One of the first scales to estimate wind speeds and the effects was created by Britain's Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857). He developed the scale in 1805 to help sailors estimate the winds via visual observations. The scale starts with 0 and goes to a force of 12. The Beaufort scale is still used today to estimate wind strengths.

Force MPH Description Visible Condition 0 0 Calm Smoke rises vertically 1 1 - 4 Light Air direction of wind shown by smoke but not by wind vanes 2 4 - 7 Light breeze Wind felt on face; leaves rustle; ordinary wind vane moved by wind 3 8 - 12 Gentle breeze Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends light flag 4 13 - 18 Moderate breeze Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved 5 19 - 24 Fresh breeze Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland water Wright Brother's first flight 6 25 - 31 Strong breeze Large branches in motion; telephone wires whistle; umbrellas used with difficulty 7 32 - 38 Moderate gale Whole trees in motion; inconvenience in walking against wind 8 39 - 46 Fresh gale Breaks twigs off trees; generally impedes progress 9 47 - 54 Strong gale Slight structural damage occurs; chimney pots and slates removed Airplanes upset 10 55 - 63 Whole gale Trees uprooted; considerable structural damage occurs 11 64 - 72 Storm Very rarely experienced; accompanied by widespread damage 12 73+ Hurricane Devastation occurs

How are your socks floppin'?

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