During severe storms, one of the most widespread dangers that people often overlook is wind damage from straight-line winds. While lightning, hail and tornadoes are certainly threats associated with severe storms, straight-line winds can be just as dangerous.
Straight-line winds can reach speeds of up to 100 mph or even more in rare cases, which is faster than winds in some tornadoes. Fallen trees, branches, and structures all facing the same direction are telltale signs of straight-line wind damage. Sometimes, this type of damage can be mistaken for tornado damage.
Straight-line winds occur when warm air rises ahead of a storm, causing it to cool and become denser. The rising warm air falls back down into the storm, 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 to avoid injury or death from flying debris. Power outages can also occur due to downed powerlines so it is important to avoid them to prevent electrical shock.
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