whole gale
Noun: A whole gale is a specific classification of very strong wind, with sustained speeds measuring between 55 and 63 knots (approximately 63 to 72 miles per hour or 102 to 117 kilometers per hour). On the Beaufort wind force scale, which measures wind intensity based on observed sea and land conditions, a whole gale is designated as force 10.
The term is a technical meteorological classification. It describes a severe wind condition that poses significant danger to navigation and can cause structural damage on land. * The shipping forecast warned of a whole gale approaching from the Atlantic, prompting all small craft to seek harbor immediately. * Meteorologists recorded sustained winds at whole gale force, uprooting trees and causing widespread power outages.
- "to blow a whole gale": This phrase is used to describe the action of the wind reaching this specific intensity.
- By midnight, it was blowing a whole gale, and the noise was terrifying.
- Gale (n): A broader term for a very strong wind. A whole gale is a specific, more intense category within the general concept of a gale.
- Storm (n): A general term for a violent atmospheric disturbance, which often involves winds of gale force or stronger, along with precipitation.
- Beaufort scale (n): The standardized scale (from 0 to 12) used to classify wind speed based on its observable effects.
- Force 10 wind: A direct synonym referencing its position on the Beaufort scale.
- Violent storm (Note: On the Beaufort scale, "Violent Storm" is technically force 11, which is stronger than a whole gale. However, in general, non-technical language, "violent storm" may be used loosely to describe similar conditions.)
- Gale warning: An official alert issued by meteorological services forecasting winds of gale force (which includes whole gale force) within a specific marine area.
- wind moving 55-63 knots; 10 on the Beaufort scale