December 12, 1875

The pressure gradient between a strong surface high pressure over Texas & a very strong surface low over northern Michigan of 980 mb (low-end Category 2 hurricane strength) brought howling northwest winds to the area with highs in the 30s.  Gusts of 50 mph occurred in the viewing area as the “gale” blew through.

December 13, 1901

After a long, hot, dry summer, record daily December rainfall record was broken at Rensselaer with 2.52”.  Marion measured 2.26” of rainfall, Crawfordsville had 2.35”, West Lafayette 2.18” & Whitestown 2.25”.  An Arctic blast rushed in behind the heavy rainfall with 1-2” of snow & massive temperature falls from 58 to -3 in 24 hours at West Lafayette, 57 to -2 at Whitestown, 56 to -1 at Marion, 57 to -5 at Crawfordsville & 54 to -2 at Kokomo.