Friday, October 26:
Windstorms, the Hurricanes of the Pacific NW

The Pacific Northwest does not get hurricanes, but it does get hurricane force winds.

Across eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, Idaho and Montana:
When strong winds are combined with snow or dry loose soils, blizzards or dust/sand storms can reduce visibility to near zero. On icy pavement, strong winds can literally blow vehicles off the road. When the winds are combined with very cold temperatures, life-threatening wind chill can produce frostbite within minutes. When traveling, be prepared, stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and road conditions, and always let someone know of your travel plans.

Across western Washington and western Oregon:
Last December's (2006) powerful wind storm is a recent and striking example. Wind speeds exceeding 90 mph caused widespread damage across Washington, Oregon, and Northern Idaho. Live, downed power lines were responsible for 2 deaths, while wind felled trees injured several more people, damaged houses, and blocked all routes across the coast range, and cascade mountains, in Northwestern Oregon.

The best example, by far, was the nation's strongest non-tropical windstorm ever---the Columbus Day storm of 1962. This storm produced hurricane force winds across western Oregon and Washington. Winds of 150 mph (category 4 hurricane force) winds rocked the coastal areas, killing 46 persons, injuring hundreds more and knocking out power for several million people. Damage was widespread, with buildings, schools and thousands of homes either destroyed or damage. Other notable windsstorms of the past: the Great Olympic Blowdown of 1921, the November 13th/15th 1981 Twin Wind Storms, and the Inauguration Day storm of 1993.

Rare Audio Files :
KGW AM 620 broadcasts during the Columbus Day storm in October 1962. Jack Capell, Wes Lynch and the entire KGW staff find they're the only radio station on the air to keep Portland informed about the storm. This broadcast, with scary music, originally aired one week after the storm.
(Radio restorer Tony Cerasin, provided the recording)
(Best to save these to your pc, then use your music/audio player to play them)
   KGW Radio 6-2-0 1962, Part ONE (14:58 min) [ part 1, alternate ]
   KGW Radio 6-2-0 1962, Part TWO (14:37 min) [ part 2, alternate ]

Are you ready for the next windstorm?
Windstorms bring down trees and power lines, and produce much blowing debris. Falling trees and blowing debris cause the most fatalities.

Be sure to have your 3-day emergency preparedness kit ready at home, school and/or at work. This kit should include water and non-perishable food for each person, and AM/FM battery-powered radio, along with flashlights and extra batteries. Be sure to include vital medications, sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothing.

In addition, inspect your home and grounds each year for nearby trees that may fall and damage your home. Ensure the trees are healthy and trimmed, and you home, school or business is structurally sound. It is also a good idea to bring lightweight items in out of the weather, or tie them down. During strong gusty winds, such items can become dangerous missiles. These precautions will help ensure that you are ready for the next big blow.

Additional Links of Interest...
1. Pacific NW Windstorm Brochure (.pdf)
2. Past Windstorms of Oregon, including Columbus Day Storm
3. Historic Windstorm Photographs (mostly NW Oregon/SW Washington)
4. Each local office may have photographs online (see office links below)