Storm (novel)

Storm is a novel written by George Rippey Stewart and published in 1941. The book became a best-seller and helped lead to the naming of tropical cyclones worldwide,[1] even though the titular storm is extratropical.[2] The book is divided into twelve chapters: one chapter for each day of the storm's existence.

Plot summary

A cyclone develops in the Pacific Ocean near Japan, and becomes a significant storm as it moves toward California. The storm, named "Maria" by the (unnamed) Junior Meteorologist, becomes a blizzard that threatens the Sierra Nevada range with snowfall amounts of 20 feet (6.1 m). The storm's beneficial effects include averting a locust plague and ending a drought. Its harmful effects include flooding a valley near Sacramento, endangering a plane, stalling a train, and leading to the deaths of 16 people. It spawns a new cyclone which significantly affects New York.[3]

Legacy

This book led to the inspiration for the Lerner and Loewe song They Call the Wind Maria, [1] performed in the musical Paint Your Wagon. It also helped lead to the idea of naming tropical cyclones.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Heidorn, Keith C. "George Stewart's Storm: Remembering A Classic.". The Weather Doctor. Retrieved 2006-12-10.
  2. ↑ Dorst, Neal. "Frequently Asked Questions: What fictional books, plays, and movies have been written involving tropical cyclones?". Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Hurricane Research Division. Retrieved 2006-12-10.
  3. ↑ Time Magazine. Tainted Air. Retrieved on 2006-12-10.