1963 — Jan 9-16/17, Arctic Cold, snow/sleet/icing/high winds/blizzards, much of US –81-92
–81-92 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below; for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com
— 90 By Jan 16. Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.
— 78 By Jan 14. UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Observer, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
— >75 By Jan 14. Kenosha News, WI. “County Man Stricken After Shoveling Snow,” 1-14-1963, p. 1.
— 60 By Jan 16. AP. “Midwestern Cold Wave Sweeps Into Northeast.” Oswego Times, 1-16-1963, 1.
— 50 By Jan 15. AP. “Frigid Winter Weather Grips Nation…” Oneonta Star, NY, 1-15-1963, p1.
— 40 By Jan 14. AP. “40 Dead as Most of Nation Gripped by Numbing Cold.” CA, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
— 30 By Jan 14. AP. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p1.
— 20 By Jan 13. Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
— 14 By Jan 12. UPI. “U.S. suffers under blow from Arctic…” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-12-1963, 1.
— 12 By Jan 13. AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, 1-13-1963, 1.
— 6 By Jan 12. AP. “Blizzard Sweeps Midwest as Harsh Cold Grips Nation.” 1-12-1963, p.1.
Summary of Winter Weather Fatalities by State
Arkansas ( 1)
Colorado ( 5)
Idaho ( 2)
Illinois ( 3)
Indiana ( 2)
Kansas ( 1)
Louisiana ( 2)
Massachusetts ( 3)
Michigan (4-14)
Minnesota ( 1)
Nebraska ( 6)
Nevada ( 1)
New Hampshire ( 1)
New Mexico ( 1)
New York ( 14)
North Dakota ( 1)
Ohio (2 – 3)
Oklahoma ( 5)
Oregon ( 1)
Pennsylvania ( 3)
South Dakota ( 3)
Tennessee ( 1)
Texas ( 6)
Utah ( 5)
Wisconsin ( 7)
Breakout of Winter Weather Related Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):
Arkansas ( 1)
–1 Paris, Jan 13 or 14. Burns; robe caught fire standing too close to fire to get warm; J. Butler, 17.[1]
Colorado ( 5)
–6 UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Evening Observer, 1-14-1963, p.1.[2]
–5 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
–5 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 2.
–1 Denver, Jan 12. “…exposure from severe cold…” Youth, 18.
–3 Outlaw Mesa, ~Grand Junction, ~Jan 11. Exposure / CO poisoning; three children.[3]
–1 Two Buttes area, Jan 13. Exposure; car ran off rural road, man died.
–3 Associated Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
Idaho ( 2)
–1 Glenns Ferry, Jan 12. Exposure in unheated shack; Albert T. Morse Jr., 54.[4]
–1 Heyburn, Jan 13. Apparent exposure seeking shelter in fairgrounds barn; Frank B. Patton.[5]
Illinois ( 3)
–7 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.[6]
–1 Associated Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
–4 Aurora, Jan 14. CO poisoning from faulty gas heater in trailer home.[7] Couple, son, playmate.[8]
–2 Chicago area, ~Jan 14-15, “both attributed to the cold.”[9]
–1 DeKalb area, Jan 11. Heart attack after car stuck in drift; attempted to walk home in cold.[10]
Indiana ( 2)
–6 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.[11]
–1 South Bend, Jan 14. Exposure; male, 70, found dead on his front porch; apparently fell.[12]
–1 South Bend, Jan 16. CO poisoning; warming car in home garage; -10° outdoor temperature.[13]
Iowa ( ?)
–1 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.[14]
Kansas ( 1)
–1 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
–1 Wichita, Jan 10. USAF B47 crash during takeoff in snowstorm; Capt. P. L. Tudwill, 29.[15]
Louisiana ( 2)
–2 Blanchard tally from locality/cause of death breakouts below.
–2 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
–1 Lake Charles area; Jan 12. Fire; wind blows flame flare over burning fuel; oil field worker.[16]
–1 Shreveport, Jan 12 or 13. “A 3-months-old baby froze to death at Shreveport, La.,”[17]
–1 Locale not noted, by Jan 14. Exposure; man.[18] Not using.[19]
Maryland ( ?)
–2 AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.[20]
Massachusetts ( 3)
–2 Locales not noted, Jan 11-13. Falls while walking. (Storm Data, 5/1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
–1 Locale not noted. Jan 11-13. Vehicular accident. (Storm Data, 5/1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
Michigan (4-14)
–4-14 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.[21]
— 14 UPI. “Bone-Chilling Cold Clutches the Midwest.” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-15-1963, p1.
–7 Heart attacks.
–5 Traffic deaths.
–2 Fire deaths.
— 7 UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Observer, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
— 4 AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.
Breakout of winter weather related fatalities by locality, where noted.
–1 Breedsville area, Jan 12. Cars collide “on a icy, snow-swept road…” George Fred Hildebrandt, 60.[22]
–1 Detroit, Jan 11 or 12. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Andrew Ficht, 61.[23]
–1 Detroit, Jan 11 or 12. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Aloys Meier, 66.[24]
–1 Detroit, Jan 11 or 12. Heart attack after shoveling snow; Charles B. Ryberg, 78.[25]
Minnesota ( 1)
–1 Makinen, Jan 14 (body found). Hypothermia; found frozen in home, fire out; Otto Parkkinan, 78.[26]
Mississippi ( ?)
–6 Jan 12-29. “A few people and cattle died of exposure…” Storm Data, Jan 1963, p. 4.[27]
Missouri ( ?)
–1 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.[28]
Nebraska ( 6)
–6 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–5 UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Evening Observer, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
–2 AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.
–1 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
Breakout of Nebraska winter weather related deaths by locality, where noted:
–1 Anselmo, Jan 14. Pickup slides on partially snow-packed Neb. 302 into train; Nancy B. Howard, 27.[29]
–2 Lincoln, Jan 13. “…apparent heart attacks while shoveling snow.” Van Dusen and Aultman.[30]
–1 Omaha, Jan 11. CO poisoning from running car in garage for heat; Michael John Corkle, 67.[31]
–1 Omaha, Jan 11. “…heart attack…sweeping snow” in front of home; Laura Bell Dallenburg, 75.[32]
–1 Trenton area, Jan 11. Trailways bus / pickup collide “in a ground blizzard.” Pickup driver.[33]
Nevada ( 1)
–1 Elko, Jan 11 or 12. Exposure; ranch-hand.[34]
New Hampshire ( 1)
–1 Locale not noted, Jan 11-13. Traffic accident on slick road. (Storm Data, 5/1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
New Mexico ( 1)
–1 Taos, Jan 13. Froze to death; entangled in barbed wire fence; -30°[35]; Henry Trujillo, 29.[36]
New York ( 14)
–14 Jan 13-14. UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Observer, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
— 4 Drownings; children in ice-covered streams.[37]
–10 Traffic accidents.
— 1 Albion area, Jan 14. “…automobiles skidded on…snow-packed highway into a head-on collision.”[38]
North Dakota ( 1)
–1 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.
Ohio (2-3)
–2-3 Blanchard estimate.[39]
— 2 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.
— 3 Wilmington, Jan 16 (bodies found). CO poisoning; coal stove; Ray Dunca family.[40]
Oklahoma ( 5)
— 6 Assoc. Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.[41]
–~5 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 5.
— 1 El Reno, Jan 13. Slip and fall on icy steps; man. (Storm Data, Jan 1963, p. 5.)
— 1 Muskogee, Jan 12. Exposure; man fell asleep in a vacant house. Storm Data, p. 5.
–~3 Locales not noted, Jan 10-14. Asphyxiation; gas heaters used all oxygen in rooms.[42]
Oregon ( 1)
–2 AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.[43]
–1 Chiloquin, Jan 14. Crippled woman, 71, found frozen in unheated home.[44]
Pennsylvania ( 3)
–5 UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Evening Observer, 1-14-1963, p1.[45]
–3 Associated Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
–3 Havertown, Jan 16. Car hits patch of ice, driver loses control, wrecks.[46]
South Dakota ( 3)
–1 Faith area, Jan 10. Apparent exposure; rabbit hunter, near abandoned truck; Paul Overacker, 60.[47]
–1 Pierre, Jan 12. Heart attack; rancher, after pickup became stuck in snow; Howard Hansen, 52.[48]
–1 In SD, 27 miles south of Hettinger ND, Jan 11. Frostbite complications; girl, 5, wandered from home.[49]
Tennessee ( 1)
–4 Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.[50]
–1 Memphis, Jan 13. Exposure; pinned four hours after car overturns; Andrew Lurry Jr., 23.[51]
Texas ( 6)
–6 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–5 UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, 1.
–1 Beaumont, Jan 11. Traffic accident “blamed on heavy rains…set off by…the approaching cold front.”[52]
–2 Matamoros, Jan 9-14. Exposure; “a woman and an elderly man [deaths] attributed to exposure…”[53]
–1 Matamoros, Jan 15. Burns; clothing ignited from open charcoal stove in home; Francisca Perez, 60.[54]
–1 Dallas, Jan 12 or 13. Apartment fire framed as “a byproduct of the winter storm.” Boy, 7.[55]
–1 Ralls, Jan 14. Heart attack/exposure; body found in semi-open structure; dirt floor; sub-zero temp.[56]
Utah ( 5)
–5 Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
–5 Bonanza, Jan 12. Fire from overheated stove; outdoor temp. -25°; Marion Madsen family.[57]
Wisconsin ( 7)
–7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–4 Associated Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
–2 AP. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.
Breakout of Wisconsin weather-related fatalities by locality:
–1 Black River area south of Sheboygan, Jan 12. Exposure, found dead in home driveway.[58]
–1 Kenosha area, Jan 14. Heart attack after shoveling snow; George Tures, 63.[59]
–1 Milwaukee, Jan 12. Heart attack while shoveling snow at home; Harry Erdmann, 66 [unclear].[60]
–1 Oshkosh, Jan 12. Heart attack shoveling snow at home; Joseph J. Robl, 76.[61]
–3 Saukville area, Jan 11. Head-on collision; “snow had reduced visibility and slickened roads…”[62]
Narrative Information
General
O’Connor: “January 1963 was memorable for the extreme severity of the cold weather which simultaneously gripped North America, Europe, and the Far East…. [p. 209]
The First Cold Wave
“The first outbreak of cold air entered Montana on 9th in advance of a Yukon High of 1056 mb.
“On the 10th, the temperature at Great Falls, Mont., fell to 42° F. below normal, while to the south Little Rock, Ark., was recording 77° F., the highest on record for that date.
“On the 11th the accompanying blizzard spread record cold for the date into the Far West, where Meacham, Oreg., had -23° F., its lowest on record, and into the central Rockies where Cheyenne, Wyo., recorded 49° F. below normal.
“On the 12th, record cold spread over large areas of the Rockies as far west as California and eastward over the Plains as far south as western Texas. On this day West Yellowstone, Mont., had a temperature of -56° F., and Raton, N. Mex., had -31° F., the lowest ever recorded there.
“By the 13th Arctic air had driven deep into the Southwest with record cold from California, where Long Beach reached 25° F. for the first time in 23 years, to the Texas Gulf coast, where Brownsville was 29° F. below normal. On this day occurred all-time record low temperatures of -23° F. at Grand Junction, Colo., 8° F. at Las Vegas, Nev., and -37° F. at Maverick, Ariz., the lowest ever observed in that State.
“On the 14th severe cold stretched from coast to coast, as part of the original Yukon High in the lower Mississippi Valley chilled the Gulf States [end of p. 215] with record low temperatures as much as 25° F. below normal. Meanwhile another High entered the Upper Mississippi Valley, lowering temperatures in Wisconsin to 31° F. below normal at La Crosse.
“On the 15th, record temperatures occurred in the Great Lakes region including -24° F. at Milwaukee and as low as -50° F. elsewhere in Wisconsin.
“On the 16th and 17th record minima continued in lower Michigan, although temperatures moderated elsewhere in the country as the two Highs merged and moved off the New England coast. Meanwhile another intensifying cold High was plunging southeastward from northwestern Canada….”[63] (O’Connor, James F. “The Weather and Circulation of January 1963,” Monthly Weather Review, April 1963, pp. 215-216.)
Newspapers (Chronological)
Jan 9-10: “Temperatures plunged below zero and snow piled up into large drifts in the Upper Plains today. Cold wave warnings stretched as far south as Texas in the vicious winter blast. Strong northerly winds whipped the snow into blizzard conditions in parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado, and the Weather Bureau issued warnings to stockmen and travelers. Six inches of snow had fallen at Howard, S.D., and Hettinger N.D.
“Temperatures Wednesday afternoon in Montana and the Dakotas were 40 to 50 degrees cooler than they had been Tuesday [Jan 8].
“The blizzard was concentrated Wednesday in Montana, isolating the community of Dupuyer and closing schools in many communities, including Great Falls, the state’s largest city.
“The change in the weather from the balmy conditions that had prevailed most of the new year was caused by an arctic front that was pushed southward by a very cold arctic high centered around the Yukon. Most of the areas south of the cold front enjoyed fair weather. Mild temperatures were reported from Florida to Kentucky, in the southern Middle West and through the Southern Plains.
“The cold wave warning was extended through the southern Rockies into the Southern Plains and into western parts of the Mississippi Valley. Snow was forecast for the Rocky Mountain areas, and from the Central and Southern Plains into the upper Great Lakes region.” (UPI. “Montana Storm, Cold May Soon Be Felt Here.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-10-1963, 1.)
Jan 11: “While a blast of winter’s cold air and snow slashed through most of the nation today sending the mercury below the zero mark in some areas, the Bridgeport area remained under the influence of a southerly air mass that sent the mercury to a record high of 51 degrees yesterday and brought rain today….
“The cold air mass is centered over British Columbia and has sent temperatures there down to 59 degrees below zero. The mercury was as low as 35 below zero in Drummond, Mont. And 20 below readings were reported in much of Wyoming and Montana. It was near zero as far south as northern Texas. Snow piled high in Nebraska, Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas and heavy snow warnings were issued for northwestern Texas and Oklahoma.
“The effect of the icy air many not be felt in the Bridgeport area until about Sunday, the Weather bureau here reports. Yesterday’s record high of 51 surpassed the previous mark of 46 for the date set in 1950 and 1956. The warmest January reading is 60 recorded Jan. 14 and 26, 1950….” (Bridgeport Post, CT. “City Warm While Other Areas Freeze.” 1-11-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 12: “A Blizzard swept across a broad area of the Midwest Saturday while most of the nation shivered in harsh cold. Wind-whipped snow swirled in a zone that extended from the eastern Dakotas and Nebraska eastward to Michigan. Up to 5 inches of snow piled up in Michigan. Three to four inches of blowing, drifting snow accumulated in southern Minnesota. Two to seven inches of snow hindered travel in Wisconsin.
“The weather bureau warned that more than six inches of snow was expected in most of the Western Great Lakes region together with gale force — 39-46 m.p.h. winds.
“At least six deaths were counted in the most widespread spell of rough weather of the winter.
“The temperature plummeted to 56 below zero at West Yellowstone, Mont. The mercury shrank to the freezing level or below in 26 states and dropped under the zero mark in 15 of them. Denver’s -25 broke a record for the date that had endured for 85 years. The -9 in Amarillo, Tex., shattered a record for Jan. 12 that had been set 61 years ago. Among the readings elsewhere: Butte, Mont., -39, Lander, Wyo., -36, and International Falls, Minn. -17, Rapid City, S.D., -16, Salt Lake City -13, Bismarck, N.D., -11, Boise, Idaho, and Oklahoma City -6, Des Moines, Iowa, -3, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., -1.” (Associated Press. “Blizzard Sweeps Midwest as Harsh Cold Grips Nation.” Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, NY, 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 12-13: “A blizzard whipped across a section of the Midwest Saturday [Jan 12] while wide-ranging cold cracked records that had stood as long as 86 years. Winter at its worst spanned the continent. It drove temperatures as low as -56 in a frigid zone that reached from the West Coast to the Great Lakes, blew snow in some Central areas, and brought snow, sleet, rain and fog to parts of the East.
“At least 17 deaths were blamed on the rough weather, including: Michigan 4, Colorado 3, Wisconsin 2, Maryland 2, Nebraska 2, Oregon 2, New Hampshire 1, South Dakota 1.
“Snow churned by strong northerly winds left accumulations of 2 to 9 inches in Iowa and reduced visibility to 100 feet at times near Huron, S.D. A school at Revillo, S.D., burned while firemen from neighboring towns were delayed by the hard going.
“Up to 5 inches of snow piled up in Michigan, 3 to 4 inches in Southern Minnesota and 2 to 7 inches in Wisconsin. Hazardous driving warnings went out for Lower Michigan and portions of New York state and New England. Four inches of snow fell at Mt. Mansfield, Vt., the first since the Christmas holidays, and there was snow in the Portland-Brunswick district in Maine….
“In Cheyenne, Wyo., the Friday high of -21 was the lowest maximum in the city’s history. The mercury plummeted 59 degrees in McAllen, Tex., from 91 Friday [11th] to 32 Saturday….” (Assoc. Press. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 14: “A massive storm brought cold to 48 states today, threatening the Texas and Arizona vegetable and citrus crop and claiming more than 75 lives. The only area really to escape the cold spell was the southern half of Florida. Hey West had a balmy 74 early today. But it was 27 below in International Falls, Minn.
“A cloud cover held off the brunt of the arctic cold front in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, but the forecast of temperatures in the upper 20s still spelled damage to tender plants and trees. Some farmers said the tomato crop was ruined, the peppers and lettuce extensively damaged. The freeze was not as severe as last January’s cold wave that cost an estimated $50 million in lost citrus trees and vegetables. Some 100,000 citrus trees were planed to offset last year’s loss and prolonged temperatures in the 30s could wipe out that investment and cause major damage to adult trees. There also was some citrus damage in Arizona’s Salt River Valley.
“There were 78 deaths attributed to the harsh winter weather that set in last week. New York led the nation with 14 deaths, including four drownings and 10 traffic fatalities, followed by Michigan 7, Colorado 6, and Utah, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas 5 each. There were 27 fire deaths reported as homemakers and custodians turned up the heat in the longest, largest cold spell of the season.
“Lubbock, Tex., set an all-time low of 16 below Sunday. It was below freezing Sunday in every part of Arizona, and it was 15 below at Show Low, Ariz. Temperatures climbed to near thawing in the Rocky Mountain region Sunday after sub-zero readings were recorded in Denver, Colo., for 69 consecutive hours. Most of Montana had temperatures above zero Sunday after more than 84 hours of sub-zero temperatures frequently dropping into the 40- and 50-below range….
“Extremely hazardous driving conditions plagued the six-state area of New England but the Weather Bureau said colder temperatures would reduce the danger.
“Snow fell early today from the northern Rockies and Northern Plains to the Great Lakes, and light rain and snow flurries fell over Virginia and North Carolina.” (UPI. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake…” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 14-15: “Most of the nation remained in the grip of a marathon midwinter cold wave Monday [Jan 14] that has taken a mounting toll in lives and caused heavy damage to property and crops. There was some slight moderation in extreme southern sections of the midcontinent and the Far West, but subzero cold numbed a large area from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, with no widespread break in sight.
“Deaths related to the wintry weather–from exposure, asphyxiation, fires and accidents on ice and snow coated highways–rose to 50….
“The bulge of polar air that has been drained down from now relatively moderate arctic regions sent temperatures plunging across the United States except the extreme southeast coastal plains and some Pacific coastal regions.
“New Mexico had the coldest weather ever recorded there, Gallup, in western New Mexico, had an estimated low of -45. The official gauge at the recording station was capable of measuring only down to -40.
“The unseasonable cold in Southern California lined trees with icicles, froze fruit and popped pipes.
“In parts of Texas that usually enjoy mild weather this time of year, tennis courts were flooded for ice skating.
“Noon temperatures were below zero over the Upper Plains and Mississippi Valley. Northern Minnesota had midday readings as low as -20….” (AP. “Frigid Winter Weather Grips Nation…” Oneonta Star, NY, 1-15-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 16: “The Northeast felt today the numbing chill of an intense cold wave that has gripped wide sections of the Midcontinent for nearly a week. The core of the Arctic air mass drifted eastward during the night bringing record low temperatures to parts of the East. Some slight moderation of the deep freeze weather developed in the Midwest but readings still were below zero from eastern Montana into New England.
“Rochester, N.Y., reported a record low for the date of -6 degrees and Buffalo had a record -9. Other low readings in the East included: Saranac Lake, N.Y., -29; Boonville, N.Y., in the Adirondack foothills, -20; Greenville, Maine, -20; Montpelier, Vt., -19, and Lebanon, N.H., -17.
“Even colder weather was forecast for the Northeast. Below freezing weather covered the bulk of the nation. The exceptions were a narrow band along the Gulf coast, the Rio Grande Valley, southern Georgia, Florida, the costal areas of Southern California and Washington state.
“But the Midwest remained the coldest region in the nation. The mercury plunged to -38 at Black River Falls and -37 at Lone Rock, both in Wisconsin. Black River Falls had a low Tuesday [15th] of -50.
“Temperatures were at or near zero in most of New York State although New York City reported 22 above.
“Warmer weather was on the way for much of southern Texas westward across the southern plateau region and into Southern California. The cold earlier had caused millions of dollars damage to citrus and vegetable crops in Texas and Southern California.
“The cold and snow in the last week caused 60 deaths from exposure, asphyxiation, fires and traffic accidents.
“Early morning readings were in the teens in Tennessee and northern fringes of Alabama and Georgia and mountain areas of North Carolina. Freezing marks extended to the extreme northwest tip of Florida. The 60s were reported in extreme southern Florida.” (Associated Press. “Midwestern Cold Wave Sweeps Into Northeast.” Oswego Palladium-Times, NY, 1-16-1963, 1.)
Jan 15-16: “Sub-zero temperatures today [Jan 16] clung to the Midwest where the mercury fell as far as 50 below in one of the harshest cold spells in 75 years. The early morning readings were not quite so severe as 24 hours earlier when the bitter Arctic blast came close to giving Milwaukee, Wis., and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., their coldest weather in history….
“Ninety persons have died since the huge frigid mass penetrated 48 states.
“The Weather Bureau held out hope of warmer temperatures from the Rocky Mountain Region through the middle and lower Mississippi Valley. There were rising temperatures forecast also from Southern California to Georgia. The Florida Keys had 69 early today, and South Texas had readings in the 50s. But to the north, the picture was different. It was 26 below at Lone Rock, Wis., early today and only 29 at Dallas, Texas. The mercury plunged to 24 below at Milwaukee yesterday, the second coldest day on record, only one degree above the 25 below recorded Jan. 9, 1875. In Minnesota’s twin cities, the temperature fell to 32 below, a new low for Jan. 15 and only two degrees short of the Minneapolis-St. Paul all-time low of 34 below set in 1936. The Minneapolis Auto Club said it had 3,000 calls for aid in a 24-hour period. St. Paul’s auto club said its trucks were running an hour and a half behind.
“The West-Central Wisconsin community of Black River Falls had 50 below. It was 46 below at Lone Rock, Wis., 42 below at Indian Lake, Mich., 40 below at Cresco, Iowa, 38 below at Decorah, Iowa, 37 below at Virginia, Minn., and 35 below at Cadillac, Mich.
“A six to seven mile stretch of the Mississippi River downstream from the Alton, Ill., dam was completely frozen over for the first time since the dam was built in 1938.
“Three buildings were destroyed by fire at Hancock, Mich., as firemen fought the flames in 13 below temperatures whipped by 40 mile an hour winds of Lake Superior. An 86-year-old woman died at Spillville, Iowa, when flames, apparently started by a heating stove, virtually destroyed the house.[64] A polio-stricken woman and her family were driven into the bitter cold at New Lisbon, Wis., by fire with the temperature nearly 50 below.
“A 70-year-old man was found dead of exposure on the front porch of his home at South Bend, Ind. A woman the same age died in McLeansboro, Ill., of burns received when her stove exploded….” (Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.)
Narrative Information — By State — Alphabetically
Arizona
Jan 13-15: “Most of State. [Jan] 13-15…Cold weather. Cold, dry, Arctic air entered the State on the 11th but the coldest part of the air mass did not arrive until the morning of the 13th when a low of 37 degrees below zero was reported at Maverick in the White Mountains, breaking the previous all-time low record for Arizona. The lowest temperatures on the 13th were accompanied by continuous winds which meant there was little or no temperature inversion. As a result, most agricultural areas were uniformly cold and protective measures using wind machines and aircraft were generally ineffective. According to the Federal Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, the Salt River Valley experienced considerable damage to citrus fruit with limited and scattered damage to trees….Maximum damage occurred in the South Mountain area and to the south of the Valley in Chandler Heights….” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 2.)
Arkansas
Jan 11: “A cold wave moved into Arkansas in full force early today, causing temperatures to nose dive and bringing freezing showers and snow to most of the northern and western parts of the state. Temperatures were expected to continue dropping throughout the day, making it possible for overnight minimum temperatures to also become the day’s maximum readings. The forecast indicates the same type of weather probably will be in the state through Sunday [11th].
“Light snow showers moved into west and northern Arkansas early today. The area was bounded by the following points: 25 miles south of Fort Smith to Mountain Home to Pocahontas to Beebe to Hot Springs to Rison to De Queen and back to 25 miles south of Fort Smith. Heaviest activity was reported in the mountain area north of Conway, where roads became hazardous because of icing.
“The forecast calls for partly cloudy to cloudy with occasional light snow flurries. Highs today were expected to range from 5 below zero in the northwest to 23 in the southeast part of the state. Minimum temperatures recorded early today included 21 degrees at El Dorado, 3 at Harrison, 8 at Fort Smith, 2 at Fayetteville, 30 at Memphis, 20 at Little Rock, 21 at Pine Bluff, 17 at Texarkana and 22 at Walnut Ridge.
“The record low temperature for this date is minus 8 degrees and a year ago, when another cold wave was gripping the state, the minimum temperature was a minus 4 degrees….” (Associated Press. “Cold Blasts Sweep Arkansas.” Camden News, AR, 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 12: “Winter launched its bitterest assault of the season on Northwest Arkansas last night, dropping temperatures to one degree below zero and scattering a sifting of snow over the area. Indications were that even colder weather is in store for the region. Weatherman Howard Vetter cautioned that the mercury is expected to dip as low as -7 degrees before morning.
“The fog, drizzle and snow that swept into Arkansas in the first wave of the cold front passed through the area rapidly are not expected to return. Vetter predicted clear skies over most of the northwestern portion of the state this afternoon, accompanied by northwesterly wines gusting to 20 miles an hour….
“The falling temperatures–dropping 70 degrees in 36 hours–left hundreds of motorists afoot this morning when their chilled automobiles refused to start. Plumbers reported a rash of frozen water pipes….” (Northwest Arkansas Times. “Bitter Cold, Snow Invade Northwest Arkansas.” 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
California
Jan 12-14: “Southern California [Jan] 12-14…Cold and strong wind. Freezing temperatures damaged citrus, avocado, and flower crops and froze water pipes. Wind overturned planes, upset hour trailers, sank boats, broke windows, and downed trees and power lines.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 2.)
Colorado
Jan 10-15: “Entire State…Cold. A severe cold wave with some light snow affected most of the state over a period of 4 or 5 days. Record cold temperatures occurred at a number of points. Two deaths were attributed directly to the extreme cold; on the 13th, a man was frozen to death in his car near Two Buttes, when he ran off a country road; on the 12th, an 18 year old youth died of exposure from severe cold in Denver. Three children who died in a car in Mesa County from asphyxiation, are not included as weather caused deaths, since the severe cold was not the direct cause of death. There were many losses and damages to property from frozen water systems, stalled cars and over-burdened heating systems. Problems from the cold were intensified by continuing much below normal temperatures in most areas until near the end of the month.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 2.)
Illinois
Jan 15: “Bone-chilling cold gripped the northern half of Illinois today. The lowest reading was an unofficial -23 at Freeport, breaking a 34-year record by 3 degrees. Readings in communities surrounding Chicago were mostly 10 degrees below zero and colder. At O’Hare International Airport, the mercury fell to -19 before it began to edge upward at daybreak. Fox Lake had -22, Glenview -20, Wheaton -19, Barrington -17, and Mt. Prospect -16. Rockford and Champaign reported lows of -15, Starved Rock State Park and Moline had -14, Chicago -12 at Midway Airport and -7 at Grant Park, Ottawa -11, Rantoul -6, Quincy and Springfield, zero, Vandalia 3 above and Belleville 5. Subzero readings generally were reported north of a line from Quincy through Springfield, eastward across the State.
“Two deaths were reported in the Chicago area, both attributed to the cold.
“Nearly 40 house fires were reported in Chicago in 7 hours up to 8 a.m.
“The bitter cold, in its second straight day in scores of northern communities, slowed barge operations on state waterways. The ice was 4 inches thick at Starved Rock dam on the Illinois River and barges and tugs were having trouble navigating the waterway. At Alton, the Mississippi River was frozen almost solid from bank to bank.
“There was little prospect that the cold might ease before Thursday [Jan 17] or Friday. The Chicago Weather Bureau said tonight’s temperatures will drop to around 12 below zero in the north from a daytime high of around 5 above. In the southern half of the state tonight’s temperatures will range from zero in the northern portion to 10 above in the far south.” (AP. “Cold Wave Breaks Records in Illinois,” Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL, 1-15-1963, p.1.)
Indiana
Jan 14: “Midwinter’s cold inched out of the subzero levels in Indiana today, but the Weather Bureau couldn’t see signs of any decided break in the weather before next weekend. This morning’s cold was comparatively mild — from 6 above zero at South Bend to 13 at Evansville — after bitter cold Sunday morning [Jan 13] down to 6 below zero at South Bend and an unofficial 10 below at Elkhart. Sunday’s warmest marks ranged from 11 at South Bend and Fort Wayne to 17 at Evansville. Another round of subzero cold was forecast for tonight in the northend of the state, but more moderating should continue in the south. But the weathermen forecast a general trend for the week of temperatures 8 to 20 degrees below normal, with the greatest variance in the north. That would indicate more subzero cold in the north but chances of a little daytime thawing in the south.
“Occasional snow flurries were forecast for the northern third of the state through the week, with amounts likely to run between one and three inches. The old snow cover remained six inches deep at South Bend today. Snow may fall farther south later in the week, but the weathermen said moderating weather toward the end of the week many change the precipitation to rain, totaling a quarter to half an inch.
“State police reported most main roads normal across the state, while secondary roads have some scattered icy spots in the north.” (Associated Press. “Cold Again Tonight.” The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, IN, 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Iowa
Jan 10: “Snow swirled into Iowa on the wings of a blast of frigid arctic air Thursday [Jan 10], putting an abrupt end to a mid-winter warm spell. One to three inches of snow was expected to accumulate over the state by Friday, with brisk winds and cold wave warnings, readings as low as 15 below zero were predicted Thursday night. The mass of cold air pushed into the state during the early morning, starting temperatures on their downward plunge and bringing snow. By mid-morning, snow had slicked highways in the northern part of the state. Some highways in the North-Central section of the state were 100 per cent snow or ice-covered, with some light blowing snow reported. Forecasters said one to three inches of snow would accumulate over the state with northerly winds of 20 to 35 m.p.h. causing some drifting.
“Temperatures, which ranged from highs of 33 at Spencer to 52 at Lamoni Wednesday, dropped sharply. The mercury was expected to fall to 10 to 15 below zero northwest and to zero to 5 above southeast by Friday morning. Forecasters added that the readings probably would hold near those overnight figures throughout the day Friday….
“The sudden surge of cola air into Iowa came from an extensive mound of Arctic air pulled over the Canadian Rockies. It was gradually spreading over the Northwestern United States blanketing the eastern slopes of the Rockies and adjacent high plains region with snow.” (United Press International. “Snow Swirls Into State.” Mt. Pleasant News, IA, 1-10-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 11: “Winter descended on Iowa with a vengeance Friday [Jan 11] spreading snow and cold temperatures across the state with brisk northerly winds causing snow swirls that limited visibility. Motorists were warned to drive with caution because of he reduced visibility and slippery highways as the snow packed driving surfaces. Although the snow fell slowly, the weather bureau said accumulations up to three to five inches could be expected across most of the state by Saturday. Northerly to northeasterly winds of 15 to 20 miles an hour may cause some drifting of the snow.
“Temperatures moved downward at most points during the day Friday and lows by early Saturday morning were expected to range from 5 to 10 below zero in the northwest to around zero to 10 above in the southeast.
“The storm blew into Iowa from an extensive precipitation belt across the nation’s midsection extending from the Rockies to Ohio and from the Dakotas to the Texas Panhandle. This entire area was covered by frigid air which moved down out of Canada.
“Weather conditions at mid-day Friday: Des Moines 13, light snow…Fort Dodge 7, light snow; Lamoni and Dubuque 18, light snow; Ottumwa and Cedar Rapids 19, very light snow; Waterloo 16, very light snow and blowing snow; Burlington and Davenport 21, light snow; Sioux City 3, light snow and blowing snow; Mason City 12, light snow and blowing snow; and Council Bluffs 8, light snow and blowing snow….” (United Press International. “Snow rolls into Iowa, roads bad.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA, 1-11-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 12: “Up to nine inches of snow has fallen in Iowa’s first statewide snowstorm of the season, but it was the cold weather accompanying the blast which bothered most people. Temperatures plunged to an official 17 below zero at Sioux City Saturday morning [Jan 12], and it was doubtful the mercury would rebound to the zero mark any time Saturday.” (United Press Int. “Nine Inch Snow Falls in State.” Washington Evening Journal, IA. 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 14, Waterloo: “Waterloo and area residents are in for a continuation of clear and very cold weather most of the remainder of the week with a chance for a new cold record Monday night [14th], the Weather Bureau reports. The mercury here dipped to 14 below zero at 8 a.,. Monday and is not expected to climb to the plus side before Tuesday night or Wednesday. The Bureau said it expects a reading of 20 degrees below Monday night with the chance it could go even lower. The record low for the date is 22 below….Overnight lows ranged from 8 above at Burlington to 15 below at Mason City and 20 below at Waukon. Temperatures for Monday night are expected to range from 15-20 below in the north to zero-5 below in the south….” (Waterloo Daily Courier, IA. “Winter Tightens Grip. -20 Prediction for Waterloo,” 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Louisiana
Jan 12-13: “Winter made its second debut in northeast Louisiana Saturday [Jan 12] as the worst cold spell since the hard freeze in mid-December struck a hard, snowy blow across the area. The mercury did a nose dive hourly in Monroe as far-below freezing readings were recorded by Federal Aviation at Selman Field. Sleet and snow, mixed with freezing rain, began to fall at 1:23 in the afternoon and kept a steady pace until after sundown. Little stuck on the ground, however. But enough fell and temperatures were cold enough to make driving conditions on area highways dangerous. Police warned motorists to exercise caution.
“The old traffic bridge over the Ouachita River was closed at 4 p.m. and crews were working to keep the newer bridge and the Sicard overpass open to traffic — although freezing had set in on the bridge as well as overpasses in the area.
“Although the snow, sleet and freezing drizzle apparently are gone for now, there will be no let up in the cold today. The forecast for Monroe and vicinity calls for cloudy to partly cloudy skies through tonight with another hard freeze for tonight. The mercury isn’t expected to rise out of the low 20’s today with the low tonight predicted between 10 and 15 degrees….” (Monroe Morning World, LA. “Long-Predicted Sleet, Snow, Rain Strike in District.” 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
Maine
Jan 11-13: “Statewide…Snow, Icing. Precipitation in the form of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain, occurring separately or mixed, slicked walks, streets and highways to an unusually hazardous condition. Slippery conditions were reported throughout the state and there were many highway skidding accidents as well as pedestrians injured in falls.” (Storm Data, 5/1, 1963, p. 3.)
Massachusetts
Jan 11-13: “Statewide….Snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain occurring frequently during this period, separately or mixed, produced the most dangerous travel conditions of the winter. Two persons died as a result of alls while walking and a third was killed in a traffic accident. Many highway accidents occurred and hospitals reported an unusually large number of persons treated for falls. Scattered power failures were reported across the state.” (Storm Data, 5/1, Jan 1963, 4.)
Michigan
Jan 11-12: “Freezing snow and plunging temperatures struck most of Michigan over the night, turning the southern art of the state into a huge skating rink. Hazardous driving warnings were out for all of lower Michigan today [Jan 12]. In addition to slippery highways, winds up to 35 miles an hour were expected to push another three to six inches of snow across the path of motorists. Three deaths already were attributed to the wintry blast that struck yesterday after the resent thaw. Three Detroiters died after heart attacks while shoveling snow. They were: Aloys Meier, 66; Andrew Ficht, 61; and Charles B. Ryberg, 78. In the upper peninsula, the thermometer sank well below zero, making roads icy in spots. Drifting snow was expected to continue today and tonight with a heavy fall of four to eight inches.” (United Press International. “Blizzard Rages Across Upper Midwest,” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 14: “No immediate break is predicted in the cold wave that grips southwestern Michigan along with most of the nation today. Severe cold is expected to continue at least two more days, according to the U.S. Weather Bureau. A snowfall averaging seven inches and drifted over country roads by winds up to 40 miles an hour has closed schools in Van Buren and Cass counties. No Berrien schools were reported closed by the weather late this morning. Van Buren schools closed are Bangor public schools…Decatur, Covert and Hartford public schools. Cullinane school in Cass county is also reported closed.
“A low of four degrees below zero was recorded at the News-Palladium at 6 a.m. yesterday, rising to 20 above the rest of the day. Temperatures have hovered above the 10 degree mark since Sunday in the Twin City area. Gusty winds ranging from 24 to 40 miles an hour were reported at the St. Joseph Coast Guard station on Lake Michigan yesterday and winds up to 25 miles an hour were reported at Ross Field in Benton township.
“Most main arteries are open and in fairly good condition today with only secondary out-county roads drifted over in spots….” (News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “Cold Wave Expected to Continue.” 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 15: “Temperatures dipped to an unofficial 30 degrees below zero in portions of Michigan today as a killer storm went into its fifth day and punished some areas with the bitterest cold of the season….The unofficial 30 below was reported at Cadillac. Nearby Alpena had an official minus 28 and it was 22 below at Sault Ste. Marie. Escanaba reported 19 below, Marquette 18 below and Traverse City 17 below. Ten below or colder also was reported at Bay City, Saginaw, Flint, Houghton, and Lansing. Muskegon reported the ‘warmest’ low, a nippy one above zero…
“The weather-caused death toll since Friday [Jan 11] climbed to at least 14….The death toll included seven heart attacks, five traffic deaths and two fire deaths.
“Heavy snow hit the western and upper peninsula areas and the Grand Rapids meteorologist said the situation would be ‘critical’ today if the anticipated additional snow of three to four inches fell in counties bordering on Lake Michigan.” (UPI. “Bone-Chilling Cold Clutches the Midwest.” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-15-1963, p. 1.)
Minnesota
Jan 15: “Cars sputter and fail to start, tempers become short, and young and old alike bundle up like cocoons when they step outdoors as the icy cold wave continues to hold sway in the Brainerd area. Only slight moderation of the cold wave is expected tomorrow after Minnesota lows of -15 to -30 tonight. Last night the mercury dropped to the lowest reading of the season, a shivering 27 degrees below zero. By 8 a.m. it was still -25 and there were no chances given for the thin red line in the thermometer to creep past the zero mark today or tonight. Yesterday’s high was a -10….” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN. “Only Slight Relief Seen in Cold Wave.” 1-15-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 16: “Fuel bills will continue to increase during he next five-day period if the weather man’s forecast runs to form. Temperatures in Minnesota through Monday [21st] will average 18-24 degree below seasonal normals…Normal maximums are 10-20 north and 20-24 south. Normal minimums are 11 below to one above north and two below to seven above south….Minnesota’s overnight temperatures, although still below the zero mark, were considerably above those of Monday night [Jan 14] and Tuesday morning. Lowest reported in the state in the early hours of today was Austin’s 29 below. Rochester reported 20 below, Duluth and the Twin Cities airport, 16 below, Alexandria 15 below, St. Cloud minus 13, Bemidji and International Falls 12 below and Redwood Falls 8 below. Austin was at the bottom of the Minnesota temperature list Tuesday morning, too, with 42 below, the coldest ever recorded there….” (Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. “Frigid Weather in State Eases. Still Far Below Zero.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.)
Mississippi
Jan 12: “Temperatures lingered near freezing today in Mississippi as the weatherman predicted still lower marks from the new wintry onslaught. A low pressure center was located across Kentucky with a cold front extending southeastward across eastern Tennessee, central Alabama, southern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. Cloudy, windy and frigid weather dominated the weather picture for Mississippi with temperatures predicted to dip into the teens and 20s tonight. The predicted highs for the day ranged from the low 20s and 30s in the Delta and northern region to the 40s and 50s along the southern portion of the state, including the coast. Hard freeze warnings were released for almost all of the state except the southeast, where the forecast is just freeze….” (AP. “Hard Freeze in Store…Mississippi,” Laurel Leader-Call, MS, 1-12-1963, 1.)
Jan 14: “Winter will loosen its icy grip on Mississippi only briefly Tuesday [Jan 15], and sub-freezing temperatures will be right back by mid-week. Temperatures again fell into the middle and lower teens this morning. The low in Jackson during the night was 18. There will be a warming trend during the next 36 to 40 hours, but by the end of that time a new surge of arctic air will be spreading over the state….Today’s highs will range from 38 in the southern half down to 34 in the north….Freezing temperatures are predicted again for tonight along the Gulf Coast, with lows of 20 to 32, and into north Mississippi with the mercury dropping to 10 to 18 degrees….” (AP. “State…brief break in weather.” Hattiesburg American, MS, 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Montana
Jan 9: “A Montana blizzard closed schools and blocked highways today and an arctic blast swept from the Rockies to Minnesota. The powerful blizzard isolated the little farming town of Dupuyer, Mont. The schools closed at Great Falls, Montana’s largest city, and in smaller communities in the state’s north-central section.” (UPI. “Very Latest.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. 1-9-1963, p. 1.)
Nebraska
Jan 10: “Western and Central…Blizzard conditions including temperatures of -20° killed cattle, stranded travelers, closed schools, and damaged utility lines. Losses were increased because of large contrast–temperatures were in the 50s and 60s on the previous day.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
Jan 11-12: “Nebraska became the center of a 5-state, Great Plains deep freeze Friday [Jan 11] as the polar temperatures and gusting northern winds, which swept west from the Panhandle early Friday, continued through the night with little hope for relief. Schools were closed public transportation grounded, utilities service impaired and traffic halted as blinding, blowing snow layered the state from border to border. Few high temperatures pushed above 10 to 15 below zero in the Panhandle, and up to 12 inches of snow was reported across the plains. Low temperatures began early Friday evening to slip to the 20 below, and lower, mark in the Sidney and Imperial area.
“The Weathers Bureau said possibly 5 more inches of snow could be expected, especially in the eastern portion of Nebraska, accompanied by continuing blowing drifting snow and sub-zero temperatures. However, it was the sub-zero temperatures which kept the swirling snow dry enough to prevent the blizzard from completely paralyzing communications and travel Friday, also the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1888, said the Weather Bureau….While winds seldom gusted over 25 mph in the Panhandle, gales reached 40 mph in the central plains area, pushing 3 and 4-inch snow into 6 and 7-foot drifts.
“With the snow, which choked rural roads, and the strong northerly winds, which played havoc with visibility, came intense cold. Temperatures dipped to 24 degrees below zero at Harrison, and 15 below at Rushville and Hay Springs. Scores of schools were closed over the state, some because of the cold and others because of impassable rural roads. In the Lexington area alone, an estimated 40 schools, both town and rural, shut down….” (Lincoln Star, NE. “Blizzard Crosses State.” 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
New Hampshire
Jan 11-13: “Statewide….Snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain occurred frequently during this period. Temperatures alternated from freezing to thawing and surface conditions were extremely hazardous for driving and walking. One death resulted from a traffic accident while many pedestrians were injured in falls on slippery surfaces.” (Storm Data, V. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
New York
Jan 11-12: “Central and south-eastern counties….Freezing rain and snow produced an unusually heavy layer of ice on most surfaces resulting in an extensive period of unusually hazardous conditions underfoot and on highways. Numerous accidents occurred throughout the area with considerable disruption or delay in movement of transportation means.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
Jan 14: “Albany (UPI)–Temperatures dipped to the teens and lower in most of New York State early today, following a weekend of freezing rain, sleet and snow that left at least 10 persons dead in highway mishaps Four children drowned in ice-coated streams.
“Snow continued to pelt the Buffalo area, where at least 8 inches fell Sunday. Heavy squalls powered by 15 to 30 mile an hour winds pushed the storm center northward into Tonawanda and Grand Island. All schools were closed in northern Erie County and several in southern Niagara County. Tonawanda reported up to 10 inches of snow has fallen since midnight. Buffalo’s Fuhrmann Boulevard and Buffalo Skyway were closed for seven hours Sunday after some 50 cars became stuck in drifts….
“The U.S. Weather Bureau said the colder temperatures will predominate for the next few days. Flurries and occasional squalls were expected to continue in the Great Lakes sections for another 24 to 36 hours, but precipitation in the rest of the state will be confined to widely scattered flurries, the bureau said.
“At Niagara Falls, State Power Authority officials kept watch on the jagged ice crust covering the Niagara River from the brink of the falls upstream to Tonawanda. They said it was not at present interfering with power production, but they are ‘carefully watching the situation.’ Below the falls, a huge ice bridge spanned the Niagara gorge from the American to the Canadian shore….” (UPI. “Buffalo Area Severely Hit by Blizzard; Schools Closed.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
Jan 13-15: “Areas at northeast end of Lake Ontario and counties east of Lake Ontario…Snow squalls, strong winds. The Buffalo area and Niagara and Erie counties and the counties east of Lake Ontario, including St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego, experienced severe winter weather with near blizzard conditions at times over shifting areas due to severe lake effect snow squalls. Temperatures were very cold with strong winds, blowing and drifting snow and in some areas new snow up to two feet during the period. Movement of traffic was nearly impossible at times and travel was interrupted for many hours with widespread closure of schools and curtailment of many other normal pursuits.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 4.)
Jan 15: “Buffalo. (AP) — Erratic Lake Erie squalls, whipped by gale winds, deluged metropolitan Buffalo with 19 inches of new snow Monday. At least one death was attributed to the storm, and highway tieups, caused by stalled vehicles and accidents, were numerous. Plane travel in and out of Greater Buffalo International Airport was halted during the afternoon. The winds stacked the snow into drifts up to 4 feet high.
“A similar storm off Lake Ontario rambled through Northern New York, forcing school closings in the St. Lawrence Valley and canceling operations at airports in Massena and Ogdensburg.
“Scattered flurries and sub-freezing temperatures touched the rest of the state.
“Heaviest hit in the on-again, off-again Western New York storm were Buffalo’s northern suburbs and sections of southern Niagara County. The city of Niagara Falls was not in the path of the storm. The weather bureau said a concentration of squalls about 15 miles wide was rushing along a northeasterly course from Lake Erie and diminishing inland. At least 20 schools in the northern suburbs and on Grand Island were closed, as were some in Niagara County. Buffalo State Teachers College on the city’s west side also cancelled classes. Buffalo’s public and parochial schools conducted classes, however….
“The Niagara River from Buffalo to about 200 feet from the brink of Niagara Falls–a distance of about 12 miles–was choked with ice. A State Power Authority icebreaker crashed through the thick floes to keep water flowing to the Niagara power project intakes along the north river edge….
“Alden, East of Buffalo, reported a foot of snow and Lockport had a 10-inch fall. Athol Springs, south of Buffalo along the lake, was covered with an 8-inch blanket…. (AP. “Gale Piles Up 4-Foot Snowdrifts, Snarls Traffic North of Buffalo,” Post-Standard, Syracuse, 1-15-1963, 1-2.)
Jan 16: “Another blast of sub-zero cold hit the nation’s midsection today indicated no immediate relief from a prolonged spell of frigid weather….The below-zero belt widened, Arctic air spread from the Midwest into the Northeast and temperatures dropped to sub-zero marks in parts of Ohio, northern New England and sections of New York State. Low readings in the Northeast included…-10 in…Watertown, N.Y., and -9 in Massena, N.Y….” (Associated Press. “Frigid Zone is Growing.” The Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 1-16-1963, p. 1.)
“Albany, N.Y. (AP) — New Yorkers faced temperatures down to 34 below zero today, and no quick or generous letup in the frigid weather was in sight. The Weather Bureau said bitterly cold weather was expected to continue in Western New York through early next week. For Eastern New York, the forecast was ‘quite cold, with a new cold outbreak likely’ over the weekend. Thursday [Jan 17] will be much like today, the bureau said, with mostly fair skies and scattered snow flurries. In general today, the mercury reached its low point around 8 a.m. for some areas, including Buffalo and Rochester, the readings were record lows for the date. At Chasm Falls, in the Adirondacks southeast of Malone, an unofficial 34 below was reported, and the official reading at nearby Owls Head was -22. Near Watertown, 26 below was reported at Evans Mills, and 20 below at Canton, Deer Park, Glen Park and LaFargeville. It was 29 below today at Saranac Lake, in the upper Adirondacks, 20 below at Boonville, in the western foothills, and 20 below at Arcade, east of Buffalo. The Weather Bureau reported these other overnight lows, all below zero: Salisbury 17; Watertown 13; Massena 12; Glen Falls 10; Buffalo and Rome 9; Oneonta 8; Rochester 6; Albany 4; Utica 2; Plattsburgh 1. Olean registered an even zero.” (Assoc. Press “Record Lows Set in State.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 1-16-1963, p. 1.)
Ohio
Jan 15: “Columbus, Ohio (AP)–Official Weather Bureau summary of Ohio’s weather outlook: More intensely cold weather covering the Midwest spread into Western Ohio this morning. Early today the temperature dipped below zero at Toledo, and temperatures of zero or lower are expected over a large section of Central and Northern Ohio tonight. Coldest this morning were Toledo with 1 below zero and Cleveland with 1 above. At Dayton the temperature dropped to 7, Cincinnati had 11, Columbus 14 and Marietta 20. The morning weather map shows high pressure and cold arctic air extending from Northern Dakota to Western Ohio. The larte cold air mass is expected to drift eastward to keep temperature far below normal for the next 48 hours. At the same time, generally dry weather is indicated except for a few snow flurries over the northeastern counties.” (Associated Press. “How the Weather Looks.” Record-Herald, Washington C.H., [Court House] OH, 1-15-1932, p. 2.)
Jan 16: “Columbus, Ohio (AP)–Official Weather Bureau summary of Ohio’s weather outlook: Cold air refused to relent its grip on Ohio Tuesday night [Jan 15]. Temperatures dropped below zero in sections of the northwest counties. By early today temperatures ranged from 15 at Marietta and Columbus to 6 below at Toledo. Elsewhere, Cleveland had 3 above and Cincinnati 10. Precipitation was very light overnight with occasional snow flurries falling in the northeastern quarter of the state. Abnormally cold weather will continue through Thursday with snow flurries mostly in the eastern sections today and another patch of flurries moving through Ohio tonight and Thursday.” (Associated Press. “How the Weather Looks.” Record-Herald, Washington C.H., [Court House] OH, 1-16-1932, p. 2.)
Oklahoma
Jan 10-14: “Entire State….Cold wave…Most severe cold wave since January 4, 1959, worked across the State during afternoon of 10th. Subzero minima were limited to the northwestern three-fourths of State on 12th, and ranged from minus 17 degrees at Boise City to 4 degrees above zero at several southern stations. High winds of up to 33 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH were accompanied by some freezing drizzle which later changed to light scattered snow. Power outages occurred in the Oklahoma City area when ice coatings and high winds caused breakage of about a dozen major lines. Two persons froze from exposure; one man at Muskogee on the 12th when he fell asleep in a vacant house, and another man at El Reno on the 13th from injuries received in slipping on icy steps. Numerous frozen water pipes caused extensive water damage to private and commercial property over northern half of State. Fire caused $250,000 damage to Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity House on University of Oklahoma Campus at Norman when freezing water pipes burst and flooded the electrical room. Many homes and buildings were destroyed by fire and several lives were lost from overheated stoves. A few deaths also resulted from asphyxiation when gas heaters apparently burned all of the oxygen from tightly closed rooms.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963, p. 5.)
Pennsylvania
Jan 14: “Pennsylvania was in the grip of a severe cold wave today which the weather bureau said would continue until the end of the week. The cold snap was accompanied by snow flurries in western and central sections which added to the woes of motorists. Highways in many areas of Western Pennsylvania were extremely slippery from a week-end snow that dumped as much as two inches in some sections. Other areas had freezing rains.
“A Midwest cold front brought the arctic-like temperatures to Pennsylvania, causing thermometers to plummet during the night. The weather bureau said the lowest temperature recorded was three above in Bradford. Other low readings around the state were Pittsburgh 4, Blairsville 6, Altoona 13, Phillipsburg 7, Dubois 5, Warren 7, Franklin 7, Parker 8 and Beaver Falls 12. The five-day weather forecast said temperatures will average 10 to 14 degrees below the normal high of 34 to 38 and the low of 20 to 23…” (UPI. “Severe Cold Wave Grips Entire State.” Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA, 1-14-1963, p. 4.)
Texas
Jan 11: “The coldest weather of the winter knifed deep into Texas Friday, with snow and freezing rain at some places. Readings as low as 10 below zero faced portions of the state for Saturday….Instead of rising with daylight hours, temperatures dropped. Amarillo reported 1 above zero at 6:30 a.m. and 1 below zero at 9 a.m. Dallas readings dropped steadily during the morning. At Amarillo, light, dry snow fell and the wind whipped it along….Forecasters said the cold front would reach all but extreme southern areas of the state….The cold front indirectly caused one death before noon. Judy Denton, 19, of Nome, Tex., was killed in a traffic accident blamed on heavy rains at Beaumont set off by the approaching cold front.
“Minimum temperatures expected by Saturday morning included: Northwest: 10 below to 16 above. North Central: 10 to 28. Northeast: 15 to 28. Extreme Southwest: 12 to 30. South Central: 24 to 40. Southeast: 26 to 34. Southwest: 20s to 34.
“Representative early minimum temperatures behind the cold front included Dalhart’s 2 below, Amarillo 1 above, Lubbock 10, Marfa 27, Wichita Falls, 22, Abilene 22…and Dallas 28….
“Freezing drizzle began falling in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at 3 a.m. The Weather Bureau issued glaze warnings. Highways over nearly all of North Texas were hazardous from the freezing rain and drizzle. The cold front pushed into the Panhandle late Thursday, but the norther’s big punch–the frigid, icy winds accompanied by snow–trailed several hundred miles behind. When the chilly air struck at Lubbock late Thursday, the mercury slid 17 degrees in an hour….” (AP. “Texas Due…Colder Weather Saturday.” Corsicana Daily Sun, TX, 1-11-1963, 1.)
Jan 12: “Lubbock and the South Plains shivered through one of the coldest days in its history Friday [Jan 11] while a massive Arctic cold wave, by far the worst of the season, tightened its destructive grip on almost all of the state. Lubbock’s Weather Bureau said the mercury would plunge to zero or below early today, and would climb no higher than 20 during the afternoon. Heavier wind-blown snows began falling in the city shortly before 10 p.m., and forecasters said up to two inches might cover the ground by morning. Light blowing snow and freezing rain is expected today, with no letup in the bitter cold temperatures expected before early Monday. ‘Friday would definitely have set an all-time record,’ bureau officials said, ‘if the front had moved in a little earlier.’ At 1 a.m. Friday, shortly after the cold wave hit, the mercury stood at 21 degrees, the high for the 24-hour period. At 6 a.m. it was 10 degrees, the highest temperature recorded throughout th remainder of the day. At 4 p.m. the mercury stood at 9 degrees and by midnight had dropped to 3 degrees. It was still dropping. Previous maximums recorded by the bureau came on Jan. 27, 1948, and Jan. 31, 1951, with highs of 17 degrees. However, the 10-degree daytime reading Friday was believed to be one of, if not the lowest recorded for daylight hours in the city’s recent history.
“The Panhandle felt even a more severe sting with readings hovering at or near zero much of the day. Readings of 10 below were forecast for portions of the Panhandle by dawn today….
“Occasional freezing rain and drizzle made nearly the whole northern half of Texas dangerous for motor vehicles….” (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. “Bitter Cold Tightens Grip as Winds, Snow Lash Area.” 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 13: “North Texas was expected to experience the coldest weather in years early this morning [Sunday] after the U.S. Weather Bureau issued a forecast Saturday night saying near-zero temperatures were likely in the Denton area. If the thermometer does plunge anywhere near zero this morning, it will be the second consecutive day of bitter weather with no relief in sight. It dropped to 8 degrees early Saturday in Denton and never climbed above 17 even during a few hours of sun in the afternoon. Heavy winds made the cold even more unbearable. As of late Saturday night, this cold wave apparently was destined to be free of ice or snow….
“The numbing cold was felt all over Texas. Light snow and sleet fell even as far south before noon Saturday as Houston. Temperatures were expected to tumble to 15 degrees below zero in the Panhandle. A hard freeze was predicted for the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where vegetable and citrus crops were threatened. The mercury was 12 degrees below zero at dawn Saturday in Dalhart, 9 below at Amarillo and 2 below at Lubbock….” (Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. “Thermometer May Plunge to Zero.” 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 13-14: “ Bitter cold numbed the nation Sunday [Jan 13] from the Pacific to the Appalachians….The mercury sank to 16 degrees below zero at Lubbock, in the South Plains of west Texas, a record since the Weather Bureau was established there. Texas records for the date were noted at Dalhart, a -18; at Amarillo, a -8, and at Levelland, a -17….” (Associated Press. “Mercury Drops to Record 16 Below Here.” Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX, 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
Utah
Jan 10-12: “Bone-chilling, sub-zero temperatures gripped the Inter-mountain Area in icy tentacles Friday [Jan 11] after a light snowstorm whipped through the area Thursday [10th] and Friday morning. And even colder weather is on the way. An indication of how cold it was came from the U.S. Weather Bureau. Officials there said that of 31 reporting stations in the Intermountain Area, 25 of them had low readings of zero or below zero–and 12 of those stations recorded high temperature readings below zero….
“Salt Lake City–by 8 p.m.–had dropped to below zero readings and the temperatures were plunging rapidly toward a projected low in the minus 15 to minus 20 degree range….Salt Lake City was comparatively warm among Utah stations with a high of 6 degrees and low of 2 degrees. But that high temperature tied the record for the all-time low maximum temperature previously set at 6 degrees on Jan. 21, 1937. The low reading was nowhere near a record low, since the lowest temperature ever set at Salt Lake City in January was a minus 22 degrees on Jan. 25, 1949….Coldest spot in Utah Friday morning was apparently Brighton with minus 21 degrees, although Alta recorded a cold minus 16 and Bryce Canyon came in second with a minus 17 degrees….” (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Freeze Bites Down on Utah, Numbs Intermountain Area.” 1-12-1963, pp. 1 and 4.)
Vermont
Jan 11-13: “Statewide….Snow, Glaze…Frequent precipitation during this period was in the form of snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain, occurring separately or mixed. Three to 10 inches of wet and heavy snow that accumulated during this period piled on limbs of trees and caused power failures. Temperatures fluctuated from freezing to thawing to produce extremely hazardous travel conditions much of the time. Numerous highway traffic accidents were reported while many pedestrians were injured on slippery surfaces.” (Storm Data, V5, N1, Jan 1963, p. 6.)
Wisconsin
Jan 11-12: “Winter lunged back into Wisconsin Friday night [Jan 11] and by Saturday morning had directed a solid punch at the Manitowoc County area which up to the present had escaped much of its fury. In the process winter dropped seven or more inches of snow on the region and the white mass was whipped into drifts in many portions of the county and state. The end was not in sight either. The weather bureau forecast a heavy snow warning with snow due to fall in the northwest and extreme portions of the state in the afternoon. The wind is expected to continue and it will become colder with five below by Sunday.
“Roads were reported hazardous with the snow drifting and slippery. A two-death highway accident in Ozaukee County was blamed at least in part on blowing snow….Some drifts…were reported, up to 10 inches….” (Manitowoc Herald-Times, WI. “More Snow is Due; Mercury to Plunge.” 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
Jan 13-14: “Below zero temperatures which gripped all of Wisconsin Sunday [Jan 13] and today [14th] are expected to continue tonight and tomorrow, with no real warmup in sight as yet. Kenosha’s low readings at Southport Park were 8 below Sunday morning and 5 below this morning. The daytime high here yesterday was 10 above, making Kenosha the ‘warmest’ spot in the state. Forecast for tonight is 10 to 16 below….
“All of Wisconsin reported below zero readings today. It was 28 below at Duluth-Superior, followed by a 23 below at Park Falls and an 18 below at Eau Calire and Wausau. Lone Rock had a 17 below, Madison and La Crosse registered a 14 below, Green Bay a 12 below, Milwaukee 6 below, Racine 5 below and Beloit-Rockford 3 below. The winter’s first major storm in Wisconsin officially ended Sunday, although there were a few snow flurries over most areas of the state….” (Kenosha News, WI. “County Man Stricken After Shoveling Snow,” 1-14-1963, p.1.)
Sources
Associated Press. “4 Arkansans Die in Fires, Crashes Over Weekend.” Northwest Arkansas Times, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/northwest-arkansas-times-jan-14-1963-p-9/
Associated Press. “30 Deaths Blamed on Weather.” The Oneonta Star, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oneonta-star-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “40 Dead as Most of Nation Gripped by Numbing Cold.” Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/press-telegram-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “At Least 4 Deaths in State Attributed to Heavy Snowstorm.” Sunday Post-Crescent, Appleton, WI, 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/appleton-post-crescent-jan-13-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Blizzard Sweeps Midwest as Harsh Cold Grips Nation.” Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, NY, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-9-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/auburn-citizen-advertiser-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Cold Again Tonight.” The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, IN, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/valparaiso-vidette-messenger-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Cold Blasts Sweep Arkansas.” Camden News, AR, 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-jan-11-1963-p-10/
Associated Press. “Cold Wave Breaks Records in Illinois,” The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL, 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-gazette-jan-15-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “Family of 3 Claimed by Carbon Monoxide.” East Liverpool Review, OH, 1-17-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-review-jan-17-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Fatally Injured in 2-Car Crash.” Post Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-15-1963, p. 2. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-jan-15-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “Frigid Winter Weather Grips Nation…” Oneonta Star, NY, 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oneonta-star-jan-15-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Gale Piles Up 4-Foot Snowdrifts, Snarls Traffic North of Buffalo,” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-15-1963, pp. 1 and 2. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-jan-15-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “Gas Kills Four in Aurora Trailer,” The Register-News, Mt. Vernon, IL, 1-15-1963, p2. Accessed 2-12-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/mt-vernon-register-news-jan-15-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “Hard Freeze in Store for all Mississippi,” Laurel Leader-Call, MS, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/laurel-leader-call-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “How the Weather Looks.” Record-Herald, Washington C.H., [Court House] OH, 1-15-1932, p. 2. Accessed 2-14-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-c-h-record-herald-jan-15-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “How the Weather Looks.” Record-Herald, Washington C.H., [Court House] OH, 1-16-1932, p. 2. Accessed 2-14-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-c-h-record-herald-jan-16-1963-p-2/
Associated Press. “Mercury Drops to Record 16 Below Here.” Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX, 1-14-1963, p1. Accessed 2-15-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/lubbock-avalanche-journal-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Midwestern Cold Wave Sweeps Into Northeast.” Oswego Palladium-Times, NY, 1-16-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oswego-palladium-times-jan-16-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Minnesota Man Found Frozen to Death in Home.” Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN, 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brainerd-daily-dispatch-jan-15-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Nation Caught in Deep Freeze.” Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-post-standard-jan-13-1963-p-54/
Associated Press. “Oil Field Freak Accident Fatal.” Monroe Morning World, LA, 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/monroe-morning-world-jan-13-1963-p-2/
Associated Press “Record Lows Set in State.” The Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 1-16-1963, pp. 1 and 3. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/canandaigua-daily-messenger-jan-16-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “State to get brief break in weather.” Hattiesburg American, MS, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Taos Resident Freezes in 30 Below Cold.” The New Mexican, Santa Fe, 1-14-1963, p. 9. Accessed 2-13-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/santa-fe-new-mexican-jan-14-1963-p-9/
Associated Press. “Texas Due Even Colder Weather Saturday.” Corsicana Daily Sun, TX, 1-11-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/corsicana-daily-sun-jan-11-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Three Killed in Single Accident During Weekend.” Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/wisconsin-rapids-daily-tribune-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Associated Press. “Trapped Motorist Freezes to Death. Portsmouth Herald, NH. 1-14-1963, p. 10. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-herald-jan-14-1963-p-10/
Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN. “Only Slight Relief Seen in Cold Wave.” 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brainerd-daily-dispatch-jan-15-1963-p-1/
Bridgeport Post, CT. “City Warm While Other Areas Freeze.” 1-11-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bridgeport-post-jan-11-1963-p-50/
Brownsville Herald, TX. “Matamoros Woman Dies From Burns.” 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brownsville-herald-jan-15-1963-p-1/
Columbus Daily Telegram, NE. “Woman killed in pickup truck, train accident.” 1-15-1963, p. 4. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/columbus-daily-telegram-jan-15-1963-p-4/
Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Oshkosh, Neenah-Menasha, Winnebagoland Deaths…. Joseph J. Robl.” 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jan-14-1963-p-12/
Delaware County Daily Times, Chester, PA. “3 Countians Die as Car Goes Wild,” 1-16-1983, p. 1. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delaware-county-daily-times-jan-16-1963-p-36/
Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. “Thermometer May Plunge to Zero.” 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/denton-record-chronicle-jan-13-1963-p-1/
Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. “Frigid Weather in State Eases. Still Far Below Zero.” 1-16-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/albert-lea-evening-tribune-jan-16-1963-p-1/
Lincoln Star, NE. “Blizzard Crosses State.” 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-star-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star, NE. “Weather is Blamed for Deaths.” 1-13-1963, p. 2A. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-sunday-journal-and-star-jan-13-1963-p-2/
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. “Bitter Cold Tightens Grip as Winds, Snow Lash Area.” 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lubbock-avalanche-journal-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. “Relative of Ralls Negro is Sought.” 1-15-1963, A11. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lubbock-avalanche-journal-jan-15-1963-p-33/
Manitowoc Herald-Times, WI. “More Snow is Due; Mercury to Plunge.” 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/manitowoc-herald-times-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Monroe Morning World, LA. “Long-Predicted Sleet, Snow, Rain Strike in District.” 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/monroe-morning-world-jan-13-1963-p-2/
News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “Cold Wave Expected to Continue.” 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-news-palladium-jan-14-1963-p-1/
News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “Grand Junction Man Is Killed.” 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-news-palladium-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Northwest Arkansas Times. “Bitter Cold, Snow Invade Northwest Arkansas.” 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/northwest-arkansas-times-jan-12-1963-p-1/
O’Connor, James F. “The Weather and Circulation of January 1963,” Monthly Weather Review, April 1963, pp. 209-218. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/10.1175/1520-0493%281963%29091%3C0209%3ATWACOJ%3E2.3.CO%3B2
Press Courier, Oxnard, CA. “90 dead from cold, fires.” 1-16-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oxnard-press-courier-jan-16-1963-p-2/
Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “5 Perish, 5 Survive in Utah Home Fire. Flames Strike at 25 Below, Overheated Stove Blamed.” 1-13-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-tribune-jan-13-1963-p-21/
Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Freeze Bites Down on Utah, Numbs Intermountain Area.” 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-15-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-tribune-jan-12-1963-p-1/
Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation With A New Freeze, Snow.” 1-13-1963, p.1. Accessed 2-10-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/cullman-times-democrat-jan-13-1963-p-1/
Times News, Twin Falls, ID. “70-Year-Old Man is Frozen to Death.” 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/twin-falls-times-news-jan-14-1963-p-1/
True Republican, Sycamore, IL. “Find DeKalb Man’s Body Partially Covered With Snow Sunday Forenoon.” 1-16-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sycamore-true-republican-jan-16-1963-p-1/
Tucson Daily Citizen, AZ. “Massive Cold Wave Continues.” 1-14-1963, p. 2. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/tucson-daily-citizen-jan-14-1963-p-2/
United Press International. “4 Suffocate in Fumes.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-16-1963, p. 7. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nampa-idaho-free-press-jan-16-1963-p-7/
United Press International. “Blizzard Rages Across Upper Midwest,” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jan-12-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Bone-Chilling Cold Clutches the Midwest.” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-15-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jan-15-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Buffalo Area Severely Hit by Blizzard; Schools Closed.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-jan-14-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Dies of Exposure.” Anderson Herald, IN, 1-16-1963, p. 4. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/anderson-herald-bulletin-jan-16-1963-p-4/
United Press International. “Glenns Ferry Man Dies of Exposure.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-14-1963, p. 5. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nampa-idaho-free-press-jan-14-1963-p-5/
United Press International. “Midwinter Storm Hits Most of U.S.” The Independent, Pasadena, CA, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/pasadena-independent-jan-12-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Montana Storm, Cold May Soon Be Felt Here.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-10-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-9-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-jan-10-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “More Than 75 Dead in Storm’s Wake; Tex., Ariz. Crops Suffer.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-jan-14-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Nine Inch Snow Falls in State.” Washington Evening Journal, IA. 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-evening-journal-jan-12-1963-p-7/
United Press International, Pierre. “Pierre Rancher Found Dead, Cold Victim.” Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD, 1-14-1963, p. 2. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/huron-daily-plainsman-jan-14-1963-p-2/
United Press International. “Pilot killed in jet bomber crash.” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-11-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/redlands-daily-facts-jan-11-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Rash of Weekend Fires Kills 37 Across Nation.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-10-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-jan-14-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Severe Cold Wave Grips Entire State.” Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA, 1-14-1963, p. 4. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/connellsville-daily-courier-jan-14-1963-p-4/
United Press International. “Severe storm system spreads across nation.” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-11-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019t: https://newspaperarchive.com/redlands-daily-facts-jan-11-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Snow rolls into Iowa, roads bad.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA, 1-11-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ames-daily-tribune-jan-11-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Snow Swirls Into State.” Mt. Pleasant News, IA, 1-10-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mount-pleasant-news-jan-10-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Two Omaha deaths blamed partially on weather.” Columbus Daily Telegram, NE, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-13-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/columbus-daily-telegram-jan-12-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “U.S. suffers under blow from Arctic air masses.” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/redlands-daily-facts-jan-12-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Very Latest.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. 1-9-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-9-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-jan-09-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Winter Storm Extends Over Many States.” Galesburg Register-Mail, IL, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/galesburg-register-mail-jan-12-1963-p-1/
United Press International. “Woman Found Dead.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-16-1963, p. A7. Accessed 2-11-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/nampa-idaho-free-press-jan-16-1963-p-7/
Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, IN. “Office Manager of South Bend Paper is Dead.” 1-16-1963, p. 6. Accessed 2-12-2019: https://newspaperarchive.com/valparaiso-vidette-messenger-jan-16-1963-p-6/
Waterloo Daily Courier, IA. “Winter Tightens Grip. -20 Prediction for Waterloo,” 1-14-1963, p. 1. Accessed 2-12-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waterloo-daily-courier-jan-14-1963-p-1/
Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 5, No. 1, Jan 1963. Asheville, Weather Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. Accessed 2-8-2019 at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html?_finish=0.7434123046398744
Additional
Landsberg, H. E. “The Unusual Weather of January 1963.” Monthly Weather Review, June 1963, pp. 307-308.
[1] Associated Press. “4 Arkansans Die in Fires, Crashes Over Weekend.” Northwest Arkansas Times, 1-14-1963, p.1.
[2] Highlighted in yellow to denote we do not use in our tally in that we could not substantiate via our perusal of Colorado newspapers.
[3] Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1. Writes: “Three children died of exposure and carbon monoxide poisoning when their parents’ car skidded off a road near Grand Junction, Colo.” The Weather Bureau noted these as well (for Mesa County), attributing deaths to asphyxiation and adding that the cold weather was not the direct cause of death. A UPI article noted: “Three children froze to death when their family car slid off a road and stalled in a snowdrift on Outlaw Mesa 40 miles southwest of Grand Junction, Colo. Their parents, suffering from exposure, were hospitalized in fair condition.” (United Press International. “Midwinter Storm Hits Most of U.S.” The Independent, Pasadena, CA, 1-12-1963, p. 1.)
[4] United Press International. “Glenns Ferry Man Dies of Exposure.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-14-1963, p. 5.
[5] Times News, Twin Falls, ID. “70-Year-Old Man is Frozen to Death.” 1-14-1963, p. 1.
[6] Not using — have scanned through a number of Illinois newspapers covering this time-frame and see only the three deaths noted below for Chicago and DeKalb. Speculate that the four Aurora CO poisoning deaths were used to come up with seven winter weather related deaths.
[7] United Press International. “4 Suffocate in Fumes.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-16-1963, p. 7.
[8] Jimmy Joe McKeown, 25, wife, Dorothy, 24, son, Randy, 5, playmate, Hartzell Delbert Mitchell, 6. (Associated Press. “Gas Kills Four in Aurora Trailer,” The Register-News, Mt. Vernon, IL, 1-15-1963, p. 2.) We highlight in yellow to denote we do not include in our tally. The AP account notes the exhaust pipe had dropped off, “allowing carbon monoxide to fill the 10-year-old vehicle at a trailer court on U.S. 30 outside Aurora.”
[9] Assoc. Press. “Cold Wave Breaks Records in Illinois,” The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL, 1-15-1963, p. 1.
[10] Victim was identified as Walter O’Brien, 59 of DeKalb. (True Republican, Sycamore, IL. “Find DeKalb Man’s Body Partially Covered With Snow Sunday Forenoon.” 1-16-1963, p. 1.)
[11] Not using. Have scanned through a number of Indiana newspapers for this time-frame and see only the two winter weather related deaths noted. Have seen reporting on a fire suffocation death, within a report on the winter weather, as well as a number of reports of vehicular deaths including a car running into a train. However, the reporting we reviewed did not specifically attribute any of these deaths to the weather — such as a snow storm or icy roads.
[12] “Edward Grabowski, 70, was found dead on the front porch of his home Tuesday and a coroner’s office said he died of exposure in 11 below zero cold. Grabowski apparently fell while trying to enter the house Monday night.” (United Press International. “Dies of Exposure.” Anderson Herald, IN, 1-16-1963, p. 4.)
[13] Victim identified as J. Vance Harsh, 48. (Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, IN. “Office Manager of South Bend Paper is Dead.” 1-16-1963, p. 6.)
[14] Not using. Have scanned through a number of Iowa papers and saw no report of a winter weather death.
[15] United Press International. “Pilot killed in jet bomber crash.” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-11-1963, p. 1.
[16] “Lake Charles, La. (AP). A brief flare of flame in a freak accident at an oil rig killed an oil field worker near here Saturday night. He was Jasper C. Meal, 60, of Lafayette. Coroner J. B. Colligan said oil and gas rushed out of a casing and a brisk breeze blew it over a can of burning diesel fuel, touching off a brief fire…The workmen were burning diesel fuel to prevent lines from freezing.” (Associated Press. “Oil Field Freak Accident Fatal.” Monroe Morning World, LA, 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
[17] Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[18] Tucson Daily Citizen, AZ. “Massive Cold Wave Continues.” 1-14-1963, p. 2.
[19] Have found no report of an exposure death in scanning through Louisiana papers. Did see Jan 14 report of a man found dead outside from head injuries, but it was reported he was hit in the head.
[20] Not using — have not been able to substantiate via scanning of MD newspapers for the Jan 9-16 timeframe.
[21] While we note reporting of more than four deaths — seven in one instance and 14 in another — we have not seen specific reporting to substantiate these numbers. In our experience it is not unusual to find deaths due to heart attacks, traffic accidents and fires, which occurred during inclement weather, but unrelated, caught up in death toll reporting. The low end of the range seems substantiated, while the high end is not.
[22] News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “Grand Junction Man Is Killed.” 1-14-1963, p. 1.
[23] United Press Int. “Blizzard Rages Across Upper Midwest,” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-12-1963, p. 1.
[24] United Press Int. “Blizzard Rages Across Upper Midwest,” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-12-1963, p. 1.
[25] United Press Int. “Blizzard Rages Across Upper Midwest,” Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI, 1-12-1963, p. 1.
[26] Assoc. Press. “Minnesota Man Found Frozen to Death in Home.” Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN, 1-15-1963, p. 1.
[27] The column devoted to “Killed” contains the number six. Have seen no reported weather-related deaths in Mississippi papers during Jan 9-16 timeframe.
[28] Unable to verify a Missouri weather-related death for the timeframe Jan 9-16 via scanning through MO papers.
[29] Columbus Daily Telegram, NE. “Woman killed in pickup truck, train accident.” 1-15-1963, p. 4.
[30] Victims identified as Charles L. Van Dusen, 59, and Jay O. Aultman, 79. (Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star, NE. “Weather is Blamed for Deaths.” 1-13-1963, p. 2A.)
[31] UPI. “Two Omaha deaths blamed partially on weather.” Columbus Daily Telegram, NE, 1-12-1963, p. 1.
[32] UPI. “Two Omaha deaths blamed partially on weather.” Columbus Daily Telegram, NE, 1-12-1963, p. 1.
[33] United Press Int. “Winter Storm Extends Over Many States.” Galesburg Register-Mail, IL, 1-12-1963, p. 1. Victim identified as William Potthoff, 59, of Trenton. (Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star, NE. “Weather is Blamed for Deaths.” 1-13-1963, p. 2A.)
[34] Times Democrat, Cullman, AL. “Winter Rips Across Nation…” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[35] “Officers said Trujillo apparently was attempting to return to his parents home when he got caught in the barbed wire fence [at Kit Carson Park about three blocks from downtown Taos] located about 60 yards from the residence. He was found with two arms and a leg tangled in the fence. Officers said they believed he got tangled in the fence about 2 1.m. Sunday.” (AP. “Taos Resident Freezes in 30 Below Cold.” The New Mexican, Santa Fe, 1-14-1963, 9.)
[36] Tucson Daily Citizen, AZ. “Massive Cold Wave Continues.” 1-14-1963, p. 2.
[37] UPI. “Buffalo Area Severely Hit by Blizzard; Schools Closed.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.
[38] Associated Press. “Fatally Injured in 2-Car Crash.” Post Standard, Syracuse, NY, 1-15-1963, p. 2. Victim identified as Carmello J. DiMino, 37, of Rochester.
[39] We have been unable to identify the two weather-related fatalities noted by Press Courier, on Jan 16. There could well have been traffic or fire deaths we have missed or which were not associated with the weather. We do include the thee carbon monoxide deaths, which took place during the movement of the cold wave into this section of OH.
[40] Victims identified as Ray Dunca, 56, wife, Vera, 44, and daughter, Arlene, 14. (Associated Press. “Family of 3 Claimed by Carbon Monoxide.” East Liverpool Review, OH, 1-17-1963, p. 1.) From weather reporting we know that temperatures which ranged from sub-zero to the teens had entered Ohio in the cold wave overnight. In nearby Cincinnati the temperature dropped to 16 degrees. (Associated Press. “How the Weather Looks.” Record-Herald, Washington C.H., [Court House] OH, 1-16-1932, p. 2.)
[41] Perhaps there were six deaths but we see causes and dates/approximate dates for five (Weather Bureau report).
[42] Approximation of “3” deaths is ours based on: “A few deaths also resulted from asphyxiation when gas heaters apparently burned all of the oxygen from tightly closed rooms.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, 5/1, Jan 1963, p. 5.)
[43] Perhaps there were two deaths, but we have only been able to identity one.
[44] United Press International. “Woman Found Dead.” Idaho Free Press, Nampa, 1-16-1963, p. A7.
[45] Not using. May well be the case but, if so, we have missed mentions in PA newspapers during the timeframe of the cold wave and winter snow and ice. If there were five deaths by Jan 14, there would be eight total, counting the auto accident on Jan 16, with three deaths.
[46] Fatalities identified as James L. Rugg Jr., 32; Mrs. Mary Lu Mumford, 34, and Mrs. Sylvia Abbott. (Delaware County Daily Times, Chester, PA. “3 Countians Die as Car Goes Wild,” 1-16-1983, p. 1.)
[47] Tucson Daily Citizen, AZ. “Massive Cold Wave Continues.” 1-14-1963, p. 2. Also: UPI. “Severe storm system spreads across nation.” Redlands Daily Facts, CA, 1-11-1963, p. 1. Name of victim, locale and date from: United Press International. “Pierre Rancher Found Dead, Cold Victim.” Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD, 1-14-1963, p. 2.
[48] United Press Int. “Pierre Rancher Found Dead, Cold Victim.” Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD, 1-14-1963, p. 2. Mr. Hansen was out checking on his cattle when his pickup became stuck in a snowdrift. He tried walking back to his ranch-house when he suffered a heart attack in very frigid weather — was found in a snowdrift.
[49] Tucson Daily Citizen, AZ. “Massive Cold Wave Continues.” 1-14-1963, p. 2. Girl identified as Sherry Blade. (United Press Int. “Pierre Rancher Found Dead, Cold Victim.” Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD, 1-14-1963, p. 2.)
[50] Not used as death toll. Perhaps there were four deaths. We were able to verify one weather-related death.
[51] Associated Press. “Trapped Motorist Freezes to Death. Portsmouth Herald, NH. 1-14-1963, p. 10.
[52] Victim identified as Judy Denton, 19, of Nome, TX. (Associated Press. “Texas Due Even Colder Weather Saturday.” Corsicana Daily Sun, TX, 1-11-1963, p. 8.)
[53] Brownsville Herald, TX. “Matamoros Woman Dies From Burns.” 1-15-1963, p. 1.
[54] “A third death attributed to the cold wave in Matamoros was reported by police of that city today. Mrs. Francisca Vega Perez, 60, died in Civil Hospital from burns received when her clothing became ignited from an open charcoal stove in her home…” (Brownsville Herald, TX. “Matamoros Woman Dies From Burns.” 1-15-1963, p. 1.)
[55] Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. “Thermometer May Plunge to Zero.” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[56] Victim identified as Samuel J. Jones, 72, who had been hired two week earlier to work on a farm. Stayed, apparently, in an “semi-open structure described also as a “chicken-shack.” The only heat was from “a kindling fire in a half oil barrel” which was not burning when body found on a quilt, lightly clad, on a dirt floor; “the temperature was sub-zero at the time.” (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, TX. “Relative of Ralls Negro is Sought.” 1-15-1963, A11.)
[57] “Many…fires broke out as homemakers and janitors turned up the heat during a vast cold spell… Mr. and Mrs. Marion Madsen and three of their children perished at Bonanza when their cabin home burned to the ground early Saturday. The temperature was 25 below; the officers believed an overheated stove caused the blaze.” (UPI. “Rash of Weekend Fires Kills 37 Across Nation.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY, 1-14-1963, p. 1.) Victims identified as Marion R. (Lucky) Madsen, 34; wife, Betty Ellen (Fowler) Madsen, 31, and three of their eight children, Judy Ellen, 11; Betsy Lou, 4, and Sammy, 2. (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “5 Perish, 5 Survive in Utah Home Fire. Flames Strike at 25 Below, Overheated Stove Blamed.” 1-13-1963, p. 1.)
[58] Victim identified as Ernest Fischer, 52. (Associated Press. “At Least 4 Deaths in State Attributed to Heavy Snowstorm.” Sunday Post-Crescent, Appleton, WI, 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[59] Kenosha News, WI. “County Man Stricken After shoveling Snow.” 1-14-1963, p. 1.
[60] AP. “At Least 4 Deaths in State Attributed to Heavy Snowstorm.” Post-Crescent, Appleton, WI, 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[61] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Oshkosh, Neenah-Menasha, Winnebagoland Deaths.” 1-13-1963, p. 1.
[62] Victims were William J. Utke, 66 and Mrs. Alma Schmidt. (Associated Press. “Headon Crash Takes 2 Lives.” Manitowoc Herald-Times,” WI. 1-12-1963, p. 1. Third victim died of injuries Jan 12; Arthur Gnewuch, 55 of De Pere, WI. (Associated Press. “Three Killed in Single Accident During Weekend.” Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, 1-14-1963, p. 1.)
[63] At this point goes into the “second cold outbreak” beginning January 18, for which we have a separate document.
[64] We do not include in our tally in that this reference does not explicitly tie the fire to the weather — stoves can lead to fires in ordinary fall, winter, summer, spring weather9