Several Missouri Places Had Nearly Hurricane-Force Winds Today

We knew that Missouri would have a strong wind event today and that proved to be true. As a matter of fact, several Missouri places registered nearly hurricane-force winds.

My wife, the meteorological weather expert, found this data for me at the Iowa State University website of all places. As severe storms moved across Missouri, Iowa and Illinois, the strongest winds recorded nearly reached hurricane strength.

Here are the Missouri places with the strongest confirmed wind speeds Wednesday:

• Rosendale, Missouri - 68 mph winds
• Fayetteville, Missouri - 67 mph winds
• Saint Joseph, Missouri airport - 66 mph winds
• Pleasant Hill, Missouri - 65 mph winds
• Orrick, Missouri - 63 mph winds
• Kansas City International Airport - 62 mph winds
• Kirksville, Missouri - 61 mph winds
• Corder, Missouri - 61 mph winds
• Clarksdale, Missouri - 60 mph winds

For winds to be considered hurricane-strength, they must reach at least 75 mph. Let's be clear that there's a big difference between real hurricane winds and wind gusts that reach that strong. Hurricane winds are constant sustained winds and not based on gusts. Imagine experiencing the highest wind gusts that Missouri saw today constantly. That gives you an idea how terrifying it is to experience a real hurricane.

Since it's now March, we can expect wild winds frequently as the Spring storms begin their trek across the Midwest.