The Beaufort Wind Scale is a standardized method used to rate wind speed.
The Beaufort scale number is often referred to as a "force" number.
The scale is based not by the actual wind speed, but the observed effects.
Beaufort
Scale
Speed
MPH
Description
0
below
1
Calm:
smoke rises vertically
1
1-3
Light
Air: Smoke drifts; leaves barely move
2
4-7
Light
Breeze: Leaves rustle; wind can be felt
3
8-12
Gentle
Breeze: Leaves and twigs move; debris and dust raised from ground
4
13
-18
Moderate
Breeze: Small branches move; debris and dust raised from ground
5
19
- 24
Fresh
Breeze: Small trees sway and large branches in motion; dust clouds
raised
6
25
- 31
Strong
Breeze: Large branches continuously move; wind whistles; difficulty
using and umbrella
7
32
- 38
Moderate
Gale: Large trees sway; difficulty walking
8
39
- 46
Fresh
Gale: Twigs and small branches break; walking very difficult
9
47
- 54
Strong
Gale: Slight damage to buildings; shingles blow off roof
10
55
- 63
Whole
Gale: Large trees uprooted; heavy damage to buildings
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