A type of powerful, fast-moving storm unique to Mid-World, characterised by steep and sudden drops in temperature accompanied by strong winds. Starkblasts have been known to cause great destruction and wipe out entire tribes in primitive areas. Billy-bumblers possess the ability to predict an approaching starkblast - days before the storm, a bumbler will sit facing the direction of the coming weather, nose raised, ears pricked, tail curled. When Roland was a boy, starkblasts descended upon the Great Woods north of New Canaan once or twice a year.