Sixty-eight years ago today, the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge went down (spectacularly) in a wind storm. The bridge, known thereafter as "Galloping Gertie," had only been open for four months and was, at the time, the third longest suspension bridge in the world. But engineers hadn't factored in what the bridge would do if hit by high winds. Builders learned their lesson, and wind tunnel testing for bridges became mandatory. Watch the amazing archived footage of "Galloping Gertie:"
I always enjoy seeing that video from an era gone by. The man on the bridge reminds me of my grandfather.
The power of mother nature can be amazing.