Rudolf Brazdil

Abstract

Problems of wind speed measurements are analysed. The climatology of strong winds in the Czech Republic during the period 1961-1990 is presented. The main groups of strong winds are characterised according to their origin. The accuracy of historical written reports of strong winds and to their impacts in the pre-instrumental period are discussed. The chronology of strong damaging winds in the Czech lands from A. D. 1500-1929 is presented with a division into gales on the one hand and strong winds connected with convective storms on the other. Cases of gales of the century are described. The impact of strong winds is discussed, with special attention being paid to forest damage.

Keywords: strong wind, gale, tornado, damage, Czech lands