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Damaging Winds: Impacts
Strong winds associated with thunderstorms cause extensive damage and can be
responsible for large numbers of casualties. Much research into the nature of
thunderstorm winds was motivated by crashes of aircraft taking off or landing
during thunderstorms. But damaging winds typically have much broader impacts
to society.
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Figure 3-5. Strong thunderstorm winds rolled
this van. (Photo Credit: W. Hunter/Park City
Daily News) |
Damage depends on both wind speed and the nature of the objects in the path of
the storm. Strong winds can turn debris and untethered objects into airborne
missiles. Even heavy vehicles can be rolled over (Figure 3-5). Homes and large
buildings can sustain damage from the direct force of winds. Broken windows and
damaged roofs are common. Falling limbs and trees can contribute to property
damage and cause casualties. Mobile homes and metal sheds can be destroyed,
particularly if they are not fastened to a foundation. Construction sites are
particularly dangerous, where partially constructed walls with little support
can be blown over, sometimes resulting in casualties when strong winds strike
ahead of a thunderstorm. Power and communications outages are also common, and
storm debris in scattered on roads and streets can disrupt transportation and
delay emergency response vehicles.
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Figure 3-6. An injured cow is freed after being
trapped by a fallen tree. (Photo Credit: W.
Hunter/Park City Daily News) |
Farm operations can also be heavily impacted by high winds. Livestock are at
risk from windborne objects and falling limbs and trees, or they may be trapped
in damaged barns or shelters (Figure 3-6). Winds can flatten field crops, such as
corn, tobacco, and wheat; destroy orchard crops, such as apples and peaches; and
even destroy large stands of valuable timber.
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