The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to big winter storms They usually are large scale system that form over the North Pacific between October and March accompanied by high winds and heavy precipitation. On this date in 1962, the first of a series of three storms was winding down and a second, more powerful storm was beginning to pound the Pacific Northwest.
Known as the “Columbus Day Big Blow,” the series of storms would be one of Oregon’s worst weather disasters. It stands as the strongest non-tropical storm ever to strike the lower 48 states. The first storm was rather weak and caused few problems. The second storm was formed from the remnants of Typhoon Freda. The low pressure system began intensifying rapidly as it moved up the coast from California. It was at its peal as it neared the Oregon coast on the afternoon of the 12th (Columbus Day), with a central pressure of 28.42 inches, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.
Winds of 140 mph were reported in Naselle, WA. Winds gusted to 131 mph at Mt. Nebo, OR and 116 mph on the Morrison Street Bridge in Portland, OR. More timber was blown down in this event than in any other windstorm in history, with over 11 billion board feet toppled. The effect of the wind was made worse because deciduous trees were still in leaf.
Forty eight people were killed, including thirty eight Oregonians. Over 55,000 homes were damaged in Oregon alone. Damage totaled over $225 million in damage. $200 million in damage in Oregon. A third storm followed on the 13th, but most of the damage had already been done. Waterways were clogged for months with fallen timber caused flooding.
