On this date, the Columbus Day Big Blow occurred on this date in 1962 in the Pacific Northwest. It is most likely the more severe and damaging windstorm to occur west of the Cascade Mountains. Winds reached hurricane force in some areas and more than 3.5 billion board feet of timber were blown down. In the end, 48 people died and the storm caused 210 million dollars in damage. 

THURSDAY'S WEATHER EXTREMES:
   HIGHEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).........................96 McAllen, Texas
   HIGHEST HEAT INDEX (DEGREES F)..........................102 Kingsville NAS, Texas
   LOWEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)..........................17 Stanley, Idaho
   LOWEST WIND CHILL (DEGREES F)...........................-9 Eagle, Alaska
   HIGHEST WIND GUST (MPH).................................92 Point Lay, Alaska
   HIGHEST PRECIPITATION (INCHES)..........................0.98 Bullhead City, Ariz.