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Windstorms

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Windstorms

Campbell Hall, Wester Oregon University 

Campbell Hall, Western Oregon University campus heavy winds, Columbus Day Storm of 1962

The Pacific Northwest has experienced many violent windstorms: The Columbus Day Storm, November 1981 Windstorm, Inaugural Day Storm, and most recently the Windstorm of 1995. These storms have damaged homes, businesses, public utilities, and left thousands without power for several days.

Hurricanes striking the Pacific Coast are a rarity, but circumstances combined to create a near hurricane like the Columbus Day Storm in October 1962 that hit northern California, Oregon, and Washington. This storm is often referred to as hurricane Freida. Although this storm hit during the Pacific hurricane season, it was not a true hurricane (or typhoon as tropical hurricane's in the West Pacific are called).

 

Effects included more than 50 deaths, winds as high as 119 mph, and a peak recorded gust of an almost unbelievable 176 mph on Mount Hebo on the Oregon Coast (at that point the wind gauge failed).

The Inaugural Day Storm of 1993 caused widespread damage from Longview to Bellingham, Washington. The effects of this storm were significant:

  • Five fatalities were documented

  • 870,000 customers lost electrical power

  • 27 single family homes were destroyed, an additional 189 homes incurred major damages.

  • 31 mobile homes were destroyed; an additional 45 incurred major damage.

  • 4 apartment buildings were destroyed; an additional 15 incurred major damage.

  • 16 red cross shelters opened across Washington, housing more than 600 citizens and serving more than 3,200 meals.

The Windstorm of 1995 was forecast well in advance by the National Weather Service. This early warning gave state and local emergency management offices, utility companies, communities, governmental offices, schools, etc. time to prepare and brace for the winds that arrived. Because this pro-active approach was taken injury and property damage was minimized.

Windstorm Tips

The following are tips to take before and during a windstorm:

  • Assemble a disaster supply kit, be sure to include extra batteries and a battery powered radio.

  • Anchor outdoor objects such as garbage cans that can blow away.

  • If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual override.

  • Fill vehicles with gasoline in case local gas stations lose power.

  • Stay indoors, away from windows.

  • Do not drive in heavy winds.

  • If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop.

  • Turn off stove if you're cooking when the power goes out.

  • Stay away from downed power lines.

  • Use the phone for emergency calls only.

  • If the power goes out keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for two days.

  • Do not use charcoal indoors.

  • When using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns, or stoves inside the house, maintain ventilation to avoid a buildup of toxic fumes.

  • Don't plug auxiliary generators into the main house current. Use an extension cord for the appliances you want serviced.

If a windstorm is forecast in your area stay tuned to your NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio, or local radio or television station for weather reports and emergency information.