Wind
Wind is simply air in motion. When strong, wind can be destructive and is capable of blowing down even large trees and heavily built structures.
How are winds categorised?
Because wind constantly changes direction and speed it is difficult to monitor, so wind speed direction is reported as 10 minute averages. For the purpose of issuing warnings, wind is classified into eight main groups based on speed (derived from the Beaufort Wind Scale):
Calm
|
0-0 km/h |
Light Winds
|
19 km/h or less |
Moderate Winds
|
20-29 km/h |
Fresh Winds
|
30-39 km/h |
Strong Winds
|
40-62 km/h |
Gale
|
63-87 km/h |
Storm
|
88-117 km/h |
Hurricane
|
118 km/h or more |