Windy winter weather: damage, mission concern during storms

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christin Michaud
  • 65th ABW Public Affairs
LAJES AIR STATION, Portugal --  Chicago is known as the windy city, but actually it’s not a windy city at all.

Terceira on the other hand is known for its high winds during winter months. Newcomers are briefed on how to park their vehicles in windy conditions and that hats can be carried in their left hand on windy days.

Team Lajes has been experiencing high winds periodically these past few weeks, but especially last weekend.

Saturday, the Combat Weather Flight reported surface winds of 68 Miles Per Hour.

“It was the second straight day of 50+ knots,” said Capt. Bradley Stebbins, 65th Combat Weather Flight commander. “(50 knots) is by Air Force definition, severe and potentially destructive.”

According to the captain, the 68 MPH wind is the third highest gust in more than three years.

The tower level wind sensor, which is located at 431 feet Mean Sea Level, recorded 94.4 MPH.

“The last time we recorded a wind gust that high was in 2003,” Captain Stebbins said.

High winds can impact the mission here as well as cause damage.

Local airlines were able to land in the strong crosswinds, but called in pilot reports of moderate with occasional severe turbulence, Captain Stebbins said.

There were numerous reports of damage, including two significant items, according to the captain.

The Armed Forces Network satellite dish sustained damage due to the winds and the Instrument Landing System on Runway 15 was also damaged.

“The extent of the damage surprised us a little,” said Master Sgt. Sean Lehman, Det. 6 operations superintendent. “We would expect the dish to be buffeted a little, but it took some force to actually rip it off its mount like that.”

The Combat Weather Team uses AFN to keep the base informed on what is happening and when.

“Everyone should stay tuned to AFN when severe weather threatens, stressed Captain Stebbins.

“I encourage everyone to develop a rough checklist of what they need to do when winds are forecast to be extreme.” When wind warnings are in effect, people should stay in as much as possible, secure loose items outside, and use caution when opening doors to vehicles or buildings.