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The Effects of 120 MPH Wind

When Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida in October, 2005, it had wind speeds of 120 miles per hour, making it a good illustration of the dangers of high winds. An examination of Wilma's effects also makes it clear that the effects of such high winds last for months, if not years, after the event.

  1. Loss of Life

    • Winds of 120 miles per hour or more will pose a significant threat to human life. As a result of Hurricane Wilma, 35 people lost their lives. Three were killed by flying debris during the hurricane itself. Others were electrocuted by fallen power lines after the storm. Still others were killed in traffic accidents because street lights didn't function.

    Destruction of Property

    • Houses may sustain severe damage.

      Winds of 120 miles per hour will demolish mobile homes and some older wood-frame buildings. Tiles will be torn off roofs. In some cases, the entire roof will be blown off. Even if the structure survives intact, water damage and the resulting mold may render houses uninhabitable. Homes and cars can also be damaged by falling trees. Wilma, by no means the most powerful storm, caused over $23 billion in damage in the United States alone.

    Disruption of Electricity and Phone Service

    • Winds, falling trees and flying debris can strike power lines, cutting off electricity until lines are repaired. Land line phone service may be unavailable. Cell phone service may be available if enough cell towers are left standing but the lines may be so jammed that getting a call through may be difficult. Satellite phones are often the only reliable method of communication. Because gasoline pumps are electric, a prolonged power outage will make gasoline difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Power outages often make it impossible for businesses to operate their cash registers. After Hurricane Wilma, the grocery stores could accept credit cards, perhaps because the readers were battery-operated and used wireless communication, but couldn't accept cash because the cash registers ran on electricity.

    Medical Delays

    • Disruptions in travel, communication and the delivery of medical supplies will also result in medical care being given only to those with the most serious problems. Someone with a broken finger, for example, may not get care and, as a result, suffer from a permanent loss of motion.

    Economic Disruption

    • Wind damage may result in businesses being closed for repairs. If damage is widespread, this could take months. During that time, employees may be unable to work and customers may be unable to get basic services such as auto repairs.

      If high winds cause extensive property damage, homeowner's insurance companies may raise their premiums significantly or go out of business. After Hurricane Wilma, so many insurance companies declared bankruptcy that the state had to start a special program enabling people to purchase homeowner's insurance through a state fund. Thus, the financial effects of high winds can linger for years after the event.

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