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Beaufort Scale
Use this chart to determine wind velocity
by observing the movement of natural phenomena such as smoke, leaves, trees,
etc.
For a copy in PDF format, right-click
here and select "Save Target As..."
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Beaufort Number |
Description |
Possible Effects |
Speed (MPH) |
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0 |
Calm |
Smoke rises vertically |
0 |
|
1 |
Light air |
Smoke drifts gently |
1-3 |
|
2 |
Slight breeze |
Leaves rustle, wind felt on face |
4-7 |
|
3 |
Gentle breeze |
Leaves and twigs move on trees |
8-12 |
|
4 |
Moderate wind |
Raises dust and light paper |
13-18 |
|
5 |
Fresh wind |
Crested waves, small trees start to sway |
19-24 |
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6 |
Strong wind |
Large branches in motion, whistling wires |
25-31 |
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7 |
Near Gale |
Whole trees sway |
32-38 |
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8 |
Gale |
Difficult to walk, breaks twigs off trees |
39-46 |
|
9 |
Severe gale |
Branches and shingles blown off |
47-54 |
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10 |
Storm |
Trees uprooted, structural damage |
55-63 |
|
11 |
Severe Storm |
Serious damage to houses |
64-75 |
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12 |
Hurricane |
Widespread damage |
75 & up |