Watch out for that sudden wind gust near the riverfront

Last Thursday on a job in Portland, we were setting a 5-ton HVAC unit on a roof. The forecast said light winds, but out of nowhere, a huge gust came off the river. My load started spinning, and I had to fight the controls just to keep it steady. My spotter was yelling over the radio, and I could feel the whole crane sway. We got it down safe, but my heart was pounding for an hour after. It was a sharp reminder that forecasts can be wrong, especially near water. Always trust what you feel on the job over what a weather app says. Has anyone else had a close call with unexpected wind like that?

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3 Comments

milarodriguez6mo ago

Ever try to walk a big cardboard box in the wind? That was me with a sheet of plywood last year, basically became a human kite lol. Forecast said calm, but the wind had other plans.

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umamoore5mo ago

Actually I kind of love that feeling, it's weirdly fun.

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cole_mitchell83mo ago

Plywood kite club member here, membership includes free bruises lol.

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