What are four types of violent winds?

Violent Winds: An Overview for Sailors

Sailors know that wind can be their friend, providing propulsion and guiding them to the destination of their dreams, but when wind becomes violent, it can become an enemy to be reckoned with, and depending on the type of violent wind present, can cause serious damage to boats and sailors alike if proper caution isn’t taken when sailing in these conditions!

The National Severe Storms Laboratory lists several types of potentially devastating windstorms that sailors should be aware of: downdrafts, downbursts, microbursts, gust fronts, straight-line winds, and derechos (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

Let’s take an in-depth look at each one so that you will know what to look out for on your next voyage!

Downdrafts

A downdraft occurs when a column of air descends forcefully from the air during a storm (National Severe Storms Laboratory). This type of wind is often created when there are heavy rain showers occurring near the sea or other bodies of water and the air becomes saturated with moisture (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

The moist air then cools as it descends, creating strong winds that can reach up to 60 mph (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

These downdraft winds can create dangerous conditions for sailors on the open ocean because they can suddenly appear without warning and cause powerful waves that could easily capsize an unprepared boat (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

It is important to be aware of approaching storms so you can prepare for potentially dangerous downdraft winds before they reach your boat!

Downbursts

A downburst is similar to a downdraft in that it is created by rapidly descending air from thunderstorms (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

However, downbursts are much more intense than downdrafts because instead of being limited to only one area where the storm is occurring, they spread out in all directions (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

This creates an area where extremely strong winds occur over large distances that can reach up to 100 mph (National Severe Storms Laboratory). These winds have the potential to cause serious damage to boats due to their destructive power and wide range, so it’s important for sailors to be extra vigilant when sailing during storms if they want to avoid being caught in this type of violent wind!

Microbursts

Microbursts are similar to downbursts but occur on much smaller scales (National Severe Storms Laboratory). These powerful downwards blasts only last around five minutes but have been known to reach speeds up 110 mph during that time frame (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

They typically occur near airports due their proximity with thunderstorms and typically move in straight lines which can make them hard for pilots or sailors to detect until it’s too late (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

Boats hit by microbursts may experience severe damage due to their intensity so again it’s important for sailors to pay close attention when sailing during storms!

Gust Fronts

A gust front occurs when warm air rushes away quickly after coming into contact with colder air which creates strong winds that spread outwards as far as 60 miles away from the initial point of contact (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

These winds typically last up ten minutes but have been known reach speeds up 70 mph during that time frame (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

Sailors should exercise caution when sailing into areas where gust fronts may be present as these powerful winds could easily overturn an unprepared boat!

Straight-Line Winds

Straight-line winds are created when intense thunderstorms produce powerful gust fronts which then travel in straight lines over open areas such as fields or oceans creating devastating winds up 110 mph over long distances (National Severe Storms Laboratory).

These types of storms are especially dangerous because they usually come with little or no warning giving sailors very little time prepare themselves or their boats before being hit by these powerful gust fronts!

Derechos

Last but certainly not least are derechos which are intense windstorms with widespread damage caused by straight line winds traveling at speeds up 100 mph along wide swaths across land or sea over hundreds of miles ( National Severe Storm Research Center ).

These types of violent storms can create massive waves which have potential to capsize boats if they haven’t taken proper precautions before hand such as tightening sails and securing all loose equipment onboard!

It’s important for sailors who plan on navigating during these storms make sure they know how differentiate between normal weather patterns and signs indicating an oncoming derecho so they can take appropriate precautions before setting sail!.

Sailing in High Wind Conditions

Despite all warnings about the potential danger posed by violent winds, there are some brave souls who still choose take sail during these conditions!

For those brave souls who do decide set sail despite warnings about violent winds there are some safety tips will help ensure you make your journey safely: – Make sure you have appropriate safety equipment onboard such as life jackets and flares – Double check all lines on sails masts stays make sure everything is secure – Make sure you keep updated on forecasted weather conditions so you don’t get caught off guard by sudden changes – Keep an eye out any signs indicating an approaching derecho like darkening skies or increasing wind speed – If possible avoid sailing through high tide times as this can increase potential risk posed by high waves – Be extra vigilant while keeping watch especially during night time hours Following these tips will help ensure you stay safe while sailing during high wind conditions!.

Conclusion

Violent winds pose great danger those who choose set sail despite warnings about them but if proper precautions taken then voyage should go without any major incident!.

It’s important familiarize yourself with different types violent winds listed above so you know what look out for next time you venture into open waters!. Stay safe sailor friends!