–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | $250,000 |
A few trailers, fences, roofs, traffic lights, and a utility pole were damaged.[53][57] | ||||||||
F1 | Northern Houston※ | Harris | TX | 29°42′N 95°16′W / 29.70°N 95.27°W | 20:10–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | $25,000 |
This tornado flattened a carport and damaged a garage.[53][58] | ||||||||
F0 | Western Huntsville | Walker | TX | 30°43′N 95°37′W / 30.72°N 95.62°W | 20:15–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | Unknown |
A tornado developed over agricultural land, doing no known structural damage.[53][59] | ||||||||
F1 | Coldspring | San Jacinto | TX | 30°36′N 95°07′W / 30.60°N 95.12°W | 20:20–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 30 yd (27 m) | $250,000 |
This tornado caused fallen utility poles and trees to land on a house. Billboards were shredded as well, and the tornado also traversed Texas State Highway 156.[53][60] | ||||||||
F2± | N of Manvel to near Pearland※ | Brazoria | TX | 29°29′N 95°21′W / 29.48°N 95.35°W | 20:25–? | 8 mi (13 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $25,000 |
Trees and a few carports were torn apart.[55][53][61] | ||||||||
F2† | SE of Eunice | Acadia | LA | 30°26′N 92°20′W / 30.43°N 92.33°W | 23:30–? | 3 mi (4.8 km) | 150 yd (140 m) | $250,000 |
This tornado affected the Richard–Hundley area, almost leveling a small home.[55][62][63] | ||||||||
F3 | E of Church Point to NNE of Courtableau | Acadia, St. Landry | LA | 30°24′N 92°11′W / 30.40°N 92.18°W | 23:45–? | 21 mi (34 km) | 150 yd (140 m) | $2,500,000※ |
This was a multiple-vortex tornado. A church, a grain elevator, and at least seven homes were demolished. Seven people were injured.[64][62][65][66][67] |
February 10 event
[edit]F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[note 4] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[note 5] | Damage[note 6] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F0 | Southwestern Miami | Dade | FL | 25°39′N 80°26′W / 25.65°N 80.43°W | 21:45–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | $30 |
This tornado caused window damage, felled trees, and downed power lines.[68][69] | ||||||||
F0 | Western Hollywood※ | Broward | FL | 26°08′N 80°08′W / 26.13°N 80.13°W | 22:00–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | $25,000 |
Coincident with golf ball-sized hail, this tornado damaged roofing and trees.[68][70] | ||||||||
F1 | West Palm Beach※ | Palm Beach | FL | 26°41′N 80°08′W / 26.68°N 80.13°W | 22:42–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 40 yd (37 m) | $2,500 |
Power lines, fencing, and screened pool enclosures were knocked down. Trees were felled as well.[68][71] |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Historically, the number of tornadoes globally and in the United States was and is likely underrepresented: research by Grazulis on annual tornado activity suggests that, as of 2001, only 53% of yearly U.S. tornadoes were officially recorded. Documentation of tornadoes outside the United States was historically less exhaustive, owing to the lack of monitors in many nations and, in some cases, to internal political controls on public information.[40] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[41] Significant low biases in U.S. tornado counts likely occurred through the early 1990s, when advanced NEXRAD was first installed and the National Weather Service began comprehensively verifying tornado occurrences.[42]
- ^ The Fujita scale was devised under the aegis of scientist T. Theodore Fujita in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.[44][45] Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the National Weather Service.[46] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[47] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[48] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[49]
- ^ a b All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.
- ^ a b All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses
- ^ a b The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.[50] Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. 0.5 mi (0.80 km) is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.[51][52]
- ^ a b The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Data publication does not list exact damage totals for every event, instead giving damage categories. As such, damage for individual tornadoes is not comprehensive.
References
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- ^ Storm Data Publication 1983, #10141196
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- ^ Storm Data Publication 1983, #10042881
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