Hobbies And Interests
Buildings
Tall buildings are the most vulnerable to high winds and many have a flexible frame designed to stop any structural damage caused by high winds. Smaller buildings tend to be less well prepared and strong winds can result in damage to roofs and chimney stacks.
Bridges
Cross winds on bridges are a huge problem for high sided vehicles such as trucks. This can lead to bridges being shut down to larger vehicles during periods of heightened wind speed, which can create a backlog in deliveries.
Sea
At sea is where the full effects of strong winds can really be felt. Increased wind speeds lead to larger waves, which make it increasingly difficult for sailors to navigate boats into port. If the wind is coming from onshore, this can also make it impossible for ships to get into port and can drive them onto rocks. High winds can also lead to flooding in coastal areas as the tide can be held in shore by strong winds until the next tide builds up on top of it.
Air Traffic
Turbulence and cross winds are a major problem for all plane pilots. Turbulence in the air makes it more difficult for planes to maintain a course setting and cross winds on the runway make landing and taking off a lot more difficult. Increased plane cancellations can occur during periods of strong winds.
Power Generation
Trees are very susceptible to strong winds and are often brought down during storms. Trees can fall on power lines, which will cut the electricity supply to houses and may take a while to repair. Wind turbines also struggle during high winds as the blades are only designed to cope with average winds, not the extremes. This can lead to major damage to the turbine itself, which is expensive and reduces power generation.
Weather
The weather system itself is moved around the globe via winds. During times of strong winds, incoming weather systems can occur faster than expected. This is not always a bad thing as it can bring in warmer and calmer systems, but it can also bring in worsening systems as well.