What Level of Wind Can Blow a Car Away?

[VonElias]

Whether wind can blow a car away depends on the car's weight, shape, and wind-exposed area. Generally, it is advised not to drive in gale-force winds of level 8, which refers to wind speeds of 17.2 to 20.4 meters per second. For example, an unloaded small box truck exposed to wind from the side can be blown away instantly, whereas a heavily loaded large truck remains as stable as Mount Tai. Winds of level 10 or above can blow away a car weighing one ton. Below is an introduction to wind levels: Wind Speed: Wind has both magnitude and direction, with the magnitude often indicated by wind levels, which are determined based on the impact of wind on ground objects. Strong Wind: Strong wind refers to wind reaching level 6 or above. Strong winds often include gusts with 2–3 frequency patterns, particularly gusts occurring every 3–5 minutes, which are the most regular. During strong winds, even within the boundary layer, the systematic vertical airflows in the upper and lower layers are opposite—below 120 meters, there is a strong downdraft, while from at least 280 meters upward, it shifts to a strong updraft.