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High winds threaten collapse of Main Street building

by Nijim Dabbour | April 2, 2009 | 5 comments

High winds are threatening to cause the Vista building in downtown Norman to collapse. Authorities have closed Main Street between the train tracks and Crawford Avenue and Peters Avenue between Main Street and Gray Street, and nearby buildings have been evacuated.

A site supervisor, who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to release information, said sustained winds of 50 mph or more for at least 3 minutes would guarantee the building's collapse.

The National Weather Service said winds are decreasing slightly now at about 30 to 40 mph. According to the service, winds are not supposed to get stronger. Winds will likely slowly decrease, and by this evening they will be light and variable.

Norman Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Newell said extra precautions are being taken today because of the high winds.

The site supervisor said if the building collapsed it would likely fall downward and possibly to the east. Workers are bracing the building, which has had small pieces come loose. None of the pieces have fallen yet.

People have crowded into the nearest open business, The Diner, located a couple buildings to the east of the unstable building.

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