Definition

Noun: A strong gale is a wind moving at 47-54 knots, classified as force 9 on the Beaufort scale. It is a specific, severe category of wind.

Usage

The term "strong gale" is a technical classification used primarily in meteorology, maritime contexts, and formal weather reporting to describe a specific and dangerous wind speed.

Examples

• The shipping forecast warned of a strong gale developing in the channel overnight.
• Winds reached strong gale force, causing significant disruption to ferry services.
• A strong gale can cause structural damage and make travel extremely hazardous.

Advanced Usage

• "to blow a strong gale": This phrase describes the action of the wind reaching this intensity.
  • It was blowing a strong gale by the time the storm made landfall.

Variants and Related Words

• Gale (n): A general term for a very strong wind. A "strong gale" is a specific, high-intensity subset of a gale.
• Storm (n): A violent disturbance of the atmosphere. A strong gale is often a feature of a storm.
• Beaufort scale (n): The empirical measure that defines wind force, on which "strong gale" is force 9.

Synonyms

• Force 9 wind: The direct technical synonym based on the Beaufort scale.
• Severe gale: A term sometimes used interchangeably, though it can imply the higher end of the scale.

Related Phrases

• Gale-force winds: A broader term for winds of force 7 or higher on the Beaufort scale, which includes "strong gale."
  • The region was battered by gale-force winds for two days.

Noun

1. wind moving 47-54 knots; 9 on the Beaufort scale