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

Typhoon Tip Achieves Record Intensity

October 12th, 1979 45 years ago

Typhoon Tip, the most powerful tropical cyclone ever recorded, reached peak intensity in October 1979 while traversing the Western Pacific. With sustained wind speeds exceeding 190 mph (305 km/h) and a massive diameter, it affected numerous regions, causing widespread impacts, including heavy rainfall and severe flooding. The unique meteorological conditions contributed to its formation and rapid intensification, making it a significant case study for meteorologists and climatologists alike.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314 Crash

February 11th, 1978 47 years ago

Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314 crashed while approaching Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport, resulting in a tragic loss of 42 lives and seven survivors. The incident occurred due to poor weather and low visibility conditions at the airport, which contributed to the aircraft's difficulties during landing. The flight had originated from Calgary and was carrying both passengers and crew members. This catastrophic event garnered significant attention and raised concerns regarding aviation safety standards at the time.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air Indiana Flight 216 crashes near Evansville

December 13th, 1977 47 years ago

Air Indiana Flight 216 crashed while approaching Evansville Regional Airport, resulting in the deaths of 29 individuals, including members of the University of Evansville basketball team, their support staff, and boosters. The turbulent weather conditions contributed to the tragedy, rendering the flight unable to land safely. This incident marked a significant loss for the local community, as many victims were beloved figures associated with the university.

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Natural Disasters

F5 Tornado Strikes Brownwood, Texas

April 19th, 1976 48 years ago

An F5 tornado tore through Brownwood, Texas, injuring 11 individuals. Remarkably, two people were thrown at least 1,000 yards by the tornado but emerged unscathed. The storm caused widespread damage, leaving a significant mark on the local community and showcased the deadly power of tornadoes in the area.

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Natural Disasters

Cyclone Tracy Strikes Darwin with Fury

December 24th, 1974 50 years ago

Cyclone Tracy was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck Darwin, causing widespread destruction. On Christmas Eve, the cyclone reached its peak intensity, with winds exceeding 200 km/h. The storm decimated buildings, uprooted trees, and severely impacted the population, many of whom were left homeless. The destruction prompted a significant humanitarian response, with evacuees requiring immediate assistance. This devastating event is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Martinair Flight 138's Fatal Crash in Sri Lanka

December 4th, 1974 50 years ago

Martinair Flight 138, a chartered flight from Amsterdam to Male, crashed into the Saptha Kanya mountain range in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka, killing all 191 people on board. The McDonnell Douglas DC-8 was descending for landing when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to a loss of control. Mistakes in navigation and communication with air traffic control contributed to the tragedy, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Sri Lankan history.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating 1974 Super Outbreak Strikes Midwestern USA

April 3rd, 1974 50 years ago

A significant tornado outbreak occurred, impacting several states across the Midwest and South, resulting in significant destruction. The outbreak stretched from the southeastern United States to Indiana, with 148 confirmed tornadoes occurring in a 24-hour period. The death toll reached 315, and nearly 5,500 people were injured. Many towns and cities faced extensive property damage, particularly in areas like Xenia, Ohio, where entire neighborhoods were devastated.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight H-75 crashes in Mukachevo

January 6th, 1974 51 years ago

Aeroflot Flight H-75 tragically crashed near Mukachevo, Ukraine, killing 24 people. The aircraft was on a domestic flight from Lviv when it encountered severe weather. The crash site was remote, complicating rescue efforts and recovery. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling before descending rapidly, highlighting the challenges faced by pilots in adverse conditions.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Sterling Airways Flight 296 crashes near Kalba

March 14th, 1972 53 years ago

Sterling Airways Flight 296, a chartered Boeing 727, tragically crashed into the mountains near Kalba while on approach to Dubai International Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 112 individuals aboard, including passengers and crew. Investigations revealed that the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions, including low visibility and turbulence, contributing to the accident as the flight attempted to navigate difficult terrain.

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