Delicate or damaging? Gauge the wind using this cheat sheet
This handy cheat sheet will help you estimate the wind speed.
Windy enough for you? Our weather forecasts include the wind speed on days when it’s at least 20 km/h. But what does it mean? When is the wind annoying, dangerous, or downright deadly? Here’s a cheat sheet:
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10 to 19 km/h Weather wanes will move, leaves will rustle, and you’ll feel a breeze on your face. Situation normal.
20 to 29 km/h Strong enough to straighten flying flags and shake small tree branches. Expect dust and loose paper garbage to fly around in the air.
BELOW: ONE SPEEDY DUST-DEVIL
30 to 39 km/h Small trees start to sway.
40 to 50 km/h Strong enough to break umbrellas and move large tree branches.
51 to 62 km/h Walking will be tough. Or incredibly easy, if you’re going in the same direction as the wind.
63 to 74 km/h Strong enough to send large, loose objects (garbage cans, patio furniture) flying. Tree limbs can break and driving gets white-knuckle—cars can veer off the road.
By 75 km/h, the wind is strong enough to damage structures. By 90 km/h it can uproot entire trees. And 118 km/h wind is considered hurricane force…but happily it doesn’t get that windy every day.
This article was originally published on CottageLife.com by Jackie Davis.