The 1963-1964 Southern United States Winter Storm
Between December 31, 1963, and January 1, 1964, a powerful winter storm swept across the Southern United States, bringing historic snowfall to regions unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather. The event was characterized by a deep surface low-pressure system that tracked from the Gulf of Mexico northward, leaving a trail of record-breaking snow and significant disruption in its wake.
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Key Facts
- Duration: December 30, 1963, to January 4, 1964.
- Maximum Snowfall: 17.1 inches (43 cm) recorded in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Lowest Pressure: 970 mbar (hPa).
- Human Impact: 3 fatalities due to traffic accidents.
- Financial Loss: Approximately $700,000 (1963 USD).
- Regional Snowfall Index: 4.09 (NOAA).
Meteorological History and Synoptic Development
The storm's origins began with a shortwave—a small-scale disturbance in the upper-level atmospheric flow—within the southern stream of the Westerlies. As this disturbance approached the Gulf of Mexico coastline, it closed off, facilitating the formation of a surface cyclone (a low-pressure system) over the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
As the cyclone deepened and moved north-northeast across the eastern Gulf, it encountered a mass of cold air already residing over the Deep South. When the system tracked across northern Florida, it produced heavy snowfall within its comma head—the region of a cyclone where the most intense precipitation typically occurs. This band of snow stretched from the mouth of the Mississippi River, through Mississippi and Alabama, and into Tennessee, persisting through January 1 before the system moved along the U.S. East Coast and into the North Atlantic.
Regional Impacts and Effects
Alabama and Mississippi
The storm had a profound impact on the heart of the Deep South. In Alabama, Huntsville recorded 17.1 inches (43 cm) of snow, establishing new records for daily, weekly, and monthly snowfall; it was the most severe storm the area had seen since 1899. In Mississippi, Meridian saw 15 inches (38 cm), while Bay St. Louis recorded 10.5 inches (27 cm). Notably, this event marked the snowiest day in the history of Biloxi, Mississippi.
The heavy accumulation caused widespread chaos, with many roads and highways remaining impassable for two to three days. In eastern Mississippi, snowfall exceeding one foot downed power lines and tree branches. Damage in this region totaled at least $550,000 (1963 USD).
Tennessee and Louisiana
Tennessee experienced significant accumulation in its central and eastern sections, with over 6 inches (15 cm) of snow. The highest recording in the state reached 16 inches in Lawrenceburg, located in south-central Tennessee. The weight of the snow caused telephone and power lines to collapse and sank several boats when the sheds covering them gave way. Damage in Tennessee exceeded $50,000.
In Southeast Louisiana, specifically east of the Mississippi River, snowfall ranged from 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm). New Orleans measured 4.5 inches (11 cm), with damages in the state totaling at least $50,000.
Other Areas
The system's reach extended further north, where Millersville, Pennsylvania, recorded 3 inches (7.6 cm) of snow on January 1.
Storm Summary Table
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Storm Category | Category 2 "Minor" winter storm |
| Lowest Pressure | 970 mbar (28.64 inHg) |
| Max Snowfall (Huntsville, AL) | 17.1 inches (43 cm) |
| Total Fatalities | 3 |
| Total Estimated Damage | $700,000 (1963 USD) |
| Primary Affected Areas | Central Gulf Coast, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 1963-1964 winter storm?
The storm was caused by a surface cyclone that formed in the Yucatán Peninsula and moved north-northeast across the Gulf of Mexico, interacting with cold air already present in the Deep South.
Which city recorded the highest snowfall?
Huntsville, Alabama, recorded the maximum snowfall of 17.1 inches (43 cm), setting daily, weekly, and monthly records.
How many people died during the storm?
Three people lost their lives, all as a result of traffic accidents related to the storm conditions.
What was the economic impact of the event?
The total damage was estimated at $700,000 in 1963 dollars, with the majority of the losses occurring in Alabama.
How did the storm affect Tennessee?
Central and eastern Tennessee saw over 6 inches of snow, with up to 16 inches in Lawrenceburg. The storm downed utility lines and caused structural collapses of boat sheds.