It was 62 years ago when one of the most powerful storms in the history of the Pacific Northwest wreaked havoc on the region. Known as the Columbus Day Storm of 1962, this catastrophic event struck with winds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction across Oregon, Washington, Northern California, and British Columbia. Dozens lost their lives, and the storm caused widespread damage, forever marking October 12, 1962, in the weather annals of the Pacific Northwest. As we approach October 14 this year, which is now widely recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day, it is a time to reflect not only on the past but also on the growing intensity of storms we witness today, such as Hurricane Helene.