Ever Heard of a ‘High Wind Watch’? Cedar Valley is Under One

The National Weather Services in Des Moines has issued a 'High Wind Watch' for the Cedar Valley. That got me to thinking, "What exactly does that mean?"

From the National Weather Service (TUE, MAR 15, 2016 at 3:34 AM)...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
EVENING.

 

* TIMING...LATE TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY

 

* WINDS...SUSTAINED 30 TO 40 MPH WINDS WITH GUSTS OVER 60 MPH POSSIBLE.

 

* IMPACTS...SIGNIFICANT CROSS WINDS ESPECIALLY OVER NORTH AND SOUTH RUNNING ROADS CAN BE EXPECTED. WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH MAY CAUSE TREE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE SUBSEQUENT POWER LINE DAMAGE. SECURE LOOSE OBJECTS.

I had never heard on one of these ever being issued until this morning, or maybe a better way to put it is that I never noticed this type of watch or warning being issued.

So... what exactly exactly is a "High Weather Watch and/or Warning". The obvious quick answer is, it's going to be a windy day, fool, but I was pretty sure it meant a little more than that.

According to the National Weather Services web site, a High Wind Watch/Warning is issued when the forecast calls for sustainable winds of 40 MPH or higher for an hour or more, or wind gusts will be 58 MPH or higher for one hour or more.

When I was in my teens and twenties, all I heard was that it was going to be windy. Got it. I never gave it anymore thought. Today is a different story. This morning I heard that things attached to my house may come flying off, stuff in my yard might get blown away, and/or into my windows. Basically, it could cost me money.

Isn't interesting how your look at life changes as you get older? LoL