There are many wind storm phenomena that can threaten life and property. Winds near thunderstorms can exceed 60 miles per hour and cause property damage. Thunderstorms normally produce strong outflow winds from rain-cooled air descending from the storm. When the cooled air reaches the ground, it spreads out in a radial pattern away from the storm at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Damaging outflow winds from thunderstorms, called downbursts, can produce winds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The damage caused by a downburst can mimic that of a tornado and many people who experience downburst winds swear they were hit by a tornado. Downburst winds are a significant threat to aircraft, especially during takeoff or on final approach. Downbursts are classified into two types: a larger macroburst and a smaller, and usually more intense, microburst.
In the early spring, large storm systems over the Great Plains can cause widespread wind events and blowing dust. Occasionally, the westerly winds associated with these systems can cause damage. Storm systems with the strength to cause dry and dusty damaging winds often spawn severe thunderstorms and tornadoes elsewhere. Areas affected by blowing dust can experience reduced visibility to less than a mile with localized reductions to less than 100 feet.