Cold Waves: The Cold Wave of 1976-1977
The winter of 1976-1977 brought cold weather and hardship to the Barren River Area. Most of December was uneventful, with only a hint of snow and nearly seasonable temperatures. As fall turned to winter, daily low temperatures began dropping into the teens with regularity, before dipping to 1°F on the last day of the year. Temperatures in January struggled to reach above freezing and hit 40°F only once in Bowling Green, compared to an average year during which the temperature reaches 40°F on 20 days of the month. The average temperature for January was 20°F, well below the normal of 33°F. Indeed, it remains the coldest January on record. Frequent snowstorms left the ground covered with up to six inches of snow from early January through the beginning of February. Finally, more seasonable weather returned, and residents of the Barren River Area enjoyed temperatures above 70°F before the end of the February. Disruptions to daily activities and the economy of the Barren River Area were reported in the Park City Daily News. As temperatures plummeted through much of January, Bowling Green Municipal Utilities averaged more than 100 calls a day from consumers complaining of low or no water pressure. Crews worked around the clock thawing water pipes and meters. Farmers, meanwhile, were faced with frozen water supplies and struggled to provide enough water and feed for livestock. Above normal snowfall coupled with the below normal temperatures made the task of keeping roads cleared for travel difficult. The problem was compounded by a shortage of road salt, as barges carrying the cargo were unable to navigate on the frozen Ohio River. Record demand for oil, gas, and other heating fuels sent energy prices higher. Western Kentucky Gas was forced to curtail service to industrial consumers in Bowling Green, Franklin, Glasgow, and Russellville in order to ensure enough gas for residential heating. Meanwhile, school children in the region enjoyed an extended vacation, particular in rural areas, as many districts remained closed for much of January. The financial impact of the cold wave was significant. The costs of salt, rental of snow removal equipment, salaries for additional workers, road repair estimates, and many other factors were estimated at more than $4 million. Damage to roads was the costliest factor followed by the cost of thawing water lines and meters. The impact on farmers was also significant. Butler County alone projected a loss of $1 million, largely associated with impacts on livestock. All in all, the costs associated with the winter weather were expected to be as much as ten times greater than normal.
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