Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
@weatherfox64.bsky.social
Cartoonist, meteorologist, scotch enthusiast, and model railroader. I work on NOAA weather satellite products 🛰️ Plymouth State Meteorology BS 2010 and MS 2015. Frequently posts grilling and cooking shenanigans. She/her 🏳️⚧️
https://mccalloncallcomic.com
https://mccalloncallcomic.com
Pinned
#OTD in Weather History, 48 years ago, on November 10, 1975, the ore freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD was lost with all hands in a severe storm on Lake Superior.
She is perhaps the best known shipwreck on the Great Lakes, and today we remember her loss. 1/
She is perhaps the best known shipwreck on the Great Lakes, and today we remember her loss. 1/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
In the middle of all the (excellent) memes, my annual point that The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald hits different when you live in Michigan and your grandpa sailed for Inland Steel, and you recall the fear you had as a young girl when a November gale happened on his last run of the season.
November 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
In the middle of all the (excellent) memes, my annual point that The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald hits different when you live in Michigan and your grandpa sailed for Inland Steel, and you recall the fear you had as a young girl when a November gale happened on his last run of the season.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
A peer-reviewed article on the Edmund Fitzgerald storm was published in the Bulletin of the @ametsoc.org by Hultquist et al. in 2006. Free access available via the link below. 2/2 🧪
journals.ametsoc.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:03 AM
A peer-reviewed article on the Edmund Fitzgerald storm was published in the Bulletin of the @ametsoc.org by Hultquist et al. in 2006. Free access available via the link below. 2/2 🧪
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was 50 years ago today. Check out the post quoted below that remaps older satellite data and uses ERA5 reanalysis to look back at the #weather on that day. #history 1/2 🧪
The 50th Anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A New Perspective on an Old Storm: cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satellite-bl...
November 11, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
Excellent interview by a co-worker, with someone who not only lost a family member that night, but also served on the ship himself for a summer in the 1960s.
#EdmundFitzgerald
#EdmundFitzgerald
Today is the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The captain was from Ottawa Hills and six crewmen also called Northwest Ohio home.
50 years later: The Legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The ship sank during a violent Lake Superior storm, killing all 29 men on board. The wreck was the biggest maritime investigation in Great Lakes history, but a half-century later, the cause remains a mystery.
www.13abc.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Excellent interview by a co-worker, with someone who not only lost a family member that night, but also served on the ship himself for a summer in the 1960s.
#EdmundFitzgerald
#EdmundFitzgerald
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
The 50th Anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A New Perspective on an Old Storm: cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satellite-bl...
November 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The 50th Anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A New Perspective on an Old Storm: cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satellite-bl...
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
50 years ago, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a major fall storm.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST...
November 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
50 years ago, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a major fall storm.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST...
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
In August, we went up to Whitefish Point and visited the Shipwreck Museum.
November 11, 2025 at 1:19 AM
In August, we went up to Whitefish Point and visited the Shipwreck Museum.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
Ten months before he passed in 2023, I got to see Gordon Lightfoot perform in Richmond, Virginia.
Postponed a handful of times over a few years, I was glad to see the man behind this and many other masterful songs perform live.
Yet, nothing carried the weight more than the tribute to the Fitz.
Postponed a handful of times over a few years, I was glad to see the man behind this and many other masterful songs perform live.
Yet, nothing carried the weight more than the tribute to the Fitz.
November 10, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Ten months before he passed in 2023, I got to see Gordon Lightfoot perform in Richmond, Virginia.
Postponed a handful of times over a few years, I was glad to see the man behind this and many other masterful songs perform live.
Yet, nothing carried the weight more than the tribute to the Fitz.
Postponed a handful of times over a few years, I was glad to see the man behind this and many other masterful songs perform live.
Yet, nothing carried the weight more than the tribute to the Fitz.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
I've been a bit quiet the last two weeks. Caught the classic early autumn community cold, and, well, a break's not so bad now and again.
But today's thread's about something you're probably already aware of—it's the 50th anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
But today's thread's about something you're probably already aware of—it's the 50th anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
November 10, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I've been a bit quiet the last two weeks. Caught the classic early autumn community cold, and, well, a break's not so bad now and again.
But today's thread's about something you're probably already aware of—it's the 50th anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
But today's thread's about something you're probably already aware of—it's the 50th anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
To the hour and near minute.
"We are holding our own."
"We are holding our own."
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 AM
To the hour and near minute.
"We are holding our own."
"We are holding our own."
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
I worked at NWS Cleveland in the mid '90s when it had become a central hub for Great Lakes forecasting as part of an organized effort by NOAA and the shipping community to improve forecasting for the lakes after the Edmund Fitzgerald. Some great NWS work especially at Cleveland made it a success.
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
November 11, 2025 at 3:12 AM
I worked at NWS Cleveland in the mid '90s when it had become a central hub for Great Lakes forecasting as part of an organized effort by NOAA and the shipping community to improve forecasting for the lakes after the Edmund Fitzgerald. Some great NWS work especially at Cleveland made it a success.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
While debris was found and recovered, including life rafts and both of the Edmund Fitzgerald's lifeboats, no crew members were ever found. She had taken all 29 crew with her to the bottom of Lake Superior. 37/
November 11, 2023 at 12:44 AM
While debris was found and recovered, including life rafts and both of the Edmund Fitzgerald's lifeboats, no crew members were ever found. She had taken all 29 crew with her to the bottom of Lake Superior. 37/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
The Arthur M Anderson came about to search for the Fitzgerald and any survivors. The William Clay Ford also voluntarily left safe harbor in Whitefish Bay to participate in the search.
They were eventually joined by USCG aircraft and a USCG helicopter. 36/
They were eventually joined by USCG aircraft and a USCG helicopter. 36/
November 11, 2023 at 12:43 AM
The Arthur M Anderson came about to search for the Fitzgerald and any survivors. The William Clay Ford also voluntarily left safe harbor in Whitefish Bay to participate in the search.
They were eventually joined by USCG aircraft and a USCG helicopter. 36/
They were eventually joined by USCG aircraft and a USCG helicopter. 36/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
There are recordings on YouTube of the conversation between the USCG and the Arthur M Anderson as the Anderson reported the Fitzgerald missing and the USCG asked if the Anderson could go back out to look for her. 35/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9s...
Arthur M. Anderson Reports the Edmund Fitzgerald is missing November 10, 1975
Description
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2023 at 12:43 AM
There are recordings on YouTube of the conversation between the USCG and the Arthur M Anderson as the Anderson reported the Fitzgerald missing and the USCG asked if the Anderson could go back out to look for her. 35/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9s...
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
At 8:32PM, the Arthur M Anderson made contact with the US Coast Guard to report that the Edmund Fitzgerald was missing, and may have suffered a casualty.
At 9:00PM, the USCG asked the Arthur M Anderson if they could turn around and go back to search for the Fitzgerald. 34/
At 9:00PM, the USCG asked the Arthur M Anderson if they could turn around and go back to search for the Fitzgerald. 34/
November 11, 2023 at 12:42 AM
At 8:32PM, the Arthur M Anderson made contact with the US Coast Guard to report that the Edmund Fitzgerald was missing, and may have suffered a casualty.
At 9:00PM, the USCG asked the Arthur M Anderson if they could turn around and go back to search for the Fitzgerald. 34/
At 9:00PM, the USCG asked the Arthur M Anderson if they could turn around and go back to search for the Fitzgerald. 34/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
From 7:20 to 8:30, the Anderson tried in vain to reach the Fitzgerald on VHF-FM radiotelephone. There was no response.
The Anderson then contacted the SS William Clay Ford, anchored in Whitefish bay, to see if they could see any sign of the Fitzgerald.
There was none. 33/
The Anderson then contacted the SS William Clay Ford, anchored in Whitefish bay, to see if they could see any sign of the Fitzgerald.
There was none. 33/
November 11, 2023 at 12:42 AM
From 7:20 to 8:30, the Anderson tried in vain to reach the Fitzgerald on VHF-FM radiotelephone. There was no response.
The Anderson then contacted the SS William Clay Ford, anchored in Whitefish bay, to see if they could see any sign of the Fitzgerald.
There was none. 33/
The Anderson then contacted the SS William Clay Ford, anchored in Whitefish bay, to see if they could see any sign of the Fitzgerald.
There was none. 33/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
Although lights on the shore 20 miles away and the lights of a vessel 19 miles away could be seen, there was no sign of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which should have been approximately 10 miles ahead of the Arthur M Anderson. 32/
November 11, 2023 at 12:41 AM
Although lights on the shore 20 miles away and the lights of a vessel 19 miles away could be seen, there was no sign of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which should have been approximately 10 miles ahead of the Arthur M Anderson. 32/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
The Anderson next checked her radar at 7:20PM. There was no radar contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald.
At the same time, a snow squall lifted, and visibility greatly improved. 31/
At the same time, a snow squall lifted, and visibility greatly improved. 31/
November 11, 2023 at 12:41 AM
The Anderson next checked her radar at 7:20PM. There was no radar contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald.
At the same time, a snow squall lifted, and visibility greatly improved. 31/
At the same time, a snow squall lifted, and visibility greatly improved. 31/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
"We are holding our own" was the last transmission ever sent by the Edmund Fitzgerald.
"And later that night when his lights went outta sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" 30/
"And later that night when his lights went outta sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" 30/
November 11, 2023 at 12:40 AM
"We are holding our own" was the last transmission ever sent by the Edmund Fitzgerald.
"And later that night when his lights went outta sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" 30/
"And later that night when his lights went outta sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" 30/
50 years ago today, at 7:10 PM EST, the Edmund Fitzgerald was heard from for the last time.
“We are holding our own.”
When the SS Arthur M Anderson next checked her radar, the Edmund Fitzgerald was nowhere to be found.
“We are holding our own.”
When the SS Arthur M Anderson next checked her radar, the Edmund Fitzgerald was nowhere to be found.
7:10 PM EST:
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 AM
50 years ago today, at 7:10 PM EST, the Edmund Fitzgerald was heard from for the last time.
“We are holding our own.”
When the SS Arthur M Anderson next checked her radar, the Edmund Fitzgerald was nowhere to be found.
“We are holding our own.”
When the SS Arthur M Anderson next checked her radar, the Edmund Fitzgerald was nowhere to be found.
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
7:10 PM EST:
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
November 11, 2023 at 12:39 AM
7:10 PM EST:
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
ANDERSON: "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?"
FITZGERALD: "We are holding our own."
29/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
7:10 PM EST:
ANDERSON "There is a target 19 miles ahead of us, so the target is 9 miles on ahead."
FITZGERALD "Well, am I going to clear?"
ANDERSON "Yes, he is going to pass to the west of you."
FITZGERALD "Well, fine." 28/
ANDERSON "There is a target 19 miles ahead of us, so the target is 9 miles on ahead."
FITZGERALD "Well, am I going to clear?"
ANDERSON "Yes, he is going to pass to the west of you."
FITZGERALD "Well, fine." 28/
November 11, 2023 at 12:39 AM
7:10 PM EST:
ANDERSON "There is a target 19 miles ahead of us, so the target is 9 miles on ahead."
FITZGERALD "Well, am I going to clear?"
ANDERSON "Yes, he is going to pass to the west of you."
FITZGERALD "Well, fine." 28/
ANDERSON "There is a target 19 miles ahead of us, so the target is 9 miles on ahead."
FITZGERALD "Well, am I going to clear?"
ANDERSON "Yes, he is going to pass to the west of you."
FITZGERALD "Well, fine." 28/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
At 7:00 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald that she was 10 miles ahead and 1- 1.5 miles left (east) of Anderson's heading.
At 7:10 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald of lake traffic 9 miles ahead of the Fitzgerald. 27/
At 7:10 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald of lake traffic 9 miles ahead of the Fitzgerald. 27/
November 11, 2023 at 12:39 AM
At 7:00 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald that she was 10 miles ahead and 1- 1.5 miles left (east) of Anderson's heading.
At 7:10 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald of lake traffic 9 miles ahead of the Fitzgerald. 27/
At 7:10 PM EST, the Anderson advised the Fitzgerald of lake traffic 9 miles ahead of the Fitzgerald. 27/
Reposted by Elsie the Fall WeatherFox
50 years ago today, #OTD in Weather History, on November 10, 1975, the Great Lake ore freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD was lost with all hands in a severe storm on Lake Superior.
So it is time for the annual reupping of my thread on her loss.
So it is time for the annual reupping of my thread on her loss.
#OTD in Weather History, 48 years ago, on November 10, 1975, the ore freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD was lost with all hands in a severe storm on Lake Superior.
She is perhaps the best known shipwreck on the Great Lakes, and today we remember her loss. 1/
She is perhaps the best known shipwreck on the Great Lakes, and today we remember her loss. 1/
November 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
50 years ago today, #OTD in Weather History, on November 10, 1975, the Great Lake ore freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD was lost with all hands in a severe storm on Lake Superior.
So it is time for the annual reupping of my thread on her loss.
So it is time for the annual reupping of my thread on her loss.