High winds can cause downed trees and power lines, flying debris and building collapses, which may lead to power outages, transportation disruptions, damage to buildings and vehicles, and serious injury.

Recent Wind Events in New York City

In March 1997, as a low pressure system moved across the New York City area, resulting high winds produced gusts over 60 mph. In Laurelton, Queens, a 75-foot maple tree fell on a school bus, killing four and injuring six children. In Manhattan, a pedestrian was injured by flying debris and another was hit by a flying coffee stand.

In December 2000, high winds developed as a strong cold front passed across the area, resulting in several incidents including one death and six injuries. Gusts of up to 62 mph knocked down signs, trees and street lamps onto pedestrians, vehicles, buildings and streets. A barge overturned on the Hudson, a building collapsed in the Bronx, and the Throgs Neck and Bayonne Bridges shut down after three tractor trailers turned on their sides.

In April 2002, high winds pushed debris off buildings in lower Manhattan, resulting in two injuries. Scaffolding collapsed, and a construction sign was snapped at its base along First Avenue. In Brooklyn, a 15-foot cinderblock wall collapsed, crushing a pedestrian, and a building collapsed, trapping construction workers inside.

To learn more about past weather events, visit the National Climatic Data Center's storm events database.

WIND ADVISORY: Sustained winds of at least 30 mph for one hour or more, gusts from 45 to 57 mph.

HIGH WIND WARNING: Sustained winds at least 40 mph for one hour or more, or gusts to 58 mph or more. Warnings are issued when existing or imminent high winds cover part or all of the forecast area and pose a threat to life and property.

BEAUFORT WIND SCALE: Simplified scale developed to aid in the estimation of wind speed and typical effects: