GROUNDHOG DAY GALE OF 1976

The 'Groundhog Day gale' was a severe winter storm which hit the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada on February 2 (Groundhog Day), 1976.

Contents

Synoptic Evolution

United States Effects

Maine

Massachusetts

New York

Vermont

Canada Effects

See also

References

Synoptic Evolution

An upper cyclone was stationary on January 28 across the Desert Southwest of the United States.^[2] A system in the northern branch of the Westerlies known as a Saskatchewan Screamer, similar to an Alberta clipper but originating as a frontal wave in the next Canadian province to the east, moved east-southeast across Canada beginning on January 30, luring the system in the United States eastward. The cyclones merged by February 2, becoming a significant storm over New England before lifting northward through Quebec into the Davis Strait. At this time, maximum sustained winds of 164 kilometers per hour (102 mph) in coastal areas (equal to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale), with wind gusts of up to 188 kilometers per hour (116 mph). By February 6, this cyclone was absorbed by another system in the northern Canadian archipelago.^[3]

United States Effects

Maine

Caribou, Maine recorded their lowest pressure on record, with a reading of 957 hPa (28.26 inches). Winds gusted to 60 knots (69 mph) in Rockland and 100 knots (115 mph) at Southwest Harbor. Blizzard conditions were experienced for a few hours as the cyclone moved up into Canada. The storm caused extensive damage in many areas. Although many trees were blown down by the storm, many more were killed after large amounts of seawater were blown inland. Coastal flooding was seen from Brunswick to Eastport.^[4] A tidal surge went up the Penobscot River, flooding Bangor, Maine for three hours around midday.Maine State Climate Office. THE MAINE CLIMATE: March 2002. Retrieved on 2006-11-29. At 11:15 am, waters began rising on the river and within 15 minutes had risen a total of 12 feet (3.7 meters) flooding downtown. About 200 cars were submerged and office workers were stranded until waters receded. There were no reported deaths during this unusual flash flood. Damages totalled US$2 million (1976 dollars).Maine State Climate Office. THE MAINE CLIMATE: March 2001. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.

Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts set their second lowest pressure on record, with a reading of 965 hPa (28.48 inches).^[5]

New York

Cyclonic flow and cold air around the backside of this system led to significant Lake effect snows for areas downwind of the Great Lakes. In Oswego, 142 cm (56 in) fell on February 4 and February 5, trapping the participants of the annual Eastern snow conference.^[6]

Vermont

Burlington set a daily snow record on February 2 when 6.5 inches fell.^[7]

Canada Effects

Significant damage also occurred in southern New Brunswick, especially to the city of Saint John. Southwest Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick experienced coastal flooding of up to 1.6 meters deep causing extensive damage to wharves, coastal buildings, boats and vessels. Power and communications lines were also knocked out. The tides along the coast were increased due to the convergence of anomalistic, synodical, and tropical monthly tidal cycles peaking simultaneously (known as Saros); a once in 18 year event.^[8] Damage was estimated in the tens of millions of dollars (2000 Canadian dollars).^[9] Offshore New Brunswick, 12-m (39 ft) waves with swells of 10 m (32.5 ft) were reported in the high seas.^[10] The lighthouse at Fish Fluke Point was wrecked and subsequently abandoned.^[11] The aftermath of this storm was worsened by a severe cold snap that followed the day after.

See also

★ Blizzard

★ Cyclogenesis

★ Extratropical cyclone

★ Flash flood

★ Lake effect snow

★ Nor'easter

★ Surface weather analysis

★ Tide

References

1. U. S. Weather Bureau. Daily Weather Maps: February 2-8, 1976. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
2. National Weather Service. Daily Weather Maps: January 26-February 1, 1976. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
3. National Weather Service. Daily Weather Maps: February 2-8, 1976. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
4. Oxford Networks. THURSDAY. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
5. Intellicast. February in the Northeast. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
6. The Weather Doctor. Lake-Effect Snow Climatology in the Great Lakes Region. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
7. National Weather Service Forecast Office, Burlington, Vermont. Daily Snowfall Records: Burlington. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
8. Con Desplanque and David J. Mossman. Storm Tides of the Fundy. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
9. Environment Canada. Significant tsunamis and storm surges of the 19th and 20th centuries. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
10. The Weather Doctor's Diary. Significant Weather Events: Canada. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
11. Grand Manan Island website. Grand Manan Trails Annual Newsletter #2 November 1994. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.