Chesterfield hit by gale-force winds - but how windy actually is it?

According to BBC weather, the town’s was being buffeted by gale-force winds of up to 43 miles per hour this morning, dropping to 22mph this afternoon and 14mph this evening.

The Met Office was predicting gusts of up to 38mph this morning, dropping this afternoon, after it issued a yellow warning for wind to the country earlier this week.

According to the Royal Meteorological Society, wind speeds of between 39 and 46mph are classed as gales, wind force eight on the Beaufort Scale, meaning “twigs break off trees; generally impedes progress”.

Speeds of 32-38mph, wind force seven, are classed as near gale, meaning “whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt when walking against the wind”.

And speeds of 25-31mph, wind force six, are a strong breeze, with “large branches in motion; whistling heard in telegraph wires; umbrellas used with difficulty”.

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor…

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.