The flurries in Halifax today are minor compared to the catastrophic snowstorm that struck the city 108 years ago, following the devastating Halifax Explosion, which dumped around 40 cm of snow on an already damaged landscape. This tragic event unfolded on December 6, 1917, when the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in Halifax Harbour, leading to one of the largest man-made explosions in history.
At that time, meteorological science relied solely on ground observations, as satellites were non-existent. Consequently, when a low-pressure system moved northward from the Gulf of Mexico, it created the ideal conditions for a nor’easter; however, no one anticipated this development. Historian Blair Beed highlighted the impact of the weather on the tragedy, citing that many who could have survived eventually froze to death in the frigid conditions that followed the explosion.
Interestingly, the explosion itself occurred under relatively calm conditions, with temperatures hovering around 4°C that morning. The explosion's immediate aftermath saw over 1,000 individuals killed instantly, but the death toll continued to rise as the injured succumbed to their wounds in the following weeks and months. Beed pointed out that obituaries have been found even five years later, with mentions of deaths resulting from injuries sustained during the explosion.
The explosion devastated approximately a 1.6 km radius, obliterating homes and businesses within Halifax. Survivors faced long-term injuries, with many left bedridden and haunted by memories of that tragic day. The community came together in response, providing shelter in church halls, theaters, and other buildings, which eventually led to the development of the Hydrostone neighborhood to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
Local heroes emerged in the face of this catastrophe, including a citizen who ran along the train tracks to alert the Governor of Massachusetts, resulting in immediate aid being dispatched to Halifax. In gratitude for this support, Nova Scotia gifts a Christmas tree to Boston every year, which is prominently displayed in the Boston Commons. Other notable figures include Vince Coleman, a train dispatcher who prevented an overnight passenger train from entering Halifax on the morning of the explosion, and Dr. Clement Ligoure, who selflessly treated victims without charge at his clinic.
To honor the sacrifices made by Coleman and Ligoure, a special light show will take place on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event is part of the “Delightful Downtown” initiative that features light displays across Grafton Park throughout the winter, showcasing the community’s resilience and remembrance of its past.
As Halifax navigates modern weather predictions and contemporary challenges, the memory of the 1917 explosion remains a poignant reminder of the city’s history and the strength of its community in overcoming adversity.
