A piteraq is a cold katabatic wind which originates on the Greenlandic icecap and sweeps down the east coast.
On February 6, 1970, at about 6:00 PM, the community of Tasiilaq was hit by the worst documented piteraq ever in Greenland (estimated at 90 m/s — about 325 km/h or 200 mph) (Stronger than a category five Atlantic hurricane) causing severe damage.
Due to the fact that Piteraqs occur in such an isolated and sparsely populated area, research on their cause is lacking.
The most notable and easily the most powerful Piteraq to strike Tasiilaq occurred on February 6, 1970, when the wind speeds were estimated at 325 km/h.
Another notable piteraq happened on September 26, 2022, but was much less powerful and long lasting, with sustained winds up to 160 km/h and gusts up to 210 km/h.