The Columbus Day storm of 1962 (also known as the big blow of 1962, and originally in Canada as Typhoon Freda) was a Pacific Northwest windstorm that struck the West Coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States on October 12, 1962. Typhoon Freda was the twenty-eighth tropical depression, the twenty-third tropical storm, and the eighteenth typhoon of the 1962 Pacific typhoon season. Freda originated from a tropical disturbance over the Northwest Pacific on September 28. On October 3, the system strengthened into a tropical storm and was given the name Freda, before becoming a typhoon later that day, while moving northeastward.
Infamous Columbus Day Storm strikes the U.S. Pacific Northwest with record wind velocities; 46 dead and at least U.S. $2
Infamous Columbus Day Storm strikes the U.S. Pacific Northwest with record wind velocities; 46 dead and at least U.S. $230 million in damages
Historical Significance
The Columbus Day storm of 1962 (also known as the big blow of 1962, and originally in Canada as Typhoon Freda) was a Pacific Northwest windstorm that struck the West Coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States on October 12, 1962.
Events Before
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records
The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes.
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
"I Fall to Pieces" single released by Patsy Cline (Billboard Song of the Year 1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline.
Events After
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
David Cone is born
David Cone athlete, known for american baseball player and analyst, was born on 1963-01-02.
American banker George Woods succeeds Eugene Black as president of the World Bank
George David Woods (July 27, 1901 – August 20, 1982) was an American investment banker and financier. He served as the fourth President of the World Bank, from January 1963 until March 1968.
Beatles release the single "Please Please Me" / "Ask Me Why"; peaks at #2 in UK, and #3 in US
Introducing... The Beatles is the first studio album released by the English rock band the Beatles in the United States.
Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens (inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2006)
The Yardbirds are an English rock band formed in London in 1963. The band started the careers of three of rock's most famous guitarists: Eric Clapton (1963–1965), Jeff Beck (1965–1966) and Jimmy Page...
More from the 1960s
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the lunar surface.
space exploration
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
civil rightspolitics government
birth
Tommy Morrison is born
Tommy Morrison, American professional boxer, known for american boxer, was born on 1969-01-02.
birth
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 12, 1962?
- The Columbus Day storm of 1962 (also known as the big blow of 1962, and originally in Canada as Typhoon Freda) was a Pacific Northwest windstorm that struck the West Coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States on October 12, 1962. Typhoon Freda was the twenty-eighth tropical depression, the twenty-third tropical storm, and the eighteenth typhoon of the 1962 Pacific typhoon season. Freda originated from a tropical disturbance over the Northwest Pacific on September 28.
- Why is Infamous Columbus Day Storm strikes the U.S. Pacific Northwest with record wi... significant?
- The Columbus Day storm of 1962 (also known as the big blow of 1962, and originally in Canada as Typhoon Freda) was a Pacific Northwest windstorm that struck the West Coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States on October 12, 1962.