Wind Strengths
Calm Calm Calm wind Smoke rises vertically with little if any drift.
1 Light Air 1 to 3 mph Direction of wind shown by smoke drift, not by wind vanes.
2 Light Breeze 4 to 7 mph Wind felt on face. Leaves rustle and small twigs move
3 Gentle Breeze 8 to 12 mph Leaves and small twigs in constant motion. Wind blows up dry leaves
4 Moderate Breeze 13 to 18 mph Wind moves small branches. Wind raises dust and loose paper
5 Fresh Breeze 19 to 24 mph Large branches and small trees in leaf begin to sway
6 Strong Breeze 25 to 31 mph Large branches in continuous motion. Whistling sounds heard. Umbrellas used with difficulty.
7 Near Gale 32 to 38 mph Whole trees in motion. Difficulty felt walking against the wind.
8 Gale 39 to 46 mph Wind breaks twigs and small branches. Wind impedes walking.
9 Strong Gale 47 to 54 mph Structural damage occurs, such as chimney covers, roofing tiles blown off, and tv aerials damaged
10 Whole Gale 55 to 63 mph Considerable structural damage on roofs. Small trees may be blown over and uprooted.
11 Storm Force 64 to 75 mph Widespread damage occurs. Larger trees blown over and uprooted.
12 Hurricane Force 75+ mph Severe damage. Roofs peeled off. Trees uprooted, mobile homes overturned. Cars slide off the road