The Historic January 1913 Atlantic Coast Storm: A Benchmark in US Weather History

The January 1913 Atlantic coast storm, a powerful extratropical cyclone, made a significant and memorable impact on the eastern seaboard of the United States on January 3, 1913. This formidable weather system was particularly notable for its destructive high winds and the exceptionally low barometric pressure readings it produced, setting a new benchmark for non-tropical storm intensity within the continental United States.

Understanding Extratropical Cyclones and Their Devastating Impact

Unlike tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes, extratropical cyclones form outside the tropics, typically in mid-latitudes, and derive their energy from temperature differences along frontal boundaries between air masses. The January 1913 storm exemplified the destructive potential of such systems. Its immense wind fields caused extensive damage across the eastern coast, likely affecting coastal infrastructure, disrupting shipping lanes, and leading to widespread property damage. While specific monetary damage figures from this historical event are not readily available, the classification of "heavy damage" suggests a significant and widespread disruption across affected regions.

The Unprecedented Low Pressure Record of 1913

The most historically significant characteristic of the January 1913 storm was the record-setting barometric pressure it generated. Barometric pressure is a fundamental measure of atmospheric pressure; a very low reading typically indicates an extremely intense storm system, which often correlates directly with higher wind speeds and a more powerful cyclonic circulation. This particular storm achieved an unparalleled atmospheric feat.

At Canton, New York, a town located in St. Lawrence County in the northern part of the state, a remarkably low barometric pressure of 955.0 millibars (mb), equivalent to 28.20 inches of mercury (inHg), was officially and reliably recorded. This reading definitively established a new verifiable record for the lowest barometric pressure ever measured for a non-tropical system within the Continental United States (CONUS).

Breaking Previous Records and Subsequent Comparisons

The 955.0 mb reading from Canton, NY, significantly superseded the prior record for a non-tropical system in CONUS. This earlier record had been held by the infamous January 1886 Blizzard, a severe winter storm known for its widespread impact across the East Coast, which had previously stood as the benchmark for low pressure in such systems.

The record set by the 1913 storm remained unchallenged as the outright lowest for several decades until it was precisely equaled. On March 7, 1932, an identical barometric pressure of 955.0 mb (28.20 inHg) was officially recorded at Block Island, Rhode Island, an island situated off the coast of Rhode Island, during another intense weather event. This dual record stands as a testament to the rarity and severity of these two storms.

While not surpassing or equaling the joint 1913/1932 record, the next lowest confirmed pressure reading for a non-tropical system in CONUS occurred much later. This was 955.2 mb (28.21 inHg), recorded on October 26, 2010, at Bigfork, Minnesota, during the expansive and powerful October 2010 North American storm complex. This 2010 storm, known for its widespread impact and strong winds across the central and eastern United States, further highlights the exceptional and enduring intensity of the 1913 and 1932 barometric pressure records.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1913 Atlantic Coast Storm Record

What was the most significant aspect of the January 1913 Atlantic coast storm?

The storm is primarily remembered for setting a new, unprecedented record for the lowest barometric pressure ever officially recorded for a non-tropical storm in the Continental United States, reaching a remarkable 955.0 millibars (28.20 inches of mercury).

Where was the record low pressure for the 1913 storm specifically recorded?

The unprecedented low pressure reading of 955.0 mb was accurately recorded in Canton, New York, a municipality situated in St. Lawrence County in the northern region of the state.

Did any other storm later match the 1913 storm's low pressure record?

Yes, the exact 955.0 mb record was precisely equaled on March 7, 1932, at Block Island, Rhode Island, during another distinct and intense weather phenomenon, solidifying its place as a shared record.

How does the 1913 storm's record compare to other strong extratropical cyclones in US history?

The 955.0 mb reading from 1913 (and 1932) remains the joint record holder for the lowest barometric pressure ever recorded for a non-tropical system in the Continental United States. The next closest confirmed record was a slightly higher 955.2 mb during the powerful October 2010 North American storm complex.

What defines an extratropical cyclone?

An extratropical cyclone is a type of low-pressure weather system that forms outside of tropical regions, typically in the mid-latitudes. Unlike tropical cyclones (like hurricanes which draw energy from warm ocean waters), extratropical cyclones derive their energy from the horizontal temperature differences between distinct air masses along frontal boundaries, leading to powerful winds and varied precipitation.