1. Introduction
2. What are sustained winds?
3. How can 120 mph winds affect sailing?
4. Effects of 120 mph winds on boats and other vessels
5. Effects of 120 mph winds on sailors
6. Safety precautions when dealing with high winds
7. Impact of high winds on the environment
8. What can 120 mph winds do?
9. Potential damage to buildings and infrastructure caused by 120 mph winds
10. How to prepare for high wind conditions
11. Conclusion

What Can 120 MPH Winds Do?

As a sailing expert, I understand the power and destruction that can be caused by sustained winds of up to 156 mph, especially in the wake of recent events such as Hurricane Dorian in 2019 that saw 120 mph wind gusts recorded in the Bahamas, resulting in catastrophic damage to infrastructure and homes throughout affected areas. In this article, I’ll explain what 120 mph wind gusts can do, how it affects sailing and other vessels, how to prepare for high wind conditions and the potential destruction it can cause if not taken seriously.

## What are Sustained Winds?
Sustained winds are an average speed over a 10-minute period – anything above 74mph is classified as severe, with speeds above 120 mph classified as extreme and potentially catastrophic for those in its path. These speeds are often seen during hurricanes, tropical cyclones and tornadoes which have the potential to cause significant destruction if not prepared for properly – especially if you’re out at sea!

## How Can 120 MPH Winds Affect Sailing?
For those who enjoy sailing, high wind conditions must be taken seriously – they can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing or take appropriate safety precautions beforehand. Being out at sea during a storm is no joke – even experienced sailors could find themselves in trouble if they don’t take the right measures to protect themselves and their vessel from the harsh weather conditions associated with storms like hurricanes or tropical cyclones.

## Effects of 120 MPH Winds on Boats and Other Vessels
High wind speeds can cause havoc on a boat or any other vessel due to their size and weight – they can easily be pushed around by strong gusts, causing them to lose control or capsize if not handled properly by an experienced sailor or captain who understands how to manoeuvre around these hazardous conditions. Boats also have the tendency to take on water during storms due to waves crashing against them; flooding is also a risk so it’s important that all hatches are sealed properly before heading out into any bad weather conditions.

## Effects of 120 MPH Winds on Sailors
High wind speeds pose a great risk for sailors as well – they can be thrown around inside the boat as it rocks back and forth due to strong gusts; this is why it’s so important for sailors to always wear life jackets when out at sea during any kind of storm or severe weather condition regardless of experience level or skill set! Furthermore, strong gusts have been known to cause hearing loss due to the loud noise associated with them; always wear ear plugs if possible when sailing during storms for optimal protection against deafening sounds associated with high wind speeds like those seen during hurricanes or tropical cyclones!

## Safety Precautions When Dealing With High Winds
When dealing with higher than normal wind speeds, it’s important that all safety precautions are taken into account before heading out onto the open waters – this includes wearing life jackets at all times while onboard any vessel; making sure emergency kits are well stocked; ensuring all hatches are sealed properly; avoiding areas which may be affected by large waves due to high winds; securing loose objects onboard; avoiding shorelines where strong gusts may blow boats towards land; paying close attention to weather forecasts prior departure; avoiding navigating through narrow channels/rivers/canyons/bridges etc.; staying away from exposed coasts or landmasses where gusts may suddenly increase speed; being aware of any signs indicating worsening weather conditions etc.. All these steps help ensure that sailors stay safe when dealing with higher than normal wind speeds like those seen during hurricanes or tropical cyclones!

## Impact of High Winds on The Environment
The impact that high wind speeds have on our environment should not be overlooked either – torrential rain caused by storms like hurricanes often leads to severe flooding which has significant consequences for both marine life and coastal areas alike (think erosion). Strong gusts can also uproot trees, destroy habitats and spread debris around which could lead to further destruction down the line if not cleared away quickly enough!

## What Can 120 MPH Winds Do? The destructive power of sustained winds reaching up to 120 mph should never be underestimated – they have been known to cause significant damage even before reaching their peak strength! Strong gusts can rip roofs off buildings, topple trees, knock down power poles as well as disrupt electricity supplies resulting in power outages – this could lead to water shortages as well depending on how long these issues last! Hurricanes such as Dorian have demonstrated that these kinds of extreme weather events should never be taken lightly – preparation is key!

## Potential Damage To Buildings And Infrastructure Caused By 120 MPH Winds
The potential damage caused by sustained winds reaching up 120 mph should not be underestimated either – roofs may become detached from buildings causing structural damage whilst exterior walls may also become weakened from powerful gusts resulting in cracks appearing throughout walls/ceilings etc.. Trees may become uprooted due to strong gusts knocking them over whilst power poles will likely topple over too leading way for power outages in certain areas – this could also lead way for water shortages depending on how long these issues last!

## How To Prepare For High Wind Conditions
Preparing for high wind conditions is essential whenever storms such as hurricanes or tropical cyclones threaten an area – make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked with items such as food, water (for drinking & sanitation purposes), torches & batteries etc.. It’s also important that your boat is prepared accordingly (e.g checking hatches are sealed properly); pay close attention & act swiftly upon hearing warnings issued by local authorities & listen carefully whenever meteorologists mention worsening weather conditions – being aware & staying informed helps reduce risks associated with storms like these!

## Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that sustained winds reaching up 120 mph should always be taken seriously regardless of experience level/skill set- taking appropriate safety precautions prior departure helps ensure optimum safety & reduces risks involved when navigating through hazardous weather conditions associated with storms like hurricanes & tropical cyclones!. Preparing your boat accordingly (e.g sealing hatches) & listening carefully whenever meteorologists mention worsening weather conditions helps reduce risks further still – making sure emergency kits are stocked up in advance helps too just incase anything goes wrong whilst out at sea!.