Floods, Famines, and Emperors

Nonsailors should note that wind directions are described, following common maritime convention, by the direction they are coming from. A westerly or west wind blows from the west, and northeast trade winds from the northeast. Is it surprising how many people are unaware of this common usage! Ocean currents, however, are described by the direction they are flowing toward. Thus, a westerly wind and a westerly current flow in opposite directions.