When people hear the term "arctic freeze" they often picture something prehistoric. However, in 1899, there was a freeze that swept across the entire country, affecting pretty much all of the United States. The Great Blizzard of 1899, also known as the Great Arctic Outbreak of 1899 was exceptionally severe for the east coast, including the state of Georgia. Some of the coldest temperatures and highest snowfalls recorded in state history happened during this storm, often in places where you would least expect it.
The Great Arctic Outbreak of 1899 was one for the ages. Truly. People still talk about this historic weather event that took place over 120 years ago.
A cold wave took the United States by storm, no pun intended, and each state was affected in some way or another.
For the first two weeks of February 1899, the temperatures took a nosedive, with the western part of the country feeling the bitter cold the worst at first.
For instance, Portland, Oregon dropped to 9 degrees, while Boise, Idaho dropped to -9 degrees.
Eventually, the weather made its way across the state, bringing with it snow and ice, creating unsavory blizzard conditions.
Georgia was affected so badly that it took years to recover, as crops and livestock perished from the conditions. The record low temperature in Georgia fell to below 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
Orchards and young trees were killed right then and there, with many farmers needing to completely replant the following season.
Over 100 people were said to have lost their lives during the Great Arctic Outbreak, with numerous buildings and infrastructure damaged, too.
Did you hear about the Great Arctic Outbreak of 1899? Share with us your thoughts about this weather phenomenon in the comments section! Also, don’t worry, the winter weather predictions for Georgia this year aren’t anything like what happened in 1899.
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