Beaufort Scale of Wind Force

Sometimes people or manufacturers use the Gale Force description to describe the performance potential of products or fabrics in extreme conditions.

The observable land effects is a useful guide to be able to describe conditions more accurately.

Here's a brief breakdown of the scale and the associated wind strength associated with it.
 
Scale Force Rating Observable Land Effects Speed MPH
0 Calm Vertical Smoke 1
1 Light Air Slight smoke drift 1-3
2 Light Breeze Leaves gently rustle 4-7
3 Gentle Breeze Leaves and twigs move 8-12
4 Moderate Breeze Raises paper moves small branches 13-18
5 Fresh Breeze Sways small leafy trees 19-24
6 Strong Breeze Sways large branches 25-31
7 Moderate Gale Trees sway 32-38
8 Fresh Gale Broken twigs, walking impeded 39-46
9 Strong Gale Chimneys, slates, hoardings damaged 47-54
10 Whole Gale Trees Blown Down and Considerable damage 55-63
11 Storm Major Damage 64-75
12 Hurricane Very dangerous tropical whirling winds 76+
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