What Causes High Winds

What Causes Strong Winds & What Can Wind Gust Damage?

What causes high winds? In most cases, high winds are caused by atmospheric pressure variations. Strong winds can be frightening. As they blow stronger and stronger, you may begin to feel helpless. It’s important to pay close attention to local weather warnings so that you can prepare for high winds if they are headed your way. High wind safety is a real thing and there are things you should do and should not do in high winds. In addition, there are things that can prepare you for high winds. We will answer questions such as, ‘How do you prepare for a windstorm?’ or ‘What are the effects of windstorms?’ Keep reading to learn more about high wind safety tips.

High winds are uncontrollable and can come and go as they please. They can leave behind destruction and terrifying communities. So what causes high winds? In simplest terms, high winds are caused by atmospheric pressure variations. While any area can experience high winds, some areas may be more prone to them than others. Regardless of where you are located, you should always pay attention to local weather warnings. If high winds are headed your way, local weather warnings should provide some notice. To avoid some of the effects of windstorms, you should prepare properly. To learn more about high wind safety tips and how to prepare for a windstorm, keep reading.

How do you prepare for high winds?

High winds can really occur at any time. In most cases, you’ll get some kind of warning they are headed your way. High winds can damage property and present serious safety concerns for individuals nearby. If you know or sense that high winds are headed your way, here are a few ways you can prepare. . .

• Park cars or motor vehicles in the garage
• Get indoors when possible
• Secure patio furniture and other outdoor items that may blow away
• Remove hanging outdoor items that may blow and damage doors or windows
• Keep pets inside
• Be aware of outdoor trees or structures that may present a threat
• Stay up to date with local warnings
• Trim tree branches
• Prepare an emergency kit

What to do when it's really windy

When it’s really windy the best thing you can do is find a safe place to shelter. It’s also important to steer clear of power cables. Do not touch or go near power lines if winds are high. If you are on the road, leave more than enough room between your car and others nearby. In addition, keep speeds slower than usual. High winds may cause your car to feel unstable on the road. For drivers towing a trailer, you may want to pull off the road and wait for winds to die down.

How do you control strong winds?

The scariest part about weather is that we can’t control it. However, you may be able to prevent some of the damage it causes. If you know strong winds are coming, you should fix what’s broken. If you have a loose fence or loose roof shingles, it’s likely they will blow apart. As a result, more damage may be caused. Being prepared will not help you control winds but it may provide peace of mind. Having an emergency plan and emergency kit ready to go is a smart way to be one step ahead of the wind.

What mph wind is strong?

The National Weather Service classifies winds as non-threatening, very low, low, moderate, high, or extreme. Non-threatening winds are as they sound. If there is a gentle breeze outside it’s probably a non-threatening wind. When wind starts to exceed moderate speeds, more threats may be posed. Here is how the National Weather Service classifies wind threat. . .

Very low: Sustained wind speeds around 20 mph and or frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph. Low: Sustained wind speeds around 21 to 25 mph and or frequent gusts of 30 to 35 mph. Moderate: Sustained wind speeds around 26 to 39 mph and or frequent gusts of 35 to 57 mph. There is usually a wind advisory for moderate wind. High: Sustained wind speeds around 40 to 57 mph. Extreme: Sustained wind speeds that exceed 58 mph.

At what speed are winds dangerous?

According to the National Weather Service, high wind speeds can range from 40 to 57 mph. While any wind speed can present hazards, high wind speeds can be very dangerous. If wind speed exceeds 58 mph, it’s known as an extreme threat. High wind speeds can be especially dangerous for high-profile vehicles and boaters. High wind conditions may cause branches to break off trees. As a result, awnings, pool enclosures, or other property may be damaged.

How do you sleep with strong winds?

Strong winds may cause a lack of sleep. The sound of wind howling, debris tapping windows, and doors rattling can be loud and disruptive. No matter what you do, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate the sounds caused by winds. This means you’ll need to find ways to sleep without allowing the wind to wake you up. In some areas, strong winds may occur frequently. Some people may be able to sleep right through the abrasive sounds, but others may struggle. Here are some tips and tricks for sleeping with strong winds. . .

• Wear earplugs
• Sleep in a room with less windows and doors
• Put your shades down
• Listen to white noise

What you cannot do on windy days

Just as you would not want to lay out for a tan on a rainy day, there are things you should not do on a windy day as well. If winds are blowing at speeds of 25 mph or stronger, you should take precautions. Here are some things you should not do on a windy day. . .

• Inspect the roof
• Spray weed killer
• Spray paint
• Climb a ladder
• Fly a kite
• Go fishing
• Walk, run, or lay at the beach
• Mow or fertilize the lawn
• Clean the pool

What causes extreme wind weather?

When gases move from high-pressure to low-pressure areas, air will move faster. The rush of air is what we know as wind. The bigger the difference in pressures, the stronger the wind will be.

What is a very strong wind called?

A very strong wind can be called a gust or storm. Furthermore, there are different types of damaging winds such as straight-line winds, gust front winds, and derechos. A straight-line wind such as a tornado moves a linear pattern as opposed to a circular pattern. Straight-line winds are a leading cause of damage to land and properties. This type of wind can cover hundreds of miles. Gust front winds can cause significant damage to properties, especially those not properly anchored to the ground. Gust fronts are formed by warm thunderstorm air that has already been cooled by rain. Derechos are a little different than the first two types of damaging winds. Derechos are a type of windstorm made up of smaller wind events such as microburst and downbursts.

Can you walk in 40 mph winds?

While it’s possible, walking in 40 mph winds can blow you off balance. With wind and debris moving around you at 40 mph, you’ll want to be careful. Wind speeds faster than 30 mph may be tricky and maybe even dangerous to walk in. Wind speed that exceeds 60 mph may be nearly impossible to walk in. Before walking in moderate to extreme winds, you should think twice. Is it really worth it? You will want to watch out for flying objects that may injure you. With your head bent down and eyes slit open as you try to keep debris out of them, it may be hard to see potential hazards.

How much weight can 50 mph winds move?

50 mph winds can move patio furniture, tents, debris, and more. 50 mph wind speed should be considered high wind, which can be dangerous. Wind speeds of 50 mph can definitely cause light structural damage. According to The National Severe Storm Laboratory, damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.

What type of damage can 50 mph winds do?

As we mentioned earlier, 50 mph winds can definitely cause light structural damage. Winds around 50 mph can tear shingles off roofs and cause eaves to lift and blow away. If 50 mph winds turn into 60 mph winds, you should really brace yourself for trouble. The Beaufort wind scale was developed about 200-years ago. According to this wind scale, 60 mph winds are Level 10.

Can 60 mph winds move a car?

60 mph winds should not be able to actually pick up a car and move it. However, it can make driving difficult or cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. If you are in an area experiencing 60 mph winds, there should be some kind of warning. These warnings should provide enough time for you to get pulled off the road and into safe shelter. Driving in 60 mph winds is not recommended. To give you an idea of just how strong 60 mph wind is, it can blow windows out.

What else can 60 mph winds damage?

60 mph winds are likely to cause structural damage. Trees can be uprooted, poorly constructed mobile homes can be destroyed, power lines can be knocked over, and so on. If wind speeds of 60 mph are approaching the area you are in, brace yourself. Individuals should find safe shelter and stay inside until 60 mph winds pass.

Conclusion

As a result of high winds, homes may experience power outages or damage. High winds and storms are unavoidable in some areas. If you live in an area with high winds you should educate yourself on how to prepare for them and stay safe during them. Wildfires are often started and fueled due to high winds. All it takes is one down power line to engulf an entire community. Areas prone to high winds should transition toward using more clean energy sources. In addition, windy areas may be able to generate more than enough power through wind turbines. As our population continues to grow, we must find ways to work with our environment rather than against it.

Inspire can provide residents with renewable clean energy for one flat monthly price. With Inspire, you don’t have to install expensive solar or wind power systems to access clean renewable energy. So, how does it work? Simply link your utility, connect to renewable energy, and measure your impact. Homeowners that use Inspire can take advantage of smart tools to manage electricity usage. Discover the beginning of consistent and predictable monthly energy bills when you become an Inspire member.

Access renewable energy for your home today!