On this date in 1940, Galloping Gertie Bridge in Tacoma WA collapsed in high winds. It turns out the bridge spans were evenly spaced, causing the bridge to vibrate wildly with a regular frequency in high winds. Since then, bridges have been built with uneven spans.

WEDNESDAY'S WEATHER EXTREMES:
   HIGHEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).........................89 Palm Springs, Calif.
   HIGHEST HEAT INDEX (DEGREES F)..........................86 Zapata, Texas
   LOWEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)..........................6 Saranac Lake, N.Y.
   LOWEST WIND CHILL (DEGREES F)...........................-40 Fairbanks Eiels, Alaska
   HIGHEST WIND GUST (MPH).................................59 Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
   HIGHEST PRECIPITATION (INCHES)..........................0.56 Islip, N.Y. ON THIS DATE.......