1.3
A look at the "Saxby Gale" of October 1869
Joseph M. Rao, Cablevision/News 12 Westchester, Yonkers, NY
Late in the year 1868, a prediction was issued concerning the likelihood of an "impending atmospheric disturbance." This prediction was obviously made without the use of any computers. Stephen Martin Saxby, who had a keen interest in meteorology sounded the initial warning, but it received short shrift in most circles until less than a week before the disturbance's predicted arrival. Then, another weather-minded individual, based in Nova Scotia, stumbled across the original prediction and took it upon himself to embellish it, causing great concern. When the anticipated storm arrived -- amazingly right on schedule -- it left in its wake considerable death and destruction. What made this a legendary storm in the annals of New England and the Canadian Maritimes was that it apparently was forecast nearly a year in advance! We will discuss the merits of the original outlook that was issued by Saxby and whether we can apply his methodology to today's forecasts.
Session 1, American Weather History
Tuesday, 25 June 2002, 9:50 AM-1:30 PM
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