High Winds
Strong winds can happen year-round and pose serious hazards. They can turn everyday objects like lawn furniture and trash cans into dangerous projectiles, causing injuries. Additionally, high winds can bring down trees, large branches, and power lines. In extreme cases, they can even damage homes and buildings by tearing off roofs and walls.
Wind Forecast Map
Current wind forecast for Humboldt County.
- Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
- Remove loose roofing material.
- Secure loose gutters and shutters.
- Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies.
- Make sure outdoor objects that are not fastened down, such as lawn furniture, umbrellas or garbage cans, are put away.
- Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
- Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 2 weeks for each person in your home.
- Watch out for downed power lines during high winds. Never touch or drive over a fallen power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 9-1-1 and stay inside until trained personnel can remove it.
- Avoid anything that may be touching downed power lines, including tree branches and vehicles.
- Go to the safest nearby sturdy building to find shelter.
- If you are driving in high winds, slow down! Keep a safe distance from vehicles in lanes next to you and watch for objects blowing across the road.
- If you are outside during high winds, find shelter immediately. Stay away from trees and power lines, and watch for flying debris.
- Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
- If you lose power review power outage safety tips.
- Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
What is the difference between a high wind warning, high wind watch and a wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)?
- High Wind Warning - Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.
- High Wind Watch - Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.
- Wind Advisory - Take Action! Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.