What does the National Weather Service use to indicate winds in excess of 55 mph?

The National Weather Service uses a Storm Warning to indicate winds in excess of 55 mph. A Storm Warning is issued when severe weather conditions are expected that may include very high winds, heavy rain, and other hazardous conditions, which can significantly impact safety and operations both on land and at sea. This warning serves as a critical alert for individuals and communities to prepare for the effects of severe weather, including potential damage and safety risks due to high wind speeds.

In contrast, while a Gale Warning refers to winds of 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 mph) which can also be dangerous, it does not reach the threshold of 55 mph. A Small Craft Warning is typically issued for smaller vessels and is for winds that are strong enough to cause hazardous conditions but do not reach the intensity of a Storm Warning. Lastly, a Hurricane Warning is issued for conditions associated with a hurricane, which includes sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, making it a much higher threshold than the 55 mph referenced in the question.