Experiencing the Brutality of High Winds: 50, 60, 70, and 100 mph
Wind speeds can make a significant impact on our environment and personal experiences. Whether you're standing outside or driving, wind speeds can dramatically change the way you perceive the world around you. In this article, we'll break down how different wind speeds at 50, 60, 70, and 100 mph feel, from the perspective of someone who has faced these weather conditions firsthand.
50 mph Winds
Description: At 50 mph, the wind becomes a strong breeze that causes tree branches to move vigorously. It can be quite challenging to walk against the wind, making it difficult to maintain balance.
Effects: Wind at this speed can lift loose objects and toss them around. Driving can become hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles. The wind can also make you feel pushed from behind, making walking against it almost impossible.
60 mph Winds
Description: As the wind picks up to 60 mph, it becomes a gale force that causes large tree branches to break. Visibility becomes challenging, and the wind becomes stronger, making it difficult to stand still.
Effects: At this speed, walking becomes very difficult and almost impossible. The wind can push you, making it feel as if you're being pushed down a slope. Minor structural damage can occur, and driving conditions are dangerous. Golf ball-sized hail and other debris can pose significant risks to pedestrians and vehicles.
70 mph Winds
Description: Wind at 70 mph is a strong gale that can cause significant damage to trees and buildings. The wind becomes highly dangerous and can cause flying debris, making it extremely difficult to move.
Effects: Walking becomes nearly impossible, and any movement is strenuous. Flying debris can turn into a major hazard, posing serious risks to human life. Power outages are likely due to downed power lines, and the environment becomes uncontrolled and chaotic.
100 mph Winds
Description: At 100 mph, the wind reaches hurricane force, causing extensive damage to buildings and uprooting trees. The wind becomes so powerful that it can knock down any standing structures.
Effects: At this intense level, most people cannot stand or walk against the wind. It becomes life-threatening as flying debris poses a major risk. The wind can knock down buildings, cause severe structural damage, and turn trees into splintered pieces on the ground. Surviving in such conditions would require immediate shelter.
Personal Experience
As an avid outdoorsman, I personally have experienced firsthand the power of such high winds. During a vacation, severe thunderstorms on a family member's farm produced winds of 90-100 mph. Ignoring the warnings, I ventured out to see what it felt like, quickly realizing it was a catastrophic mistake. At 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 215 pounds, the sheer force of the wind was overwhelming. Golf ball-sized hail descended as I tried to stand, but the wind knocked me down again before I could find shelter in the house. I narrowly avoided losing an eye or worse. This terrifying experience underscores the importance of seeking shelter during severe weather conditions. It's not just about battling the elements; it's about survival. Never underestimate the power of the wind.
Conclusion
Wind speeds at 50 mph may only cause minor discomfort and challenges, but as the speed increases, the danger and difficulty in movement rise sharply. At 50 mph, you may already struggle to walk, but at 100 mph, finding shelter is the only option to avoid serious injury or worse. Always be cautious and seek shelter during severe weather conditions, and respect the power of high winds.