A piteraq is a cold katabatic wind which originates on the Greenlandic icecap and sweeps down the east coast. The word `piteraq` means `that which attacks you` in the local language. Piteraqs are most common in the autumn and winter. Wind speeds typically reach 50 to 80 m/s. On February 6, 1970 the community Tasiilaq was hit by the worst docum...