Windstorms, the Hurricanes of the Pacific NW

Friday, October 24: Windstorms, the Hurricanes of the Pacific NW

from article published 10/24/08

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The week of October 19-25 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in the Pacific Northwest, including the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Large trees blown down, Western Washington, Columbus Day Storm, 1962.
The Pacific Northwest does not get hurricanes, but it does get hurricane force winds.

Across eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, Idaho and Montana:
Last January's powerful wind storm in Walla Walla, WA and Milton Freewater, OR is a recent and striking example. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph caused widespread damage. Hundreds of trees were downed, power lines were damaged, vehicles were blown off the road, and even houses were damaged during this event.

Across western Washington and western Oregon:
The best example 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 windstorms of the past: the Great Olympic Blow down of 1921, the November 13th/15th 1981 Twin Wind Storms, the Inauguration Day storm of 1993, and most recently the Great Coastal Gale of December 2007.

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. See RedESupply.com for premade emergency kits and gear to make your own.
5. Visit your local Emergency Management office for more information.

Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.


This article reprinted and edited with permission from:
Peggy Peirson, Emergency Services Coordinator
Benton County Emergency Management, Search & Rescue
180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 766-6864, 766-6052 - fax
http://www.blogger.com/www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems