Online versions of the 1994 through 1997 issues are available on the NCDC's Web site. You can't expect to find everything you need on the World Wide Web. You might have to go to a research library, such as in a large city or at a university. Some good sources for information on particular weather events of the past include The Monthly Weather Review. Back issues of local newspapers can be a good source, but should be used with care.
Newspapers often do a very poor job of describing the meteorology of an event.
Where can I find information on heating degree days and cooling degree days. This will take you to a dialog box that enables you to select a state, then a weather station, and finally the weather station. Click here for information on the index and links to more information about it. Unlike the U.S. government, most foreign governments are not very forthcoming with free weather and climate data. This section is complicated, but has a lot of data.