PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - On October 12, 1962, a massive windstorm impacted the Pacific Northwest. It carried the strength of a category 3 hurricane, and still remains the strongest non-tropical windstorm ever to hit the contiguous U.S.

Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph in several locations, thousands of fallen trees cluttered roadways, and dozens lost their lives.

STORM TIMELINE

The storm began as in the western Pacific. The remnant moisture traveled across the ocean, gaining strength and developing into a major storm before impacting the Pacific Northwest.

Forecasters in Seattle and Portland knew a fast system was coming , but were uncertain about the exact position of the storm. On the morning of Oct. 12, 1962, Weather Bureau forecasters realized the strength of the system and knew there w

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