"Auntie Em, it's a Twister!"

Yesterday, there was considerable "tornadic activity" right across the Columbia river, in Hazel Dell, Washington. That's just a stone-toss away from The Pavilion. Although there was significant property damage, fortunately there were no injuries, unlike the tornado that struck the same area in 1972, and killed six people. According to weather records, tornadoes are very rare around here but this region actually does experience an average of two "funnel clouds" per year but we rarely hear about them as usually no damage results. What's interesting to me is (having personal, albeit a child's recollection of the '72 tornado in WA, and other touch-downs in recent years) is that when they do hit and cause noteworthy damage, it's always right across the river on the Washington side. Is that coincidence? Some slight variation of temperatures and/or geography at work? Maybe tornadoes have a vendetta against people who live in the Vancouver, Washington area... My dad used to bitch about Washington drivers. Lately I hear/read people referring to Vancouver as "Vantucky," which probably isn't intended as a compliment... In any case, Southern Washington (Vancouver & Hazel Dell to be precise) seems to be the Pacific Northwest's answer to Tornado Alley.

Hello 2008

As it's still January 1st in the time-space coordinates of The Pavilion...














HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!