NH peak loses claim to world's fastest wind gust

[January 27, 2010]  CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire's Mount Washington has lost its distinction as the site of the fastest wind gust ever recorded on Earth.

The World Meteorological Organization says a review of climate data turned up a 253 mph gust recorded in 1996 on Barrow Island in Australia during Cyclone Olivia. That tops the 231 mph record set atop Mount Washington in 1934.

Mount Washington Observatory director Scot Henley said Tuesday that holding the record for more than 60 years was part of the observatory's soul and that he's disappointed to lose it.

But he points out that Mount Washington still can claim to be home to some of the world's worst weather. It regularly sees wind, bitter cold, snow and freezing fog.

[Associated Press; By HOLLY RAMER]

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