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2023–24 North American winter

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2023–24 North American winter
Snowfall and ice on the ground in most of North America
Seasonal boundaries
Meteorological winterDecember 1 – February 29
Astronomical winterDecember 21 – March 19
First event startedNovember 21, 2023
Last event concludedApril 6, 2024
Most notable event
NameJanuary 13–16, 2024 North American winter storm
 • DurationJanuary 13–16, 2024
 • Lowest pressure983 mb (29.03 inHg)
 • Fatalities30 fatalities
 • DamageUnknown
Seasonal statistics
Total storms (RSI)
(Cat. 1+)		2 total
Total fatalities106
Total damageUnknown
Related articles
Asian winter, European windstorm season
North American winters

The 2023–24 North American winter was the warmest winter on record across the contiguous United States, with below-average snowfall primarily in the Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeastern United States. However, some areas, especially in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York saw considerably more snow than the previous winter. Notable winter events were also more prevalent across the eastern half of the country this winter, including a series of winter storms in mid-January that brought snow from the South to Northeast states, a period of very cold temperatures across much of the country in mid-to-late January, and a disruptive nor'easter that affected much of the Mid-Atlantic in mid-February. 2 storms have been rated so far on the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI), although none have attained a "Major" rating (Category 3+). A strong El Niño was expected to influence the winter weather patterns across the continent.

Based on the astronomical definition, winter began at the winter solstice, which occurred on December 21, 2023, and ended at the spring equinox on March 19, 2024.[1] Based on the meteorological definition, the first day of winter started on December 1 and the last day was February 29.[2] However, winter storms may occur outside of these limits.

Seasonal forecasts

[edit]
Temperature outlook
Precipitation outlook

On October 4, 2023, AccuWeather released their winter prediction. They called for a El Niño; their forecast called for the Southeastern United States and California to be wetter than average, some of which could form severe weather outbreaks. The Midwestern United States was predicted to have higher temperatures and drier conditions than average. AccuWeather notes that cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are expected to have more snowfall than last winter. The predictions for the West Coast were that storms will occur commonly in the winter.[3]

Seasonal summary

[edit]
February 2024 nor'easterFebruary 2024 California atmospheric riversJanuary 13–16, 2024 North American winter stormJanuary 8–10, 2024 North American storm complexRegional Snowfall Index

Events

[edit]

Pre-Thanksgiving storm complex

[edit]
Satellite image of the Pre-Thanksgiving storm complex

A winter storm affected Northern New England shortly before U.S. Thanksgiving. Up to 6 in (15 cm) of snow fell in the state of Vermont, with New Hampshire and Maine also recording over 4 in (10 cm) of snow.[4] The snowstorm resulted in 53 car crashes in New Hampshire,[5] with one crash resulting in Interstate 93 shutting down near Littleton. Normal pre-Thanksgiving traffic was expected to be worsened due to the storm.[6] The storm also resulted in 55 flight cancellations.[7] Further south, heavy rain fell in the New York Metropolitan area, with some areas reporting over 3 in (76 mm).[8] Daily rainfall records were broken on November 22 in Islip, Bridgeport and LaGuardia Airport.[9]

Late November winter storm

[edit]
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationNovember 26–28, 2023
Maximum snow42.7 in (108 cm)
Fatalities4
DamageUnknown

A winter storm affected much of the Great Plains shortly after U.S. Thanksgiving. Three people were killed in fatal car crashes along Interstate 80 in Nebraska, where 14 crashes occurred and portions of the highway were shut down.[10] The state of Wyoming also responded to 125 car crashes within a 48-hour period.[11] Lander, Wyoming received their snowiest day since 1999 when 19 in (48 cm) of snow piled up.[12] The second snowiest November day was realized in Topeka and Wichita.[13] Interstate 135 was briefly shut down due to the snow, as was Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.[14] Further east, the city of Chicago recorded 1.8 in (4.6 cm) of snow on November 26.[15] Further east, lake effect snow fell around Lake Erie, which resulted in a fatal car crash in Pennsylvania, a 20-vehicle pileup near Cleveland and Ontario Highway 403 shutting down. The highest snowfall total was 42.7 in (108 cm) in Highmarket, New York.[16]

Christmas Day blizzard

[edit]
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationDecember 25–27, 2023
Lowest pressure1003 mb (29.62 inHg)
Maximum snow14.6 in (37 cm)
Fatalities1

On Christmas Day, an intensifying low pressure system developing into a blizzard struck the Upper Midwest, dropping more than 12–18 inches (30–46 cm) of snow. Spearfish, South Dakota recorded 14.6 inches (37 cm) of snow.[17] Whiteout conditions and strong gusty winds were reported in states like Nebraska and North and South Dakota due to the storm.[18] Blizzard warnings were issued for a large part of Nebraska and South Dakota as well as parts of northern Kansas. The system caused many accidents as a result, including jackknifed semis on eastbound Interstate 80 in Nebraska, forcing a portion of that road to close for several hours.[18] Significant closures also occurred on Interstate 90 in South Dakota and Interstate 70 in Colorado.[19][20] Badlands National Park was closed due to the blizzard. The storm also caused one fatality on icy roads in Kansas.[21]

Early January nor'easter

[edit]
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationJanuary 6–7, 2024
Lowest pressure988 mb (29.18 inHg)
Maximum snow18 in (46 cm)
DamageUnknown

A winter storm, that became a nor'easter, affected the Northeastern United States from January 6–7, 2024. Multiple locations in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut recorded 1 foot (30 cm) of snow. 13,000 customers also lost power in Massachusetts.[22] The storm also ended the longest stretch without measurable snow in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the longest stretch without 1 in (2.5 cm) of snow in State College, Pennsylvania.[23] Portions of the Massachusetts Turnpike closed due to snow.[24] In addition, planned construction along the New York Thruway between Orange County and Ulster County was postponed by a week.[25] Despite over 1 ft (30 cm) of snow in Port Jervis, New York, the record snow drought in New York City continued, as Central Park only picked up 0.2 in (0.51 cm) of snow.[26] Boston measured 3.8 in (9.7 cm) during the snow event, with 5.6 in (14 cm) of snow in Providence, Rhode Island and 10.4 in (26 cm) of snow in Hartford, Connecticut.[27] In total, 702 flights were cancelled due to the storm, with 1122 delays.[28]

January winter storms

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From January 8–19, following a pattern change, four consecutive winter storms affected much of the country with rain, snow, blizzard conditions and flooding.

First storm (January 8–10)

[edit]
Category 1 "Notable" (RSI/NOAA: 2.38)
 
DurationJanuary 8–10, 2024
Lowest pressure976 mb (28.82 inHg)
Maximum snow21 in (53 cm)
Fatalities2
DamageUnknown
Main article: January 8–10, 2024 North American storm complex

The first winter storm, named Winter Storm Finn by The Weather Channel, hit the Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast on January 8–10, 2024.[29] Interstate 70 was closed from Watkins, Colorado to the Kansas state line due to the storm.[30] Winds in Colorado gusted up to 80 mph (130 km/h), while winds in New Mexico reached 76 mph (122 km/h). Snow drifts in the Oklahoma Panhandle reached 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) due to wind and heavy snowfall.[31] In the Eastern United States, many states had over 40,000 customers lose power, with 130,000 power outages in New York and 90,000 power outages in Pennsylvania.[32] Western New York was hit hard, with winds gusting to 74 mph (119 km/h) in Dunkirk and 78 mph (126 km/h) in Watertown;[33] the National Weather Service's Buffalo office warned in an Area Forecast Discussion that gusts from the southeast descending from Tug Hill could reach "potentially generational" levels.[34] Maine experienced the storm as a "sou'easter", with the strongest winds occurring simultaneously with astronomical hide tide, leading to widespread coastal flooding. Gale-force winds occurred along the coast, especially in the Down East region, further contributing to coastal flooding, erosion, and structural damage.[35]

In total, about 1,350 flights were canceled, more than 8,700 more flights were delayed, about two dozen tornadoes were reported, and at least 6 people died because of the storm, with 2 being winter storm related.[32]

Second storm (January 10–13)

[edit]
Main article: January 10–13, 2024 North American storm complex
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationJanuary 10–13, 2024
Lowest pressure981 mb (28.97 inHg)
Maximum snow41 in (100 cm)
Fatalities5
DamageUnknown

The second system, named Winter Storm Gerri by The Weather Channel, which brought blizzard conditions to some areas, hit most of the U.S. starting on January 10, 2024, sweeping from the Northwest into the Midwest, Great Lakes area, and the East Coast.[36][37] Almost every U.S. state became under some form of weather alert.[38]

The storm resulted in blizzard warnings for Oregon and Washington's mountain areas for the first time since 2012.[39] Crater Lake National Park closed due to the winter storm.[40] Following the storm, record cold conditions were observed in Washington, with Seattle observing a low of 13 °F (−11 °C), their coldest temperature since 1990. Ski resorts in on Mount Baker closed due to the cold as well.[41] More than 443,000 customers lost power from Oregon to Michigan, with 111,000 outages in Oregon alone.[42] Portions of Interstate 70 in Kansas were closed due to the winter weather. Moline, Illinois recorded their second snowiest day on record on January 12, with 15.4 in (39 cm) of snow.[43] High tides due to the storm in New York City resulted in parts of Hudson River Park being closed and ferries to the Statue of Liberty being suspended.[44] Coastal Maine was once again, for the second time in 4 days, affected by widespread coastal flooding and gale-force winds, leading to structural destruction and coastal bank erosion. Record tide gauge levels of 14.57 ft were recorded in Portland, causing the 2024 Portland Flood. The storm, combined with the January 9th storm, created an estimated US$70.3 million in damages for the state of Maine, prompting a major disaster declaration to be declared in the state by President Joe Biden.[45]

Nationwide, over 2000 flights were canceled on January 12 and over another 1000 were canceled on January 13. A state of emergency and travel ban was declared in Western New York, forcing the playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills to be postponed from January 14 at 1pm to January 15 at 4:30pm.[38] In addition, an NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings suffered a 52-minute delay.[46] Portions of Queen Elizabeth Way were also closed.[47] Five people died due to the storm: three in Oregon,[48] one person in California,[43] and one in Wisconsin.[49]

Third storm (January 13–16)

[edit]
Category 1 "Notable" (RSI/NOAA: 1.437)
 
DurationJanuary 13–16, 2024
Lowest pressure983 mb (29.03 inHg)
Maximum snow49.5 in (126 cm)
Fatalities30
DamageUnknown
Main article: January 13–16, 2024 North American winter storm

The winter storm in Oregon, named Winter Storm Heather by The Weather Channel, resulted in two fatalities, 161,000 customers losing power, and all MAX Light Rail service being suspended for three days.[50][51] Winds in the Columbia River Gorge reached 80 mph (130 km/h), with gusts over 50 mph (80 km/h) in Portland.[52] Many cities in the Southeastern United States, such as Little Rock, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee closed schools.[53] In the Northeastern United States, the storm snapped record long streaks without 1 in (2.5 cm) of snow in several cities, with a little over 1 inch (2.5 cm) recorded in Atlantic City, 3.3 in (8.4 cm) of snow in Philadelphia[54] and 4.9 in (12 cm) of snow in Baltimore, with Washington D.C. recording 4.1 in (10 cm) of snow.[55] Central Park reported 1.2 in (3.0 cm) of snow on January 16, their first inch of snow in a single day since February 13, 2022. The storm total there was 1.6 in (4.1 cm).[56]

In total, at least 30 fatalities have been linked to this storm system, including 14 in Tennessee, five in Pennsylvania, three in New York, three in Oregon, and one in Kansas.[57]

Fourth storm (January 16–19)

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Satellite image of the January 16–19, 2024 North American winter storm

Right after the previous storm departed the East Coast, another snowstorm affected the Pacific Northwest, with significant ice in Oregon and parts of Washington. Over 80,000 customers in Oregon lost power, and 3 people were killed when a power line fell on a car during the storm.[58] Further east, snow squalls led to numerous pileups in Nebraska.[59] Further east, a state of emergency was declared due to the winter storm in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, resulting in hundreds of schools closing, as well as attractions such as National Constitution Center and Elmwood Park Zoo. The winter storm also resulted in speed restrictions on portions of the New Jersey Turnpike.[60] In total, 4.6 in (12 cm) of snow fell in Philadelphia, with around 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of snow in the Lehigh Valley, up to 6 in (15 cm) of snow in New Jersey and up to 7 in (18 cm) of snow in Delaware.[61] Further south, 4.2 in (11 cm) of snow fell in Baltimore and 3.7 in (9.4 cm) of snow fell in Washington D.C.[62] The snow in DC led to a ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Further north, despite a travel advisory in New York City, only 0.4 in (1.0 cm) of snow fell, with 1.3 in (3.3 cm) of snow at LaGuardia Airport.[63][64] Snowfall totals reached around 2 in (5.1 cm) in Chester, New York.[65]

Mid-January cold wave

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Freezing temperatures affected campaign events leading up to the Iowa Caucuses on January 15, and could affect turnout in the first contest in the 2024 presidential primaries and caucuses.[66] In addition, the cold temperatures resulted in the 4th coldest NFL game on record between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, with kickoff temperature being −4 °F (−20 °C).[67] Fifteen people were hospitalized due to the cold temperatures during the game.[68] Wind chills following the storm reached as low as −60 °F (−51 °C) in Montana, and wind chills were still −9 °F (−23 °C) as far south as Dallas on January 14.[69] On January 13, Dillon, Montana reached an all-time record low of −42 °F (−41 °C), while Bozeman, Montana recorded their second coldest temperature at −45 °F (−43 °C).[70] That same day, Dickinson, North Dakota reached a −70 °F (−57 °C) wind chill, their coldest since the wind chill formula was updated in 2001, and a −33 °F (−36 °C) air temperature, a daily record and their coldest temperature since 1990.[71] On January 16, Houston dropped to a daily record low of 19 °F (−7 °C).[72] The cold wave and snow that the storm brought with it led to at least 55 fatalities.[73]

Early February Canadian blizzard

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Satellite image of the Early February Canadian blizzard

A slow-moving significant blizzard affected much of Atlantic Canada from February 2–5, dumping 2–5 feet (61–152 cm; 24–60 in) of snow as the system stalled south of the Canadian Maritimes and Nova Scotia.[74][75] A peak accumulation of 150 centimetres (59 in) was measured in the town of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Blizzard-like conditions occurred across the eastern portions of the region as the system slowly moved east, and schools were closed and many roadside services were suspended during the duration of the storm.[76] Hundreds of 9-1-1 calls were made during the height of the blizzard, particularly in the regions with heavier snowfall and gusty winds.[75]

Early February West Coast atmospheric rivers

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Main article: February 2024 California atmospheric rivers

A Pineapple Express storm hit the state from February 1 to February 2, 2024, before moving over the United States and settling over the I-25 corridor in Colorado, where heavy snow fell. Another one is expected to hit February 3 and last until February 5, with the National Weather Service calling it "potentially life-threatening." Other news sources estimated that Los Angeles could receive six-months' worth of rain in the 48-hour period, while the Sierra Nevada mountains are generally expected to get 1 to 3 ft (30 to 91 cm) of snow, with over 4 feet (120 cm) of snow expected in higher elevations, such as Mammoth Lakes, CA. Parts of the San Bernardino Mountains' foothills could receive 10 to 12 in (250 to 300 mm) of rain.[77]

February heat wave in Mexico

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In February, temperatures in Mexico city rose to near 30 °C (86 °F),[78] hotter than the usual temperatures for that month.[79]

Pre-Valentine's Day nor'easter

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Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationFebruary 10–13, 2024
Lowest pressure956 mb (28.23 inHg)
Maximum snow15.2 in (39 cm)
Fatalities1
DamageUnknown
Main article: February 2024 nor'easter

A weak area of low pressure developed along the Gulf Coast and trekked northeastwards throughout February 11–12 across the Southeast as the system as a whole continued eastward.[80] At 09:00 UTC, the Weather Prediction Center deemed it necessary to begin issue storm summary bulletins for the winter storm.[81] As the system became a nor'easter and moved offshore on February 13, rapid deepening – known also as "bombing out" – commenced overnight, with the central pressure falling from 991 mb (29.3 inHg) at 09:00 UTC on February 13 to 964 mb (28.5 inHg) at 03:00 UTC on February 14, a drop of 27 millibars (0.80 inHg) in 18 hours.[82][83] As this process commenced during the early morning hours on February 13, precipitation rapidly switched from rain to heavy snowfall along much of the Mid-Atlantic, with rates approaching 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) per hour in the northwestern and northeastern portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, which led to the heaviest snowfall totals of the event in those areas.[84] The nor'easter moved quickly, with precipitation and snowfall ending across the Mid-Atlantic and eventually New England by evening that day; consequently, the WPC terminated storm summary bulletins for the departing nor'easter at 03:00 UTC on February 14.[85]

Many cities in the Mid-Atlantic, particularly New York City, were expected to receive the heaviest snowfall accumulation in at least two years due to the nor'easter,[86] although the storm was notable for being difficult to predict in the aforementioned regions in the hours leading up to the event. Flights were cancelled or delayed across the Mid-Atlantic, and millions spanning from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts were placed under winter storm warnings. Over 175,000 people across the Northeast lost power, due to the heavy wet nature of the snow, and the nor'easter was responsible for at least one death so far as of February 13. Separately, the system dumped at least 1 foot (12 in; 30 cm) in parts of Texas and Oklahoma causing severe impacts in the region as well.

February 13 saw the storm continue to move north and hit Atlantic Canada. Much snow and wind was forecasted, and Nova Scotia received more than a foot of snow.[87] The storm went on to strongly affect Newfoundland and Labrador.[88]

Mid-February Mid-Atlantic winter storm

[edit]
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationFebruary 15–17, 2024
Maximum snow13.8 in (35 cm)
Fatalities0
DamageUnknown

A surprise major winter storm began affecting the Mid-Atlantic during the overnight hours of February 16–17. A fast-moving clipper system moved through the Midwest early on February 16, dropping 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) of snow with isolated higher amounts near the cities of St. Louis, Missouri and Kansas City, resulting in Gateway Arch National Park closing at 2 p.m. on February 16.[89] The winter storm moved eastwards into the Ohio Valley where similar accumulations were reported. In Indianapolis, a fatality was reported on icy roads.[90] The main event began later that day as the system approached the Mid-Atlantic states. Frontogenesis occurred spawning a very heavy snowband reminiscent of those in lake-effect snow, which pushed into the eastern regions of Pennsylvania, central New Jersey – including the town of New Brunswick – and the southern parts of Staten Island, New York and western Long Island, just south of New York City.[91] Extreme snowfall rates of 4–5 in (10–13 cm) per hour occurred in this band, which the Mount Holly National Weather Service (NWS) office described as "serious snowfall rates" and by amateur meteorologists in the region as "historic".[92]

The heaviest snow fell in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, with 13.8 in (35 cm), with 13 in (33 cm) of snow in Township, New Jersey, 12.1 in (31 cm) in Allentown and 9.9 in (25 cm) of snow in Coney Island, New York.[93] Snowfall in New York City varied heavily, with 6.1 in (15 cm) of snow at John F. Kennedy International Airport and 2 in (5.1 cm) of snow in Central Park.[94] 2.2 in (5.6 cm) of snow fell in Baltimore,[95] and 3.5 in (8.9 cm) of snow fell in Philadelphia.[96] The winter weather resulted in the National Park Service shutting down portions of George Washington Parkway.[97]

Late February–early March blizzard

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Satellite image of the Late February–early March blizzard

A major winter storm began to affect the Western United States on February 29, with blizzard conditions and several feet of snow expected in the mountainous regions of the state of California.[98] Blizzard warnings were issued for a majority of the Sierra Mountains, including Lake Tahoe, California.[99] The storm resulted in over 100 mi (160 km) of Interstate 80 shutting down, and Yosemite National Park and the Giant Forest were also briefly shut down.[100][101][102] The blizzard brought very strong winds to the mountainous regions – a near-record-breaking wind gust of 190 mph (310 km/h) was reported at Palisades Tahoe at an elevation of 8,700 feet (2,700 m) late on March 1.[103]

Late March winter storm

[edit]
Satellite image of the Late March winter storm

On March 21 and 22, the storm brought up to 8 in (20 cm) of snow to the Twin Cities.[104] As the storm moved eastwards, heavy snow fell throughout the Northeastern United States on March 23, particularly in Northern New England and Upstate New York. The heaviest snow accumulation totaled 33.1 in (84 cm) in West Windsor, Vermont, with 29 in (74 cm) of snow in Penobscot, Maine, 28 in (71 cm) of snow in Albany, New Hampshire and 25.6 in (65 cm) of snow in Pawlet, New York.[105] Portions of Interstate 93 closed due to the snow.[106] The snowstorm resulted in 360,000 power outages in the Northeast, with nearly 200,000 in Maine alone. Further south, record rainfall brought flooding to Philadelphia, and shut down portions of the Cross Island Parkway and Fifth Avenue in New York City.[107][108] The Staten Island Railway was also closed due to the rain.[109] Following the floods, temperatures dropped below freezing, leading to icy patches on roads in the New York metropolitan area.[105]

Early April blizzard

[edit]
Category 0 "Nuisance" (RSI/NOAA: N/A)
 
DurationApril 2–5, 2024
Maximum snow28.0 in (71 cm)
Fatalities4
DamageUnknown
Main article: Tornado outbreak and derecho of April 1–3, 2024

Early on April 2, a developing storm system began to produce heavy snow in the Upper Midwest.[110] Blizzard warnings were issued for portions of upper Michigan and winter storm warnings were issued elsewhere across the Upper Midwest, Upstate New York and into New England. The storm reached a minimum pressure of 984 mbar while located over southern Lake Michigan.[111] A deepening low-pressure area moving north toward New England became the dominant center of the storm as the greatest impacts shifted eastward into the Northeastern United States.[112] Precipitation began as rain in northern New England on April 3 before transitioning to snow as cold air advection from high pressure positioned to the north of the storm.[113][114] Heavy snow fell in areas of Upstate New York and New England through April 4,[115] with scattered snow showers persisting until mid-day on April 5.[116] The heaviest snow accumulation was recorded near Herman, Michigan at 28 inches (71 cm), with 24 inches (61 cm) near Moretown, Vermont, 21.5 inches (55 cm) near Shapleigh, Maine, and 21 inches (53 cm) near Jefferson, New Hampshire. A wind gust of 73 miles per hour (117 km/h) was recorded in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.[116]

On April 4, wet, sticky snow adhering to trees and utility infrastructure coinciding with strong easterly winds caused widespread power outages and sporadic road closures across southeastern New Hampshire and southwest Maine.[117][118] Four deaths were directly attributed to the storm.[119] Over 500,000 customers were without power in northern New England on April 4, with 230,000 outages in New Hampshire and 275,000 in Maine.[120]

Records

[edit]

Northern United States

[edit]

Many regions, particularly the Upper Midwest, saw their warmest winter on record, which was coupled with below-average snowfall as well.[121] Ice coverage across the Great Lakes was at a record low for the 2023–24 winter, due to a lack of persistent cold air.[citation needed] The Michiana region recorded their 2nd warmest and 4th least snowy winter.[122] While the seasonal snowfall total of 7.5 in (19 cm) in New York City was significantly higher then the previous winter, it still ranked as the 9th least snowy winter on record.[123] At 9.8 in (25 cm) of snow, Boston had their third least snowy winter on record.[124] However, the Quad Cities region experienced their heaviest one week snow totals, with a total of 25.5 in (65 cm) of snow falling in Moline, Illinois and 24.7 in (63 cm) falling in Dubuque, Iowa between January 9 and January 13.[125]

Canada

[edit]

Several cities experienced one of their warmest winters on record, with little snowfall occurring on Christmas Day.[126] Extreme temperature contrasts occurred in December 2023 and January 2024, with the latter being one of the warmest Decembers on record in Canada, and coldest January in decades across Alberta and British Columbia.[127]

Season effects

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Regional Snowfall Index scale
C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
2023–24 North American winter season statistics
Event
name 		Dates active RSI category RSI value Highest
gust
mph (km/h) 		Minimum
pressure
(mbar) 		Maximum
snow
in (cm) 		Maximum
ice
in (mm) 		Areas affected Damage
(2023 USD) 		Deaths
Pre-Thanksgiving storm complex November 21–22 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 6 (15) Unknown New England Unknown 0
Late November winter storm November 24–28 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 42.7 (107) Unknown Great Plains, Midwestern United States, Great Lakes Unknown 4
Christmas day blizzard December 24–26 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 9 (23) 1 (25.4) Great Plains Unknown 1
Early January nor'easter January 6–7 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 18.5 (66) 0.5 (12.7) Northeast United States Unknown 0
First storm (January 8–10) January 8–10 Category 1 2.38 102 mph (164 km/h) Unknown 21 (53) Unknown Northwestern, Midwestern, and Southern United States Unknown 2
January 10–13 blizzard January 10–13 N/A N/A 118 mph(190 km/hr) Unknown 49 (123) 0.95 (24.1) Western United States, Midwest, Northeastern United States, Rockies Unknown 5
Mid-January winter storm January 12–18 Category 1 1.44 118 mph (190 km/h) 983 mbar 49.5 (126) Unknown Northwestern, Southern and Northeastern United States, Atlantic Canada Unknown 30
Mid-January cold wave January 15–22 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 50 (127) 2 (63.5) Rocky Mountains, Midwest Unknown 55
Pre-Valentine's Day nor'easter February 10–13 N/A N/A 40 mph (64 km/h) 956 mbar 15.2 (38) Unknown Mid-Atlantic United States, Southern Unknown 1
February 2024 nor'easter February 15–18 N/A N/A Unknown Unknown 13.8 (35) 0.5 (12.7) Mid-Atlantic United States Unknown 0
Early April blizzard April 2–5 N/A N/A 73 mph (117.4 km/h) 984 mbar 28.0 (71.1) Unknown Upper Midwest and Northeast United States Unknown 4
Season aggregates
2 RSI storms November 21 – April 6 987 50 (127) 2(50.8) ≥ $ 102

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Earth's Seasons" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  2. ^ "Meteorological Versus Astronomical Seasons". 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  3. ^ AccuWeather's 2023-2024 US winter forecast, AccuWeather, October 4, 2023
  4. ^ How much did you get? Snowfall totals from Wednesday's storm, NBC 10 Boston, November 22, 2023
  5. ^ Snow, wintry mix make for messy road conditions in parts of New Hampshire, WMUR, November 22, 2023
  6. ^ Crashes reported across Mass., NH as weather disrupts Thanksgiving travel, NECN, November 22, 2023
  7. ^ Winds, rain and snow hit Northeast amid Thanksgiving travel rush, The Hill, November 22, 2023
  8. ^ US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "pns112223". weather.gov. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  9. ^ "Here are wind & rain reports across the local region regarding the storm system that moved across earlier today, Climate note with rain, LaGuardia NY (1.78"), Islip NY (1.25"), and Bridgeport CT (2.37") all set daily rainfall records for November 22nd". Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  10. ^ NSP INVESTIGATING MULTIPLE FATALITY CRASHES, Nebraska State Patrol, November 25, 2023
  11. ^ Deadly Winter Storm Treks East On Busy Thanksgiving Travel Weekend, The Weather Channel, November 26, 2023
  12. ^ Winter Storm Cait leaves more than 2million people stranded as it pummels the Great Plains, Daily Express, November 24, 2023
  13. ^ Deadly winter storm slows post-Thanksgiving travel in Midwest, Great Lakes, Fox Weather, November 26, 2023
  14. ^ Storm Events Database, NOAA
  15. ^ Sunday’s Snowfall Total in Chicago, All 1.8 Inches of It, Beat the Odds, WTTW News, November 27, 2023
  16. ^ Lake-effect snowstorm turns deadly in Pennsylvania after dumping more than 3.5 feet of snow in New York, Fox News, November 28, 2023
  17. ^ "Post-holiday storms will create travel troubles for millions with rain, snow and icy mix". NBC News. 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  18. ^ a b Carballo, Rebecca; Yoon, John; Diaz, Johnny (2023-12-25). "Blizzard Conditions Disrupt Travel Across Northern and Central Plains". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  19. ^ I-90 in South Dakota closed due to blizzard conditions, Fox 9 South Dakota, December 26, 2023
  20. ^ Interstate 70 eastbound closes Tuesday afternoon on Colorado's Eastern Plains amid blizzard conditions, CBS Colorado, December 26, 2023
  21. ^ Ice storms and blizzards pummel the central US a day after Christmas, ABC News, December 26, 2023
  22. ^ Winter Weather Live Updates: Airport Delays Hit Boston; NY Drivers Told To Stay Home, Weather Underground, January 7, 2024
  23. ^ It has been 346 days since the last widespread snowfall in Central PA (January 25, 2023). Today's snowfall should end the following record-breaking snow droughts:📍State College: longest stretch without 1"📍Harrisburg: longest stretch without 0.1" #PAwx, NWS State College, Twitter, January 7, 2024
  24. ^ Nor'easter slams Northeast with a foot of snow, flash freeze could lead to dangerous travel in New England, Fox Weather, January 7, 2024
  25. ^ TRAVEL ALERT: NORTHBOUND THRUWAY (I-87) BETWEEN ORANGE AND ULSTER COUNTIES TO FULLY CLOSE TO ALL TRAFFIC SATURDAY NIGHT, JAN. 13, 2024, FOR AT LEAST 12 HOURS TO FACILITATE OVERPASS REMOVAL, New York Thruway Authority, January 10, 2024
  26. ^ HOW MUCH SNOW FELL IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, AND CONNECTICUT, ABC7NY, January 7, 2024
  27. ^ Winter Storm Ember Brought Snow, Rain, Gusty Winds From West To Northeast (RECAP), The Weather Channel, January 8, 2024
  28. ^ US weather: Over 700 flights cancelled, more than 1,100 delayed. Check flight cancellation policy, compensation, US News, January 7, 2024
  29. ^ Childs, Jan Wesner; Breslin, Sean (January 8, 2024). "Finn: At Least Three Dead, 7,000+ Flight Delays, 600,000+ Power Outages". The Weather Channel. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  30. ^ McRae, Jennifer (January 8, 2024). "I-70 east of Denver closed, Colorado State Patrol: "SE Colorado is closed" as winter storm stifles travel". CBS Colorado. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  31. ^ "Winter Storm Finn Spreading Snow, Strong Winds into The Midwest, Northeast". Weather Underground. January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  32. ^ a b Adams, Abigail (January 10, 2024). "At Least 6 Dead After Winter Storm Finn Slams Midwest, East Coast with Snow, Rain and Tornadoes". People. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  33. ^ Howe, Steve (January 10, 2024). "See the top wind gust speeds from NY storm". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  34. ^ "Area Forecast Discussion". National Weather Service Buffalo, New York. January 9, 2024. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Hemmen, Pim Van (2024-03-18). "The New Normal?". Soundings Online. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  36. ^ Winter Storm Gerri A Second Late-Week Strike Of Snow, Severe Weather, Winds, Rain, Then Coldest Air Of Season, The Weather Channel, January 8, 2024
  37. ^ Winter Storm Gerri Wraps Up In Great Lakes After Bringing Blizzard To Midwest, Northwest, Weather Underground, January 13, 2024
  38. ^ a b Almost every US state is under a weather alert as storms sweep across the country, ABC News, January 13, 2024
  39. ^ Winter storm Gerri blasts much of the U.S., United Press International, January 12, 2024
  40. ^ CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK CLOSED DUE TO STORMY CONDITIONS, KQEN News Radio 1240, January 12, 2024
  41. ^ Seattle area could see coldest temps in 33 years as brutal chill sweeps through region, KIRO7, January 13, 2024
  42. ^ Brutal arctic blast blanketing much of the US is set to deliver record cold temperatures as the South braces for snow and ice, CNN, January 15, 2023
  43. ^ a b Winter Storm Gerri Wraps Up In Great Lakes After Bringing Blizzard To Midwest, Northwest (RECAP), The Weather Channel, January 13, 2024
  44. ^ Downtown Wakes Up to Sunny Day Flooding, The Broadsheet, January 13, 2024
  45. ^ Burns, Christopher (2024-03-21). "Joe Biden declares Maine's twin January storms a major disaster". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  46. ^ Maple Leafs-Red Wings game delayed until 7:52 p.m. ET due to winter weather, Sports Net, January 14, 2024
  47. ^ "QEW between Ontario St to Beamsville and Victoria Ave have now reopened: OPP". CP24. 2024-01-13. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  48. ^ Portland area winter storm: 3 dead; hundreds of thousands lose power, KGW8, January 13, 2024
  49. ^ Winter Storm Gerri: Dangerous Cold Moves In; Travel Remains Hazardous, Weather Underground, January 14, 2024
  50. ^ “Cold, Cold, Cold”: Thousands Lose Power as Wind and Snow Lash Portland, WWeek, January 16, 2024
  51. ^ Stein, Rosemarie (January 16, 2024). "TriMet resumes MAX Blue Line service early Tuesday, continues to clean up winter storm damage". The Oregonian. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  52. ^ "Cold weather, power failures continue in aftermath of Oregon storm". OPB. January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  53. ^ Schools closed as arctic blast slams South with snow, over 2,600 flights canceled, ABC News, January 16, 2024
  54. ^ Philly will be bitterly cold following winter storm; more snow in the forecast later this week, Philadelphia Inquirer, January 16, 2024
  55. ^ Winter Storm Heather Snaps 'Inchless' Snow Streaks In The Northeast, The Weather Channel, January 16, 2024
  56. ^ New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore end record snowless streaks of more than 700 days, Fox Weather, January 16, 2024
  57. ^ Hall, Kristin M.; Mattise, Jonathan; Sainz, Adrian (January 18, 2024). "Icy blast gripping US blamed for deaths in Tennessee, as Oregon braces for another round of cold". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  58. ^ Power Line On Car Kills Three During Oregon Ice Storm, The Weather Channel, January 17, 2024
  59. ^ Winter Storm Indigo Could Create Travel Headaches As It Spreads Snow Across The East Today, Weather Underground, January 19, 2024
  60. ^ Snow moves out, freezing cold temperatures moving in, NBC Philadelphia, January 19, 2024
  61. ^ How many inches of snow did Philadelphia have? Find out snow totals after second snow storm comes to an end, CBS Philadelphia, January 20, 2024
  62. ^ D.C. area pasted by week’s second snowstorm. How it happened., Washington Post, January 19, 2024
  63. ^ "Winter storm socks NYC area — now days of dangerous cold last through weekend". 19 January 2024.
  64. ^ Snow hits Washington, Philadelphia as cross-country storm blasts along I-95 corridor, Fox Weather, January 20, 2024
  65. ^ HOW MUCH SNOW DID YOU GET? TOTALS FROM NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, AND CONNECTICUT, ABC7NY, January 19, 2024
  66. ^ Iowa campaign events are falling as fast as the snow as the state readies for record-cold caucuses, Associated Press, January 12, 2024
  67. ^ Chiefs and Dolphins play fourth-coldest game in NFL history at minus-4 degrees, ABC News, January 13, 2024
  68. ^ Here's How Winter Storm Heather And Arctic Cold Affected Communities Across The U.S., Weather Underground, January 16, 2024
  69. ^ Dangerous Subzero Wind Chills Blanket Much of the U.S., New York Times, January 14, 2024
  70. ^ Historic cold grips SW Montana, KBZK, January 13, 2024
  71. ^ Records set over the weekend; recapping the coldest part of our Arctic blast, KFYRTV, January 14, 2024
  72. ^ "Houston breaks low temperature record for Jan. 16 as freeze sweeps Texas". Chron. January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  73. ^ Snow and storms across US as 55 reported killed in winter weather, The Guardian, January 20, 2024
  74. ^ Smith, Benedict (February 7, 2024). "Watch: Canadians forced to dig through five feet of snow after blizzard hits Nova Scotia". The Daily Telegraph.
  75. ^ a b Sistek, Scott (February 6, 2024). "Nova Scotia buried under up to 5 feet of snow from days-long snowstorm". FOX Weather.
  76. ^ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/long-duration-snowstorm-this-weekend-1.7103273
  77. ^ Oberholtz, Chris (2024-02-02). "Rare 'high' risk for flash flooding issued in Southern California as atmospheric river takes aim". FOX Weather. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  78. ^ Torres, Víctor M. (2024-03-06). "A hot Spring for Mexico in 2024". Opinion Atmósfera. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  79. ^ "Estado de Ciudad de Mexico-Estacion: Tacubaya Central (OBS)". Normales Climatologicas 1991–2020 (in Spanish). Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
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  85. ^ Asherman, Jacob (February 14, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 5 for Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  86. ^ Carballo, Rebecca; Jones, Judson (February 12, 2024). "Nor'easter Expected to Bring New York City's Heaviest Snow in Over 2 Years". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  87. ^ Thomson, Aly (13 Feb 2024). "Winter walloped: snow-weary Nova Scotia digs out from latest blast". CBC News.
  88. ^ "Nor'easter: Another powerful winter storm pounds Atlantic Canada | Watch News Videos Online". Global News. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  89. ^ NWS confirms thundersnow in St. Louis, FirstAlert4, February 16, 2024
  90. ^ Snowstorm wreaks havoc on Indianapolis: Over 130 crashes, 1 fatality, WishTV, February 17, 2024
  91. ^ Carr, Jonathan (February 17, 2024). "Storm Recap and Next Snow Chance".
  92. ^ "Storm Dumps 13 Inches of Snow in Parts of NJ: See Town-By-Town Totals". Across New Jersey, NJ Patch. February 17, 2024.
  93. ^ Winter storm slams parts of Northeast, leaving more than a foot of snow in Pennsylvania, ABC News, February 17, 2024
  94. ^ Snow squalls pummel Northeast in wake of winter storm that left a foot of snow in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Fox Weather, February 17, 2024
  95. ^ How much snow did we get Saturday? Snow totals across Maryland, WBAL-TV, February 17, 2024
  96. ^ Philadelphia snow totals: How much snow fell across Delaware Valley overnight?, Fox 29 Philadelphia, February 17, 2024
  97. ^ Incoming winter storm prompts GW Parkway closure, cancellation of school activities, WTOP, February 16, 2024
  98. ^ Jones, Judson (February 29, 2024). "Blizzard Is Forecast to Bring 'Life-Threatening' Conditions to California". The New York Times.
  99. ^ "California's Sierra To See Blizzard, Up To 12 Feet of Snow | Weather.com". The Weather Channel.
  100. ^ Monster storm shuts down 100-mile stretch of I-80 in California amid blizzard conditions, damaging winds, AccuWeather, March 2, 2024
  101. ^ Yosemite National Park Closes Temporarily Due to Severe Winter Storm – What to Know, Travel and Leisure, March 1, 2024
  102. ^ Giant Forest at Sequoia National Park to close due storm, YourCentralValley, February 29, 2024
  103. ^ "California blizzard delivers 190 mph wind, feet of snow | The Spokesman-Review". spokesman.com. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  104. ^ Winter Storms Ronnie, Sawyer Bring Late-March Snow To Northern Tier, The Weather Channel, March 27, 2024
  105. ^ a b Merging March storms wallop NYC, northeastern US on 1st weekend of spring, AccuWeather, March 24, 2024
  106. ^ Interstate 93 south in Thornton reopened after being closed due to multiple crashes, WMUR, March 23, 2024
  107. ^ "Large tree crushes car on Fifth Avenue after record NYC rainfall". NBC New York. March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  108. ^ "About 360,000 households without power as storms batter Northeast". NBC News. 2024-03-24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  109. ^ Northeast U.S. pummeled with a mix of wind, rain, sleet and heavy snow on first weekend of spring, CBS News, March 24, 2024
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  117. ^ Sullivan, Ian Lenahan and Max. "Hundreds of thousands still without power in NH, Maine. Crews to work into weekend". Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  118. ^ Lenahan, Ian; Sullivan, Max. "Spring storm slams Seacoast NH and Maine with heavy snow, rain, wind, power outages". Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
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  122. ^ "Winter 2024 concludes as one of the warmest in history for Michiana". ABC57. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  123. ^ This winter was the 9th-least snowy in Central Park in 100-plus years. Is it the new normal?, NBC New York, March 15, 2024
  124. ^ How much snow will Massachusetts get this winter? See the weather forecast for 2024-2025, CBS News, November 21, 2024
  125. ^ "Event Summary: January 12-13, 2024 Significant Winter Storm and Cold After". National Weather Service Quad Cities, Iowa/Illinois. 14 January 2024.
  126. ^ "Must-read weather stats for the Canadian winter that was (or wasn't)". Yahoo News. 2024-03-06. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  127. ^ Corp, Pelmorex (2024-01-14). "B.C. and Alberta see record-breaking temperatures amid historic deep freeze". The Weather Network. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
Preceded by North American winters
2023–24 		Succeeded by
2024–25
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2023–24_North_American_winter&oldid=1264823378"