What is the meaning of gale warning?
As mentioned earlier, a gale warning is an alert that is issued whenever the maritime is experiencing or about to experience winds of gale-force that is within the range of 34 knots (63 km/h or 39 mph) to 47 knots (87 km/h or 54 mph), with a sustained wind force of ten minutes or more.
What is Gale in context used for?
Gale In Context: For Educators is a powerful resource designed to save time, enhance instruction, and help teachers provide students with equitable and personalized learning opportunities.
What does Red Flag Warning weather mean?
Red Flag Warning A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions. It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria will occur within 24 hours of issuance.
What does a yellow weather warning mean?
Yellow is the least dangerous out of the weather warnings - it means "be aware". Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could affect you. This potentially means cancelling plans, having to deal with travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property.
What does gale warning mean in weather?
Gale Warning: A warning of sustained winds in the range 34 to 47 knots (KT) inclusive either predicted or occurring not associated with tropical cyclones. Gust: A rapid fluctuation of wind speed with variations of 10 KT or more between peaks and lulls.
Is a gale a strong wind?
gale, wind that is stronger than a breeze; specifically a wind of 28–55 knots (50–102 km per hour) corresponding to force numbers 7 to 10 on the Beaufort scale. As issued by weather service forecasters, gale warnings occur when forecasted winds range from 34 to 47 knots (63 to 87 km per hour).
How strong is a gale warning?
Gale Warning A warning of sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.
What is the difference between a gale warning and a storm warning?
Gale Warning – This indicates wind speed has reached 34 to 47 knots in your area. Storm Warning – This is issued when winds reach speeds above 47 knots. However, if the winds are the result of a tropical storm or hurricane, this warning means winds are forecasted between 48 and 63 knots.
Does gale mean sea storm?
b. A storm at sea. 2. often gales A forceful outburst: gales of laughter.
What speed is a gale?
JetStream Max: Beaufort Wind Force ScaleBeaufort Wind ForceWind AverageAmerican term730 kt 35 mph 56 km/hStrong837 kt 43 mph 68 km/hGale944 kt 51 mph 82 km/hGale1052 kt 59 mph 96 km/hWhole Gale14 more rows
Can planes fly in gale-force winds?
In summary, it's perfectly safe to fly in strong wind. The aircraft can handle it, and the pilots are well trained to do so. Just expect it to be a little bumpy during take-off and landing.
How many mph is gale force wind?
The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds. Forecasters typically issue gale warnings when winds of this strength are expected.
What gale force is 50 mph?
47-54 Mph 75-88 kph 41-47 knots Strong Gale Slight damage occurs to buildings, shingles are blown off of roofs. High waves (6 meters), rolling seas, dense foam, Blowing spray reduces visibility. 55-63 Mph 89-102 kph 48-55 knots Whole Gale or Storm Trees are broken or uprooted, building damage is considerable.
What does a gale warning look like?
The daytime display signal for a gale warning is two red pennants, and the night signal is white and red lights. These visual alerts are triggered when winds blow over ten-minute periods at around 34-47 knots (39-46 miles per hour or 63-87 kilometers per hour).
Which is worse a watch or a warning?
A tornado watch means severe weather, such as large hail or winds over 58 mph, has the potential to turn into tornadic activity. A tornado warning indicates that either a strong weather rotation could produce a tornado at any moment or that a funnel cloud has already been spotted.
What causes gale force winds?
Gales are usually caused by the air pressure difference between a strong low pressure system and a strong, cold high pressure system. Wind is caused by air pressure differences over a certain distance. The greater the air pressure difference, the higher the winds will be.
What happens when a strong gale blows?
55-63 Mph 89-102 kph 48-55 knots Whole Gale or Storm Trees are broken or uprooted, building damage is considerable. Large waves (6-9 meters), overhanging crests, sea becomes white with foam, heavy rolling, reduced visibility.
What do you mean by gales?
a strong wind1 : a strong wind. 2 : a wind of from about 32 to 63 miles per hour (about 51 to 101 kilometers per hour) 3 : an outburst of amusement gales of laughter.
Is 20 mph wind strong?
Sustained wind speeds around 20 mph, or frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph. " No Discernable Threat to Life and Property from High Wind." The sustain wind speeds are non-threatening; "breezy" conditions may still be present. Note: In "High Wind" conditions, small branches break off trees and loose objects are blown about.
What is classed as gale force wind UK?
Gale. Moderately high (18-25 ft) waves of greater length, edges of crests begin to break into spindrift, foam blown in streaks. Twigs breaking off trees, generally impedes progress. 9. 41-47.
What is a gale warning?
A gale warning is an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies around the world in an event that maritime locations currently or imminently experiencing winds of gale force on the Beaufort scale. Gale warnings (and gale watches) allow mariners to take precautionary actions ...
What radio station broadcasts gale warnings?
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office issues gale warnings, and radio broadcasts them four times a day at fixed times on 198 kHz in the Shipping Forecast, part of the broadcast output of BBC Radio 4. If a considerable time will intervene before the next Shipping Forecast, forecasters may issue an extra gale warning, read between programmes. The Meteorological Office issues warnings for sea areas surrounding the United Kingdom for all predictions of winds of Beaufort scale Force 8 or greater, the forecasts extending as far north as Iceland and as far south as southern Spain.
What flag is used in lieu of gale warning pennants?
In this situation, the storm warning maritime flag is also used in lieu of the gale warning pennants, regardless of the intensity of the tropical storm.
When was the first storm warning issued?
On 1 September 1860 weather reports began to be collected at the Meteorological Office in London via electric telegraph and on 5 February 1861 the first storm warning was issued. After his death in 1865 the storm warning service was discontinued due to the ongoing debate about its scientific accuracy but the increased loss ...
How fast is a storm warning?
The National Weather Service issues a storm warning for higher winds of 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph) to 63 knots (117 km/h; 72 mph) at sea. In the event of a tropical cyclone, however, a tropical storm warning replaces both the gale warning and the storm warning.
What are the levels of gales?
There are “levels” of gales: moderate, fresh, strong, and whole, and the roughness and height of the sea will be impacted by the type of gale you’re experiencing.
What is gale force winds?
Gale force winds are defined by the National Weather Service (and pretty much everyone else) as winds that are sustained at:
Can you surf during a gale warning?
When you see those two red pennants flying, you know you’re in for some seriously windy weather. While you can surf during a gale warning, know your limits and your skill. Be smart and remember that no matter how good you are, nature is unpredic table.
Can I Surf in Gale Force Winds?
Offshore winds blowing in from behind the waves can make for excellent surf conditions. But when the wind picks up too high, it can create a sloppy mess of sea spray and choppy water that’s simply not good for surfing. Erratic winds are often a determining factor. You may have offshore winds pushing waves toward shore, followed by onshore winds which chop up the surf.
What is a gale warning?
In the United States, a gale warning is specifically a maritime warning; the land-based equivalent in National Weather Service warning products is a wind advisory . Other sources use minima as low as 28 knots (52 km/h; 14 m/s; 32 mph), and maxima as high as 90 knots (170 km/h; 46 m/s; 100 mph).
What is a gale?
v. t. e. A gale is a strong wind, typically used as a descriptor in nautical contexts. The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots ( 63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds. Forecasters typically issue gale warnings when winds of this strength are expected.
Where does the word "gale" come from?
The word gale is derived from the Middle English gale, a general word for wind of any strength, even a breeze. This word is probably of North Germanic origin, related to Icelandic gola (breeze) and Danish gal (furious, mad), which are both from Old Norse gala (to sing), from Proto-Germanic * galaną (to roop, sing, charm), from Proto-Indo-European * gʰel - (to shout, scream, charm away). One online etymology website suggests that the word gale is derived from an earlier spelling, gail, which it claims is of uncertain origin.
Overview
A gale warning is an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies around the world in an event that maritime locations currently or imminently experiencing winds of gale force on the Beaufort scale. Gale warnings (and gale watches) allow mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure their safety at sea or to seek safe anchorage and ride out the storm on land. Though usually …
Usage in the United States
In the United States, the National Weather Service issues gale warnings for marine areas (oceans, sounds, estuaries, and the Great Lakes) experiencing, or about to experience, winds within the range of 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph) to 47 knots (87 km/h; 54 mph). In United States maritime warning flag systems, two red pennants indicate a gale warning; the use of one such flag denotes a small craft advisory.
Usage in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office issues gale warnings, and radio broadcasts them four times a day at fixed times on 198 kHz in the Shipping Forecast, part of the broadcast output of BBC Radio 4. If a considerable time will intervene before the next Shipping Forecast, forecasters may issue an extra gale warning, read between programmes. The Meteorological Office issues warnings for sea areas surrounding the United Kingdom for all predictions of winds of Beaufort s…
Usage in Ireland
Met Éireann, the Republic of Ireland meteorological office, issues an area forecast for the Irish Sea and warnings for sea areas around Ireland with headlands of Ireland (e.g. Fair Head, Malin Head, Mizen Head, Carnsore Point) defining stretches of coast.
Usage in Canada
In Canada, the Meteorological Service of Canada branch of the Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a similar gale warning for lakes, oceans, and other marine areas within the country.
Usage in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) branch of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) issues gale warnings during weather disturbances (including typhoons) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Example
The following is an example of a Gale Warning issued by the National Weather Service office in North Webster, Indiana.
See also
• Severe weather terminology (United States)
• Small craft advisory
• Storm warning
• Tropical cyclone warnings and watches