Have the gales of November been unusually fierce this year?
Nov 22, 2024 09:24AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Laura Durenberger-Grunow
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - November 21, 2024
November's gales have made an appearance for the third time in less than two weeks. A wind advisory is in effect for Cook County and Grand Portage until 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, for 30 to 40 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph. A nautical storm warning from the Canadian border to Silver Bay has also been issued for the north shore of Lake Superior. For Cook County and Grand Portage, that warning is effective until 4 p.m. for waves 5 to 8 feet. (For the most up-to-date weather visit the National Weather Service website.)
The recent strong winds have caused multiple power outages, wind damage, and downed trees in areas throughout Cook County and Grand Portage. Monday's wind and rain storm (where some local areas reported up to 4" of rain) caused houses and local businesses to flood. While many are familiar with the famous gales of November, are these back-to-back weather events typical for this time of year?
Meteorologist Ketzel Levens from the Duluth National Weather Service told Boreal Community Media, "Late October through December is our primary favored season for strong wind events and seeing Gale Warnings and Wind Advisories." She went on to say that this weather pattern may feel different after the mild and calm fall we experienced, but these windy conditions are not unusual this time of year. Below are graphs showcasing gale warnings and wind advisories issued by the National Weather Service between the mid-2000s and the present day. For both the warning and advisory, 1/3 have been historically issued around this time of year.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - November 21, 2024
November's gales have made an appearance for the third time in less than two weeks. A wind advisory is in effect for Cook County and Grand Portage until 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, for 30 to 40 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph. A nautical storm warning from the Canadian border to Silver Bay has also been issued for the north shore of Lake Superior. For Cook County and Grand Portage, that warning is effective until 4 p.m. for waves 5 to 8 feet. (For the most up-to-date weather visit the National Weather Service website.)
The recent strong winds have caused multiple power outages, wind damage, and downed trees in areas throughout Cook County and Grand Portage. Monday's wind and rain storm (where some local areas reported up to 4" of rain) caused houses and local businesses to flood. While many are familiar with the famous gales of November, are these back-to-back weather events typical for this time of year?
Meteorologist Ketzel Levens from the Duluth National Weather Service told Boreal Community Media, "Late October through December is our primary favored season for strong wind events and seeing Gale Warnings and Wind Advisories." She went on to say that this weather pattern may feel different after the mild and calm fall we experienced, but these windy conditions are not unusual this time of year. Below are graphs showcasing gale warnings and wind advisories issued by the National Weather Service between the mid-2000s and the present day. For both the warning and advisory, 1/3 have been historically issued around this time of year.
Gale warnings issued by the National Weather Service between 2008 and 2024. Image courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM) services, provided by the NWS Duluth.
Wind advisories issued by the National Weather Service between 2005 and 2024. Image courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM) services provided by the NWS Duluth.
