April 2007 nor'easter explained

Spring Nor'easter of 2007
Image Location:Nor'easter 2007-04-16 1445Z.png
Image Name:Satellite imagery of the nor'easter impacting the Northeastern United States on April 16
Stormtype:Extratropical cyclone
Nor'easter
Tornado outbreak
Date Formed:April 13, 2007
Date Dissipated:April 17, 2007
Rsi:1.167
Maximum Amount:23.0 inches (58.42 centimeters)
Lowest Pressure:969[1]
Tornadoes:36
Fujitascale:EF3
Enhanced:yes
Total Damages (Usd):$264 million (2007 USD)
Total Fatalities:At least 18 (2 tornadic)
Areas Affected:East Coast of the United States, Eastern Canada
Partof:the Winter storms of 2006–07 and the Tornadoes of 2007

The April or Spring nor'easter of 2007 was a nor'easter that affected mainly the eastern parts of North America during its four-day course, from April 14 to April 17, 2007. The combined effects of high winds, heavy rainfall, and high tides led to flooding, storm damages, power outages, and evacuations, and disrupted traffic and commerce. In the north, heavy wet snow caused the loss of power for several thousands of homes in Ontario and Quebec. The storm caused at least 18 fatalities.

Meteorological history

The storm that would become the April 2007 nor'easter started out in the Southwestern United States, as an upper-level disturbance in the jet stream, on April 13.[1] It brought high wind and fire danger to California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. The storm then moved out into the southern Plains States, bringing heavy snow to Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, with hail, wind, and tornadoes, affected parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. The storm then moved across the Mid-Atlantic States, and into the Atlantic Ocean, following the East Coast. The storm then rapidly intensified into a major nor'easter, with the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The storm stalled just offshore from New York City and continued to strengthen. The lowest barometric pressure recorded was 968 millibars (28.58 in Hg), equivalent to that of a moderate Category 2 hurricane.[1]

Impact

The National Weather Service reported 7.57 inches (192 mm) of rain in Central Park by midnight of April 15, the second heaviest rainfall in 24 hours on record, and indicated that this storm caused the worst flooding since Hurricane Floyd in 1999.[2] Major airports in the New York area resumed flights on April 16, after having had to cancel over 500 flights before. Local rail and transit lines reported delays and cancellations affecting the MTA, NJ Transit, LIRR, and Metro-North Railroad. Power failures affected several thousand people.[2]

On April 16, 2007, the storm caused sustained winds of nearly 100 mph (87 knots) on, and near New Hampshire's Mount Washington, with gusts topping out at 156 mph (136 knots).[3]

While areas closer to the shore received heavy rainfall, higher regions inland received unseasonal snow.[4] Several towns suffered from flooding including Mamaroneck in New York, and Bound Brook and Manville in New Jersey, while coastal towns had to deal with damage from high tides. Most major highways in Westchester County, New York were closed on April 15 and April 16 due to extreme flooding. In Quebec, several regions including the Laurentides and Charlevoix regions received in excess of 6 inches (15 cm) of snow with areas exceeding well above 1 foot (30 cm) of snow. In the city of Ottawa, 17 cm (5 in) of heavy wet snow fell in just a few hours causing power lines and trees to fall down causing scattered blackouts in several parts of the city.[5] Similar damage was reported in the higher elevations north of Montreal and Ottawa.

In total, more than 175,000 homes in Canada suffered a power outage, including 160,000 Hydro-Québec customers mainly in areas from Gatineau towards Quebec City including Montreal, Lanaudière and the Laurentians with an additional 15,000 Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa customers.[6] In the US over a quarter million homes lost power with New York and Pennsylvania being the hardest hit states due to the strong winds.

Governor Eliot Spitzer of New York activated 3,200 members of the National Guard on alert. Richard Codey, acting governor of New Jersey, declared a state of emergency.[7]

The storm was blamed for several fatalities, including one person in a tornado in South Carolina, two people in storm-related traffic accidents in New York and Connecticut,[8] two people in West Virginia, three people in New Jersey,[9] and prior to its arrival in the East, five deaths in Kansas and Texas.[2] In Quebec, an accident between a van and a tractor trailer killed five occupants of the van in a highway north of Montreal.[10] Numerous other accidents were reported by OPP and the Sûreté du Québec during the storm.

The Boston Marathon took place in what many considered to be the worst weather in its 110-year history. Race officials held serious talks about whether or not to cancel the race.[11] The men's race had the slowest winning time in thirty years (1977). In the women's race, "[t]he rainy and windy conditions led to the slowest winning time since 1985".[12]

High winds during the storm prevented emergency medical services from using helicopters for evacuation of the injured at the Virginia Tech massacre.[13]

The Internal Revenue Service delayed by two days the deadline for tax filing for victims of the nor'easter.[14]

While filing for federal disaster relief, acting governor Codey of New Jersey indicated that the storm caused $180 million in property damage in New Jersey, making it the second-worst rain storm in its history, after Hurricane Floyd.[9] In addition, New Hampshire received $30.5 million in aid following the storm, the most aid received for any storm in state history.[15]

Confirmed tornadoes

April 13 event

EF#! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"
LocationCounty / ParishStateStart Coord.Time (UTC)Path lengthMax widthSummary
bgcolor=# EF0NE of RuleHaskellTX18:45–18:500.9abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onBrief tornado crossed Highway 6 and caused no damage.[16]
bgcolor=# EF0S of SeymourBaylorTX19:38–19:486abbr=onNaNabbr=on880abbr=onNaNabbr=onThis large wedge tornado remained over open country, though it was likely capable of causing major damage.[17]
bgcolor=# EF0BenbrookTarrantTX22:55–22:571.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onA tornado damaged fences, trees, and street signs. The façade of a business was also slightly damaged.[18]
bgcolor=# EF1Northern Fort Worth to Haltom CityTarrantTX23:09–23:156abbr=onNaNabbr=on125abbr=onNaNabbr=on1 death - Substantial roof damage was done to a grocery store, several homes, and a church. Another church suffered steeple damage, and commercial buildings were also damaged, including one that sustained total collapse of an east-facing wall. Tractor-trailers were damaged or destroyed, and numerous trees and power lines were downed as well. Damage was $1 million.[19]
bgcolor=# EF0Eastern DallasDallasTX00:00–00:021abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onSeveral trees, tree limbs, and fences were downed in a residential area, and apartment buildings sustained roof damage.[20]
bgcolor=# EF0S of Royse CityRockwall, HuntTX00:45–00:471.95abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onTwo barns were destroyed and fences were downed.[21]
bgcolor=# EF0SW of GreenvilleHuntTX00:53–00:540.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onBrief tornado caused damage to trees.[22]

April 14 event

EF#! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"
LocationCounty / ParishStateStart Coord.Time (UTC)Path lengthMax widthSummary
bgcolor=# EF0PineburMarionMS15:10–15:110.3abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onTrees were snapped and large limbs were blown down.[23]
bgcolor=# EF0ESE of Oak BoweryJonesMS15:35–15:360.27abbr=onNaNabbr=on25abbr=onNaNabbr=onBrief tornado remained in rural areas with no damage.[24]
bgcolor=# EF1SE of PetalForrestMS1641–16420.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onOne home had significant damage with the carport being destroyed and other damage to sidings, roof and windows. Trees were snapped or uprooted and a power pole also snapped.[25]
bgcolor=# EF1S of VredenburghMonroeAL18:33–18:361.06abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onFollowing a large microburst, a tornado damaged two churches and an old home had its roof blown off and was pushed off its foundation. Trees were downed in a convergent pattern.[26]
bgcolor=# EF0NW of SavilleCrenshawAL21:00–21:020.54abbr=onNaNabbr=on40abbr=onNaNabbr=onA rope tornado damaged the tin roofs of three buildings on a poultry farm. A church had shingles taken off and a tree fell onto the roof.[27]
bgcolor=# EF1NNW of CastleberryConecuhAL22:12–22:140.25abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onOne residence was damaged and trees were blown down.[28]
bgcolor=# EF1W of TanyardPike, BullockAL23:11–23:153.2abbr=onNaNabbr=on100abbr=onNaNabbr=onOne barn was destroyed and several homes had minor roof damage. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted as well.[29]
bgcolor=# EF1Northern OzarkDaleAL00:05–00:125.83abbr=onNaNabbr=on150abbr=onNaNabbr=onA carport, two sheds, a barn and a greenhouse were destroyed. A residential gable collapsed, and several homes sustained moderate damage in the community of Post Oak. Trees were downed as well, including one that landed on a house.[30]
bgcolor=# EF0N of MorganCalhounGA01:45–01:470.83abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onOne structure was damaged and numerous trees were knocked down.[31]
bgcolor=# EF1NW of LeesburgLeeGA02:30–02:332.47abbr=onNaNabbr=on100abbr=onNaNabbr=onFifteen structures were damaged, including a mobile home and a frame home being destroyed. Numerous trees and power lines were downed as well.[32]

April 15 event

EF#! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"
LocationCounty / ParishStateStart Coord.Time (UTC)Path lengthMax widthSummary
bgcolor=# EF1EastmanDodgeGA05:23–05:284.48abbr=onNaNabbr=on100abbr=onNaNabbr=onA greenhouse, an announcers booth at a football field and two mobile homes were destroyed. Several retain buildings sustained minor damage as well. One home was destroyed by a fallen tree, injuring both occupants. Numerous trees and power lines were downed, some of which landed on homes and caused damage.[33]
bgcolor=# EF2NE of Rentz to S of DublinLaurensGA05:45–05:546.03abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onTwo mobile homes and a greenhouse were destroyed. The carport of a site-built home was removed as well as a portion of the roof. Several other mobile homes and site-built homes sustained minor damage from wind and fallen trees. 3 people were injured.[34]
bgcolor=# EF0NE of Cedar GroveLaurensGA05:50–05:585.92abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onOutbuildings were damaged and numerous trees were downed.[35]
bgcolor=# EF1SE of Orland to NW of Norristown JunctionTreutlen, Emanuel, JohnsonGA06:04–06:1811.53abbr=onNaNabbr=on440abbr=onNaNabbr=onOne mobile home was rolled over and a utility building lost portions of its roof. About a dozen homes in Adrian were damaged. Two homes at a campground were also damaged due to fallen trees. In Orianna, two homes were heavily damaged and outbuildings were destroyed. A mobile home was also destroyed in Emanuel County near the end of the path.[36] [37] [38] [39]
bgcolor=# EF1SE of Dublin to NNW of MeeksLaurens, JohnsonGA06:05–06:2419.03abbr=onNaNabbr=on100abbr=onNaNabbr=onOutbuildings were destroyed and numerous trees and power lines were downed. Several homes and a church sustained minor damage, and a family life center was shifted off of its foundation.[40] [41]
bgcolor=# EF2E of Twin City to SSW of GarfieldEmanuelGA06:56–07:015.39abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onTwo homes lost a significant portion of their roofs and outer walls. A mobile home was also damaged and some nearby outbuildings were destroyed.[42]
bgcolor=# EF1NNE of Oakfield to NE of ArabiWorth, CrispGA07:23–07:3914.56abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onA home and several silos were damaged while trees and power lines were downed. A mobile home was also pushed off its foundation while a car was thrown into a guard rail on Interstate 75.[43] [44]
bgcolor=# EF2Southern EastmanDodgeGA08:25–08:303.64abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onTwo mobile homes, a barn and a garage were destroyed while several homes sustained minor to heavy damage.[45]
bgcolor=# EF2NW of BaxterBakerFL11:15–?1.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on300abbr=onNaNabbr=onA house sustained minor damage and an outbuilding was destroyed. Widespread tree damage occurred as well.[46]
bgcolor=# EF0NW of Ehrhardt to SE of BambergBambergSC11:47–11:587.6abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onDamage to trees and power lines occurred.[47]
bgcolor=# EF0E of EhrhardtBambergSC12:11–12:174.16abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onDamage was limited to trees.[48]
bgcolor=# EF3NW of Pinewood to NW of MayesvilleSumterSC12:20–12:4119.04abbr=onNaNabbr=on300abbr=onNaNabbr=on1 death – Seven mobile homes were destroyed, nine frame homes were severely damaged while 62 mobile and frame homes were damaged at varying degrees. 5 other people were injured.[49]
bgcolor=# EF1E of St. CharlesLeeSC12:50–12:543.64abbr=onNaNabbr=on200abbr=onNaNabbr=onTornado downed numerous trees, a few powerlines, and did minor damage to a church and a mobile home.[50]
bgcolor=# EF0SE of Rowesville to N of BowmanOrangeburgSC13:37–13:456.21abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onDamage to trees and power lines occurred.[51]
bgcolor=# EF1S of IslandtonColletonSC13:38–13:391abbr=onNaNabbr=on60abbr=onNaNabbr=onHundreds of trees and power lines were downed, and a large barn was destroyed with debris scattered up to a half-mile away. A house sustained window, brick veneer, and siding damage. A large 8000lb horse trailer was lifted up and carried 500abbr=onNaNabbr=on, and an 800-pound grain wagon was lifted and carried 400abbr=onNaNabbr=on. A bass boat was flipped over and a 4-wheeler was damaged along with other farm equipment. A tree also fell on a mobile home as well.[52]
bgcolor=# EF1SE of IslandtonColletonSC13:41–13:420.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on30abbr=onNaNabbr=onTornado carried two empty grain silos about 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on, snapped off or uprooted dozens of trees, destroyed a large portion of an outbuilding, and severely injured a dog.[53]
bgcolor=# EF1SW of RuffinColletonSC13:44–13:482abbr=onNaNabbr=on80abbr=onNaNabbr=onTornado overturned 3 mobile homes and shifted another 7 mobile homes off of their foundations. It tore the skirting away from another mobile home, destroyed a storage shed, and snapped off or uprooted dozens of trees. A couple of trees fell on a house. A vehicle and an outbuilding were also damaged. 9 people were injured.[54]
bgcolor=# EF1NW of Summer HavenSt. JohnsFL14:100.2abbr=onNaNabbr=on50abbr=onNaNabbr=onBoat house roofs were blown off, and trees were snapped. Buildings had windows blown out and pieces of lumber embedded into them. Signs were bent over at 45-degree angles.[55]
bgcolor=# EF0DundeePolkFL16:00–16:032abbr=onNaNabbr=on300abbr=onNaNabbr=onSeveral manufactured homes were damaged to various degrees, and some were left uninhabitable.[56]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NWC. Spring 2007 Nor'easter. 2007. NOAA. 2008-01-21.
  2. News: East Coast Storm Breaks Rainfall Records. Robert McFadden . The New York Times. 2007-04-16 . 2007-04-26.
  3. http://www.mountwashington.org/news/release.php?id=17 Patriot's Day Storm Packs a 156-mph Punch.
  4. http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070417/OPINION01/70416007/1018/OPINION A spring to remember
  5. http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=46334f84-3568-4ec3-bd79-fd1832fea92b&k=65206 Heavy snow brings cancellations, frustration.
  6. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/04/16/spring-storm-mon.html More than 100,000 without power as storm hits Ontario, Quebec.
  7. Web site: Storm brings evacuations, road closings in New Jersey . Home News Tribune . Associated Press . 2007-04-16 . 2007-04-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001058/http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070416%2FNEWS%2F70416009 . 2007-09-27 .
  8. Web site: 3 Deaths blamed on East Coast Storm . abcnews.go.com . Karen Matthews . 2007-04-16 . 2007-04-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070606134416/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3044325 . 6 June 2007 . dead .
  9. News: Storm damage pegged at $180M . Lorin, Janet Frankston (AP writer). Home News Tribune . 2007-04-26.
  10. https://archive.today/20120709213553/http://lcn.canoe.com/infos/faitsdivers/archives/2007/04/20070417-082752.html Le tragique accident a fait cinq victimes.
  11. News: The Marathon They Almost Canceled . The Boston Globe . Jon . Marcus . April 13, 2008.
  12. http://www.bostonmarathon.org/2007/cf/Public/Commentary.htm 111th Boston Marathon Race Day Commentary.
  13. News: Holley, Joe . Students Recount Shootings . . 2007-04-16 . 2007-05-02.
  14. IRS Gives April 16 Storm Victims Additional 48 Hours to File Income Tax Returns . . 2007-04-16 . 2007-04-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070419222755/https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0%2C%2Cid%3D169523%2C00.html . 19 April 2007 . live .
  15. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2017-09-06/new-hampshires-most-costly-natural-disasters New Hampshire's Most Costly Natural Disasters
  16. National Weather Service in San Angelo, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  17. National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  18. National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  19. National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  20. National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  21. National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  22. National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  23. National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  24. National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  25. National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  26. National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama. Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  27. National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama. Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  28. National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama. Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  29. National Weather Service in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  30. National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida. Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  31. National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida. Georgia Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  32. National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  33. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  34. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF2 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  35. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  36. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  37. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  38. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  39. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  40. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  41. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  42. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF2 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  43. National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  44. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  45. National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia. Georgia Event Report: EF2 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  46. National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida. Florida Event Report: EF2 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  47. National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  48. National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 30, 2024.
  49. National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF3 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  50. National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  51. National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  52. National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  53. National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  54. National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  55. National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida. Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.
  56. National Weather Service in Tampa, Florida. Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2007. March 31, 2024.