tolakram wrote:I can't understand how people can downplay tropical storm force winds much less hurricane. I knwo when we gets winds around here of 40 to 50 MPH it's a big deal.
40 to 50 mph winds are not a big deal. Here in coastal NC we get gusts of 40-50 somewhat regularly. Notheasters in fall and winter produce sustained winds in 30's and 40's with 50's gusts and higher, and thunderstorms in spring and summer bring 40 to 60 mph winds. Heck it seems like hardly a day goes by without gusts into the mid20's or higher.
The problem with high winds is how long they stay high. Thats what causes the damage. Something is weak and after holding in the wind for just so long it finally gives way. Thats why you have more damage from tropical/noreaster systems. they blow for a day or more.
Another point to consider is that areas that do regularly have higher winds get much less damage from them as areas that do not usually get them. The reason is simple, anything that is weak got blown down last week or last month or last year.
And while say 70 mph is forcasted, most likely the only place you would see anything close to that would be in a open area or on the beach with an on-shore flow. I have worked during many hurricanes that the news were touting as having hurricane force sustained winds that were suposedly ripping right over me, and never recorded a single gust over 50-60.
But....you never know when/if that reported wind
might hit you, so you better be prepared just the same.
