Superstorm 1950

Westminster Village

Open to the Public – Reservations not required

In November 1950, the greatest storm of the twentieth century crippled the eastern United States, affecting more than 100 million people. Sometimes referred to as the Great Appalachian or Thanksgiving storm, this was no ordinary weather event. Its giant size and multiple record-setting hazards―including snow, ice, flooding, wind, and cold temperatures―were cataclysmic. This superstorm was the most costly weather-related disaster when it occurred. Only two other storms that affected the US mainland since then, both hurricanes, have exceeded its death toll. The weather records it established remain benchmarks of extreme weather to this day.  Program is offered by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center in association with Westminster Village.

Presenter: Dr. David Call is an Associate Professor of Meteorology and Geography at Ball State University. He teaches classes in meteorology and physical geography and conducts research on how society deals with hazardous winter weather. His research has been published in journals such as the “Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society” and “The Professional Geographer.” He is also the author of Superstorm 1950: The Greatest Simultaneous Blizzard, Ice Storm, Windstorm, and Cold Outbreak of the Twentieth Century. His book will be available for purchase for those interested.