Damages Remain Memorable
In June of 1949, a hailstorm moved along a diagonal path from Sweet Creek, across the river, through Tiernan, and then up the North Fork of the Siuslaw. The hailstones were nearly the size of chicken eggs, measuring about 2 inches in diameter. No fooling!
Though it lasted a mere 15 minutes, the destruction remains memorable. Tar paper roofs were torn from buildings, while flowers and gardens suffered tremendous damage. A greenhouse roof in Tiernan was completely shattered. Roofs of cars were dented. The roar of the storm was said to have been heard as far as Mapleton.
Image by Francetta Fredericksen:
