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 was the most deadly weather-related disaster in US history, and its social impacts varied by race, class, and gender. The repercussions continue to affect us today, and a similar storm today would likely be the most expensive disaster ever in the US.

Format: Paperback / softback
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 extraordinary weather event, often referred to as the Great Appalachian or Thanksgiving storm, was far from ordinary. Its colossal size and a multitude of record-breaking hazards, including snow, ice, flooding, wind, and extreme cold temperatures, wreaked havoc on the region. This superstorm holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most costly weather-related disaster in history, with its death toll surpassing that of any other storm that has impacted the US mainland since then, both hurricanes included. The weather records it set remain unparalleled benchmarks of extreme weather to this day.

Superstorm 1950 delves into the immediate consequences of the storm, encompassing not only meteorological aspects but also its far-reaching social impacts, which varied significantly across different racial, economic, and gender groups. The storm's aftermath continues to shape our society today, in both obvious and unexpected ways. For instance, it has had a profound impact on weather forecasting, leading to the development of more advanced technologies and systems to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. However, its effects extend beyond meteorology, as evidenced by the influence it had on Ohio State football and government tax policy.

It is important to note that superstorms, unlike hurricanes or tornadoes, may not receive the same level of attention or awareness regarding weather-related disasters. This oversight is a mistake, as the vulnerability to weather disasters is on the rise, and a similar storm today would likely result in unprecedented costs and devastation. Superstorm 1950 serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the urgent need to address it. It not only provides a captivating account of one of the greatest disasters in US history but also serves as a foreboding glimpse of what may lie ahead if global climate change is not addressed promptly.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612497976