In regard to wind velocity, how long...

Question

In regard to wind velocity, how long must it be sustained until it is no longer called a gust?

Answer

Gust is rather vague; winds can “gust” up to 40 miles an hour. However, according to the Beaufort scale of wind speeds, a “strong breeze” is 25 to 31 statute mph, a “moderate gale” 32 to 38 mph, a “fresh gale” 39 to 46 mph, a “whole gale” 55 to 63 mph, a “storm” 64 to 72 mph, and a “hurricane” greater than 72 mph.