From the desk of Sean Lanksbury. PNW & Special Collections Librarian

Many Pacific Northwesterners recall the Columbus Day Storm of October 12, 1962 with the same vivid memories as we remember the Mount St. Helens eruptions of May 1980.

For those who were witness to the storm, it remains a terrifying testament to the destructive force of nature.  The storm that began in the deep western Pacific as a typhoon named “Freda” was ignored at the time by many meteorologists and media forecasters, due to insufficient data and reporting, until reports of grim marine weather conditions rolled in the morning of the 12th.

The peak wind measurements remain untouched in this region.  Speeds reached 160 mph in Naselle by the evening and were equally high elsewhere on the coast and inland.  When it finally subsided the toll was staggering.  This force of natural power claimed 46 lives and left millions without power across the region, from Ukiah, CA to Victoria, B.C.

The State Library commemorates the 50th Anniversary of this somber event by encouraging readers to learn more about Pacific Northwest Weather History and Forecasting with a newly created list of selected resources in the collection.  The library also has numerous state and federal resources on disaster preparedness and emergency response available for public use.  Please feel free to use the Ask-A-Librarian service for more information.

Note: for more images of the devastation, check out images housed at the State Archives, featured on From Our Corner, the Office of the Secretary of State blog. 

Winter weather is on its way. Or so says the National Weather Service:

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Seattle WA
3:58 pm PST Sun Nov 14 2010

A change to much colder conditions is possible Friday into next weekend…

Cold air is expected to develop over western Canada during the upcoming week. There are strong indications that changes in the wind flow aloft toward the end of the week will allow some of this colder air over western Canada to filter into western Washington Friday or Saturday.

Weather guidance also suggests that there is a risk of snow…or mixed rain and snow showers over portions of the area Friday or Saturday. The highest risk will be where the air is colder…over the north interior.

While weather guidance has been consistent in showing a change to a colder weather pattern…they have been uneven in showing how cold it will get and how much…if any…snow will fall.

Now would be a good time to think about how you could prepare for the first possibility of winter weather conditions in the lowlands. Are your tires ready for snow covered roadways? Are your outdoor pipes and faucets winterized?

All indications are that we’re going to have a cold and snowy winter. Are you prepared? No? We can help!

The Washington State Library has updated the Cold Weather resources on its Hard Times Resource Guide. Check it out for a quick list of resources to help with disaster preparedness, flood preparation and recovery, weatherization tips, and even resources on how to keep your pets safe and happy throughout the cold winter months.