CROWN POINT, Ore. -- The famous Columbia River Gorge winds came to life once again Monday.
As of mid-afternoon, Crown Point had experienced 74 mph east wind gusts. The wind show was attracting visitors. Dave Angelo lives in the Gorge and and said he watched as an opened car door got pulled off of its hinges and wrapped around the front fender in the wind.
The gorge was filled with signs of blowing wind; white caps on the Columbia, trees bending and waterfalls that at times disappeared into the blowing wind.
"During our trip through the Gorge Monday, I saw one waterfall actually being blown upward," said KGW Meteorologist Rod Hill. "The Gorge east winds are an amazing part of living in the Northwest. The winds transport dry air into the valley and the movement of the air usually means clear blue skies."
Temperatures in the Gorge Monday ranged from 27 to 41 degrees. Hill said the huge difference was a result of cold, calm wind spots and warmer gusty areas.
"Interesting, that a mile or two often meant a difference of 10 degrees," he said. "At the time of this writing, I am inside a KGW Live Van, being rocked and battered. Getting home tonight will be a nice quiet comfort!"
