Did you know that America is home to some of the windiest cities in the world? In fact, according to recent studies, there are quite a few cities in the US that rank among the top 20% for wind speeds. If you’re curious about which cities made the list, keep reading! We’ll answer some common questions and provide detailed information about each of America’s windiest cities.
Table of Contents
Fargo, North Dakota – 11.2 mph
Fargo, North Dakota is the tenth windiest city in America, registering an average wind speed of 11.2 mph. The city experiences strong winds throughout the year, but wintertime tends to bring the strongest gusts—reaching up to 65 mph on occasion. Fargo’s location near major bodies of water such as Lake Superior and lake Erie contributes to its notoriously windy weather patterns. Although these winds can be dangerous at times, they are also a great source of clean energy for many local businesses. Fargo is at the forefront of renewable energy, taking up progressive initiatives to become a model for other cities!
Wichita, Kansas – 11.5 mph
Coming in at number nine is Wichita, Kansas. This city boasts an average wind speed of 11.5 mph and can experience gusts up to 70 mph! Unsurprisingly, this makes Wichita one of the most challenging cities for outdoor activities such as biking and running. That being said, Wichita has taken steps to mitigate the effects of its strong winds by planting trees along major roads and installing windbreaks in many parks throughout the city. These efforts have helped reduce wind speeds by 5-10 mph in some areas, making it easier for residents to safely enjoy outdoor activities.
Buffalo, New York – 11.8 mph
Buffalo, New York takes the eighth spot on our list with an average wind speed of 11.8 mph. This city is known for its cold winds that can reach speeds up to 100 mph in some cases. As a result, Buffalo has become home to a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing residential energy costs by taking advantage of this powerful natural resource. In addition to larger-scale projects like wind farms, many local businesses have started using small-scale turbines and solar panels to cut down on their electricity bills.
Corpus Christi, Texas – 12 mph
Next on the list is Corpus Christi, Texas. This coastal city registers an average wind speed of 12 mph and can experience gusts up to 80 mph! The consistent strong winds make Corpus Christi a great place for kite-surfing and other outdoor activities. In addition, the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has enabled it to become one of the leading centers for renewable energy in America—boasting over 1,000 wind turbines across its 10,000 square miles.
Rochester, Minnesota – 12.1 mph
Rochester, Minnesota clocks in at number six with an average wind speed of 12.1 mph. This city experiences strong winds throughout the year, but they seem to be the strongest during the fall and winter months when gusts can reach up to 70 mph! Rochester is home to a variety of renewable energy initiatives that take advantage of its powerful winds including small-scale turbines and large-scale wind farms. With its mild climate and economical lifestyle, Rochester stands out as one of the most desirable cities to live in America – even with gusty winds.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 12.2 mph
Fifth on the list is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This city registers an average wind speed of 12.2 mph and can experience gusts up to 80 mph! While its strong winds make it a great source of renewable energy, they have also caused severe damage to infrastructure in the past—including collapsed roofs, broken windows, and fallen trees. To combat this issue, Oklahoma City has implemented several strategies such as planting more trees along wind corridors and reinforcing buildings with additional bracing materials.
Boston, Massachusetts – 12.3 mph
Boston, Massachusetts takes the fourth spot with an average wind speed of 12.3 mph. Although this city is known for its cold and wet winters, it also experiences strong winds throughout the year—especially in high-elevation areas like Beacon Hill and Back Bay. In recent years, Boston has become one of the most progressive cities when it comes to renewable energy initiatives—including large-scale wind farms and small-scale rooftop turbines.
Lubbock, Texas – 12.4 mph
Third on the list is Lubbock, Texas. This city registers an average wind speed of 12.4 mph and can experience gusts up to 75 mph! Despite its high wind speeds, Lubbock remains one of the most livable cities in America thanks to its sunny climate, low cost of living, and a booming economy. In addition to being an attractive place to live, this city has also become a hub for renewable energy—boasting several large-scale wind farm projects as well as numerous small-scale turbines throughout the city.
Amarillo, Texas – 13.6 mph
Amarillo, Texas takes the runner-up spot with an average wind speed of 13.6 mph. This city experiences some of the highest winds in all of America—reaching speeds up to 90 mph! Amarillo has become an exemplary model of renewable energy due to its strong gusts, home to over 1,000 wind turbines and covering 6,500 square miles. In addition, local businesses are taking advantage of this natural resource by using small-scale turbines and solar panels to cut down on their electricity bills.
Dodge City, Kansas – 15 mph
At the top of the list is Dodge City, Kansas with an average wind speed of 15 mph. This city experiences some of the strongest winds in America—reaching speeds up to 100 mph! These powerful gusts have enabled Dodge City to become one of the leading centers for renewable energy in the country—boasting over 1,000 wind turbines across its 6,500 square miles. Moreover, this city has taken proactive steps to mitigate the risk of strong winds such as planting trees along wind corridors and reinforcing structures with additional bracing materials. [1]
Some Probable Disasters That Can Occur in Windy Cities
Windy cities can experience several disasters due to their strong winds. Some of these include:
- Roof and Structural Damage – Strong winds can cause roofs and other structures to collapse, leading to extensive property damage.
- Power Outages – High winds can cause trees and power lines to come down, resulting in power outages.
- Flying Debris – High speeds can cause loose objects such as tree branches and garbage cans to become airborne, causing potential injuries.
- Flooding – Heavy rains combined with high winds can lead to flash floods that can bring destructive force into a city or town. [2]
Tornadoes
High wind speeds present both opportunities and challenges for communities. It is important for those living in windy cities to be aware of the potential disasters that might occur and take necessary precautions to protect their property and safety. This includes reinforcing buildings, planting trees along wind corridors, and keeping an eye out for possible signs of extreme weather conditions. With careful planning and preparation, residents in these areas can make sure they are ready when strong winds come blowing through.
Hurricanes
In addition to tornadoes, another type of storm that can occur in windy cities is hurricanes. These powerful storms are capable of causing massive destruction through high winds and flooding rain.
Safety Precautions When Inhabiting or Visiting Windy Cities
When living in or visiting windy cities, there are several safety precautions to keep in mind. First, it is important to be aware of the potential for strong winds and take appropriate measures such as reinforcing buildings with additional bracing materials and planting trees along wind corridors. Second, residents should keep an eye out for signs of extreme weather conditions and stay informed on the latest developments. Finally, those who live in these areas should have an evacuation plan ready in case of a hurricane or tornado. By taking these steps, people can help protect themselves when inhabiting or visiting a windy city.
FAQ
What are the windiest major cities in the US?
The windiest major cities in the US are Dodge City, Kansas (15 mph); Amarillo, Texas (14.7 mph); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (14.6mph); and Albuquerque, New Mexico (13.9 mph).
What are the windiest cities in the world?
The windiest cities in the world are Wellington, New Zealand (17.3 mph); Christchurch, New Zealand (16.1 mph); and Darwin, Australia (15.8 mph). [3]
What are the least windy cities in the US?
The least windy cities in the US are Honolulu, Hawaii (3.9 mph); Miami, Florida (4.8 mph); and Los Angeles, California (5.7 mph).
What is the windiest city in the US?
The windiest city in the US is Dodge City, Kansas with average wind speed of 15 mph.
What are the windiest cities in Texas?
The windiest cities in Texas are Amarillo (14.7 mph); Lubbock (12.4 mph); and El Paso (11.8 mph).
Useful Video: 10 Windiest Cities in the US [Update 2021]
Conclusion
All in all, the list of the windiest cities in the US is fascinating and diverse. From vast plains to expansive coastal waters, every corner of the nation experiences high winds at some point. Not only is wind an important factor when planning your next vacation or business venture, but it can also provide unique advantages to residents who are looking for opportunities to build sustainable energy sources. As more people become aware of the impact strong winds can have on our environment, they will be able to start making wiser decisions about where they want to live and do business. With these things in mind, we hope you develop a newfound appreciation for both the power and beauty of strong winds! As always, thank you so much for reading up until now — we wish you all a safe, enjoyable journey wherever your winds may take you.
References
- https://www.treehugger.com/windiest-cities-us-4858513
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0248503
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-7-windiest-cities-on-the-planet
- https://stoneclaims.com/the-real-windiest-cities-in-america