The Great Storm of 1913 . Also Known As: “The White Hurricane”
Date and Duration • Start: November 7, 1913 • End: November 10, 1913 • Duration: 4 days
Location • Spanning the Great Lakes region, with the most significant impacts felt on Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
Overview
The Great Storm of 1913, commonly referred to as the “White Hurricane”, remains one of the deadliest and most devastating storms in Great Lakes history. The storm’s ferocity was unparalleled, featuring hurricane-force winds, blinding snow, and towering waves, which led to the sinking of multiple ships and the loss of over 250 lives.
This catastrophic weather event underscored the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in November, a month notorious for unpredictable weather and violent storms.
Meteorological Conditions
The storm was caused by a unique combination of weather phenomena:
1. Two Low-Pressure Systems: Converging weather systems created a powerful cyclonic event, intensifying winds and snow squalls.
2. Hurricane-Force Winds: Sustained winds reached up to 90 mph (145 km/h), with gusts even higher.
3. Wave Heights: Waves on Lake Huron reportedly reached 35 feet (10.7 meters).
4. Blizzard Conditions: Whiteout snowstorms and icy rain reduced visibility to near-zero, trapping ships and crew members in dangerous waters.
Impact on Shipping
The Great Lakes were bustling with activity in 1913, with vessels transporting coal, grain, iron ore, and other bulk cargoes. The storm struck without sufficient warning, catching many ships unprepared.
Casualties and Losses
• Ships Lost: 12 major freighters sank.
• Ships Damaged: Over 30 vessels suffered significant damage.
• Crew Fatalities: Over 250 lives were lost.
• Economic Loss: Estimated losses exceeded $5 million (equivalent to over $140 million today).
Notable Shipwrecks
1. Lake Huron:
• ARGUS: Foundered off Kincardine, Ontario, with all 24 crew members lost.
• James Carruthers: Sank with the loss of 22 crew members.
• Wexford: Located in 2000, it sank with all hands near Goderich, Ontario.
• John A. McGean: Foundered near Harbor Beach, Michigan.
2. Lake Erie:
• Charles S. Price: Sank upside down, becoming one of the most iconic images of the storm.
3. Lake Superior:
• Henry B. Smith: Disappeared during the storm, only rediscovered in 2013.
Aftermath
The devastation of the Great Storm of 1913 led to widespread reforms in Great Lakes shipping and weather forecasting:
1. Improved Weather Forecasting: The U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service) enhanced its systems for monitoring and predicting severe weather conditions.
2. Maritime Safety Regulations: Strengthened requirements for ship construction and crew training.
3. Seasonal Navigation Changes: Increased awareness of November’s dangers led to earlier closures of shipping lanes for the winter season.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
The Great Storm of 1913 is remembered as a defining moment in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. It is commemorated through:
• Shipwrecks: Many of the wrecks from the storm remain underwater monuments and are popular dive sites.
• Museums and Exhibits: Institutions like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point, Michigan, preserve artifacts and stories from the storm.
• Historical Accounts: Books, documentaries, and songs recount the tragic events of the storm.
Resources & Links
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Visit Website
• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Visit Website
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Visit Website
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections: Visit Website
Conclusion
The Great Storm of 1913 was a catastrophic event that profoundly shaped the history of the Great Lakes. Its devastating impact on shipping and human life served as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for continual advancements in maritime safety and weather forecasting.
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