The Silent Danger of Straight-Line Winds in Severe Storms: A Closer Look

Severe storms often bring to mind lightning, hail and tornadoes. However, one of the most common dangers associated with these storms is wind damage from straight-line winds.

Straight-line winds can reach speeds of up to 100 mph or more in rare cases, which is faster than some tornadoes. When trees, branches and structures all face in the same direction, it is a clear sign of straight-line wind damage. This type of damage can be mistaken for tornado damage at times.

Straight-line winds, also known as gust fronts, occur when warm air rises ahead of a storm. The rising warm air cools and becomes denser, falling back down into the storm and creating horizontal winds that can become strong straight-line winds extending ahead of the storm cells.

During severe storms with straight-line winds, it is crucial to stay indoors and away from windows. Power outages may occur due to downed or damaged powerlines that pose a risk of electrical shock if touched. It is important to avoid them at all costs during such events.

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