Winter Weather in America

Storm after storm has raged across America causing power outages, flight cancellations, and car accidents in epic proportions. When our modern society experiences an event that affects many people, news travels quickly. Some may debate that the US is suffering from the worse winter in American history. While others may stipulate that modern meteorology facilitates more accurate weather forecasts and reporting. American perception has no doubt changed in the modern cyber age of broadband, instant access and immediate search results; this enhances our expectation and anything that slows us down is considered a major nuisance.

We cannot deny the fact that this series of winter storms have wreaked havoc. However there are many documented historical winter storms within the past 20 years, which could make America's recent deluge of frigid weather seem moderate.

Consider the following historical events of winter in America:

Winter Storm of the Century 1993

§ Considered the Super Storm Blizzard of 1993

§ Occurred in late winter - March 11^th through the 15^th

§ Stretched from Canadian North America to Central America

§ 10 Million people were without electric

§ 300 fatalities recorded

§ Over $6 billion in damages

§ Snow depths up to 69 inches recorded in Tennessee

§ Temperatures as low as −12 °F

§ Affected all of the Eastern United States

North America Blizzard of 1996

§ January 6^th - 10^th

§ Over 4 feet of snow recorded in West Virginia

§ 187 people died

§ $3 Billion in damages reported

§ Affected 8 East American States including Washington D.C.

Cyclonic Ice Storm of 1998

§ Within the first week of January

§ Approximately 5 inches of freezing rain

§ Damages reach up to $7 billion dollars

§ 35 People died and over 900 injuries were reported

§ Millions were without power and heat for weeks

§ Affected New York, New England and caused flooding in Appalachia

The answer to the question, has there been worse winters in America? The short and quick answer is, yes. Could it get much worse? Yes, it could get worse. Considering the frequency and intensity of the recent winter storms; each one affected by the snow, freezing rain and howling winds must still have this concern, when will we see the end of severe winter weather in America? If the US recognizes the historical pattern of winter in America, a trend will be perceived that is either attributed to advanced weather reports, or a noticeable increase in frequency and intensity of severe winter weather.

Meteorology has advanced in recent years and provides ample accurate warning prior to these storms. America would be well advised to take heed to the warnings received in order to prepare when notice is given.