Historical Events tagged with "weather"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

The Deadly 1972 Iran Blizzard Begins

February 3rd, 1972 53 years ago

Beginning on February 3, 1972, a severe blizzard struck Iran, lasting for seven days and resulting in at least 4,000 fatalities. The blizzard blanketed vast areas, particularly in northern Iran, with snow accumulation reaching up to six meters in certain regions. Snow drifts buried entire villages, isolating communities and making rescue efforts nearly impossible. The loss of life was exacerbated by power outages, insufficient supplies, and the harsh winter conditions. This blizzard was noted as the deadliest snowstorm in history, with lasting repercussions on the affected regions.

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Accidents & Tragedies

BEA Flight 706 Crash Near Aarsele, Belgium

October 2nd, 1971 53 years ago

British European Airways Flight 706, a Vickers VC10, crashed during its final approach to Brussels Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 63 individuals on board. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, specifically heavy rain and low visibility. The tragedy highlighted issues related to air safety and the challenges of navigating inclement weather. The flight was carrying both passengers and crew from London to Brussels.

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Natural Disasters

Hurricane Irene Transitions to Hurricane Olivia

September 20th, 1971 53 years ago

Hurricane Irene, which had weakened after making landfall in Nicaragua, regained strength over the Pacific Ocean and was renamed Hurricane Olivia. This event marked a unique meteorological phenomenon, as it became the first documented hurricane to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the dynamic nature of tropical cyclones.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aviogenex Flight 130 Crash in Rijeka

May 23rd, 1971 53 years ago

Aviogenex Flight 130, a Yugoslavian charter flight, crashed on approach to Rijeka Airport in Croatia, resulting in the deaths of seventy-eight people. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, was experiencing adverse weather conditions when it attempted to land. The crash involved passengers and crew, leading to a significant loss of life and raising concerns regarding aviation safety protocols in the region.

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Natural Disasters

Record Rainfall in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe

November 26th, 1970 54 years ago

In Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, an unprecedented deluge dropped 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) of rain within a mere minute. This extraordinary weather phenomenon shocked residents and meteorologists alike, marking it as the heaviest recorded rainfall in such a short span. The intense rainfall caused significant disturbances in the local community, demonstrating the area's vulnerability to extreme weather events.

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Accidents & Tragedies

LANSA Flight 502 Fatal Crash Post-Takeoff

August 9th, 1970 54 years ago

LANSA Flight 502 crashed shortly after takeoff from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru, killing 99 of the 100 passengers onboard along with two individuals on the ground. The crash occurred due to adverse weather conditions and an almost immediate loss of control of the aircraft. The tragic event highlights the importance of aviation safety and regulation in mountainous regions, where weather can pose significant challenges.

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Natural Disasters

Lubbock Tornado Results in Major Casualties

May 11th, 1970 54 years ago

A powerful tornado struck Lubbock, Texas, on May 11, 1970, leaving a significant impact on the city. The tornado, rated as an F5 on the Fujita scale, led to the loss of 26 lives and injured over 500 people, devastating homes and businesses. The storm's destructive path extended across a 30-mile radius, with most damage concentrated in Lubbock itself. Damages were estimated at around $250 million, prompting an enormous recovery effort and long-lasting changes in local infrastructure and emergency response strategies.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Olympic Airways Flight 954 crashes in Greece

December 8th, 1969 55 years ago

Olympic Airways Flight 954, a Douglas DC-6, crashed into a mountain outside Keratea, Greece, resulting in the loss of 90 lives. The aircraft, which had taken off from Athens, encountered severe weather conditions, leading to the tragic accident. The incident marked a significant point in aviation safety discussions, highlighting the need for better weather assessment and air traffic control measures.

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Accidents & Tragedies

LOT Polish Airlines Flight 165 Crash

April 2nd, 1969 56 years ago

LOT Polish Airlines Flight 165, a scheduled domestic flight from Warsaw to Kraków, crashed into the Polica mountain near Zawoja, Poland, resulting in the deaths of all 53 people on board. The incident occurred due to adverse weather conditions and pilot error, leading to the aircraft losing altitude and colliding with the mountainside. This crash remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Poland's history.

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