Welcome to the Top Windiest Cities in the US.
The United States is no stranger to high winds, and some cities are windier than others. High winds can cause damage to homes and property, so it’s important to be aware of the risk in your area. Here are the windiest cities in the United States, based on average wind speed.
The challenges of living in a windy city
Windy conditions can be a challenge to deal with in any city, but especially in those prone to high winds regularly. The United States has some of the windiest cities which can easily topple trees, damage buildings, and cause power outages.
In addition to the physical damage that can be caused by high winds, there is also the potential for psychological damage. People living in windy cities may feel anxious or stressed due to the constant threat of severe weather. This can lead to difficulty sleeping, headaches, and other health problems.
So one of the main challenges of living in a windy city is that high winds can cause damage to homes and property. Windstorms can develop without any precipitation, and persistent wind trends can put some areas at higher risk of wind damage.
Another challenge is that windy conditions can make driving or walking difficult. High winds can also make it difficult to keep dust and debris from blowing around.
What the wind means for these cities
The windiest cities in the United States are often located in the Midwest and Plains states, where strong thunderstorms and tornadoes are common. This is because these states are located in the so-called “tornado alley“, where conditions are often favorable for severe weather. The windiest city in the United States is Amarillo, Texas, which experiences an average wind speed of 13.6 mph.
The high winds can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure, as well as power outages and downed trees. In some cases, the winds can even be strong enough to cause vehicles to overturn.
Top 10 Windiest Cities in the United States
These cities are among the windiest in the US due to their location in the Great Plains region of the country. This area is prone to high winds due to the flat terrain and the way that the land heats up during the day. The winds can reach speeds of over 100 mph in some cases, causing damage to homes and businesses.
The top 10 windiest cities in the United States are:
1. Amarillo, Texas – average wind speed of 13.6 mph
One of the windiest cities in the USA is Amarillo, Texas. The city regularly experiences high winds that can cause damage to homes and businesses. The winds in Amarillo are caused by a variety of factors, including the city’s location in the Texas Panhandle, its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and the presence of a high pressure system over the region. These factors combine to create a unique wind pattern that is responsible for the city’s high winds.
2. Dodge City, Kansas – average wind speed of 13.3 mph
Dodge City is located in southwest Kansas, and is one of the windiest cities in the United States. The city experiences high winds on a regular basis, and these winds can cause damage to homes and businesses.
The winds are caused by various factors, including the city’s location on the plains, the presence of mountains to the west, and the way the city is situated in relation to the jet stream.
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – average wind speed of 13.2 mph
The city is located in the Great Plains, which is a region known for its high winds. The city is also prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes. In fact, Oklahoma City is one of the most tornado-prone cities in the country.
In 2013, the city was hit by an EF5 tornado, the strongest category of tornado, which caused massive damage and killed 24 people. The city has also been hit by several other tornadoes in recent years.
4. Wichita, Kansas – average wind speed of 12.9 mph
Wichita, Kansas is one of the top windiest cities in the United States, with average wind speeds of around 13.8 miles per hour. The city is located in the Great Plains, a region particularly prone to strong winds. The city experiences a variety of wind conditions throughout the year, including gusty winds in the spring and fall and more sustained winds in the summer. Wichita is also located near a number of large bodies of water, which can contribute to the windy conditions.
5. Tulsa, Oklahoma – average wind speed of 12.2 mph
Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the top windiest cities in the United States, with an average wind speed of 12.2 miles per hour. The city is located in the state’s Tornado Alley, which puts it at a higher risk for severe weather. It ranks among the windiest cities in the U.S. due to its position in the Great Plains, an area known for its high wind speeds. This region is often subjected to strong winds generated by the pressure gradient between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi Valley.
Furthermore, Tulsa’s location in “Tornado Alley” means it experiences frequent severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, which contribute to its overall high wind conditions. Tulsa has experienced several damaging windstorms in recent years, including a severe thunderstorm in 2015 that caused over $1 million in damage.
6. Lubbock, Texas – average wind speed of 12.8 mph
The city experiences high winds on a regular basis, which can damage homes and property. The city’s location in the Texas Panhandle, its closeness to the Gulf of Mexico, and the terrain of the nearby area all contribute to the winds. Lubbock is also one of the country’s driest cities, contributing to the high winds. The city experiences an average of only 17 inches of rain per year.
7. Abilene, Texas – average wind speed of 12.8 mph
Located in the heart of Tornado Alley, Abilene, Texas is one of the most wind-prone cities in the US. The city experiences an average of 33 days per year with winds exceeding 25 miles per hour, and has been hit by tornadoes on several occasions. In 2015, The Weather Channel ranked Abilene as the second windiest city in the country.
Abilene is no stranger to severe weather. The city is located in Tornado Alley, a region of the country that is particularly prone to tornadoes. Tornadoes have struck Abilene several times, the latest being in 2015. The city faces more than 25 mph winds on an average of 33 days a year. The Weather Channel ranks it as the country’s second windiest city.
While tornadoes are the most dramatic type of severe weather that Abilene experiences, they are not the only type. The city is also prone to severe thunderstorms, hail and high winds. In 2012, a severe thunderstorm produced wind gusts of up to 70 mph, damaging trees, power lines and buildings. In 2013, another thunderstorm brought hail the size of golf balls to the city, damaging cars and homes.
While severe weather can be damaging and dangerous, it is also a part of life in Abilene. The city is home to a number of weather-related attractions, including the National Weather Center, the National Severe Storms Laboratory, and the Storm Prediction Center. These attractions help educate visitors about the dangers of severe weather and the steps they can take to stay safe.
8. Corpus Christi, Texas – average wind speed of 12.4 mph
The city is located in South Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico, and is exposed to strong winds from both the gulf and the nearby land. Corpus Christi, Texas, is among the windiest cities in the U.S. due to its unique geographic location. The Gulf of Mexico often exposes it to strong sea breezes due to the different heating rates of land and sea.
Additionally, it is often in the path of tropical storms and hurricanes, which contribute to its high annual average wind speed. The city is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can bring even stronger winds and cause extensive damage.
9. El Paso, Texas – average wind speed of 11.1 mph
The city is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the country’s driest and windiest regions. The winds in El Paso are caused by a combination of factors, including the nearby mountains, the large amount of open space in the desert, and the city’s location on the leeward side of the Rockies.
The winds can be strong enough to cause damage to buildings and other structures. They can also create dust storms that can reduce visibility and cause respiratory problems.
10. St. Louis, Missouri – average wind speed of 9.9 mph
St. Louis, Missouri is one of the windiest cities in the United States, with average wind speeds of around 10 mph. The city is located in the Midwest, a region particularly prone to strong winds. The city is also located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, which can contribute to the formation of strong winds.
Windstorms are not uncommon in St. Louis, and they can cause significant damage to property. In 2006, a severe windstorm caused extensive damage to the city, with over 100,000 homes and businesses losing power. Windstorms can also cause downed trees and power lines, and can even lead to tornadoes.
Summary of the Windiest Cities in the US
The windiest cities in the US are often located in the Midwest and Great Plains, where the geography is more exposed to strong winds. While windstorms can occur anywhere in the country, the above cities are more susceptible to damage due to their location and geography. Strong winds can tear roofs off of houses, scatter shingles, and cause trees to fall.
This can lead to costly repairs and even injuries. Homeowners’ insurance often covers wind damage, but it is important to check your policy to see what is included.
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