Southern New England ice storm of 1973
 | This article includes a list of generalreferences,butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations.(January 2013) |
| Type | Ice Storm |
|---|---|
| Formed | December 16, 1973 |
| Dissipated | December 17, 1973 |
| Lowest pressure | 992 mbar |
| Maximum snowfall or ice accretion | 1 inch of ice, 3-5 inches of rain, 18 inches of snow |
| Power outages | 180,000 at peak of storm |
| Areas affected | Connecticut,Massachusetts,New York,Rhode Island. |
TheSouthern New England ice storm of 1973was awinter stormthat caused considerable damage to trees and power lines in parts ofConnecticut,Massachusetts,andRhode Island.It also affectedNew YorkState.
Initial storm[edit]
A low pressure area formed over the southeasternUnited Statesand moved towards the northeast. It moved out into the westernAtlantic Oceanand followed the east coast of the United States to just east ofNew Jerseyand south ofNew England.SouthernPlymouth County, Massachusetts,Bristol County, MassachusettsandCape Cod, Massachusettsreceived three to five inches of rain in 24 hours that flooded basements, roadways and low-lying areas. Over the interior of southernNew England,cold dense air was entrenched at the surface, and a northerly wind continued to reinforce the cold air. The storm then proceeded north throughNew EnglandintoCanada.
Aftermath[edit]
Massachusetts was the hardest hit. At the peak of the storm, 100,000 homes and businesses were without power, and 4,000 homes were without heat, some for as long as 24 hours. Emergency shelters opened inFoster, Rhode IslandandScituate, Rhode Island.There was some street and cellar flooding. Total damage in Rhode Island was estimated at more than $500,000 USD in 1973 dollars.
Massachusetts also reported much damage. At the peak of the storm, 80,000 homes and businesses were without power, including 80% ofSudbury, Massachusetts.The mayor ofMarlboro, Massachusettsdeclared a state of emergency. 20 streets inWrentham, Massachusettswere impassable due to downed trees and utilities. A 206-foot radio tower inFramingham, Massachusettscollapsed from the weight of ice. InArlington, Massachusetts,35 trees were destroyed, and many old shade trees were destroyed inConcord.Total damage in Massachusetts was estimated at between $500,000 USD and $5,000,000 USD in 1973 dollars. It was the worse icing in Massachusetts since December 1968.
New Yorkwas spared the worst of the storm. The state's southeast area received five to ten inches of snow; its north, six to twelve inches; and central New York received ten to eighteen inches. OnLong Island,250,000 residents lost power, some for up to several days. Ice on the third rail of theLong Island Railroadleft passengers marooned on trains for seven to ten hours.[1]
The 1994 novelThe Ice Stormtakes place over Thanksgiving weekend 1973, during a dangerous ice storm.
References[edit]
- ^"Winter's First Bite Takes Toll on L.I."New York Times.December 23, 1973.RetrievedDecember 17,2016.
- "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency" group= "Environmental Data Service" >"Storm Data"(PDF).Department of Commerce.Retrieved6 December2012.
- "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency" group= "NOAA Central Library Data Imaging Project when using the Daily weather maps." >"Weekly Weather Maps December 10–16 & December 17–23".NOAA.Retrieved6 December2012.