Last night the wind gusts were approx. 65 miles per hour which is 105 kilometers per hour. It was Gale Force 10/11 - on the western coasts and isles.
The Beaufort Wind Force Scale is a standardised measure for describing wind speed.
It is calculated by observing sea conditions.
It consists of a scale of thirteen increments (0 - 12) related to wind conditions that initially affected the sails of the 'Man-of-war' - the main British navy ship, at the time (1800's).
Over time it changed to accomodate storm effects on steam powered ships and land.
Today severe weather warnings given to the public are nearly the same as the Beaufort scale.
The scale is also used in the Shipping Forecasts broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in the United Kingdom.
The Beaufort Scale measures wind speed, wave height, sea / land conditions and has a marker number and a description. You can view it here
Here are a couple of images relating to this post:
Man-of-war - An armed naval vessel, primarily one armed with cannon and propelled by sails.
Image source: http://www.saveon-kit-models.com/kit-model-ships.htm
Just for interest - Portuguese 'Man of War' Jelly Fish
It looks similar to the sails of the Portuguese fighting ship (Man of war)
Caravela redonda (an armed 4-sail caravel), of the 14th and 15th centuries
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale
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