Winter storms of 2007–08

Winter storms of 2007–2008 profiles the major winter storms, including blizzards, ice storms, and other winter events, from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. A winter storm is an event in which the dominant varieties of precipitation are forms that only occur at cold temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are cold enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing rain). In temperate continental climates, these storms are not necessarily restricted to the winter season, but may occur in the late autumn and early spring as well. Very rarely, they may form in summer, though it would have to be an abnormally cold summer, such as the summer of 1816 in the Northeast United States of America. In many locations in the Northern Hemisphere, the most powerful winter storms usually occur in March and, in regions where temperatures are cold enough, April.

Events

July

July 1-4

A winter storm brushed the Antarctic Peninsula with hurricane force winds in early July 2007. The San Martin Base weather station reported winds gusting up to convert|90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on on the evening of July 1, and winds up to convert|110|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on by July 3. The strong winds caused temperatures to drop to convert|-10|°F|°C|abbr=on and did not rise until July 4. Other weather stations in the Antarctic Peninsula reported similar effects. [Andrews, Jim, [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=worldnews&date=2007-07-04_18:47 Antarctic Hurricane] , "AccuWeather", July 4, 2007.]

July 9

An interaction with an area of low pressure systems across Argentina during the July 6, 7 and 8 of 2007, and the entry of a massive polar cold snap made as a result the worst winter of Argentina in almost forty years, where severe snowfalls and blizzards affected the country [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/jul/10/argentina.weather Buenos Aires has first snow since 1918] guardian.co.uk July 10, 2007.] The cold snap advanced from the south towards the central zone of the country during Friday, July 6, continuing its displacement towards the north during Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8. On Monday July 9, the simultaneous presence of very cold air, above the average levels of the atmosphere as in the surface, gave place to the occurrence of snowfalls even in localities where snow is rare. This phenomenon left at least 23 people dead. [Cormier, Bill [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8Q9C6E00&show_article=1&cat=0 Buenos Aires Gets First Snow Since 1918] , Associated Press via "Breitbart.com", July 7, 2007] [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/01/business/LA-FIN-Argentina-Energy-Woes.php Cold snap in Argentina leads to energy crunch that idles factories, triggers blackouts] , AP via "International Herald Tribune", May 31, 2007]

It was the third time that a phenomenon like this happened in the country. The first time was in 1912 and the second one was in 1918, occasion in which even there was major volume of snow.

November

November 1-5

Hurricane Noel, which killed 163 people in the Caribbean Islands, affected most of Atlantic Canada, eastern Quebec and eastern New England as a post-tropical system with heavy rains and damaging winds in excess of 100 km/h (60 mph). The highest gust was recorded in the Wreckhouse area in Newfoundland and Labrador where gusts reached 180 km/h (110 mph). Nearly 200,000 customers in Atlantic Canada alone lost power during the height of the storm. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071103/hurricane_Noel_071104/20071104?hub=TopStories Thousands still without power in Noel's wake] , "CTV.ca", November 4, 2007.] In the northwestern most edge of the system, Noel produced a narrow swath of snow (thus the first major winter storm across those areas) which affected areas of Maine, as well as Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador and eastern Quebec from near Rivière-du-Loup to Sept-Îles including Rimouski, Amqui, Cap Chat, Port-Cartier and portions of Baie-Comeau and Forestville. Some areas in Quebec received over 8 inches (20 cm) of snow with the Murdochville area receiving as much as 16 inches (40 cm). 14 people were injured when an Orleans Express bus overturned on Route 132 in the Saint-Simon area. Nearly 20,000 Hydro-Québec customers were without power mostly due to a damaged transmission line in the Minganie region. The storm prompted election director to extend the voting period for school board elections, which the storm disrupted. [fr icon [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/est-quebec/2007/11/04/001-neige-est-quebec.asp Et tombe la neige] , "Radio-Canada", November 4, 2007.] [fr icon [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/est-quebec/2007/11/05/001-tempete-noel-estqc.asp Lent retour à la normale dans l'Est] , November 5, 2007.]

November 5-7

The first lake-effect snow event around the Great Lakes occurred as cold air swept through the region. [Newhard, Josh, [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=midwestusnews&date=2007-11-06_13:09 Midwest U.S. Weather - Lake-effect Cold and Snow] , "AccuWeather", November 6, 2007.] The Upper Peninsula of Michigan saw up to a foot of snow, while up to convert|8|in|cm of snow fell in northern Pennsylvania. Significant snow also fell in western New York in the typical snowbelt regions. [ [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=eastusnews&date=2007-11-07_12:34 Eastern U.S. Weather - Lake-effect winds down] "AccuWeather", November 7, 2007.] Areas on the southern shores of Lake Superior and Georgian Bay in Ontario also received significant amount of snows in excess of 6 inches (15 cm). [Neudorff, Brian, [http://wx-man.com/blog/?p=799 Recaping ‘07 Election Day Storm] , "WX-MAN's Perspective", November 7, 2007.] The low pressure disturbance continued eastward to produce significant snowfalls across the mountains of central Quebec in excess of 12 inches (30 cm), disrupting traffic in several areas. [fr icon [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Quebec/2007/11/06/003-circulation_neige.shtml Bordée de neige] , "Radio-Canada", November 6, 2007.]

November 7-8

A European windstorm crosses over Scotland and plunges into the mouth of the North Sea, to the west of Norway, where its strong winds push large bodies of water Southeast, towards coastal regions in England and the Netherlands. The tidal surge puts both nations on red alert as the English evacuate some coastal villages and close the Thames Barrier. The Dutch close the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier and the enormous Maeslant barrier in order to prevent massive flooding as the storm mimics the situation that caused the devastating North Sea flood of 1953. For the first time since 1976, the entire Dutch coastline is put on alert and is closely monitored by officials. The tidal surge turned out to be too weak to cause any significant damage to the strong Dutch coastal defenses. In England, only minor flooding occurred.

November 11-13

A powerful storm in the Black Sea sank or damaged 5-10 ships, one of them, the oil tanker "MT Volganeft-139", broke apart spilling most of its 1.3 million gallons of crude oil into the sea. [http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-11-12-voa6.cfm Oil Spill in Kerch Strait Area Kills Thousands of Birds] , "Voice of America news", 12 November 2007.] [http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/12/russia.ships.ap/index.html Death toll rises in oil disaster] , "Associated Press via CNN", November 13, 2007.] The storm killed 3 crew members and the resulting oil spill killed over 30,000 birds and an unknown number of fish. Several merchant ships carrying over 6,000 tons of sulphur also sank: the "M/S Nekhichevan" and "Kovel" followed by "M/S Volnogorsk" when it collided with the sunken "Kovel"; a Georgian cargo carrying steel products also sank. [Unian, [http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/280114.html Sulfur Leakage on Sunk Ships “Kovel” & “Nakhichevan”!] , "MIGnews", November 19, 2007.] [ [http://www.cucc.ca/news_view.php?CBID=aa3078f1a04d0028abfd30d91f8122eb&NID=970 The Black Sea to be dead for 15 years?] , Canada-Ukraine Chember of Commerce.] [ [http://www.blacksea-commission.org/News/MarineIncident.htm Marine Accidents in the Kerch Strait, Sunday 11 November 2007] , Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution]

Further to the west in southeastern Europe, the storm dumped exceptional amounts of snow over parts of Austria with local reports of over a meter of snow. Some meteorologists mentioned that the weather that took place in the Alps was a once in every 30 to 50 year occurrence. The storm contributed to the closure of several mountain roads and an increased risk of avalanches over the region. The country's avalanche warning system raised its alarm level to the second-highest. [Ball, Steph, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/news/12112007news.shtml Winter arrives early in Austria] , "BBC", November 12, 2007.]

November 15-17

A cold front pushed through eastern North America early on the 15th, bringing lake-effect snow to the typical snowbelt regions, dropping up to a foot of snow in the snow belts. [ [http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&date=2007-11-14_17:56&month=11&year=2007 Wintry weather returns to East] "AccuWeather", November 17, 2007.] The snow continued into the 17th, with snow developing across the northern Appalachians, central and eastern Quebec and northern Maine. Poor weather conditions were responsible for at least 2 deaths due to traffic accidents in Quebec on Route 175 south of Saguenay and on Highway 20 in Rimouski. Further east, significant rainfalls affected portions of the Gaspesie region with the towns of Matane, Cap-Chat and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts declaring disaster areas due to extensive flooding. [fr icon [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/saguenay-lac/2007/11/17/001-accident-mort-route-175.shtml La route fait un mort] , "Radio-Canada", November 17, 2007.] [fr icon [http://lcn.canoe.ca//infos/regional/archives/2007/11/20071116-102516.html La neige provoque un accident mortel] , "Canoe.ca", November 16, 2007.] [fr icon [http://lcn.canoe.ca//infos/regional/archives/2007/11/20071119-214412.html Plusieurs zones déclarées sinistrées] , "Canoe.ca", November 19, 2007.]

November 20-23

A series of low pressure systems traveled across the central and eastern sections of North America, the Great Lakes and eastern Canada. While some of the systems dumped several inches of snow across portions of eastern Ontario and central Quebec on the 20th and 21st, [Lee, Jamie, [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=19e31105-ab74-4e82-92c7-c36fd4f870e0 Drivers slip up in first big snowfall of season] , "The Ottawa Citizen", November 22, 2007.] [fr icon [http://lcn.canoe.ca/lcn/infos/regional/archives/2007/11/20071120-072832.html Première neige à Montréal] , "Canoe.ca", November 20, 2007.] the strongest storm produced the first major winter storm for southern Ontario and southern Quebec while also affecting portions of central and eastern Quebec and northern New Brunswick. It produced a wide swath of heavy snow in excess of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) (with areas receiving as much as 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) ) across many regions including Ontario's Cottage country, the Ottawa region and the St Lawrence River Valley in Quebec with some snow affected portions of the Midwest United States from Nebraska to Michigan. Freezing rain and ice pellets affected areas along Highway 401 from east of London to Brockville as well as areas just east of Montreal.

Several flights coming out of Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa were affected. At one point during Ontario Provincial Police reported on average one motor-vehicle accident every minute. [ [http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16997.aspx GTA Weathers First Winter Storm Of The Year] , "CityNews".] Activities surrounding the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup Match in Toronto had to be brought indoors or canceled due to the poor conditions. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/11/23/grey-cup.html Arrival of cold and snow moves Grey Cup festivities indoors] , "CBC", November 23, 2007.] The storm is responsible for at least two death in Ontario including west of Renfrew on Highway 17 and on Highway 400 in Toronto. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/11/22/ot-storm-071122.html Fatal crash closes Highway 17 during storm] , "CBC", November 22, 2007.] [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/11/22/weather-storm.html Winter storm whacks southern Ontario, moves east] , "CBC", November 22, 200.] Sûreté du Québec reported well over a hundred vehicles running off the road only around Montreal and Montérégie, and a dozen more serious accidents in Mauricie. [fr icon [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Quebec/2007/11/20/005-meteo_neige.shtml Surpris par la neige!] , "Radio-Canada", November 20, 2007.] 20,000 Hydro-Québec were affected in total by power outages, with the most of them east of Montreal [fr icon [http://lcn.canoe.ca/lcn/infos/regional/archives/2007/11/20071122-134420.html La neige complique la vie des automobilistes] , "Canoe.ca", November 22, 2007.]

December

November 30-December 2

Preceding the large winter storm, a significant winter storm affected portions of the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador on December 2. Initially a weak disturbance, it produced significant lake-effect snows across the traditional snow belts on the southern shores of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Ontario as well as Georgian Bay. The disturbance intensified over the Maritimes and dumped heavy amounts of snow across Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador where accumulations of 8 to 20 inches (20-50 cm) were reported over central parts of the province. The storm registered a minimum of 957 mb off the Atlantic Coast two days later. Due to heavy snow, strong winds, sleet and freezing rain, over 100,000 customers in Newfoundland lost power, with a large portion of the capital St. John's being blacked out for several hours. In the Bonavista Peninsula, several transmission lines and support structures collapsed and telephone service was also disabled for a certain period including cellphone coverage. Some residents remained without power for over a week. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/12/03/winter-blast.html Power lines torn down in eastern Newfoundland] , "CBC", December 3, 2007.] [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/12/04/power-outage.html Week may pass before all juice restored: Newfoundland Power] , "CBC", December 4, 2007.]

December 1-5 (eastern and central North America)

A low-pressure system developed across the southwestern United States moved across the central parts of North America on December 1, becoming a Colorado Low with an initial between moving from Nebraska to northern Ontario and into the Middle Atlantic Coast near New York City. A second band originating from a band of thunderstorms across Missouri then traveled across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. A newly formed low pressure off the coast of New Jersey then moved across Maine and the Canadian Maritimes.

Areas of the Middle Plains and the lower Great Lakes including Des Moines, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and Toronto received a significant wintry mix of precipitation before changing to rain and thunderstorms on December 1 and 2. Des Moines International Airport was shutdown for several hours due to the icing conditions on runways and an American Airlines flight with 44 passengers slipped out of a taxiway while another skidded out of a runway at Madison, Wisconsin's Dane County Regional Airport. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22054673/ Fatal storm spreads ice, snow across Northeast] , "Associated Press via MSNBC", Dec. 4, 2007.] Numerous passengers were stranded for several hours at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport where 400 flights were canceled on December 1 alone. [Romo, Rafael, and Mary Kay Kleist [http://cbs2chicago.com/local/snowstorm.freezing.rain.2.600042.html December Rolls In With Sloppy Winter Storm] , "CBS" Chicago, Dec 2, 2007.] About 140,000 customers in Illinois alone lost power. [ [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314533,00.html Midwest Storm Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Kills 7] , "Associated Press via FOX news", December 02, 2007.]

Portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern Ontario received several inches of snow while the mountain regions of Colorado received as much as four feet of snow (120 cm), resulting in the postponement of the men's Super-G alpine skiing event in Beaver Creek, Colorado, where convert|15|in|cm was reported. [ [http://www.tsn.ca/skiing/news_story/?ID=224095&hubname=skiing Snow forces postponement of men's super-G] , "Associated Press via The Sports Network", December 1, 2007.] [ [http://www.boardtheworld.com/templates/btw/page/page_html_standard.php?secID=99&riID=1999 Silverton Mountain Get's ["sic"] Pounded with 48" of New Snow in Last 18 Hours] , BoardTheWorld.com, December 1, 2007] [Nicholson, Kieran, [http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7623298 After 44 inches of snow, near-summer returns] , "The Denver Post", December 3, 2007.]

Portions of the Northeast including most of northern and eastern Ontario and central and southern Quebec received 8 to convert|16|in|cm of snow from the second band of precipitation while freezing rain was reported south of the Great Lakes across New York and Pennsylvania. Portions of Maine and the Maritimes affected by the coastal low received as much as 18 inches (45 cm) of snow.

The storm was responsible for at least 16 deaths including three in Quebec, one in New York, one in Maine, one in Indiana, three in Wisconsin, two in Illinois, three in Michigan, one in Utah, and one in Colorado. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/12/02/winter.weather.ap/index.html 7 dead as Midwest storm disrupts transportation] , "CNN", December 2, 2007 ] [ [http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&date=2007-12-03&month=12&day=1&year=2007 Storms Slam Northeast, Northwest] , "AccuWeather", December 3, 2007.]

December 1-5 (Pacific Northwest to Middle-Atlantic)

Additionally, on December 1, a large storm off the Pacific Coast brought heavy snow to portions of British Columbia, including the South Coast and Vancouver Island, with amounts in higher elevations exceeding 16 inches (40 cm) and significant accumulations also for the Greater Vancouver Area. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071202/snow_storms_071202/20071202?hub=Canada Canada hit with snow from coast to coast] , "CTV", Dec. 2 2007.] Another large storm called a Pineapple Express brought torrential rains to the same areas on December 3 with very strong winds across portions of Oregon and Washington states, freezing rain into valley areas of central British Columbia, and heavy snow of up to convert|2|ft|m across mountainous areas. The heavy rains caused a mudslide inside Stanley Park which closed its seawall which had just recently re-opened in November after it was heavily damaged during a major wind storm in December 2006. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/12/03/bc-seawall.html Mudslide closes Vancouver's Stanley Park seawall] , "CBC", December 3, 2007.] [ [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc5.html Storm Summary Message] , Hydrometeorological Prediction Center Camp Springs, MD, December 31, 2007.] [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071203/winter_wea_071203/20071203?hub=TopStories Winter weather stretching from sea to sea] , "CTV", Dec. 3 2007.] Extensive flooding was reported across many areas of Washington and Oregon after heavy rains with amounts of up to convert|10|in|mm were reported. Coast Guard helicopters had to evacuate and saved over 100 residents who were trapped by the high water levels. [Frazier, Joseph B., [http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3952465 Guard Evacuates Flooded Oregon Town] , "Associated Press via ABC News", Dec 4, 2007.] The town of Vernonia, Oregon was completely cut-off by the water and mudslides. Wind gusts locally exceeded 100 mph (160 kph) with the highest gust registered at convert|129|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on recorded in Bay City, Oregon. Over 100,000 customers from northern California to Washington lost electricity while 40,000 lost power in British Columbia. In addition, Amtrak service between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia was disrupted for at least two days. [Banerjee, Sidhartha, [http://www.canoe.com/infos/quebeccanada/archives/2007/12/20071203-200434.html Le pays reprend contact avec la dure réalité hivernale] , "Canadian Press via Canoe.ca", December 3, 2007.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/weather/12/03/storms.northwest.ap/index.html Copters rescue people from roofs as storm pounds Northwest] , "CNN", December 4, 2007.]

The storm was responsible for at least 10 deaths, including five in a single vehicle crash near Prince George, British Columbia where there was snow-covered roads. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/12/03/bc-crash.html 5 die in crash near Prince George, B.C.] , "CBC", December 3, 2007.] Three people were killed in Washington and two in Oregon. [ [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314821,00.html Washington and Oregon Residents Fight to Save Homes From Muddy Waters] , "Associated Press" via "FOX News", December 05, 2007.] [Sistek, Scott, [http://www.komotv.com/news/12035646.html Two die as area rivers approach record flood levels] , "KOMO-TV", Dec 2, 2007] From the perspective of Chicago, the storm was viewed as an Alberta clipper with the potential for heavy snowfall. During the evening of December 2, the storm was reported to have a central pressure of 949 mb, pressures associated with a Category 3 hurricane. [Skilling, Tom, [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/weather/chi-mxaweathertop120407dec04,0,1941013.story Area braces for biggest snow of season to date] , "Chicago Tribune" December 4, 2007.]

The same storm entered the Upper Midwest as an Alberta Clipper, which brought light to moderate snowfall over much of the Midwest on December 4 and early December 5, and overspread the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states on December 5. The Minneapolis-St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago metropolitan areas saw upwards of 4 to convert|8|in|cm of snow from the storm system, with areas further south and east receiving less.Fact|date=February 2008

December 9-17

A series of winter storms impacted widespread areas of North America over a nine-day period. From December 8 to December 11, another major ice storm impacted the midsection of the United States from Texas, northeast through the Midwest, through the Mid-Atlantic States, and into southern New England. At least 38 people were killed by the ice storms, including 23 in Oklahoma, four in Kansas, three in Missouri, and one in Nebraska. Most of the fatalities were the result of traffic accidents caused by the icy weather, including four people in a single accident on Interstate 40 west of Okemah, Oklahoma. The storm caused the largest power outage in Oklahoma history, where 600,000 homes and businesses lost power, while 350,000 customers were also without power in other states, including 100,000 in both Missouri and Kansas, and scattered power outages in Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Overall, over 1.5 million customers lost power throughout the Central United States with some being without electricity for over one week. The storms caused widespread school and flight cancellations with Chicago O'Hare International Airport cancelling at least 560 flights, while Tulsa International Airport was forced to halt flights on the 10th after losing power for 10 hours. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22173398/ Ice coats nation's midsection] , "Associated Press via MSNBC", Dec. 10, 2007.] [ [http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/weather/12/10/winter.ice.storm.ap/index.html More icy weather headed for Midwest] , "CNN", Dec. 10, 2007.]

The energy of the second ice storm produced significant snows over the northeastern part of the US and the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario on December 13 and dumped as much as 12 inches (30 cm) of snow in parts of New England and New York state. [ [http://www.wfsb.com/news/14855677/detail.html Rell Criticized For Storm Response] , "WFSB", December 14, 2007.] A large system crossed the Central and Eastern part of the continent from December 15 to December 17 dumping as much as convert|20|in|cm over parts of Ontario and New England with mixed precipitation south of the heavy snow bands. The snow storm was responsible for at least 17 deaths across five states and three Canadian provinces as well as numerous flights and school cancellations from Michigan to the Canadian Maritimes.

December 18

After a mild start to the cold season, a large area of Spain was hit by its first winter storm of the season which brought heavy snow and rain as well as strong winds and much colder temperatures. In the eastern part of the country, several roads were closed due to high amounts of snow. Portions of a key road link between Madrid and Barcelona was also shut down due to the weather. [Ball, Steph, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/news/19122007news.shtml Spain’s first winter storm blankets half the Peninsula with snow] , "BBC", December 19, 2007.]

December 21-24

A new winter storm affected most of Central North America from the Texas Panhandle to northern Ontario while heavy rains, areas of freezing rain, very strong winds and warm temperatures affected most of Eastern North America. Blizzard warnings were issued at one point over southwestern Kansas and locally a foot of snow fell in some regions with several regions registering wind gusts of over convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. Up to a foot of snow fell across much of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and freezing rain was also reported in many areas. Parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula saw upwards of convert|15|in|cm of snow. The storm also prodcued strong winds, including wind gusts of convert|88|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on across Lake Michigan, and gusts ranging from 50-68 mph across the Chicago area. The winds caused 300 flights to be canceled at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport. Also in Chicago, crews reported that 170 signals had been knocked out and more than 500 reports of fallen limbs had been attributed to the storm. 11,000 customers in Wisconsin, 92,000 in Michigan and 225,000 in Illinois lost power. The storm was responsible for at least 25 deaths across seven US states and one Canadian province, including eight in Minnesota, three in Indiana, three in Wyoming, five in Wisconsin, one in Texas, one in Kansas, one in Michigan, and three in New Brunswick. In Texas, the fatal crash included 50 vehicles on Interstate 40 while in Kansas and Missouri crashes on Interstate 70 and Interstate 29 respectively also involved several vehicles. Lake-effect snows across the traditional snowbelt region in the Great Lakes also fell on Christmas Eve. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/weather/12/23/winter.storm.ap/index.html 11 die in massive winter storm] , "Associated Press via CNN", December 23, 2007.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/weather/12/24/winter.storm.ap/index.html Here comes the sun in Midwest, but icy roads remain] , "Associated Press via CNN", December 24, 2007.] [ [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=746b8277-59ea-4945-aa62-944604dfde22 Mounties name three men killed in N.B. auto crash] , "Ottawa Citizen", December 24, 2007.] [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22358933/ Holiday storm eases, leaving at least 22 dead] , "Associated via MSNBC", Dec. 24, 2007.]

January

December 30-January 2

A series of moderate to intense low pressure systems affected most of eastern North America particularly the Canadian Maritimes with repeated heavy snow, mixed precipitation, rain and wind. The initial storm dumped over a foot of snow over parts of Newfoundland and Labrador on December 30 [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/12/30/canada-storm.html Atlantic Canada braces for New Year's Eve storm] , "CBC", December 30, 2007.] while a second storm gave a foot of snow over Prince Edward Island and several inches of snow across New Brunswick and portions of New England and Ontario on December 30-31 while Nova Scotia received a mix of snow, rain and ice pellets. Several New Year's Eve festivities including Charlottetown's main event as well as the fireworks show in St. John's were cancelled due to weather conditions. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/12/31/atlantic-storm.html New year brings storm to Eastern Canada; festivities go on in other regions] , "CBC", January 1, 2008.] [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/01/atlantic-storm.html New year, new snow to shovel in Atlantic Canada] , "CBC", January 1, 2008.]

As part of a third storm, a burst of snow, some of it lake enhanced, affected the The Great Lakes from mid-afternoon New Year's Eve until mid-afternoon New Year's Day. Particularly hit hard were the cities of Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. 3 to convert|6|in|cm of snow fell in many areas, with many parts of Michigan seeing over a foot of snow, including Capac, Michigan, which reported convert|16|in|cm of snow. 36,000 people lost power in southeastern Michigan, and 10,000 lost power in Northeast Ohio. Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport both reported numerous delays and 145 flights were canceled at O'Hare alone. There were no serious injuries or fatalities reported, but many spinouts and other accidents occurred.

January 2-3

A major winter storm event took place across portions of central Europe including Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania and southwestern Russia as well as areas near the Black Sea. The storm was responsible for the sinking of the "M/S" Vanessa, a Bulgarian cargo ship on the Kerch Strait, killing at least 4 sailors. Up to convert|2|ft|cm of snow fell across portions Bulgaria and Romania severely disrupting transportation including the closure of Bucharest's two main airports as well several ports around the Black Sea were also shut down. Electricity was also cut in about 300 towns and villages in Bulgaria and deliveries of food and water were also delayed. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7169556.stm Storm brings chaos to Black Sea] , "BBC News", 3 January 2008.]

January 4-9

Heavy snow battered the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains from three massive storms. The heaviest snow occurred in the mountains south of Lake Tahoe, with Kirkwood Mountain Resort receiving a remarkable convert|11|ft|cm of snow. Sierra-at-Tahoe and Heavenly Ski Resort both received up to convert|8|ft|cm of snow, as well, with widespread snow amounts of at least convert|5|ft|cm reported. This was combined with wind gusts exceeding convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on, creating blizzard and white-out conditions in the Sierra Nevada. The highest reported wind gust was 163 mph (265 km/h) on Ward Mountain. [Esquival, Paloma, and Rong-Gong Lin II, [http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-storm5jan05,1,2117834.story O.C. burn areas under mandatory evacuation] , "Los Angeles Times", January 5, 2008.] Widespread reports of 3-6 inches of rain were received, and at the height of the storm approximately 2 million people were without power in California. [Clark, Ken, [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=westusnews&date=2008-01-07_22:50 Relief for some] , "AccuWeather", January 7, 2008.] About 3,000 people in Orange County, California were forced to evacuate their homes due to mudslide concerns in recent burn areas. [Roesgen, Susan, [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/01/05/california.storms/index.html Storms cause trouble in Nevada, turn deadly in California] , "CNN", January 5, 2008.] These storms continued through the Intermountain West and into the Rocky Mountains. Heavy snow of 2-4 feet occurred in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, with a maximum of convert|50|in|cm reported at the Silverton Mountain Resort. Six snowmobilers who were stranded by the storm in southern Colorado found shelter in a cabin. However, there are still 3 people missing; one hiker in the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California, and two skiers in Colorado near Wolf Creek Pass. At least three people have been confirmed killed in the storm. A woman died when she drove her car across a flooded road in Chino, California, 1 person was killed by a falling branch in Sacramento, and 1 person was also killed by a falling tree in Central Point,Oregon. Two bodies discovered in Sacramento near a homeless camp are also being investigated as possibly weather-related. [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/01/07/winter.weather.ap/index.html Six missing snowmobilers safe after weekend lost in snow] , "Associated Press via CNN", January 7, 2008] Perhaps the most unusual damage from the storm was in Fernley, Nevada, where an irrigation ditch burst and flooded 290 homes with up to convert|8|ft|m of water; the cold weather then caused the water freeze. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22541587/ Flooded, frozen town starts to thaw out] , "Associated Press via MSNBC", Jan. 7, 2008.] In southeastern Utah, 9 people were killed and 20 injured after a charter bus returning from a ski trip in Telluride, Colorado ran off the road north of Mexican Hat. However, it is unknown if slick roads were the primary cause of the crash. [Ben Winslow, Stephen Speckman and Pat Reavy, [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695242297,00.html Weather linked to crash that killed 9] "Deseret Morning News", Jan. 8, 2008.] Additional snow accumulations of 1-2 feet are expected in the Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada by the morning of the 9th.

January 5-7

A major snowstorm that dropped the heaviest snow in more than a decade in northern Iran killed at least 21 people and injured at least 88, with some people freezing to death, others dying in avalanches, and some dying after their cars overturned on snow-covered roads. [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/07/iran.snow.ap/index.html Iranian snow storm 'kills 21'] , "Associated Press via CNN", January 7, 2008.] Anywhere from 15-50cm (6-20 inches) of snow were recorded in Tehran, while about 90cm (3 ft) of snow fell in the Caspian Sea town of Bandar-e Anzali in Gīlān Province in northwestern Iran, usually a mild, damp place in winter. "Heavy" sea-effect snow also fell in Baku, Azerbaijan. [Andrews, Jim, [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=worldnews&date=2008-01-07_19:00 Winter Storm slams Southwest Asia] , "AccuWeather", January 7, 2008.]

January 13-14

[
January 13 nor'Easter] A Nor'easter developed along the Mid-atlantic coast, and moved northward. [Penstone, Steve, [http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&region=eastusnews&date=01-14-2008 Nor'easter Exits Tonight] , "AccuWeather", January 14, 2008.] It affected the northeastern United States, eastern Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes with heavy snow, and high winds along the coast.Several areas across Maine, New Brunswick received snow amounts in excess of convert|1|ft|m|sing=on with as much as convert|20|in|cm locally across the Gaspe region. [ [http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&date=2008-01-14 Cold In as Snow Goes] , "AccuWeather", January 14, 2008.]

January 24-31

A rapid-fire series of major winter storms affected the western United States over the last week of January. The storms focused on California at first, bringing heavy rain and snow to the state. Up to convert|6|ft|cm of snow fell in the Sierra Nevada mountains early on, with 2-5 inches of rain falling in the lowlands of California and up to convert|8|in|mm in the foothills. The heaviest rains occurred around Santa Barbara. Many areas of southern California received more rain during these storms than what they saw the entire previous water year. Heavy snow periodically closed Interstate 5 over the Grapevine (north of Los Angeles) due to the snow, as well as jackknifed tractor trailers, which stranded about 300 motorists for several hours. Heavy snow pounded all of the mountains of California, and 3 skiers were killed by avalanches on January 24 in the San Gabriel Mountains, where locally 5 feet (150 cm) of snow fell in the storm. Several mudslides and flash floods were reported in Orange County and in Los Angeles, while several residents were forced to be evacuated from their homes in Marin County. A Metrolink commuter train in Los Angeles hit mud and rocks that partially covered the tracks, causing it to be stranded along with its hundreds of passengers for over 2 hours before another train pulled it out from the debris. Wind gusts of 40-50mph also affected areas of southern California. Combined with the heavy wind and rain in the region, widespread though spotty power cuts were reported. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/01/24/california.weather/index.html At least 300 motorists stranded in snow north of Los Angeles] , "CNN", January 24, 2008] [ [http://www.turnto23.com/news/15123208/detail.html Grapevine Remains Closed Due To Snow] , KERO-TV, January 24, 2008.] [ [http://www.ktvu.com/news/15114935/detail.html Mother Nature Continues To Blanket Sierra Resorts] , "KTVU", January 28, 2008.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/01/26/california.weather.ap/index.html 3 dead in California avalanches as bad weather socks state] , "Associated Press via CNN", January 26, 2008.] [ [http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&date=2008-01-28_07:54 West Coast storm persists] , "AccuWeather", January 28, 2007.]

Heavy snow has also spread into the Inland Empire of the Pacific Northwest. The Spokane, Washington and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho areas saw two powerful storms during this time period, with local amounts of more than convert|2|ft|cm in a storm from the 26th-27th, with convert|13.7|in|cm in Spokane and up to convert|6|in|cm in Eugene, Oregon. [ [http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/nass/WWNatSumm//2000s/2008/WWNatSumm-01-29-2008.pdf Weekly Weather Report: January 20-26, 2008] ] This storm caused numerous roofs to collapse near Coeur d'Alene. Another storm from late on the 30th to the 31st dropping up to convert|18|in|cm of snow in Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho. Lewiston, Idaho recorded convert|6.1|in|cm inches, Pendleton, Oregon convert|9.3|in|cm, and Spokane an additional convert|9.2|in|cm. [http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/nass/WWNatSumm//2000s/2008/WWNatSumm-02-05-2008.pdf Weekly Weather Report: January 27-February 2, 2008] ] Numerous roads throughout the Spokane Valley, the Palouse, and the surrounding mountains were closed at various times during the storms. [Thomas Clouse and Meghann M. Cuniff, [http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:KUlWepoou2cJ:www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp%3FID%3D13433 More snow to fall tonight] , "The Spokesman-Review", January 31, 2008.] Several inches of snow even fell in Seattle and down to the Oregon coast (a very rare event). Local amounts of over convert|4|ft|cm of snow fell in the Cascades. Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, which had seen snowfall approaching convert|3|ft|cm, was hit by two avalanches in 3 days, the second of which buried 2 cars. [Considine, Bob, [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22931447/ Driver described being caught in avalanche] "MSNBC", January 31, 2008.]

The mountains of Utah and Colorado also saw heavy snow of 2-4 feet during this time. The spate of late-month storms pushed Alta, Utah to a monthly total of convert|178.5|in|cm of snow, tying its January record first set in 1996.

January 29

A major snowfall event affected portions of the Middle East including Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. One of the areas mostly affected was Jerusalem where schools (including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem), stores and transportation were shut down after 5 to convert|8|in|cm of snow fell. The main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem was also shortly closed because of the snow. The weather event had topped local headlines eclipsing a critical government report related to the 2006 Lebanon War and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. [Lefkovits, Etgar, [http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1201523782656&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull J'lem meltdown begins after snowstorm] , "The Jerusalem Post", Jan 29, 2008.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/30/snow.jerusalem.ap/index.html Snowfall shuts down Jerusalem] , "Associated Press via CNN", January 30, 2008.]

February

January 10-February 5

Several days of heavy wet snow, frigid temperatures and ice struck several regions of central China during the country's peak Lunar New Year Travel Season. At least 107 people were killed by the storm which stranded several thousands of people, canceled numerous flights and damaged or destroyed several homes, power lines and crops which had raised concerns for food and water shortage a. Among the fatalities, 11 were killed by a bus accident in Anhui with flipped into a ditch on January 21.

The provinces of Hubei, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui were the hardest hit areas where some areas received their worst snow storm in 50 years. Snow persisted throughout the week with bitterly cold temperatures accompanying it. Tens of thousands of people were left stranded at several trains stations across southern China including Guangzhou Several main highways which also disrupted transportation of goods across several areas of the country.

Widespread power cuts were also reported and at one point, 17 of the 31 provinces had to endured reduced power supplies. It was estimated that about 827 000 people were evacuated across 14 provinces. The country's civil affairs ministry estimated that the severe weather affected 67 million people and that the costs were estimated at about 7.8 billion British pounds, 15.8 billion US Dollars or 111 billion Chinese yuan. [ [http://english.sina.com/china/1/2008/0213/145647.html, Harsh winter storms kill 107 people in China] , "Xinhua News Agency", February 13, 2008] [Bodeen, Christopher, [http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/01/20/4784056-ap.html Heavy snow blamed for 15 deaths in China] , "Associated Press via Canoe.ca", January 21, 2008.] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212007.stm Snow hampers China New Year plans] , "BBC", 27 January 2008.] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212823.stm Chinese freeze strands thousands] , "BBC", 27 January 2008.] [FlorCruz, Jaime, [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/28/china.weather/index.html Snow slams China; half million stranded at train station] , "CNN", January 28, 2008.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather/index.html China advises millions to abandon travel plans] , "CNN", January 31, 2008,]

January 27-February 2

A series of low pressure systems affected the eastern portion of North America with various types of weather. On January 27, a low pressure system which developed just of Cape Cod, Massachusetts brought a major ice storm for portions of the Canadian Maritimes on January 28 after dumping a few inches of snow across coastal sections of Massachusetts and Maine, and up to 13 inches (30 cm) of snow on Cape Cod. Particularly hard hit was Prince Edward Island where about one-third of the island lost power while numerous power poles and lines were downed due to the weight of the ice. Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay offered the province help with the services of the Canadian Armed Forces. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/01/30/power-out.html Troops ready to help powerless P.E.I.] , "CBC", January 30, 2008.]

Meanwhile, another powerful storm moved across the much of the continent bringing first blizzard conditions and frigid temperatures from Alberta to Manitoba and down towards the Dakotas where temperatures dropped locally 40 degrees below zero with much colder windchills. [ [http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/080128/n012887A.html Wicked weather hits Prairies with extreme wind chills and blizzard warnings] , "CBC",January 28, 2008.] While approaching the eastern half of the continent, it intensified further and brought widespread damage wind some of them from thunderstorms. Winds exceeded locally as much as 120 km/h in some areas while blowing snow shut down many roads near the shorelines of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The cold front associated with the depression produced very rapid temperature drops in a short period from Iowa to southern Ontario. The storm killed at least 2 in Indiana due to an EF2 tornado. [ [http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/080129_rpts.html SPC Storm Reports for 01/29/08] , Storm Prediction Center.] A third strong storm developed across the Texas Panhandle on January 31 affected much of the Midwest and East with heavy snows from Northern Oklahoma to Quebec with significant ice across the Appalachians and the Ohio Valley and severe weather from southern Texas to the Middle Atlantic States. It brought massive amounts of snow to the midwest with some isolated reports of convert|11|in|mm of snow. Chicago saw its largest snowstorm this season as it dropped ten plus inches (203 mm) of snow in downtown building up traffic delays. [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=lot&storyid=12666&source=0] Across Ontario and Quebec it dumped about 8 inches of snow (20 cm) in Toronto, 13 to 14 inches (32-35 cm) in Ottawa, Gatineau and Quebec City and 11 inches (27 cm) in Montreal with higher amounts as much as 22 inches (55 cm) in the mountains north of Quebec City. [fr icon [http://lcn.canoe.ca/lcn/infos/national/archives/2008/02/20080202-090428.html La circulation automobile est difficile] , "Canadian Press via Canoe.ca", February 2, 2008.] It also brought severe weather to the deep south bringing several inches of rain. The storm has also produced heavy sleet and freezing rain in much of Pennsylvania and New York. The highest reported amount of ice accumulation was at State College, Pennsylvania, where convert|0.75|in|mm of ice fell, coupled with moderate wind gusts, has caused downed trees and powerlines there, and in much of the Northeast United States. The ice then moved into the Canadian Maritimes for several hours. [Ferrell, Jesse, [http://www.accuweather.com/news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&blog=community&date=2008-01-28_13:51&month=1 The Great Cape Cod Snowstorm of 2008] , "AccuWeather WeatherMatrix Blog", January 28, 2008.] While it disrupted air travel at various major airports along the path, the storm has been responsible for at least 15 deaths across three states and one Canadian province including one in Ontario, four in New York, six in Illinois, three in Texas and one in Oklahoma. [Hughes, Graham, [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/storm/story.html?id=bea462d8-25e2-4f86-81b4-509e4599aeac&k=21344 Winter wallop] , "Ottawa Citizen", February 01, 2008.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/01/severe.weather.ap/index.html Giant storm pounds Midwest, barrels toward Northeast] , "CNN", February 1, 2008.] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/02/severe.weather.ap/index.html Storms slam East, Midwest, West] , "CNN", February 2, 2008.]

February 5-6

A major winter storm affected the Central United States and southern Ontario from February 5 into February 6. The storm stretched from Wisconsin all the way south into Mississippi. Across eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and lower Michigan, the storm dumped upwards of a foot or more of snow, with locally heavier amounts of convert|20|in|cm|0 in some areas, particularly across southeast Wisconsin. In Ontario, convert|12|in|cm|0 of snow fell in Toronto (with locally heavier amounts) with other areas of Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa receiving up to convert|12|in|cm|0. Winds of up to convert|25|mph|km/h|0 and heavy snowfall rates made for blizzard conditions in some areas, making travel nearly impossible. Many places throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin were forced to close on February 6, including schools, colleges, churches, health care centers, government buildings, businesses, and shopping malls. In addition, over 1000 flights were canceled at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport and 100 at Chicago-Midway International Airport while numerous flights were also cancelled at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-weather_07_webfeb07,0,7747217.story Fickle storm delivers a slushy punch] , "Chicago Tribune", February 6, 2008] In the Milwuakee area, whiteout conditions forced the temporary closure of General Mitchell International Airport, where half of its flights were canceled for the day. In addition, numerous accidents were reported across the area, including one fatality. Several interstates and other roadways were closed throughout Wisconsin due to either whiteout conditions or accidents. [ [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=715255 Snowstorm living up to advance billing] , "Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel", February 6, 2008] The National Guard was brought in to assist over 2000 stranded motorists on a convert|19|mi|km|sing=on stretch of I-90 between Janesville, WI, and Madison after several semi trailers lost traction and blocked the road. [ [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=715255 JS Online: Ground to a halt]

The same storm system brought heavy rain across portions of the Ohio Valley, with severe thunderstorms further south. Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama all saw tornaodes from mid-afternoon February 5 to the early morning hours of February 6. 33 people were killed in Tennessee, 14 in Arkansas, 7 in Kentucky, and 5 in Alabama. In all, at least 59 people have been killed by the tornadoes, making it the deadliest outbreak since the 1985 United States-Canadian tornado outbreak of 1985, which killed 88 people. In addition, over 100 people have been injured. The storm tore off the roof of a shopping mall in Memphis, trapped college students at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, ignited a gas fire near Nashville, and demolished warehouses in Southaven, Mississippi, in addition to destroying numerous homes. Over 103 separate tornadoes were reported. Several presidential candidates paused to remember victims during their speeches after the Super Tuesday primaries, with several tornadoes still occurring as they were speaking. [ [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080206/ap_on_re_us/severe_weather Storms rip through South, killing 48] , "Associated Press via Yahoo!", February 6, 2008]

February 12-14

On February 11, a low pressure system moved out of the U.S. Plain States into the eastern half of the United States and eastern Canada. The low pressure system began to strengthen, and slowly moved east. Snow began to fall in on the northern side of the system as the storm moved off the coast. It all but stalled, and the snow soon turned to ice for most of the affected area. After the ice storm, temperatures warmed to above freezing, and most of the precipitation turned to all rain for all areas other than the far northern fringes of the storm. The rain lasted for several hours in many places, with some areas receiving 3 inches (7.5 cm) of rain, which caused minor flooding in low-lying and urban areas. As the primary low pressure system moved away, a smaller low formed, which enhanced rainfall and extended precipitation for several more hours. By early on February 14, the storm had moved away. On the northern side of the system between 10-20 cm of snow fell from Wisconsin to New Brunswick.]

Generally between 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) of snow fell across the Midwest and portions of Ontario although locally across Wisconsin amounts approached 1 foot (30 cm). The system was also notable for a tornado outbreak across Alabama, Georgia and Florida where dozens of tornadoes touched down injuring at least 30. [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=grb&storyid=13060&source=0 24 Hour Snowfall] , "NWS Green Bay, Wisconsin", February 18, 2008] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/18/severe.weather.ap/index.html Searchers look for trapped tornado victims] , "CNN", February 18, 2008]

February 17-18 (Greece)

Heavy snowfall in Greece cut off access to at least 150 villages and was followed by a major cold snap. Significant power outages and water supply shortages were reported across many areas. Hardest hit areas were the island of Crete and Evira as well as the southern portions of the Peloponnese Peninsula. In Athens, where at least 15 cm fell, dozens of flights from the Athens Airport were cancelled while most schools throughout the city were shut down. Temperatures fell below minus 10°C across northern Greece. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7250910.stm Snowfall cuts off Greek villages] , "BBC News", February 18, 2008]

February 21-23

A snow storm affected the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the United States from February 21 onward. School closings, car accidents, and airport delays were reported in New York City. The FAA reported delays of up to 9 hours at LaGuardia Airport, and delays averaging 3-5 hours at JFK Airport. [ [http://wcbstv.com/topstories/nyc.winter.weather.2.660147.html Snow Causes Massive Delays At All Local Airports] , "WCBS", February 22, 2008] In total, almost 1,100 flights were cancelled at New York City's three major airports. [http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/22/winter.weather.ap/index.html Snowstorm wreaks havoc on Northeast] , "CNN", February 22, 2008] In New York City, 6 inches (15 cm) fell, while in northern New Jersey, up to 13 inches (32.5 cm) accumulated. In addition, the speed limit on the New Jersey Turnpike was reduced to convert|35|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on, and in Greenwich, Connecticut, southbound lanes of Interstate 95 were closed for a couple hours. Storm-related traffic accidents led to one death in Connecticut while in Missouri, where ice was the primary form of precipitation, 5 people were killed in accidents.

March

February 28-March 2

A weak Alberta Clipper intensified over eastern Canada after dumping about 10-17 cm over Ontario and Quebec and several areas of the Northeastern United States. It brought another major winter storm for New Brunswick and eastern Quebec. Gaspe, Quebec received about 55 cm of snow while portions of New Brunswick received 25-30 cm. Strong winds in excess of 100 km/h forced the closure of the Confederation Bridge linking New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. [ [http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080302/CPACTUALITES/80302061/6730/CPACTUALITES Avertissement de pluie verglaçante pour le sud-ouest du Québec] , "Cyberpresse.ca", March 2, 2008] [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080302/atl_storm_080302/20080302?hub=Canada P.E.I.'s Confederation Bridge closed by storm] , "CTV", March 2, 2008]

March 1

A European windstorm passed through Central Europe causing severe damage in Austria, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic and left 12 people dead. A Lufthansa jet almost crashed whilst landing in high winds near Hamburg.

March 3-5

A storm system attached to a strong front that give very warm temperatures across much of the eastern half of the continent, produced a significant winter storm for portions of Missouri and Arkansas with freezing rain across New York and Ohio. The low is expected to cross New England and give mixed precipitations for most of the Northeast as well as portions of Quebec and Ontario with heavier snow away from the Saint Lawrence River and the Lower Great Lakes.

The freezing rain affected parts of Ohio where presidential primaries were held but had little or no impact on the overall turnout. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/03/04/severe.weather/index.html High turnout expected as Ohio voters brave wintry weather] , "CNN", March 4, 2008] . In Arkansas, where up to nearly one foot of snow fell locally, several schools were shut down in the western part of the state while other school closures were reported across the Midwest. About 8 to 10 inches fell in parts of Missouri and Michigan with localized amounts of thirteen inches near the St. Louis area. [ [http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/15474770/detail.html Winter Storm Drops Up To 10 Inches Of Snow] , "WDIV-TV (Detroit, MI)", March 5, 2008] [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=03_04_08 March 3-4, 2008 Winter Storm Accumulation] , "NWS St. Louis", March 5, 2008] [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/03/04/severe.weather.ap/index.html Snow closes Arkansas schools] , "CNN", March 4, 2008 ] The winter storm disrupted the schedule of several March Madness Tournament basketball games across the Midwest. Nearly 12 000 customers in Illinois also lost power during the storm. [ [http://www.week.com/news/local/16224332.html Winter Storm Impacts March Madness] , "WEEK-TV (Peoria, IL)", March 4, 2008]

Heavy snow and local ice pellets and freezing rain fell throughout much Eastern Canada with the heaviest snow from north of the Great Lakes to north of the Saint Lawrence River from Toronto to eastern Quebec. From 4 to 12 inches (10-30 cm) of snow fell with the highest amounts in the Ottawa area. The blizzard conditions also forced a one-day delay for a ceremony at CFB Trenton in memory of a Canadian soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. [ [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/storm/story.html?id=c4e6e3ef-f684-40d8-aefb-3b05db0c48de&k=768 Blizzard causes delay of repatriation ceremony for fallen soldier] , "Ottawa Citizen", March 5, 2008 ] [ [http://www.ctvottawa.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080305/OTT_WINTER_WATCH_080305/20080305/?hub=OttawaHome Second snowiest winter in recorded history] , "CTV Ottawa", March 5, 2008 ]

March 5-9

The snow on March 5 forced the cancellations of over 500 flights at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, stranding thousands of travelers. [ [http://cbs11tv.com/local/friday.snow.forecast.2.671716.html Icy Roads Create Traffic Mess, "CBS 11 (Dallas-Fort Worth)", March 7, 2008] ] . As much as 9 inches (18 cm)fell in the northeastern corner of Texas, an unusual depth for that region. [ [http://www.wjla.com/news/aploader.html?js=katv&id=502006 Snow Falls in Texas; Tornadoes in Fla.] . "ABC 7 (Little Rock, AR)", March 7, 2008.] [ [http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0308/501386.html Weaker Than Expected, Storm System Continues Eastward March] , "KTUL (Tulsa, OK)", March 7, 2008.]

The storm continued northeastward through the Midwest and into the Ohio Valley. Ohio was the hardest-hit state, where near-blizzard conditions were experienced and 8-20 inches of snow fell, while nearby Indiana saw areas of over a foot of snow as well. Arkansas also saw localized totals of 12-18 inches. [ [http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=6037&traveler=0&date=2008-03-08_22:45&month=3&year=2008 Accuweather - Storm targets Northeast] . March 8, 2008.] Snow fell as far south as northern Mississippi, where 5-8 inches fell, and in Tennessee and Kentucky, where localized totals over a foot were reported and Louisville saw its largest storm in a decade. A record convert|20.4|in|cm fell on Columbus, Ohio during the storm, mainly on the 8th, and 4 people have been killed in traffic accidents caused by the weather so far, with 1 in Ohio, 1 in Tennessee, and 2 in New York. On the 8th, the worst day for much of the Midwest and Ohio Valley, a plane skidded off the runway at Port Columbus International Airport, while near-blizzard conditions closed Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Schools were closed across the state, delaying numerous high school sporting events (mainly basketball championships), while the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team was forced to delay its game with the University of Connecticut after being unable to catch a flight out of the state. Thousands of people also lost power during the storm. [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/03/08/march.snowstorm.ap/index.html CNN - March roars in with deadly storms] . March 9, 2008.]

The storm also hit hard across portions of Ontario and Quebec during the period dumping from 6 inches to as much as 21 inches of snow (15-52 cm). Strong winds in excess of 60 km/h with reports in excess of 100 km/h and thunder and lightning also accompanied the storm. Snow drifts forced several motorists to abandoned their vehicles on some the Quebec major highways particular on Highway 15 and 30 near Montreal and also on a secondary highway near Quebec City. [ [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Quebec/2008/03/09/001-tempete-neige-consequences.shtml Les automobilistes mis à l'épreuve] "SRC Quebec", March 9, 2008] [ [http://lcn.canoe.ca/lcn/infos/national/archives/2008/03/20080309-110819.html La tempête vue du ciel] , "TVA", March 9, 2008]

Several inches of rain caused localized flooding along the I-95 corridor in the mid-Atlantic. In Florida, widespread severe weather, including approximately 15 tornadoes, was reported on March 7. One tornado near Lake City killed 2 people.

March 13-18

Newfoundland and Labrador and parts of Atlantic Canada including Nova Scotia were hit by a series of winter storms. Newfoundland and Labrador was particularly hit hard with three consecutive storms with heavy amounts of snow, strong winds, freezing rain. At one point Fogo Island was under a state of emergency after an avalanche caused by one of the storms isolated the area from the rest of the province. Properties and a bridge were damaged by the avalanche. On March 13-14, central parts of the provinces near Gander received as much as 50 centimeters. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080315/weather_atlantic_080315/20080315/ More snow headed for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia] , "CTV", March 15, 2008 ] About 20 centimeters fell on March 16. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080316/newfoundland_storm_080316/20080316/ Newfoundland braces for yet another big storm] , "CTV", March 16, 2008] On March 18, the Avalon Peninsula including St. John's received as much as 40 centimeters of snow and winds reached as high as 141 km/h in Cape Race in the southern part of the Peninsula. Freezing rain and rain later followed the heavy snow across those areas. Transit, banks, government buildings and Memorial University were all shut down while several roads were closed. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080318/wintery_blast_080318/20080318/ Winter-weary Newfoundlanders digging out again] , "CTV", March 18, 2008]

March 19-21

A major winter storm hit the eastern portions of Quebec during a two-day period bringing heavy snow and winds gusting in excess of 100 km/h across the Saguenay, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Cote-Nord regions creating blizzard conditions. Several roads including Highways 132, 138 and 185 were closed as did Autoroutes 20 and 85. Over 600 people were sheltered at schools and other shelters in Riviere-du-Loup. [ [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/est-quebec/2008/03/22/002-otages_tempete.asp Otages de la neige] , "SRC Bas Saint-Laurent", March 22, 2007] . The roof of a school gymnasium in Maria, Quebec in the Gaspesie region collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow from the storm and previous snowfall and ice during the winter. [ [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=2fb87ef7-d60c-4d2d-95f0-f6acf0add1f0&k=56407 Roof collapse shakes up Quebec students] , "Ottawa Citizen", March 23, 2008] At least one person was killed during the storm near Forestville [ [http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/est-quebec/2008/03/22/001-meteo-samedi.asp L'hiver s'attarde] , "SRC - Est du Quebec", March 22, 2008]

April

April 5-7

A late season winter storm struck parts of eastern South Dakota, eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota on April 5 - April 7. An area of low pressure formed along a stationary front draped over central Minnesota and moved slowly northeast. [http://climate.umn.edu/doc/journal/snow080405_07.htm Very Heavy Snow of April 5 - April 7, 2008] , "Minnesota Climatology Working Group", April 7, 2008] Fourteen inches (356 mm) of snow fell in Hoover, South Dakota, [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=fsd&storyid=14013&source=0 Heavy snow fell over parts of west river Sunday] , "NWS Sioux Falls, SD", April 6, 2008] and nearly convert|5|in|mm fell in Fargo, North Dakota. [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=fgf&storyid=14014&source=0 Significant Snow Event April 5-6, 2008] , "NWS Grand Forks, ND", April 6, 2008] The heaviest snow fell in northern Minnesota with a wide swath of 18+ inch amounts reported. [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/mpx/Snowfalls/2008apr7.pngSnowfall April 5-7. 2008] , "NOAA", April 7, 2008] Areas near Bemidji recorded convert|23|in|cm|0, south of Park Rapids recorded convert|20|in|cm|0, convert|32|in|cm|0 of snow was reported convert|5|mi|km|0 north of Virginia, convert|27|in|cm|0 was reported in Cass Lake and convert|26|in|cm|0 was reported in Babbitt and Chisholm.

April 9-12

A large storm system affected a large portion of the Central United States from April 9 to April 12. The storm produced strong winds to the south of it and dumped heavy snow to the north. Winter Storm watches and warnings were in effect from Colorado to Michigan, and Blizzard Warnings were in effect for parts of South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The hardest hit area was Ouray, Colorado where over 21 inches (52 cm) fell [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/?n=snowfall_totals_041008 Northeast Colorado Storm Snowfall Totals for April 9-10th, 2008] , "NWS Denver-Boulder, Colorado", April 11, 2008] Some areas across Minnesota received as much as 17 inches (42 cm) near Askov in Pine County and 10 inches (25 cm) in Duluth. Up to 13 inches (33 cm) fell across the eastern Dakotas and western Nebraska. [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lbf/?n=snowdepth4_11 Spring Snow Storm Brings Significant Snow] , "NWS North Platte, Nebraska", April 11, 2008] [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=dlh&storyid=14122&source=0 Snowfall Totals - April 10-12] , "NWS Duluth, Minnesota", April 12, 2008 ] [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=fgf&storyid=14104&source=0 Preliminary Snowfall for Apr 11, 2008] , "NWS Grand Forks, North Dakota", April 11, 2008]

April 10-21

A series of mid-April winter storms affected much of the Canadian Plains after a below-average snowfall season for most areas. The city of Calgary and most of southern Alberta were hit by a surprising winter storm during the morning hours by a wave of precipitation that was not related to the winter storm the central portions of the continent. About 20-25 cm fell in a few hours bringing down power lines and causing 16 injuries due to motor vehicle accidents. [ [http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/GIS.Servlets.HTMLTemplate?tf=/CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.cfg&configFileLoc=CFCNPlus/CFCNPlus_VeritySearch_config&query=snow&option=&slug=snowthurs&archive=CFCNPlus&site=Search&start_row=6&current_row=6&start_row_offset1=&num_rows=1&search_results_start=1&nav=search&subnav=story&brand=generic Major snowfall hits Calgary] , "CTV Calgary", April 10, 2008] Most of southern Alberta was hit by a second winter storm eight days later and more snow is expected for the weekend. Snow also fell from the Rockies east towards central Saskatchewan. Many areas received over 20 cm with local reports of up to 60 cm shutting down several roads and producing dozens of collisions across several of the major Alberta highways. [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080421/spring_storm_0804/20080421/ Storm-battered West slips back into winter] , "CTV", April 21, 2008] [ [http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate/A/20080418/snowfri?brand=generic&hub=&tf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.cfg&slug=snowfri&date=20080418&archive=CFCNPlus&ad_page_name=&nav=home&subnav=fullstory&site_cfcn=http://calgary.ctv.ca Calgarians cope with another spring storm] , "CTV Calgary", April 18, 2008] Accumulated snow even fell in Victoria, British Columbia where it broke a new April single-day record snowfall [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080420/spring_storm_080420/20080420/ Spring storm woes continue in Alta., Saskatchewan] , "CTV", April 20, 2008]

April 24-27

A new system across the eastern Prairies dumped heavy amounts of snow from the eastern Dakotas to northwestern Ontario as well as southern Manitoba including Winnipeg from April 24 to April 27 . Up to 18 inches of snow (45 cm) fell across the eastern Dakotas with up to 10 inches (25 cm) in parts of northwestern Ontario. Blizzard conditions during the early morning hours of April 26 shut down parts of the Trans-Canada Highway in southern Manitoba east of Winnipeg where 6 to 8 inches fell (15-20 cm) [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=fgf&storyid=14385&source=0 April 25-26, 2008 Snow Event - Updated Totals] , "NWS Grand Forks, ND", April 26, 2008 ] [ [http://www.ctvwinnipeg.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080423/wpg_winter_storm_080423/20080423/?hub=WinnipegHome Weather warnings lifted for Manitoba] , "CTV Winnipeg", April 25, 2008] [ [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080427/mba_hwy_080427/20080427?hub=Canada Snow-battered Trans-Canada re-opens in Manitoba] , "CTV", April 27, 2008]

May

April 30-May 2

While a major tornado outbreak took place across the Central and Southern Plains as well in the lower Mississippi River Valley, the northern fringes of a strong low pressure system delivered a major blizzard across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota. The town of Lead, South Dakota received as much as 4 1/2 feet of snow or about 54 inches while several other areas received from 1 to convert|4|ft|m of snow during a two-day period. The poor conditions forced the closure of Interstate 90 in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota. [ [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=unr&storyid=14535&source=0 Blizzard Strikes The Area] , "NWS Rapid City, SD", May 4, 2008] [ [http://www.keloland.com/news/news/NewsDetail7807.cfm?ID=0,69083 Snow, Strong Winds Shut Down I-90] , "KELOLAND.com", May 2, 2008]

May 28-?

About 26 people died and 51 remain missing during unusually strong snowstorms in eastern Mongolia,Ch. Sumiyabazar, [http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1872&Itemid=1 26 Frozen to Death in Sudden Snowstorm] , "UB Post online", May 29, 2008.] perhaps including seven children. [ [http://www.mongolia-web.com/content/view/1782/2/ Snow, cold blamed for 29 deaths in spring storm] , "Mongolia web", May 29, 2008] Most of the victims are probably herders. [ [http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-mongolia-storm-deaths,0,2051637.story 21 die in Mongolian snowstorms] ,Associated Press via Newsday, May 28, 2008] In Dornod Province, Sükhbaatar Province and Khentii Province, several meteorological stations broke down, causing a communication issue with the meteorological institute. In addition, Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulan Bator saw delayed flights.

ee also

*Winter storm
*Winter storms of 2006-07

References