MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. (AP) – It was calm atop Mount Washington on Wednesday, perfect weather for observers to mark one of the worst weather days to hit the Earth.

It was 72 years ago Wednesday that the wind howled at 231 mph atop the highest peak in the Northeast – the fastest wind ever clocked on the earth’s surface.

Wednesday was shift change day at the observatory, so one crew of five or six packed up to leave, another unpacked for its week’s stay and all prepared for a big dinner.

“It’s a big crew for a nice, big celebration,” said weather observer Jim Salge. “We definitely pay tribute to the people who came before us.”

The weather Wednesday was a far cry from the conditions on April 12, 1934. It was in the 30s, with a 20 mph wind.

“This is calm,” Salge said. “Unexpected.”


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