A gale warning is an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies around the world in an event that maritime locations currently or imminently experiencing winds of gale force on the Beaufort scale
Beaufort scale
The Beaufort scale /ˈboʊfərt/ is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort wind force scale. The scale was devised in 1805 by Francis Beaufort (later Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort), an Irish Royal Navy officer, whi…
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What does gamut warning mean?
As mentioned earlier, a gale warning is an alert that is issued whenever the maritime is experiencing or about to experience winds of gale-force that is within the range of 34 knots (63 km/h or 39 mph) to 47 knots (87 km/h or 54 mph), with a …
What is the meaning of gale warning?
Oct 29, 2018 · A weather advisory is issued when a hazardous weather condition or event is occurring, imminent or likely but for less serious conditions than those that would warrant a warning. A Gale Warning is issued when sustained surface winds (averaged over a ten minute period, momentary gusts may be higher) of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) are either …
What wind speed is a gale?
Gale warning definition, a National Weather Service warning of sustained winds at sea having speeds in the range 34–47 knots (39–54 miles per hour, 17–24 meters per second). See more.
What are gale force winds and how are they formed?
Jan 22, 2020 · The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds. In the United States, a gale warning is specifically a maritime warning; the land-based equivalent in National Weather Service warning products is a wind advisory.
What does gale warning mean in weather?
A warning of sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.
How strong is a gale warning?
What causes gale warning?
Which is stronger gale or storm?
What is the highest gale force?
Wind Force | Description | Wind Speed |
---|---|---|
9 | Strong Gale | 41-47 |
10 | Storm | 48-55 |
11 | Violent Storm | 56-63 |
12 | Hurricane | 64+ |
What is the difference between strong winds and gales?
Why are they called gale force winds?
What causes wind and gales?
Can you surf in gale force winds?
Why is it safer for a ship to be in a storm when it is far out at sea?
How much wind does it take to move a person?
Is 15 mph wind a lot?
What is a gale warning?
In the United States, a gale warning is specifically a maritime warning ; the land-based equivalent in National Weather Service warning products is a wind advisory.
How fast is a gale?
The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds . In the United States, a gale warning is specifically a maritime warning; the land-based equivalent in National Weather Service warning products is a wind advisory.
What is Myrtle Beach known for?
Myrtle Beach is known for its putt-putt, bright colors, and drive-through margarita joints. It’s no surprise that it’s also home to one of the best tiki bars in America, the 8th Avenue Tiki Bar and Grill. If you’re visiting Myrtle, you know the town has a relaxed, “anything goes” atmosphere.
How fast can you surf?
You know that some of the easiest waves to surf are the waves you’ll find on a breezy day. Typically, winds around 5 to 10 miles per hour are ideal, especially if it’s offshore wind.
When is a flood warning issued?
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. A River Flood Watch is issued when river flooding is possible at one or more forecast points along a river. A River Flood Warning is issued when river flooding is occurring or imminent at one or more forecast points along a river.
What is a winter storm warning?
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of: 1) 5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period. AND/OR.
Where is the wind chill warning in Maryland?
A Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chills of -20F or lower are expected east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and when wind chills of -25F or lower are expected along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and in Frederick and Carroll Counties in Maryland. Dense Fog Advisory.
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. 2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger. A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur.
What is a flash flood watch?
A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible. Flash Flood Warning. A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
What is a winter weather advisory?
A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.

Overview
A gale warning is an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies around the world in an event that maritime locations currently or imminently experiencing winds of gale force on the Beaufort scale. Gale warnings (and gale watches) allow mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure their safety at sea or to seek safe anchorage and ride out the storm on land. Though usually …
Usage in the United States
In the United States, the National Weather Service issues gale warnings for marine areas (oceans, sounds, estuaries, and the Great Lakes) experiencing, or about to experience, winds within the range of 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph) to 47 knots (87 km/h; 54 mph). In United States maritime warning flag systems, two red pennants indicate a gale warning; the use of one such flag denotes a small craft advisory.
Usage in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office issues gale warnings, and radio broadcasts them four times a day at fixed times on 198 kHz in the Shipping Forecast, part of the broadcast output of BBC Radio 4. If a considerable time will intervene before the next Shipping Forecast, forecasters may issue an extra gale warning, read between programmes. The Meteorological Office issues warnings for sea areas surrounding the United Kingdom for all predictions of winds of Beaufort s…
Usage in Ireland
Met Éireann, the Republic of Ireland meteorological office, issues an area forecast for the Irish Sea and warnings for sea areas around Ireland with headlands of Ireland (e.g. Fair Head, Malin Head, Mizen Head, Carnsore Point) defining stretches of coast.
Usage in Canada
In Canada, the Meteorological Service of Canada branch of the Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a similar gale warning for lakes, oceans, and other marine areas within the country.
Usage in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) branch of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) issues gale warnings during weather disturbances (including typhoons) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Example
The following is an example of a Gale Warning issued by the National Weather Service office in North Webster, Indiana.
See also
• Severe weather terminology (United States)
• Small craft advisory
• Storm warning
• Tropical cyclone warnings and watches