From the beginning of 2012 and through out the year Mother Nature showed us just how difficult she could be. With unprecedented drought conditions out west. Numerous strong tornadoes that vanquish homes across the country. Massive flooding in areas not normally seen. Long sweltering heat waves that threaten life in many populated cities. An occasional unexpected snow falls and lets not forget a hurricane named Sandy. Mother Nature gave us a beating and threw a little of everything at us in 2012. Leaving many a farmer, resident and weather men shaking their heads. Weather wise, 2012 was historic, catastrophic, unprecedented and all together one of the most challenging we've seen as a country for many years.
In 2012, Mother Nature gave us historic weather events that many will not long forget. Here is a recap of what we endure this past year.
Drought
2011-2012 started as the fourth warmest and driest winter in history. Which lead into sever drought conditions by spring in the heartland. Lasting through much of the summer, its effects compared to the 'Dust Bowl' of thirties, the country experience hardships from lack of rain with disastrous results in the mid-west. Live stock, livelihoods and property were lost and many farmers will never be able to bounce back. The effects of 2012 drought will be felt for decades.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/03/26/us-winter-2011-2012-fourth-war...
http://www.weather.com/news/drought-disaster-new-data-20120715
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/07/17/how-droughts-...
Heat Wave
In June and July a massive heat wave cooked much of country with 100 plus temps and was compounded by power outages in surrounding areas of Atlanta, DC and New York lasting two weeks. In some cases longer due to sever storms that hit the eastern sections of the country. On June 24, a historic temp of 104 degrees baked DC. Heating up the city for a record over 94 degrees for two weeks. This event was unprecedented for the area. The extended heat wave made for a matter of life or death for the elderly, sick and very young. Without power many suffered. Many volunteers passed out water and cooling shelters were set up to help those who couldn't escape the sweltering heat.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/washington...
Tornadoes
February of 2012 would begin a seasonal outbreak of more then 69 tornadoes to hit over twelve states and taking forty lives. Six were killer and classified as EF-3 and 4 storms. With March seeing a outbreak of 45 tornadoes that hit 11 states, the likes have never been seen. Tearing through and displacing homes and lives for hundreds of miles. Billions were loss in property. Then a weird storm system would hit Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama with a series of tornadoes for Christmas.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/tornado-ou...
Snow
On February 23, NYC and may parts of the northeast experiences unexpected snow of 2 to 3 inches despite preceding warm temps in the fifties. Then the North East is hit with a rare snow storm on April 22. A foot or more was seen in parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York. November 3, days after Sandy a cold front hits the east sending a chill with snow right before Election Day. Thousands are without power now face the cold without heat. Right before Christmas a sever weather system that cause tornadoes in one area of the country then slams the north east causes blizzard like conditions during the Christmas holiday. The east faces record breaking snow that left six to ten inches in areas still reeling by Sandy. 2012 weather would prove to be extremely hard on the eastern half of the country. Declared a disaster area, Mother Nature just won't let up.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/11/04/storm-sandy-cold-relief-electio...
http://www.voanews.com/content/northeast-us-braces-for-blizzard-conditio...
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/23/us/northeast-weather/index.html
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/27/16186146-winter-storm-dumps-s...
Hurricanes
2012 would have to be the year for sever hurricanes. With above average outbreak, nineteen name storms total and unprecedented storm effects, 2012 hurricane season was one for the record books. With two named hurricanes starting before the season even began. Three were unusually huge in nature and classified as category 3. But it would be hurricane Sandy that will leave us shaking our heads. She was the largest storm ever and she hit many populated areas like NYC, Jersey Shore and running the length of the east coast from South Carolina to New England. She had major destructive power and she was unprecedented. Being historic in nature Sandy will go down as being a 'Frankinstorm' or the 'Storm of the Century'. She hit areas along the east coast that will take decades to recover. Before she is done Sandy will display an array of weather phenomena that will shock veteran weather forecasters. Millions were left without power for weeks and she crippled parts of NYC with flood waters like nothing in history before her. Mother Nature truly out did herself with the likes of Sandy.
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/11/hurricane-sandy-the-long-reco...
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2012/h2012_Isaac.html
http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/hurricane-season-12-shock...
As one can see 2012 was a year for the record books, weather wise. Mother Nature gave us a beating in 2012. With extreme drought conditions, and massive heat waves, numerous tornadoes, monstrous hurricanes, and even gave us some unexpected snow when she could. This year has been hard on all of us, especially the eastern half of our country and lets thank God 2012 is over.
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