Windstorms start as Pacific Ocean low pressure systems. They occur in the Pacific Northwest each fall and winter season, producing strong winds to 60 mph and causing power outages and property damage. About once every decade, storms with powerful winds of 70 mph or more pound the region and cause significant damage. These storms last an average of three to six hours of prolonged winds in one area before the storm moves on.

NOAA National Weather Service forecasters also urge the public to listen to media reports and monitor NOAA Weather Radio at their home and workplace, making current weather information, direct from the National Weather Service, available around-the-clock.

Weather radios are available at most radio electronic stores and Internet outlets for about the cost of a pair of shoes. During the Columbus Day storm of 1962, the NOAA National Weather Service recorded sustained wind speeds peaking along the Oregon coast at 150 miles per hour. Gusts up to 179 mph were also reported. Federal forecasters are certain more high wind reports were not recorded because peak winds likely occurred after the power was knocked out.

The storm packed hurricane-force winds causing ($1.4 billion in 2001 dollars). In addition, it blew down more than 15 billion board-feet of timber (valued at $750 million in 1962 dollars) from the West Coast to as far inland as western Montana.