Credit:
This computer model, developed at the Space Science and Engineering Center, recreates surface wind speed (knots) and direction about seven hours before the last communication from the Edmund Fitzgerald freighter on Nov. 10, 1975. Northwesterly gale force winds (34 to 40 knots, in red) are indicated in the eastern Lake Superior region where the ship was lost. These types of simulations help build the accuracy of severe weather computer models and are valuable teaching tools.