National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather-Ready Nation

National Program

Social Media: Wind

Weather.gov > Weather-Ready Nation > Social Media: Wind

Back to Social Media

Social Media: Wind
#WeatherReady

 

Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Driving During Strong Winds

Facebook
High winds can make driving dangerous. If driving during windy conditions, slow down and keep two hands on the wheel, avoid large trucks and trailers, and watch for downed tree branches, trees and power lines. Bridges and overpasses can be particularly dangerous to drive over when it is extremely windy, so choose routes to avoid them.
weather.gov/safety/wind-during

Twitter
If driving during windy conditions, slow down, avoid large trucks and trailers, and watch for downed tree branches and power lines. Bridges and overpasses can be particularly dangerous, avoid them if you can.
weather.gov/safety/wind-during #WeatherReady

Driving During Strong Winds: Maintain a safe distance from high-profile vehicles. Keep a firm grip on the wheel with both hands. Look out for fallen or falling trees, powerlines, or debris. Avoid bridges & overpasses if possible. 

+Alt text

 

Wind Dangers for Boaters

Facebook
Wind can be dangerous for those out on the water because strong winds create large waves and can damage your boat, push you off course, or even cause you to capsize. If high winds are forecast, stay off the water and stow your vessel before conditions become hazardous. weather.gov/safety/safeboating

Twitter
Wind can be dangerous when out on the water because strong winds can create large waves. If high winds are forecast, adjust your plans. weather.gov/safety/safeboating #WeatherReady

Navigating Strong Wind. Dangerous wind can arrive well before (or without) rain. Reduce speed and head to shore if alerted to high wind. Always wear a life jacket.

+Alt text

 

Wind at Home

Facebook
Strong storms with whipping winds commonly impact the U.S. during the cooler months. Each year, there are reports of trees and powerlines that have been knocked over and homes that have been damaged. Trim trees and shrubs and repair loose siding or shutters around your home well in advance of a storm. This can help reduce damage to your home. weather.gov/safety/wind-before

Twitter
Before it gets windy, prepare your home! Trim trees and repair loose siding and shutters. weather.gov/safety/wind-before #WeatherReady

Don't Underestime Strong Wind. The safest place is inside, in an interior room, and away from windows. Prepare your home by trimming trees, repairing loose siding & shutters, and securing loose items.

+Alt text

 

Loose Items

Facebook
Even the most common items become dangerous objects when picked up and carried by the wind! When a High Wind Watch or a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued, secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, sports equipment and trash cans. weather.gov/safety/wind-during

Twitter
Even the most common items become dangerous objects when picked up and carried by the wind! weather.gov/safety/wind-during #WeatherReady

Store or secure loose items before strong winds: patio furniture, trash cans, sports equipment, trampolines.

+Alt text

 

Recreational Vehicles

Facebook
Recreational vehicles and trailers/campers are NOT a safe shelter from strong winds. Wind gusts can turn them over whether parked or in motion. If high winds are forecast, consider rescheduling your trip. weather.gov

Twitter
Recreational vehicles and trailers/campers are NOT a safe shelter from strong winds. Wind gusts can turn them over whether parked or in motion. If high winds are forecast, consider rescheduling your trip. weather.gov #WeatherReady

RVs are at risk from strong winds. RVs and trailers/campers are not a safe shetler from strong winds. Wind gusts can turn them over whether parked or in motion. Check the forecast before you go, and have a way to receive weather warnings.

+Alt text

 

Don’t Drive Through Dust Storms

Facebook
Driving in a dust storm is dangerous. Not only can they severely limit your visibility, but they can materialize very quickly. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/wind-dust-storm

Twitter
Driving in a dust storm is dangerous. Not only can they severely limit your visibility, but they can materialize very quickly. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/wind-dust-storm. #WeatherReady

Don't drive through dust storms. Pull off the road as far as possible. Stop and turn off all lights. Set the emergency brake. Take your foot off the brake, make sure taillights aren't illuminated.

+Alt text

 

High Wind Watch vs Warning

Facebook
A High Wind WATCH means Be Prepared.
A High Wind WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/wind-ww

Twitter
A High Wind WATCH means Be Prepared.
A High Wind WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/wind-ww #WeatherReady

High Wind Watch means be prepared. A High Wind Watch is issued when sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans if necessary so that you're not caught outside. High Wind Warning means take action! A High Wind Warning is issued when sustained, strong winds are happening or about to happen. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure. If driving, use caution - keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. 

+Alt text

 

Tree Danger

Facebook
During high winds, falling trees and broken branches can become dangerous objects. Stay safe by avoiding exterior rooms and windows and by using caution when driving. Prevent damage to your property by trimming loose branches and parking away from trees. weather.gov/safety/wind

Twitter
During high winds, trees can become dangerous objects. Stay safe by avoiding exterior rooms and windows and by using caution when driving. Prevent damage to your property by trimming loose branches and parking away from trees. weather.gov/safety/wind #WeatherReady

During high winds tree damage is expected. Stay safe by avoiding exterior rooms and vehicles while the winds are strong.

+Alt text

 

Straight Line Winds

Facebook
During strong thunderstorms, straight line wind speeds can exceed 100 mph and can cause damage similar to a tornado, knocking over semi-trucks, trees, and powerlines. Stay indoors and away from windows. If caught on the road during straight line winds, slow down and keep two hands on the wheel. weather.gov/safety/wind

Twitter
During strong thunderstorms, straight line wind speeds can exceed 100 mph and can cause damage similar to a tornado, knocking over semi-trucks, trees, and powerlines. Stay indoors and away from windows. weather.gov/safety/wind #WeatherReady

Straight Line Winds. Straight line winds can exceed 100 mph, and affect large areas. Strong winds can knock over semi-trucks, trees and powerlines. Stay indoors away from windows. Avoid trees, power lines, and objects that could blow around. If driving, slow down and keep two hands on the wheel.

+Alt text

 

High Winds on a Clear Day

Facebook
Clear isn’t always calm. Even on a clear day, strong winds can be dangerous. Objects that are not secured can be rolled or tossed. Use caution when driving, especially high-profile vehicles. weather.gov/safety/wind

Twitter
Clear isn’t always calm. Even on a clear day, strong winds can be dangerous. Objects that are not secured can be rolled or tossed. Use caution when driving, especially high-profile vehicles. weather.gov/safety/wind #WeatherReady

Clear isn't always calm. Even on a clear day, strong winds can be dangerous. Objects that are not secured can be rolled or tossed. Use caution when driving, especially high-profile vehicles. Trim trees near your home. Have a plan in case of a power outage.

+Alt text

 

Downslope Winds

Facebook
Do you ever wonder why the leeward slopes of mountains and hills can have bursts of warm, gusty winds at times? These are downslope winds. They’re caused by strong winds that move over a ridge. As the air descends and accelerates, it’s compressed and warmed. Sometimes, damaging winds can result, along with a rise in temperatures.

Twitter
Downslope winds can cause damaging gusts and warming temperatures on the leeward slopes of mountains and hills. Don’t let sudden gusts in seemingly calm weather catch you off-guard! #WeatherReady

Downslope winds: Warm, dry, gusty winds on the leeward slopes of mountains or large hills. 1. Strong winds move over the ridgetop of a mountain range. 2. As air descends and accelerates, it is compressed by the increasing air pressure, which results in warming. 3. Besides warmer and drier conditions, gusts over 40 mph are possible.

+Alt text

 

Science of Wind (Video)

Facebook
Wind is a part of weather we experience all the time, but why does it actually happen? This video covers the basics: youtu.be/kb9oRYUzlwQ

Twitter
Wind is a part of weather we experience all the time, but why does it actually happen? This video covers the basics: youtu.be/kb9oRYUzlwQ

 

Infographic - When the Wind Blows

Facebook
High winds can be dangerous! If possible, stay inside. When driving, slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and keep away from high-profile vehicles. Be aware of loose outdoor items and stay clear of trees. Visit weather.gov/wind for more information.

Twitter
High winds can be dangerous! When driving, slow down and keep away from high-profile vehicles. Be aware of loose outdoor items and stay clear of trees. weather.gov/wind #WeatherReady

Infographic - When the Wind Blows. Identify an interior room in your house or at work that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings (head inside immediately). If you are driving and aren't near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down. Keep a distance from high profile vehicles (be careful on the road). High winds can create dangerous fallen or blowing objects (stay clear of hazards from above). Stay clear of trees. Beware of loose outdoor items.

+Alt text

 

Science of Santa Ana Winds

Facebook
Santa Ana winds are strong downslope winds that blow through the mountain passes in Southern California. They are created over the Great Basin region from high-pressure air masses, which then blow down towards sea level. These winds, which can easily exceed 40 miles per hour, are warm and dry, and can severely exacerbate brush or forest fires, especially under drought conditions. For more info, visit weather.gov/safety/wind-mountain-valley.

Twitter
Santa Ana winds are strong downslope winds that blow through the mountain passes in Southern California. The winds can easily exceed 40 MPH, are warm and dry, and can severely exacerbate brush or forest fires, especially under drought conditions. weather.gov/safety/wind-mountain-valley.

What are Santa Ana Winds? Strong downslope winds. Created over the Great Basin from high-pressure air masses. They are warm, dry, and can worsen forest fires.

+Alt text

 

Science of Wind Chill

Facebook
With little to no wind, your body is able to maintain a thin layer of warmer air between your skin and colder air surrounding you. However, higher winds can eliminate that thin layer, and your body can begin to cool at a dangerously fast rate. Visit weather.gov/safety/cold for more winter science!

Twitter
With little to no wind, your body can maintain a thin layer of warmer air between your skin and colder air surrounding you. Higher winds can eliminate that thin layer, and your body can begin to cool at a dangerously fast rate. weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterScience

Infographic - The Science of Wind Chill. The average temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit. Under calm conditions, the body radiates heat, creating a layer of warmth between or skin and the cold surroundings. But when it's windy, the moving air breaks up this insulating layer. It speeds up heat loss by whisking away the warmth from our skin. Hypothermia begins when our body temperature drops two to four degrees.

+Alt text

 

Power Outages

Facebook
Powerful storms can pack a windy punch. Don’t wait until you’re in the dark! Check your emergency kit now to ensure you have plenty of batteries and other essential supplies on hand. ready.gov/kit

Twitter
Powerful storms can pack a windy punch, knocking out power. Are you ready? ready.gov/kit #WeatherReady

Be prepared for power outages. Strong winds can knock out power. Check your emergency kit to make sure it has everything you need.

+Alt text

 

Family Communication Plan

Facebook
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you’ll get to a safe place, how you'll contact one another, how you’ll get back together, and what you’ll do in different situations. Create a Family Communications Plan. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Twitter
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Make a plan. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan #WeatherReady

Family Communication Plan