Superstorm 1950: The Greatest Simultaneous Blizzard, Ice Storm, Windstorm, and Cold Outbreak of the Twentieth Century

The Great Appalachian or Thanksgiving storm of 1950 was the most costly weather-related disaster in US history, affecting more than 100 million people and causing record-setting hazards such as snow, ice, flooding, wind, and cold temperatures. It had far-reaching social impacts, and its repercussions continue to affect us today, particularly in terms of weather forecasting and government tax policy. Superstorms are often overlooked in terms of weather-related disasters, but vulnerability to them is increasing, and a similar storm today would likely be the most expensive ever in the US.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Purdue University Press

The Great Appalachian or Thanksgiving storm, which struck the eastern United States in November 1950, was the most devastating storm of the 20th century, affecting more than 100 million people. This was no ordinary weather event; it was a colossal storm with multiple record-setting hazards, including snow, ice, flooding, wind, and cold temperatures. This superstorm was the most costly weather-related disaster when it occurred, and it remains the most deadly storm to hit the US mainland since then. Only two other storms, both hurricanes, have exceeded its death toll.

The weather records set by Superstorm 1950 continue to be benchmarks of extreme weather to this day. The immediate impact of the storm was profound, affecting not just meteorology but also its wide-ranging social impacts, which varied by race, class, and gender. The repercussions of the storm continue to affect us today, in obvious areas like weather forecasting and in surprising areas like Ohio State football and government tax policy.

Superstorms are not as familiar as hurricanes or tornadoes, which can lead to them being overlooked in terms of weather-related disasters. However, the vulnerability to weather disasters is increasing, and a similar storm today would likely be the most expensive weather disaster ever in the United States. Superstorm 1950 serves not only as a riveting account of one of the greatest disasters in US history but also as a premonition of what may come if global climate change is not confronted.

The storm's impact was felt across the country, with widespread power outages, downed trees, and damaged infrastructure. In some areas, the storm caused devastating floods, with rivers and lakes overflowing their banks and causing widespread damage. The storm also brought record-breaking cold temperatures, with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°F (-29°C).

The social impacts of the storm were significant. Many people were left without power and heat, and many were forced to evacuate their homes. The storm also exacerbated existing social inequalities, with marginalized communities facing the greatest challenges in recovering from the disaster. For example, African American communities were disproportionately affected by the storm, with many living in overcrowded and dilapidated housing and facing greater barriers to accessing resources.

The storm also had long-term economic impacts. The damage to infrastructure and agriculture caused by the storm led to significant losses for businesses and farmers. The storm also led to changes in government policy, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) being established to respond to natural disasters.

Superstorm 1950 was a wake-up call to the country about the potential dangers of climate change. The storm was a result of a combination of factors, including climate change, human activity, and natural variability. The storm's impact was a reminder of the importance of taking action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to prepare for future disasters.

In conclusion, Superstorm 1950 was a devastating storm that had a profound impact on the eastern United States. The storm's size, multiple record-setting hazards, and social impacts were catastrophic, and its long-term economic and political consequences continue to be felt today. The storm serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to prepare for future disasters.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612497969