Pat Shingleton for Nov. 8
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Imagine 30-35 mph winds swaying, buckling and toppling the Sunshine Bridge. On this date in 1940, residents of Tacoma, Wash., were stunned as to what occurred on Nov. 7: 30-35 mph winds caused the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Wash., to vibrate excessively, finally collapsing.
As noted in a previous anniversary article, the collapsed span was called “Galloping Gertie,” entering the engineering Hall of Shame. It was the start of the meteorological field of wind engineering. Now, meteorologists specializing in atmospheric winds collaborate with other engineers in the construction of high-rise buildings, sports stadiums, bridges and other large structures. “Wind-proofing” of coastal residences continues to save billions of dollars when storms hit. \
Fastcast: Cloudy.
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