Day 314 -- The Witch of November

Listening to the weather forecast there is much discussion about the expected effects of Typhoon Nuri. It seems this Pacific storm will create a massive plunge of polar air that will spread through the centre of the continent. It is expected to be cold further south than usual in the US and will cover most of Canada with the exception of the east and west coasts -- for now.

In the east, we've had nor'easters that have brought major rains from the end of October and into November. Temperatures have been mild to cold, typical of the transition of fall. In the west, Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as eastern areas of New Brunswick and Quebec have seen significant snowfalls. November generally brings a storm or two at the end of the Atlantic hurricane season and as the ocean temperatures are still warm. Storms from this time of year across the continent have their own local folklore and names. Regardless of the name, these are generally filled with moisture, wind and cooler temperatures.

Thirty-nine years ago today, a major storm struck northern Ontario with some disastrous results. A Canadian folk singer and songwriter immortalized this in a song that many Canadians and Americans know word for word. Today's selection features this song with some of the early news reports woven throughout.  Enjoy!

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald -- Gordon Lightfoot