The snowstorm of January 13 to 16, 1999

The Regional Snowfall Index is NOAA’s ranking of snowstorms east of the Rockies by how much snow fell, over how wide an area and on how many people, region by region: the area and the population above four snowfall thresholds set for each region, weighted against that region’s own history. A storm is scored in each region it reached, on a scale from 1, notable, to 5, extreme.

Events

661

Deaths

0

Injuries

153

Damage

$9.6 million

Episodes

74

Every winter weather episode the Weather Service filed east of the Rockies in these dates. A few may belong to another system on the same days. Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

• Heavy Snow in New York, January 11 to 12, 19991 eventA fast moving low pressure system brought a narrow stripe of locally heavy snow to northern Oneida county from early in the evening on the 11th until just after daybreak on the 12th. Accumulations in this area generally ranged from 4 to 8 inches.
• Winter Weather in New Hampshire, January 12, 199912 eventsLow pressure moving eastward from the Great Lakes produced moderate snowfall across northern, central, and southeastern New Hampshire. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 3 to 6 inches.
• Winter Weather in Maine, January 12, 199926 eventsLow pressure moving eastward from the Great Lakes produced moderate snowfall across southern and central Maine. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 3 to 6 inches.
• Winter Weather in Maine, January 12, 19993 eventsAn area of freezing rain developed to the northeast of a stationary front as low pressure moved through James Bay in Canada. The freezing rain caused slippery driving conditions over parts of Aroostook County.
• Heavy Snow in Pennsylvania, January 12, 19992 eventsA weak frontal system crossed the area dropping a general snow of about 2 to 4 inches over much of central Pennsylvania overnight. A few locations had heavier amounts as fluffy snow piled as deep as 8 inches in Emporium and 6 inches in Coudersport.
• Blizzard in Alaska, January 12 to 14, 19992 eventsA cold front over the Chukchi Sea moved southeast and stalled over the West Coast of Alaska while low pressure over outer Bristol Bay moved to Southwest Alaska then weakened and moved north to Kotzebue Sound before dissipating.
• Cold in Michigan, January 12, 19991 injured · 1 eventTemperatures were running in single digits in the Flint area, with wind chills below zero. A 5 year old schoolboy wandered around outdoors after school was dismissed, until a local resident took him in. The young boy was hospitalized due to frostbite.
• Heavy Snow in Michigan, January 12 to 13, 199910 eventsA stationary front lay just south of Michigan on the afternoon of the 12th. A strong upper level disturbance moved toward the Great Lakes, causing snow to develop north of the front. In southeast Michigan, snowfall amounts were heavy near and north of Interstate 69.
• Winter Weather in Michigan, January 12 to 14, 19993 injured · $1.8 million · 17 eventsIn addition to the big snowstorms of the 2nd and the 12th-13th, several smaller snow events occurred in the first half of January.
• Winter Weather in New York, January 13, 1999$40,000 · 8 eventsAn area of low pressure moved from the Tennessee Valley Tuesday afternoon (January 12) into southern New England Wednesday (January 13). Light snow accumulating to between 3 and 6 inches and colder air accompanied this system.
• Winter Storm in Ohio, January 13, 1999$58,000 · 23 eventsFreezing rain and sleet changed to snow as a stalled front across northeast Ohio began to sag south. Most areas had 1/4 inch of ice followed by one to three inches of new snow, with accumulations of four to six inches from Wooster (Wayne County) to Canton (Stark).
• Winter Storm in Pennsylvania, January 13, 1999$15,000 · 3 eventsFreezing rain and sleet changed to snow in the early morning hours. Most areas had 1/4 inch of ice and an average snow accumulation of three to five inches with eight inches reported in the city of Erie (Erie County). Roads were ice and snow covered and extremely slippery.
• Winter Weather in Vermont, January 13, 1999$60,000 · 12 eventsAn area of low pressure moved from the Tennessee Valley Tuesday afternoon (January 12) into southern New England Wednesday (January 13). Light snow accumulating to between 3 and 6 inches and colder air accompanied this system.
• Winter Weather in New Hampshire, January 13, 199912 eventsLow pressure moving along a stationary front located just south of northern New England caused a mixture of precipitation to fall over northern, central, and southeastern New Hampshire.
• Winter Weather in Maine, January 13, 199926 eventsLow pressure moving along a stationary front located just south of northern New England caused a mixture of precipitation to fall over central and southern Maine.
• Winter Storm in Ohio, January 13 to 14, 199924 eventsA low pressure system brough abundant moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, an arctic high pressure system forced low level cold air southward.
• Ice Storm in Illinois, January 13, 19999 eventsAn early morning ice storm accumulated from 1/4" to 1/2" ice across portions of eastern and southeastern Illinois. The ice caused widespread power outages and numerous car accidents. Only minor injuries were reported and no damage estimates were available.
• Ice Storm in Illinois, January 13, 199914 eventsAn ice storm struck the area leaving at least a 1/4 inch coating of ice. Some trees and power lines were downed, but overall damage was relatively minor. The major problem was the ice covered roads that made travel difficult to impossible.
• Ice Storm in Missouri, January 13, 199914 eventsAn ice storm struck primarily during the early morning hours of the 13th. A 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of ice eventually covered the area. Some trees and power lines were downed, but overall damage was relatively minor.
• Winter Storm in Ohio, January 13 to 15, 1999$85,000 · 11 eventsA powerful winter storm brought another combination of snow and freezing rain to all of east central Ohio. The precipitation began as snow, with between 1 and 3 inches of accumulation reported before the snow turned to freezing rain.
• Winter Storm in West Virginia, January 13 to 15, 1999$85,000 · 9 eventsA powerful winter storm brought another combination of snow and freezing rain to all of northern West Virginia. The precipitation began as a mix of snow and freezing rain across the panhandle counties, and as freezing rain across the remainder of northern West Virginia.
• Winter Storm in Pennsylvania, January 13 to 15, 199915 eventsA powerful winter storm brought another combination of snow and freezing rain to all of western Pennsylvania. The precipitation remained mostly snow across the west central Pennsylvania counties of Mercer, Forest and Venango where between 10 and 12 inches of snow were reported.
• Winter Storm in Maryland, January 13 to 15, 1999$5,000 · 1 eventA powerful winter storm brought another combination of snow and freezing rain to western Maryland. The precipitation began as freezing rain and by the evening hours of the 14th had accumulated to over 1/4 inch.
• Winter Storm in Indiana, January 13 to 14, 19994 eventsA low pressure system brought abundant moisture into the Ohio Valley. At the same time, a large arctic high pressure system forced cold air in the low levels southward.
• Cold in Maine, January 13 to 14, 199930 eventsStrong north to northeasterly winds and cold temperatures caused wind chill temperatures to reach extreme levels across as an arctic dome of high pressure built in from Canada.
• Winter Storm in North Dakota, January 13, 199910 eventsFour to six inches of snow fell across portions of northeast North Dakota, with Devils Lake the high total at 8 inches. When combined with 30 mph winds and wind chills down to 55 below, many activities across the area came to a halt.
• Winter Storm in Minnesota, January 13 to 14, 199911 eventsFour to six inches of snow fell across northwest Minnesota. The wind gusted up to 30 mph, producing winds chills down to 55 below. Halstad, Minnesota received the most snow, reporting 5.5 inches.
• Winter Storm and Heavy Rain in Pennsylvania, January 13 to 15, 1999120 injured · 12 eventsA very protracted winter storm affected Eastern Pennsylvania from the 13th through the 15th. A combination of snow, sleet and heavy freezing rain fell across the region. Some heavy rain even fell across Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.
• Winter Storm and Heavy Rain in New Jersey, January 13 to 15, 199925 injured · 28 eventsA very protracted winter storm affected most of New Jersey from the 13th through the 15th. A combination of snow, sleet and heavy freezing rain fell across the region.
• Ice Storm in Ohio, January 13 to 14, 19995 eventsA quarter to an half inch of ice accumulated in freezing rain. A strong frontal zone sank south on the 13th, through southeast Ohio, then oscillated back north during the morning of the 14th. A large north to south temperature gradient existed near this boundary.
• Heavy Snow in New York, January 13, 1999$5,000 · 1 eventIsolated heavy lake snows developed in a weak northeast flow across Lake Ontario. The heaviest snows fell within a few miles of the lakeshore from Rochester to Oakville, Ontario. Five to seven inches was reported from Ontario, Webster and Greece.
• Cold in New Hampshire, January 13 to 14, 199912 eventsStrong north to northeasterly winds and cold temperatures caused wind chill temperatures to reach extreme levels across as an arctic dome of high pressure built in from Canada. Wind chill temperatures ranged from about 35 to 40 degrees below zero.
• Winter Storm in Pennsylvania, January 13 to 15, 19997 eventsA series of low pressure systems tracked eastward from the Ohio Valley across southern Pennsylvania and eventually off the New Jersey coast from the afternoon of the 13th through late in the day on the 15th.
• Winter Storm in New York, January 13 to 15, 199918 eventsA series of low pressure systems tracked eastward from the Ohio Valley across southern Pennsylvania and eventually off the New Jersey coast from the afternoon of the 13th through late in the day on the 15th.
• Winter Storm and Heavy Rain in Maryland, January 13 to 15, 199910 eventsA very protracted precipitation event affected the Delmarva Peninsula on the 14th and 15th. The region escaped the worst conditions as enough warm air came in before the heavy rain arrived.
• Winter Storm and Heavy Rain in Delaware, January 13 to 15, 19995 eventsA very protracted precipitation event affected the Delmarva Peninsula on the 14th and 15th. The region escaped the worst conditions as enough warm air came in before the heavy rain arrived.
• Heavy Snow in Ohio, January 14 to 17, 19992 injured · $250,000 · 3 eventsDuring a 24 hour period, snow, while not reaching the threshold for heavy snow, continued to pile up. The cover of snow and ice that had accumulated since late December now averaged 14 to 18 inches.
• Ice Storm in West Virginia, January 14 to 15, 1999$80,000 · 8 eventsA strong arctic cold front moved slowly southeast across the Mid-Atlantic region from late on the 13th to midday on the 15th. This front brought a thin layer of sub freezing air to the lowest levels of the atmosphere, but just off the surface warmer air moved in.
• Heavy Snow in Massachusetts, January 14 to 15, 199913 eventsA strong high pressure system centered over southeast Canada brought an Arctic airmass into Massachusetts. Northeast winds off the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean produced "ocean effect" snow squalls along the eastern coast from Essex County to Plymouth County.
• Heavy Snow in New Hampshire, January 14 to 15, 19992 eventsA developing low pressure system over the mid Atlantic states brought heavy snow to parts of southwest New Hampshire. Totals of 6 to 8 inches were common, especially along the Massachusetts border.
• Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Maryland, January 14 to 15, 1999$3.1 million · 14 eventsA strong arctic cold front moved slowly southeast across the Mid-Atlantic region from late on the 13th to midday on the 15th. This front brought a thick layer of sub freezing air to the lowest levels of the atmosphere, but just off the surface warmer air moved in.
• Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Virginia, January 14 to 15, 1999$320,000 · 23 eventsA strong arctic cold front moved slowly southeast across the Mid-Atlantic region from late on the 13th to midday on the 15th. This front brought a thin layer of sub freezing air to the lowest levels of the atmosphere, but just off the surface warmer air moved in.
• Ice Storm in District of Columbia, January 14 to 15, 1999$20,000 · 1 eventA strong arctic cold front moved slowly southeast across the Mid-Atlantic region from late on the 13th to midday on the 15th. This front brought a thin layer of sub freezing air to the lowest levels of the atmosphere, but just off the surface warmer air moved in.
• Winter Storm in New York, January 14 to 15, 1999$174,000 · 24 eventsExtremely cold arctic air moved into Eastern New York on January 13 and January 14. At the same time an area of low pressure formed in Kentucky.
• Winter Storm in Pennsylvania, January 14, 199936 eventsThis was the third winter storm of the season to produce a widespread combination of heavy snow, piles of sleet and a glaze of freezing rain across all of central Pennsylvania over a two-day period.
• Winter Storm in Vermont, January 14 to 15, 1999$2,000 · 2 eventsExtremely cold arctic air moved into southern Vermont on January 13 and January 14. At the same time an area of low pressure formed in Kentucky.
• Winter Storm in Connecticut, January 14 to 15, 1999$1,000 · 1 eventAn extremely cold arctic air mass moved into northwestern Connecticut on January 13 and January 14. At the same time an area of low pressure developed over Kentucky.
• Winter Storm in Massachusetts, January 14 to 15, 1999$1,000 · 1 eventAn extremely cold arctic air mass moved into western Massachusetts on January 13 and January 14. At the same time an area of low pressure developed over Kentucky. This low moved east to northern Virgina then turned north and moved up the Hudson Valley of New York on January 15.
• Winter Storm in Vermont, January 14 to 15, 1999$60,000 · 12 eventsAn area of low pressure over the Ohio Valley region Thursday (January 14th) moved to the Delmarva area Thursday night and across eastern New England Friday (January 15th). Snow developed across the area late Thursday and continued into Friday afternoon.
• Winter Storm in New York, January 14 to 15, 1999$40,000 · 8 eventsAn area of low pressure over the Ohio Valley region Thursday (January 14th) moved to the Delmarva area Thursday night and across eastern New England Friday (January 15th). Snow developed across the area late Thursday and continued into Friday afternoon.
• Heavy Snow in Michigan, January 14 to 15, 19991 eventAn isolated band of heavy lake effect snow originating over Lake Huron produced localized accumulations of up to 12 inches across the county. However...most areas received 5 to 8 inches.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 14 to 15, 19991 eventSnowfall of 4 to 5 inches was reported overnight above 4000 feet elevation in Meacham.
• Heavy Snow in Ohio, January 14 to 15, 1999$1.0 million · 8 eventsHeavy snow accumulated six to ten inches and blowing and drifting snow contributed to several traffic accidents. To restrict traffic, a level three emergency was declared in Trumbull County.
• Heavy Snow in Idaho, January 14 to 16, 19993 eventsA moist Pacific system brought heavy snow to many mountain locations. Sun Valley and the Sawtooth Mountain areas recorded 12 to 20 inches accumulation. The Island Park to the Teton Basin areas recorded 7 to 14 inches accumulation.
• Heavy Snow in Pennsylvania, January 14 to 15, 19993 eventsHeavy snow accumulated an average of six to eight inches.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 14 to 15, 19991 eventHeavy snow in the Cascades accompanied the first significant storm of the month. Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood reported 17 inches of new snow, while Mt Hood and Meadows and Government Camp had 10 inches, and Bennett Pass received 8 inches.
• Winter Weather in Massachusetts, January 15, 19995 eventsSnow changed to freezing rain across northern Massachusetts, from Franklin County to Worcester, Middlesex, and Essex Counties during the early morning hours. Glaze accumulated from one quarter to one half inch.
• Winter Weather in Virginia, January 15, 19995 eventsFreezing rain occurred during the early morning hours of Friday, January 15th across portions of the piedmont of central Virginia. This precipitation resulted in some ice accumulation on trees, power lines, and roads. Several accidents were reported.
• Winter Storm in New Jersey, January 15, 19996 eventsAs a strong high pressure system moved east-southeast just north of Northern New England, a low pressure system developed southwest of the area.A narrow band of light freezing rain changed to sleet and snow with the passage of an arctic cold front during Wednesday afternoon,…
• Winter Storm in New York, January 15, 19995 eventsAs a strong high pressure system moved east-southeast just north of Northern New England, a low pressure system developed southwest of the area.A narrow band of light freezing rain changed to sleet and snow with the passage of an arctic cold front during Wednesday afternoon,…
• Heavy Snow in New York, January 15 to 25, 19992 injured · $1.9 million · 25 eventsNear record snowfalls of four to six feet across the region during the last part of December and first half of January put a strain on area buildings. Roof collapses and entire structure failures were numerous across the area.
• Heavy Snow in Michigan, January 15, 19991 eventA weak area of low pressure formed over central Lake Huron early in the morning of the 15th. This low moved slowly southeast into Ontario during the day. A lake effect snow band was dragged along by the low, just grazing the northeast tip of Michigan's thumb.
• Winter Storm in New York, January 15, 1999$290,000 · 16 eventsLow pressure moved to the south of the area and produced a general heavy snowfall across the region. The heavy, wet snow combined with freezing rain across the Southern Tier. The heavy snows again resulted in traffic tie-ups and school closings.
• Heavy Snow in Utah, January 15 to 19, 19994 eventsA series of fast-moving storms over the period produced significant snowfall in the mountains of mainly Northern Utah. A brief shot of heavy snow also moved through the Southern Utah mountains during this period. Most of Utah's valleys received rain.
• Winter Weather in South Dakota, January 15, 19992 eventsFreezing rain produced only slight ice accumulations, but the resulting icy roads significantly disrupted travel.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 15 to 16, 19991 eventAnother winter storm left 15 inches of new snow at Mt Hood Meadows, 12 inches at Willamette Pass, 11 inches at Santiam Pass, 10 inches at Timberline Lodge, and 8 inches at Bennett Pass.
• Heavy Snow in New York, January 15 to 16, 1999$15,000 · 2 eventsA westerly flow across Lake Ontario produced a lake effect snow band which only lasted for about six to eight hours. Snowfall amounts included 8" at Highmarket and 11" at Redfield.
• Heavy Snow in Pennsylvania, January 16 to 17, 1999$150,000 · 3 eventsSnow and ice cover that had accumulated since late December averaged 20 inches at the lakeshore to over 30 inches inland. The weight caused structures to collapse and damage to trees. Pipes burst because of the cold temperatures.
• Heavy Snow in North Dakota, January 17, 19993 eventsAs a low pressure system tracked from western South Dakota to near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, it produced a heavy snow band from Cooperstown to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and into northwest Minnesota.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 17, 19991 eventUp to 8 inches of snow fell near the town of Sisters. Around 4 inches of snow fell in the city of Bend.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 17, 19991 eventAbove 3800 feet elevation, 5 to 8 of snow fell with 3 inches down to 3400 feet. Snow and blowing snow reduced the visibility to less than 1/8 of a mile in some places.
• Heavy Snow in Washington, January 17, 19991 eventIn the town of Wenas and near Chinook Pass, 6 to 7 inches of snow fell above 2500 feet elevation.
• Heavy Snow in Minnesota, January 17, 19996 eventsA low pressure system tracked from western South Dakota to near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, producing a band of heavy snow from east central North Dakota to the Lake of the Woods area of northwest Minnesota.
• Heavy Snow in Oregon, January 17 to 18, 19991 eventAnother in a series of winter storms dumped 18 inches of new snow at Mt Hood Meadows, 16 inches at Timberline Lodge, and 8 inches at Willamette Pass.

Blizzard of 1999The snowstorm of March 7 to 10, 1999Snow nowEvery winter storm filed

NOAA NCEI Regional Snowfall Index, and the Storm Events Database for the episodes.