Words on Weather

I heard an interesting question by a peer and it was "Can Oregon get Hurricanes?" I have answered that in my latest Column "Are We in for a Extreme Winter?" Yes, we get what we call Extra Tropical Mid-Latitude Cyclones which have some characteristics as a Hurricane but does not form like one. We get strong low pressure systems that deepen and if they come at a certain angle right off the Oregon Coast, then you will get a windstorm. How strong of winds? Depends on the situation, timing and position. In 1962 we received a huge windstorm, the infamous "Columbus Day Storm." That was compared to a Category 3 Hurricane and beat it out. Interesting huh? Well I will write a report on Windtsorms and post it in the Weather Interactive section of the site. I will inform you when that happens for you can get better educated on that. Some of my other peers interestingly said that since all of these disasters are happening, it feels as if we are due for one soon. Quite scary to think about but true. We are due for one unfortunately and all's we can do is cross our fingers and hope it all prolongs. Ok well take care everyone!