NCAR --> SERE --> ISSE --> CCB --> Superstorm '93

Welcome to Superstorm '93

News Update (June 2006):
"Seasons of Superstorms" presented at AMS Annual Meeting in January 2006 is now available on the Background page.
Two research reports by Liam Cavanaugh were added in January 2005.

Extratropical cyclone "Superstorm" 13 March 1993

On March 12-15, 1993, a major winter storm affected 26 US states, Cuba and eastern Canada, causing high winds, severe weather, storm surges, heavy rain, record snowfalls, and record low temperatures. According to NOAA's National Disasters Survey Report on the storm:

The Superstorm of March 12-14, 1993 was among the greatest nontropical weather events to affect the Nation in modern times. Blizzard conditions were prevalent to the north and west of the storm center, while high winds, coastal flooding, and severe convective weather occurred to the south and east. Record cold temperatures followed the storm in all regions. Newspaper accounts suggested as many as 270 deaths attributed to the storm. ... The Superstorm adversely impacted over 100 million citizens durings its lifetime and severel crippled econmic activities in the eastern one-third of the U.S. ... For example, about 25% of scheduled airline flights were canceled nationwide on Saturday and Sunday. [March 13 and 14] (Natural Disasters Survey Report, 1994: Superstorm of March 12-14 1993. Birmingham, AL: NWS US Dept of Commerce)

In some areas of the eastern US, roads were impassable for several days; the storm also caused numerous power outages and over $2 billion of property damage in the US. In Cuba, winds, rain, and hail associated with the storm caused 10 fatalities and over $1 billion (1994 $US) in economic losses. In Canada, record winds were recorded, and waves over 30 m sank a ship off the coast of Nova Scotia on March 15, killing all 33 aboard.

Several operational numerical weather prediction models and medium-range forecasters at the US National Meteorological Center recognized the threat of a significant snowstorm on March 13-14 by March 8 and, by some accounts, even earlier. However, both models and forecasters failed to predict the extent of the rapid deepening of the storm over the Gulf of Mexico, and they had difficulty capturing mesoscale aspects of the storm.

Using Superstorm'93 as a case to focus research, this project will explore the potential for improving different types of forecasts of Superstorm'93 and similar winter storms, as well as the potential use of such improvements by society. In addition, output from this study could improve societal preparation for the impacts of global warming.

Although focusing the work around a single case will help the project accomplish its goals, other parts of the study will focus on other superstorms (Supercyclone Orissa 1999; Supertyphoon Maemi 2003). In addition, the project approaches Superstorm '93 not simply as a single case, but representative of a class of events. Thus, many of the results will be relevant not only to Superstorm '93, but also to an improved understanding of past and future storms.

The project is a unique and exploratory effort to integrate meteorological and societal impacts knowledge, research, and research applications, focusing on an event that had not only major impacts in the eastern US and nearby countries, but has also been widely studied in the meteorological community.

Furthermore, the project will increase understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and constraints of weather forecasts and of the links between weather forecasts and the effects of weather events on society.