Meteorological warnings issued by governmental agencies, such as the National Weather Service, communicate the severity and timing of weather phenomena. These alerts help the public take appropriate safety measures. A High Wind Warning is one of the most serious non-convective weather alerts, signifying conditions that pose a threat to life and property. Strong winds can cause widespread power outages, structural damage, and create dangerous driving conditions.
Specific Criteria for Issuance
The National Weather Service issues a High Wind Warning when specific meteorological thresholds are met, indicating an imminent or occurring wind event not associated with a tropical storm or thunderstorm. This warning is triggered by two primary criteria related to wind speed and duration. The first standard requires sustained wind speeds of 40 miles per hour or greater, forecast to last for one hour or longer.
The second criterion focuses on instantaneous bursts of air movement known as wind gusts, which often cause the most damage. A High Wind Warning is also issued if wind gusts are expected to reach or exceed 58 miles per hour, even briefly. Wind exceeding these levels can easily uproot trees, damage structures, and turn unsecured outdoor items into dangerous flying projectiles. The 58 mph threshold is significant because it is the speed at which wind begins to produce widespread damage.
Understanding the Alert Hierarchy
The High Wind Warning sits at the top of a three-tiered alert system, with each level communicating a different degree of certainty and severity. A Wind Advisory represents the lowest level of concern, indicating strong winds are occurring but are below the damage-producing thresholds of a Warning. An Advisory is typically issued for sustained winds between 31 and 39 mph, or gusts ranging from 46 to 57 mph. These speeds require caution but are not expected to cause widespread structural damage.
The intermediate level is the High Wind Watch, which serves as a heads-up that conditions are favorable for a High Wind Warning to be issued soon. A Watch is typically issued 12 to 48 hours in advance when there is a strong potential for the area to meet the Warning criteria. This level is a call to be prepared and finalize plans.
The High Wind Warning is reserved for when the wind event is either imminent or already underway, demanding immediate protective measures. This distinction between a Watch and a Warning is the difference between potential and reality.
Immediate Actions to Ensure Safety
When a High Wind Warning is in effect, the public must take immediate steps to mitigate hazards to themselves and their property. A fundamental action involves securing all outdoor items, including patio furniture, garbage cans, and trampolines. These objects can become destructive projectiles in powerful gusts, capable of breaking windows or causing injury.
People should avoid driving high-profile vehicles, such as large trucks, vans, and recreational vehicles, as they present a large surface area for the wind to push against. Strong crosswinds make steering difficult and can result in the vehicle being blown out of its lane or overturned. If driving is necessary, drivers should maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, slow their speed, and increase distance from other vehicles.
Inside a home, the safest location is an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and glass doors, which are susceptible to shattering from flying debris. Because high winds frequently cause power outages by downing trees and utility poles, charge all electronic communication devices and locate flashlights and battery-powered radios. Never approach or touch a downed power line, as it may still be energized and presents an electrocution risk.