The Weather Network

October 12, 1962 - The Columbus Day "Big Blow"

Randi MannDigital Reporter
Published on Oct. 12, 2020, 10:03 AM

On October 12, 1982, the Pacific Northwest was hit with what is known as the most powerful extratropical cyclone in the U.S. in the 20th century.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Overcast

The Columbus Day Storm of 1962, nicknamed “the Big Blow," was actually the remnant of Typhoon Freda making landfall over the Pacific Northwest.

On October 12, the storm pummeled the West Coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest Coast of the United States.

The storm is known to be the most powerful extratropical cyclone recorded in the U.S. in the 20th century. With wind gusts of 160 km/h, there was extreme damage to coastal infrastructure like communication lines.

Due to the heavy rains and strong winds, a total of 46 storm-related fatalities were recorded. Learn more about this devastating storm on today's episode of "This Day In Weather History."

"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei.