Part of the ceiling of our small carport was blown off by a freak gusting wind recently. No great drama but this minor incident served as a reminder of just how powerful the wind can be, even an insignificant "Bangkok gust". I am truly thankful not to have experienced tornadoes like those in the US which must be terrifying.
During childhood summer vacations in England, I recall it being a "bit blowy" on visits to such places as Beachy Head, The Needles and Land's End and remember my mum losing her holiday hat when it was blown off a Cornish cliff.
In February this year The Needles witnessed the strongest gust ever recorded in England -- 125 mph. However, the Cairngorms in Scotland have experienced 173 mph gusts, no doubt prompting concerned locals to remark "it's blowing a hoolie".
