Weather Tidbits: Marine Alerts & the Beaufort Scale

This Weather Tidbits explores how the marine alerts of the National Weather Service are associated with the Beaufort Scale. The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing marine alerts and consist of 4 types. The 4 alerts issued are not directly associated with a tropical cyclone. Small Craft Advisories which are shown as one red triangle flag. They are issued when winds are between 25-38 mph; which encompasses forces 6 & 7 of the Beaufort scale, where the winds are just under gale force. Gale Warnings are shown as a maritime flag of two red triangles; are issued when winds are between 39-54 mph & encompasses forces 8 & 9 of the Beaufort scale.

Storm Warnings are shown with a flag consisting of a red square and a small black square in the middle. These are issued when winds are between 55-72 mph; which encompasses forces 10 & 11 of the Beaufort scale. Lastly, a Hurricane Force Wind Warnings are shown with a flag consisting of a two red square and two small black square in their middles. They are issued when winds are 73 mph and over; that encompasses force 12 of the Beaufort scale.