On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:47:49 -0800 (PST), Graham Easterling wrote:

In the last 10 years I've recorded 511 days (14% of the total) with
gusts of 39mph or over, and I'm in a sheltered spot away from the sea
front. It's making the word gale almost meaningless. I suppose by
downgrading the use of the word, it allows 'gale' to be used in the
inland SE, who would never get a look in otherwise.

Agreed, we think twice about going out into a true gale, it is hard work
to walk against or even just to stand still as you have to brace against
it. Conversatation has to shouted due to the noise in your ears and the
roar of the air around objects. Anything loose and not significantly heavy
will be blown away.

People who visit us frequently comment about the wind and that's when it's
only an F5 (19 to 24 mph), we don't think that as windy at all... These
comments either come as they enter or when looking out of the window
watching the trees sway about.

--
Cheers
Dave. pam is missing e-mail