February 2007 North American blizzard: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Aftermath of US Winter Storm.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A [[NASA]] satellite image of the [[Great Lake]] states after the snowfall]]
[[Image:Aftermath of US Winter Storm.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A [[NASA]] satellite image of the [[Great Lake]] states after the snowfall]]
[[Maine]] [[Govenor#United_States|Governor]] [[John Baldacci]] declared a [[State of emergency#United States|state of emergency]] in order to assure heating oil for residents of the state which was one of the hardest hit areas by the snowstorm.
[[Maine]] [[Govenor#United_States|Governor]] [[John Baldacci]] declared a [[State of emergency#United States|state of emergency]] in order to assure heating oil for residents of the state which was one of the hardest hit areas by the snowstorm.

Most schools in the region were closed due to the inclement weather.


Due to the additional heavy snowfall, New York Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] called in the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]] to assist in the snow removal efforts in the areas hit by the [[lake effect snow]] storm.<ref> [http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO43150/ Winter storm that battered Midwest slams into Northeast, hindering travel and closing schools] [[WHDH-TV|WHDH]], February 14, 2007 </ref>
Due to the additional heavy snowfall, New York Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] called in the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]] to assist in the snow removal efforts in the areas hit by the [[lake effect snow]] storm.<ref> [http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO43150/ Winter storm that battered Midwest slams into Northeast, hindering travel and closing schools] [[WHDH-TV|WHDH]], February 14, 2007 </ref>
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===Closures and cancellations===
===Closures and cancellations===
⚫
Many towns in the path of the storm saw often unprecedented cancellations and closures of schools, universities, city governments, retail stores, etc, and transportation to those places.
===Schools===
The inclement weather caused many educational institutions, such as universities and [[secondary school]]s, to close. Among these were <!--please don't pile schools onto this list-->[[Oberlin College]] in [[Oberlin, Ohio]], [[Kent State University]], the [[University at Albany]], and [[Georgetown University]] in Washington, DC.

[[Image:Blizzard_2007_West_Lafayette.png|thumb|right|250px|Snowcover in a residential neighborhood of [[West Lafayette, Indiana]] near [[Purdue University]].]]
[[Image:Blizzard_2007_West_Lafayette.png|thumb|right|250px|Snowcover in a residential neighborhood of [[West Lafayette, Indiana]] near [[Purdue University]].]]
⚫
Many towns in the path of the storm saw often unprecedented cancellations and closures of schools, universities, city governments, retail stores, etc, and transportation to those places. Notable examples include:
*[[Dartmouth College|Dartmouth College]] shut down campus operations on February 14 at 6:39 am. Essential employees remained staffed, and classes were held at the professor's discretion. It was the first snow day for the college since the 70's, and its second in its 238-year history.
*[[Dartmouth College|Dartmouth College]] shut down campus operations on February 14 at 6:39 am. Essential employees remained staffed, and classes were held at the professor's discretion. It was the first snow day for the college since the 70's, and its second in its 238-year history.
*[[Georgetown University]], in Washington, DC ended classes early on February 13 at 4:00 pm, and remained closed through Valentine's Day.
* ended classes early on February 13 at 4:00 pm, and remained closed through Valentine's Day.
*[[The Ohio State University]] in [[Columbus, Ohio]] closed its campus for two days, beginning at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, [[February 13]]. It was only the third time in 25 years that the university has been closed due to weather. The university resumed its regular schedule on [[February 15]].<ref>[http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/02/15/Campus/Snow-Daze.At.Osu-2722372.shtml Snow Daze At OSU]</ref>
*[[The Ohio State University]] in [[Columbus, Ohio]] closed its campus for two days, beginning at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, [[February 13]]. It was only the third time in 25 years that the university has been closed due to weather. The university resumed its regular schedule on [[February 15]].<ref>[http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/02/15/Campus/Snow-Daze.At.Osu-2722372.shtml Snow Daze At OSU]</ref>
* [[Oberlin College]], in Oberlin, Ohio, closed its entire campus and canceled classes at 2:09 on Tuesday, February 13, and remained closed through Valentine's Day.
* [[Kent, Ohio|Kent]] City Schools, which prior to the winter of 06-07 had not had a snow day in six years, cancelled school for the third time in one month. [[Kent State University]] also shut down from the afternoon of February 13, through the end of February 14.
* [[Syracuse University]] canceled all classes after 12:45 PM on Wednesday, making it the first time in over 13 years they have closed due to weather.
* [[Syracuse University]] canceled all classes after 12:45 PM on Wednesday, making it the first time in over 13 years they have closed due to weather.
* The [[Pennsylvania State University]] canceled classes, starting Tuesday at 10pm and continuing until 5pm on Wednesday (This was the first cancellation since 2003). All other Penn State Campuses were closed and or delayed except for Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.
* The [[University of Illinois]] canceled their classes for two consecutive days for the first time in at least twenty-seven years.<ref>[http://www.wjbc.com/wire/09284_UIUC-WEB_230546.htm University of Illinois stays closed] WJBC, [[February 13]] [[2007]]</ref>
* The [[University of Illinois]] canceled their classes for two consecutive days for the first time in at least twenty-seven years.<ref>[http://www.wjbc.com/wire/09284_UIUC-WEB_230546.htm University of Illinois stays closed] WJBC, [[February 13]] [[2007]]</ref>
* [[Illinois State University]], [[Western Illinois University]], and [[Eastern Illinois University]] were all shut down on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
* [[Illinois State University]], [[Western Illinois University]], and [[Eastern Illinois University]] were all shut down on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
* The [[Charles Dumais Academy]] cancelled classes for one day, starting Tuesday morning.
* The [[University at Albany]] canceled all classes for Wednesday, the 14th, and did not resume them until 11:45 AM on Thursday
* [[Purdue University]] declared a 24-hour snow recess for the first time in 33 years beginning at Tuesday [[noon]] and asked all students and faculty members to return home.<ref>[http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/NEWS09/70213031 WINTER STORM: Purdue takes 24-hour snow recess beginning at noon]</ref>
* [[Purdue University]] declared a 24-hour snow recess for the first time in 33 years beginning at Tuesday [[noon]] and asked all students and faculty members to return home.<ref>[http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/NEWS09/70213031 WINTER STORM: Purdue takes 24-hour snow recess beginning at noon]</ref>
* [[DePauw University]] in [[Greencastle, Indiana]] cancelled all classes and posted limited hours for food and library services for Wednesday, February 14. Full operations resumed the next day, despite a number of roads still being covered with snow. <ref>[http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=18908 University Closed as a Result of Snow Emergency]</ref>
* [[St. John's University]] (in [[Minnesota]]) closed down its entire campus at 2:30pm
* [[Boston University]] closed around 2:30pm
* The [[University of Rhode Island]] canceled [[classes]] after 3[[pm]]
* [[McMaster University]] canceled all classes.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
* [[Brock University]] and [[Niagara College]] cancelled all classes on Wednesday the 14th, but resumed on the afternoon of the 15th.<ref name = niagara />
* [[Brock University]] and [[Niagara College]] cancelled all classes on Wednesday the 14th, but resumed on the afternoon of the 15th.<ref name = niagara />
* [[Cornell University]] canceled afternoon classes
* [[Cornell University]] canceled afternoon classes
* [[University Of Massachusetts]] canceled classes around 9:49 AM February 14
* [[Joliet Junior College]] canceled all classes
* [[The Ohio State University]] canceled all classes from 1:30 PM February 13 to the beginning of the day on February 15.
* [[University of Maryland]] closed at 2:00pm on the 13th and canceled all classes on the 14th
* [[Clarkson University]] canceled afternoon classes on the 14th
* [[Tulane University]] canceled classes at 11am on the 13th due to the nearby tornado damage.
* [[Tulane University]] canceled classes at 11am on the 13th due to the nearby tornado damage.
* [[SUNY Geneseo]] canceled all classes for Wednesday, the 14th for the first time in 14 years. <ref>[http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=be4566f1-72d7-4dfd-906e-790408a6d9f4 Snow Day for SUNY Geneseo]</ref>
* [[SUNY Geneseo]] canceled all classes for Wednesday, the 14th for the first time in 14 years. <ref>[http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=be4566f1-72d7-4dfd-906e-790408a6d9f4 Snow Day for SUNY Geneseo]</ref>
*[[SUNY Oswego]] canceled all classes for almost a week, which are Monday, the 5th, Tuesday the 6th, Thursday the 8th, and partially canceled on Wednesday, the 7th and Wednesday, the 14th.
* [[Kutztown University]] cancelled all classes on Wednesday the 14th, but also closed classes again for the night of the 15th due to the closing of [[Interstate 78]].
* [[Saint Michael's College]] canceled all classes after 11:30 am on February 14, and resumed all classes at noon on February 15.
* [[Case Western Reserve University]] canceled all classes and events on February 14.
*[[Baldwin-Wallace College]] cancelled evening classes on February 13, all classes on February 14, and closed down all buildings the 14th as well.
*[[Binghamton University]] cancelled all classes on February 14th.<ref>http://www.bupipedream.com/pipeline_web/display_article.php?id=4118</ref>
*[[Binghamton University]] cancelled all classes on February 14th.<ref>http://www.bupipedream.com/pipeline_web/display_article.php?id=4118</ref>
*[[Johnson & Wales University]] canceled classes after 3:00 pm on February 14th.
*[[Hofstra University]] cancelled all classes after 2 pm on February 14th.
*[[Cornell University]] shut down after 12:30pm on February 14th and did not reopen until 9:00 am the next day.<ref>"[http://www.cornelldailysun.com/node/21393] STORM FORCES C.U. SHUTDOWN]", '''The Cornell Daily Sun''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>
*[[Cornell University]] shut down after 12:30pm on February 14th and did not reopen until 9:00 am the next day.<ref>"[http://www.cornelldailysun.com/node/21393] STORM FORCES C.U. SHUTDOWN]", '''The Cornell Daily Sun''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>
[[Image:IceStorm08.jpg|200px|left|thumb|An ice-covered mailbox in [[Fredericksburg, Virginia]]]]
[[Image:IceStorm08.jpg|200px|left|thumb|An ice-covered mailbox in [[Fredericksburg, Virginia]]]]
*[[Ithaca College]] canceled all classes on February 14th. This was the first time the College has done so since 1994.<ref>"[http://theithacan.org/am/publish/news/200702_Snow_day.shtml] Snow Day]", '''The Ithacan''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>
*[[Ithaca College]] canceled all classes on February 14th. This was the first time the College has done so since 1994.<ref>"[http://theithacan.org/am/publish/news/200702_Snow_day.shtml] Snow Day]", '''The Ithacan''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>
*The [[University of Connecticut]] canceled classes on all campuses on February 14th.
*[[University of Toledo]] closed at 12:30pm on February 13th and was closed through February 14th. The first time in about 22 years the school closed due to winter related conditions.<ref>"[http://media.www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2007/02/15/News/Snow-Shuts.Down.Ut.Campus-2722323.shtml Snow shuts down UT campus]", '''Independent Collegian''' (2007-02-15).</ref>
*[[University of Toledo]] closed at 12:30pm on February 13th and was closed through February 14th. The first time in about 22 years the school closed due to winter related conditions.<ref>"[http://media.www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2007/02/15/News/Snow-Shuts.Down.Ut.Campus-2722323.shtml Snow shuts down UT campus]", '''Independent Collegian''' (2007-02-15).</ref>

*Although [[Washington DC]] area wasn't seriously affected by the storm, [[Georgetown University]] closed at 4 pm and [[The Catholic University of America|Catholic University]] closed at noon on February 13th and both remained closed on February 14th.
Legislative meetings in Ohio and Pennsylvania were also affected due to the bad weather. In Pittsburgh, tourist sites such as the Zoo and Aquarium were closed,<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/WEATHER/02/14/cold.weather.ap/index.html Northeast: Break out those snow shovels] CNN.com, February 14, 2007</ref> [[Duquesne University]] was closed from noon Tuesday and all day Wednesday and the [[University of Pittsburgh]] closed from Tuesday at 4 p.m. until Wednesday at noon, while in [[New Hampshire]], [[President of the United States|presidential]] [[United States presidential election, 2008|candidate]] [[Mitt Romney]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]) was forced to cancel a campaign appearance.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6363483.stm Blizzard sweeps across N America]", '''[[BBC News]]''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>
Legislative meetings in Ohio and Pennsylvania were also affected due to the bad weather. In Pittsburgh, tourist sites such as the Zoo and Aquarium were closed,<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/WEATHER/02/14/cold.weather.ap/index.html Northeast: Break out those snow shovels] CNN.com, February 14, 2007</ref> [[Duquesne University]] was closed from noon Tuesday and all day Wednesday and the [[University of Pittsburgh]] closed from Tuesday at 4 p.m. until Wednesday at noon, while in [[New Hampshire]], [[President of the United States|presidential]] [[United States presidential election, 2008|candidate]] [[Mitt Romney]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]) was forced to cancel a campaign appearance.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6363483.stm Blizzard sweeps across N America]", '''[[BBC News]]''' (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.</ref>


[[Image:HamiltonStorm07.jpg|thumb|300px|Snow drifts in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton,]] [[Ontario]] where they received approximately 60cm(23.6 inches) of snow.]]
[[Image:HamiltonStorm07.jpg|thumb|300px|Snow drifts in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton,]] [[Ontario]] where they received approximately 60cm (23.6 inches) of snow.]]


===Power outages===
===Power outages===

Revision as of 05:00, 16 February 2007

Template:Ongoing weather

February 2007 North America winter storm
Snow cover in Silver Spring, Maryland
TypeWinter storm
FormedFebruary 12 2007
DissipatedStill active
Lowest pressureUnknown
Maximum snowfall
or ice accretion		107 cm/42 in (Adirondack Mountains, New York State)
FatalitiesAt least 23
DamageAs yet unknown
Areas affectedEastern North America, Gulf States

The February 2007 North America winter storm (otherwise referred to as the St. Valentine's Day Blizzard) was a massive winter storm that affected most of the eastern half of North America and started on February 12 2007 with the peak of the storm on Valentine's Day, February 14. The storm produced heavy snowfalls across the Midwestern United States from Nebraska to Ohio and produced similar conditions across the Northeastern United States, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Significant ice fell across the southern Ohio Valley and affected portions of the East Coast of the United States including the cities of Boston and New York City. In the southern portion of the storm, it has produced severe thunderstorms with tornadoes. One tornado hit a subdivision of New Orleans which was still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina that hit the region in August 2005. In total, this storm system was responsible for 69 deaths across nine U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Prior to the storm

Through much of January, in sharp contrast to the mostly mild weather in the first few weeks of winter, the eastern half of the continent was under the influence of cold temperatures. Numerous areas had substantial snowfall deficits before this storm. After several weak Alberta Clippers crossed the eastern half of the continent and brought occasional light snowfalls, a large dip in the Northern branch of the jet stream favored a more active pattern, which, as it connected with the southern branch, led to the development of the storm.

Storm track

On February 10 through 11, a low pressure system developed near the Rockies and moved towards the Great Plains of the United States. It later tracked across the Ohio Valley and merged with a new coastal low. It then moved over eastern Quebec on Valentine's Day.

It dumped over six inches of snow across numerous areas from Iowa to New Brunswick including major cities such as Akron, Cleveland, Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Dayton, Toledo, Detroit, London, Hamilton, the Niagara Region, Toronto, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Trois-Rivieres, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Rochester, Windsor, Syracuse, and Albany. This also includes areas such as Northern Oswego County, New York which received historic lake effect snowfall amounts.

Wikinews has related news:

In addition to the general snowfall, snow squalls coming from Lake Ontario gave local amounts of over 2 feet (60 cm) of snow near the Hamilton and Niagara regions where 1 foot of snow had already fallen on February 13.[1]

Heavy ice amounts fell for locations along Interstate 95 from Maine to Virginia and west towards southern Ohio and Indiana. Ice was expected for parts of the Canadian Maritimes.

Impact

States of emergency and mobilizations

A NASA satellite image of the Great Lake states after the snowfall

Maine Governor John Baldacci declared a state of emergency in order to assure heating oil for residents of the state which was one of the hardest hit areas by the snowstorm.

Due to the additional heavy snowfall, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer called in the National Guard to assist in the snow removal efforts in the areas hit by the lake effect snow storm.[2]

Essex, Warren and Clinton counties in New York state, which were affected by extensive snowfall from the storm had declared a state of emergency.[3]

Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine declared a statewide emergency in advance of the storm, directing state agencies to help in the response to and recovery from the storm.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to the poor road conditions and ensuing highway closings[4]

Precipitation received

The storm left a mark on states like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, which received heavy snow for over 24 hours, accumulating upwards of 18 inches (45.72 cm) in some areas. In Chicago, O'Hare International Airport received 10.2 inches (25.9 cm) of snow, while Midway Airport received 9.7 inches (24.6 cm). The Midway total was the largest amount of snow received in the month of February since records began to be kept in 1928.[5]

Clearing ice from the steps in front of the Harrisburg Transportation Center

Areas of the Appalachian Mountains in northern New England and Quebec received accumulations of over 16 inches (40 cm) with local amount exceeding 3 feet (90 cm) in parts of Vermont and 42 inches (105 cm) in the Adirondacks in New York State. [6] The City of Hamilton and the Niagara region received just over 18 inches (45 cm) due to snowsqualls off of Lake Ontario.[7]

Approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) of snow fell near Beekman, New York, while other areas were affected more significantly.

A notable feature of the system was its array of precipitation type. While the interior sections of the Northeast received mostly snow from the system, the Mid-Atlantic received snow, sleet, freezing rain and non-freezing rain. Due to the three-dimensional nature of the atmosphere, warm air was poised to overtake the cold air closer to the ground, causing precipitation to melt, then refreeze as either sleet or freezing rain. As temperatures hovered around freezing on the southern edge of the storm track, light snow accompanied freezing rain and sleet. The freezing rain coated all surfaces with thick layers of ice, including power lines and tree limbs which break under the additional weight.

Ice accumulations in Virginia and Maryland reached locally three-quarters of an inch (20 mm)[8] while it reached 1 inch in central Ohio near Columbus and Xenia [9]

Damage and travel disruptions

Blizzard conditions were reported across most of the Midwest from Illinois to Ohio. Numerous flights were canceled due to the snow and ice across various airports including in Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Kansas City, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland, Boston and Cincinnati. 900 were canceled at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Lackawanna county in north-eastern Pennsylvania received so much snow that every highway was closed.

At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, several empty JetBlue airplanes were actually frozen to the tarmac at the gates and incoming flights could not access the gates as a result, while outgoing flights already taxiing were ordered held on the runway due to weather conditions. Many planes filled with passengers, either landing or taking off, were held in the planes, eating peanuts and other snacks for as much as 10 hours before the decision was made to cancel the outgoing flights or a gate had opened for the inbound ones[10][11] All people die tomottow Several airports including Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport and John C. Munro International Airport in Hamilton were completely shut down for several hours.[12] [13]. GO Train in Toronto and Amtrak train service from Boston was also disrupted.

Strong winds also accompanied the storm but damage was minimal, though a radio tower pole was toppled by 40 mph winds in Ohio.[14]

Road traveling was extensively slowed down and numerous accidents and pile-ups were reported across several states and in Ontario. One of the accidents on the Ohio Turnpike involved two tractor-trailers which fell several hundred feet.[15] and another one on Highway 403 in Hamilton involved three tractor-trailers and five cars which forced the closure of the road.[16] Numerous other major roads were also temporarily shutdown, including Highway 401 in Ontario due to a fatal accident in Napanee and Highways 20 and 132 in eastern Quebec between Quebec City and Rimouski.[17]

Severe ice has caused a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 78 in Pennsylvania between Lebanon County and Wilkes-Barre to be shut down, stranding motorists for upwards of 21 hours and requiring the National Guard to be called in. [18]. Other stretches of highway throughout Pennsylvania have been shut down, including Interstate 80 and 81

Deaths

Seventeen people were killed during the storm. Most of them were killed in accidents including one in Ontario,[19] three in Nebraska, one in New York, two in New Jersey, two in Indiana, two in Delaware, one in New Hampshire, one in Missouri, one in Virginia and one in Ohio.[15][20] A second Ohioan, a nine year old girl in Clermont County, was killed when hit by a fallen tree limb,[21] and another person was killed by a tornado in New Orleans (see severe weather section below).[22] [6]

Closures and cancellations

Many towns in the path of the storm saw often unprecedented cancellations and closures of schools, universities, city governments, retail stores, etc, and transportation to those places.

Schools

The inclement weather caused many educational institutions, such as universities and secondary schools, to close. Among these were Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, Kent State University, the University at Albany, and Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Snowcover in a residential neighborhood of West Lafayette, Indiana near Purdue University.
An ice-covered mailbox in Fredericksburg, Virginia
  • Ithaca College canceled all classes on February 14th. This was the first time the College has done so since 1994.[30]
  • University of Toledo closed at 12:30pm on February 13th and was closed through February 14th. The first time in about 22 years the school closed due to winter related conditions.[31]

Legislative meetings in Ohio and Pennsylvania were also affected due to the bad weather. In Pittsburgh, tourist sites such as the Zoo and Aquarium were closed,[32] Duquesne University was closed from noon Tuesday and all day Wednesday and the University of Pittsburgh closed from Tuesday at 4 p.m. until Wednesday at noon, while in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R) was forced to cancel a campaign appearance.[33]

Snow drifts in Hamilton, Ontario where they received approximately 60cm (23.6 inches) of snow.

Power outages

Localized but extensive power outages were reported across areas that were hit by significant amounts of ice. At the peak of the storm over 300,000 customers lost power across the United States. In the Cincinnati area, 122,000 were without power at one point with 52,000 still blacked out as of Wednesday Morning.[34][35] About 7,500 customers in Indiana near the Indianapolis region were still without power on February 15, down from a peak of about 50,000 especially in the Bloomington area.[36] Other states that reported outages included Kentucky (14,000), Maryland (at least 135,000, including 69,000 in Anne Arundel County),[37] New Jersey (36,000), Pennsylvania (10,000 in the Pittsburgh region)[38] Virginia (7,800)[39] and New York (18,000) on Long Island. By 10 am Thursday, February 15, about 73,000 homes were without electricity in the Washington DC metropolitan area.[40] Most of those outages were from an ice storm that hit areas from the southern Ohio Valley towards the Atlantic Coast.

Other disruptions

As the storm hit on the week of Valentine's Day, numerous deliveries were delayed significantly.[41] The mayor of Covington, Kentucky, Butch Callery, postponed Valentine's Day until Saturday.[42]


Precipitation by region

Storm Snow Totals
Totals are for the main system only.
Stowe, Vermont 48 in [43]
Stratford, NY 42 in (106.7 cm) [43]
Kingfield, ME 31 in (78.7 cm) [44]
Rochester, NY 28.0 in (71.1 cm)[45]
Hamilton, ON 15.7-27.6 in (40.0-70.0 cm) [46]
Burlington, VT 25.7 in (65.3 cm) [6]
Sherbrooke, QC 21.7 in (55.0cm) [47]
Niagara Region, ON 10.0-17.79 in (25.0-45.0 cm) [26]
Lafayette, IN 17.0 in (43.2 cm)[48]
Quebec City, QC 16.9 in (43 cm) [49]
Albany, NY 16.8 in (42.7 cm) [43]
Binghamton, NY 18.5 in (47 cm) [50]
Ithaca, NY 16.8 in (42.7 cm) [50]
Bloomington, IL 17.5.0 in (40.6 cm)
Paxton, IL 16.0 in (40.6 cm)
Cleveland, OH 15.0 in (31.8 cm)[51]
Dover, NH 12.0 in (30.5 cm)
Scranton, PA 12.0 in (30.5 cm)
Springfield, IL 11.2 in (28.4 cm)[52]
Chicago - O'Hare Airport 10.2 in (25.9 cm)
Detroit, Michigan 8.5 in (21.6 cm)[53]
Indianapolis, IN 8.5 in (21.6 cm)[48]
Auburn, NE 6.7 in (17.0 cm)
Ottawa, ON 5.9 in (15.0 cm) [54]
Columbus, OH 5.9 in (15.0 cm) [55]

Gulf States severe weather outbreak

South of the wintry precipitation zone, severe weather erupted across the Gulf States, where a tornado was reported on February 12 in the New Orleans area killing one person and injuring a dozen in the Gentilly neighborhood, one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Katrina due to the flood waters. The woman was inside a FEMA trailer when it was hit by the EF2 twister. In addition to significant structural damages to numerous buildings including a dozen destroyed, 20,000 residents lost power across the metropolitan area[56].

Severe weather was also reported south of Birmingham, Alabama, near Jackson, Mississippi as well as in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. 21 tornadoes in total were reported on February 12 and February 13 across Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama and 10 have been confirmed with no tornadoes stronger than EF2. [57] [58]

Confirmed tornadoes

Template:Tornado Chart EF

EF# Location County/Parish Time (UTC) Path length Damage
Louisiana
EF1 Youngsville Lafayette 0610 2 miles
(3.2 km) 		Roof damage reported to two homes, and a garage was destroyed.
EF2 SE of Breaux Bridge St. Martin 0636 5 miles
(8 km) 		At least 26 homes were damaged, with structural damage reported to several homes. Three people suffered minor injuries.
EF0 New Iberia area Iberia 0703 0.5 mile
(800 m) 		Brief tornado pushed a mobile home off its foundation.
EF2 West New Orleans Jefferson, Orleans 0855 2 miles
(3.2 km) 		Tornado first touched down in Westwego before crossing the Mississippi River into New Orleans. Significant damage reported in the Avenue D and U.S. Route 90 Business area in Jefferson Parish, where structural damage was reported to several two-story buildings. Minor damage reported in the Uptown and Carrollton areas, primarily to trees. Nine people were injured.
EF2 East New Orleans Orleans 0910 1.5 miles
(2.4 km) 		1 death - Tornado touched down in the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Several homes sustained significant damage with partially collapsed upper levels. Extensive damage to trees and power lines were reported before it lifted near the Industrial Canal. Damage was also reported to many FEMA trailers in this area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. 25 others were injured.
Mississippi
EF1 NE of Burns Smith 0857 3.5 miles
(5.5 km) 		One home lost its roof. Many trees and power lines were knocked down.
EF0 E of Oak Vale Jefferson Davis 0913 2.75 miles
(4.5 km) 		No buildings were affected, but extensive tree damage was reported.
Alabama
EF0 N of Newbern Hale, Perry 2253 6 miles
(9.6 km) 		Several old barns damaged, as well as tree damage.
EF1 SW of Brierfield Bibb 2347 unknown Massive half-mile (800 m) wide tornado destroyed a metal barn structure. Many trees damaged. Path length was uncertain.
EF1 W of Autaugaville Autauga 0041 1.2 miles
(2 km) 		Minor structural damage reported to a carport and shed.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 02/12, SPC Storm Reports for 02/13, Lake Charles office, New Orleans office, Jackson office, Birmingham office

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ^ Snowstorm rumbling through Ontario, moving east, CBC, February 13, 2007
  2. ^ Winter storm that battered Midwest slams into Northeast, hindering travel and closing schools WHDH, February 14, 2007
  3. ^ State Of Emergency Declared WPTZ, February 14, 2007
  4. ^ Governor Rendell Declares Disaster Emergency Statewide, Urges Motorists to Avoid I-78 as Efforts Continue to Help Stranded Motorists PEMA, February 14, 2007
  5. ^ NWS Chicago (2007-02-14). "Total Snowfall from the Feb 13-14 2007 Snowstorm". Retrieved 2007-02-14.
  6. ^ a b c CNN. com (February 15, 2007). "Storm leaves behind snow, ice, frustration". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ Special Weather Statement, snowfall report for Southern Ontario, Environment Canada
  8. ^ NWS Sterling, Virginia. "Preliminary February 13-14, 2007 Snowfall/Ice". Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  9. ^ NWS Wilmington, Ohio. "February 13-14 Winter Storm". Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  10. ^ Associated Press, Airline apologizes to passengers stranded on planes for hours in NYC, , February 15, 2007
  11. ^ Airport passengers weathering the storm WABC, February 14, 2007
  12. ^ Snowstorm sends semis spinning, heads east CNN.com, February 13, 2007
  13. ^ New winter storm through Midwest creates havoc for travellers CBC, February 13, 2007
  14. ^ Snow, ice storms freeze Ohio Newark Advocate, February 14 2007
  15. ^ a b Several More Crashes Complicate Evening Rush WEWS, February 13, 2007
  16. ^ Airport shuts down in Ontario snowstorm CTV News, February 14, 2007
  17. ^ LCN (February 15, 2007). "Les conditions routières sont toujours difficiles".
  18. ^ STUCK ON I-78: Many Motorists Stranded on Closed Highway WFMZ-TV News, February 15, 2007
  19. ^ Southern Ontario shoveling out from storm CTV, February 14, 2007
  20. ^ Storm across Midwest, East kills 5; travel treacherous Carlsbad Current-Argus, February 13 2007
  21. ^ Snow, ice storms freeze Ohio Newark Advocate, February 14 2007
  22. ^ Storm cancels classes, flights in Northeast CNN.com, February 14, 2007
  23. ^ Snow Daze At OSU
  24. ^ University of Illinois stays closed WJBC, February 13 2007
  25. ^ WINTER STORM: Purdue takes 24-hour snow recess beginning at noon
  26. ^ a b The Niagara Falls Review (2007-05-15). "Winter storms into Niagara".
  27. ^ Snow Day for SUNY Geneseo
  28. ^ http://www.bupipedream.com/pipeline_web/display_article.php?id=4118
  29. ^ "[1] STORM FORCES C.U. SHUTDOWN]", The Cornell Daily Sun (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.
  30. ^ "[2] Snow Day]", The Ithacan (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.
  31. ^ "Snow shuts down UT campus", Independent Collegian (2007-02-15).
  32. ^ Northeast: Break out those snow shovels CNN.com, February 14, 2007
  33. ^ "Blizzard sweeps across N America", BBC News (2007-02-15). Retrieved on February 15, 2007.
  34. ^ Ice-Laden Limbs, Power Lines Lead To Power Outages WCPO, February 13, 2007
  35. ^ Duke Energy Interactive Map
  36. ^ Thousands Remain without Power after Storm WISH, February 14, 2007
  37. ^ Power Out for Thousands, February 14, 2007
  38. ^ Scattered Power Outages Reported Around Region WTAE, February 14, 2007
  39. ^ Ice Storm Causes Massive Power Outages WRC, February 14, 2007
  40. ^ Thousands still without electricity WTOP, February 15, 2007
  41. ^ A blizzard for some, an icy mess for others Union Leader, February 14, 2007
  42. ^ Callery reschedules Valentine's Day, Cincinnati Enquirer, February 14, 2007
  43. ^ a b c "Digging out continues in capital region". Retrieved 2007-02-16. Cite error: The named reference "wnyt" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  44. ^ Bill on the Hill, Kingfield, Maine (February 15, 2007). "31 inches of fresh". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  45. ^ NWS Buffalo (2007-02-14). "Spotter Reports". Retrieved 2007-02-14.
  46. ^ The Hamilton Spectator (2007-02-15). "SNOW DAZE".
  47. ^ CBC Montreal (February 15, 2007). "Snow paralyzes parts of Quebec".
  48. ^ a b "February 12-14 Storm Summary". 2007-02-14. Retrieved 2007-02-14.
  49. ^ Meteo Media. "Meteo Media". Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  50. ^ a b "Updated snowfall amounts released". February 15, 2007. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  51. ^ NWS Cleveland (2007-02-14). "Spotter Reports". Retrieved 2007-02-14.
  52. ^ NWS Lincoln (2007-02-14). "Blizard Feb 12-13". Retrieved 2007-02-14.
  53. ^ NOAA (14-02-2007). "Snowfall totals from the February 13th-14th, 2007, winter storm". Retrieved 2007-02-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  54. ^ Le Droit (February 15, 2007). "La tempête a passé ailleurs".
  55. ^ National Weather Service (February 15, 2007). "Total Snowfall and Icing Reports".
  56. ^ Tornado heaps misery on Katrina-hit area CNN.com, February 14 2007
  57. ^ Storm Prediction Center Map for February 13, 2007NOAA
  58. ^ Storm Prediction Center Map for February 12, 2007NOAA
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