Wind Safety

Emily Fay

July 19, 2026

Here’s how to prepare when Lexington faces a wind advisory or high wind warning.

Types of Wind Warnings

Wind Advisory: Expect sustained winds of 25 to 39 mph and/or gusts up to 57 mph. Downed tree limbs and local power outages are likely.

High Wind Warning: Expect sustained winds greater than 40 mph or gusts greater than 58 mph. Widespread power outages and many downed limbs or whole trees are likely. Structural damage may occur.

How to Prepare

• Bring your belongings inside. Depending on the item’s weight and the wind’s speed, any unsecured object can be damaged or destroyed. It can also endanger people and property downwind if it takes flight.
• Keep up with yard work. Sometimes, weakened tree limbs come down in high winds – as can entire trees. They can cause traffic accidents, damage buildings, and injure or kill anyone standing under them. The risk of falling limbs increases after a harsh winter during which snow and ice may have damaged trees.
• Keep up with home repairs. Strong wind can carry away loose home fixtures, such as gutters and roofing materials. Make sure anything attached to your house is attached securely.

During High Winds

• Take cover indoors, under a secure shelter, or next to a building.
• Avoid temporary structures and buildings under construction; they are more likely to collapse in high winds. Watch out for falling or flying debris.
• If you’re on the road, take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. High-profile vehicles such as SUVs, vans, trucks, and trailers have more side surface area, meaning they are more difficult to steer (and more easily pushed) during high winds.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• If the winds are too strong for you to drive safely, pull over. Avoid anything that can fall on your vehicle.

After the Storm

• Avoid downed power lines and anything that may be touching them. Notify the local utility company or call 9-1-1 to report hazards.
• If a line falls on your vehicle, stay inside. Call 9-1-1. Don’t touch any part of the vehicle’s metal frame. If possible, roll down your window and warn anyone nearby.
• Don’t walk under damaged structures or trees. They could break and fall without warning.

Visit https://www.bereadylexington.com/high-winds/ for more information.

Article by: Maeve Miller