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Primary reference(s)

WMO, 1992. . Accessed 20 November 2019.

Additional scientific description

The numerical limits of a gale are defined by the Beaufort Scale which is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land (Royal Meteorological Society, 2018). Its full name is the Beaufort wind force scale. Metrics and numeric limits A gale is wind with a speed of between 34 and 40 knots (62–74 km/h, 32–38 mph). Also known as Beaufort scale wind force 8 (WMO, 1992).

Metrics and numeric limits

A gale is wind with a speed of between 34 and 40 knots (62–74 km/h, 32–38 mph). Also known as Beaufort scale wind force 8 (WMO, 1992).

Examples of drivers, outcomes and risk management

Human health can be severely affected by windstorms. Direct effects occur during the impact phase of a storm, causing death and injury due to the force of the wind. Becoming airborne, being struck by flying debris or falling trees and road traffic accidents are the main dangers. Indirect effects, occurring during the pre- and post-impact phases of the storm, include falls, lacerations and puncture wounds, and occur when preparing for, or cleaning up after a storm. Power outages are a key issue and can lead to electrocution, fires and burns and carbon monoxide poisoning from gasoline powered electrical generators. In addition, worsening of chronic illnesses due to lack of access to medical care or medication can occur. Other health impacts include infections and insect bites (Goldman et al., 2014).

Many countries have National Alerting Parameters for Gale, including the Philippines (PAGASA, no date), China (China Meteorological Administration, 2012), the Republic of Korea (Korea Meteorological Administration, 2019) and the United States (NOAA, 2019).