A weather advisory is an alert issued by meteorological services, such as the National Weather Service (NWS), to inform the public about current or impending weather conditions that are hazardous but not immediately life-threatening. A Wind Advisory specifically means strong winds are expected to cause minor inconvenience, property damage, or travel difficulties. This alert requires public attention and action to ensure safety and prevent minor losses, even though the weather is not severe enough for a higher-level warning.
What Triggers a Wind Advisory
A Wind Advisory is issued based on specific wind speed thresholds that indicate a potential for hazards without reaching the level of major destruction. The criteria typically involve sustained winds between 31 and 39 miles per hour (mph) lasting for an hour or more, or wind gusts between 46 and 57 mph for any duration. These speeds are sufficient to cause minor damage and make certain activities dangerous. The advisory aims to inform residents that the expected wind can easily blow around unsecured objects like patio furniture and trash cans.
The conditions warranting an advisory are generally not associated with severe thunderstorms, focusing instead on non-convective, widespread wind events. While winds at this level are unlikely to destroy well-built structures, they can certainly down small tree limbs and potentially cause scattered power outages. The NWS offices issue the alert when the wind poses a significant inconvenience or minor threat to the local population.
Safety Steps During High Winds
The primary focus during a Wind Advisory is to secure potential airborne hazards. Any loose outdoor items, including grills, trampolines, and patio furniture, should be brought indoors or securely tied down. This prevents them from becoming dangerous projectiles that can damage property or cause injury.
If travel is necessary, drivers should exercise extreme caution, especially those operating high-profile vehicles like trucks, vans, or vehicles towing trailers. Strong crosswinds can abruptly push these vehicles out of their lane, making it difficult to maintain control. Keeping both hands firmly on the wheel and significantly reducing speed are necessary precautions. If safe driving becomes impossible, pull over to a safe location away from trees and power lines.
People should also remain aware of their surroundings, especially near trees and utility poles, as wind can cause branches to snap and power lines to fall. If a downed power line is spotted, never touch it; contact the local utility company or 911 immediately. Preparing a simple emergency kit with a flashlight and battery-operated radio is also sensible in case of a temporary power loss.
How Advisories Differ From Warnings
The distinction between a Wind Advisory and a High Wind Warning lies in the severity of the expected wind speeds and the level of threat they pose. An advisory signals a condition that will cause significant inconvenience or minor damage, prompting people to take precautionary “action.” It suggests that strong winds are occurring but are not so powerful as to justify a more urgent alert.
A High Wind Warning, however, is issued when winds are expected to be much stronger and potentially life-threatening. This warning is triggered by sustained winds of 40 mph or greater lasting for an hour or more, or wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration. Winds at the warning level can cause major property damage, such as structural damage to homes and widespread downing of large trees and power lines. A warning signifies an imminent danger, requiring people to seek shelter and take immediate protective measures.