Gale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses, see Gale (disambiguation).
A gale is a wind of at least 28 knots, 32 mph, or 51 km/h; and up to 55 knots, 63 mph, or 102 km/h.
It is divided into three or four categories:
- A moderate gale or near gale is up to 33 kt., 38 mph, or 61 km/h, and a small craft advisory is issued.
- A fresh gale or just gale is 34~40 kt., 39~46 mph, or 62~74 km/h, and a gale warning is issued.
- A strong gale is 41~47 kt., 47~54 mph, or 75~88 km/h, and usually a gale warning is issued or maintained.
- A whole gale or storm is 48 kt., 55 mph, or 89 km/h or greater, and a storm warning is issued.
The last category is often not considered a gale, but the lower half of a storm. If any of the latter three categories are in association with a tropical storm or hurricane, a tropical storm warning (or local equivalent) is issued instead. A gale is a very strong wind.
