Abilene, Texas: A Windy City
Abilene, Texas: A Windy City. Bunton Roofing Company
When you live here, you almost get used to the wind. It can cool you down and keep the bugs away. You can fly a kite most days.
We thought it was interesting to see where ABI ranks on the windiest city scale.
Stacker cited data from NOAA to identify the 50 windiest cities in the U.S. Cities are ranked by average wind speed between January 1984 and December 2020. Maximum monthly average wind speeds served as a tiebreaker. Wind speeds are calculated by NOAA 1.5 meters above the surface of the weather station. The analysis is limited to cities with populations of at least 50,000 according to Census 2021 estimates.
#20. San Francisco, California
Annual average wind speed: 10.5 miles per hour
Windiest month: May and June (tie) (13.8 miles per hour on average)
#19. Rapid City, South Dakota
Annual average wind speed: 10.6 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (12.6 miles per hour on average)
#18. Billings, Montana
Annual average wind speed: 10.7 miles per hour
Windiest month: January (13.4 miles per hour on average)
#17. Midland-Odessa, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 10.9 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (12.7 miles per hour on average)
#16. Abilene, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 10.9 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13 miles per hour on average)
#15. Fargo, North Dakota
Annual average wind speed: 11.1 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (12.3 miles per hour on average)
#14. Grand Island, Nebraska
Annual average wind speed: 11.1 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13.4 miles per hour on average)
#13. Galveston, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 11.2 miles per hour
Windiest month: May (12.7 miles per hour on average)
#12. Wichita Falls, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 11.2 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (12.8 miles per hour on average)
#11. New York, New York
Annual average wind speed: 11.2 miles per hour
Windiest month: March (12.9 miles per hour on average)
#10. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Annual average wind speed: 11.3 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13.3 miles per hour on average)
#9 Boston, Massachusetts
Annual average wind speed: 11.5 miles per hour
Windiest month: March (12.8 miles per hour on average)
#8. Wichita, Kansas
Annual average wind speed: 11.5 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13.3 miles per hour on average)
#7. Great Falls, Montana
Annual average wind speed: 11.5 miles per hour
Windiest month: January and December (tie) (14 miles per hour on average)
#6. Corpus Christi, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 11.7 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13.8 miles per hour on average)
#5. Rochester, Minnesota
Annual average wind speed: 12 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (13.6 miles per hour on average)
#4. Lubbock, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 12 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (14.3 miles per hour on average)
#3. Casper, Wyoming
Annual average wind speed: 12 miles per hour
Windiest month: January (15.5 miles per hour on average)
#2. Cheyenne, Wyoming
Annual average wind speed: 12.2 miles per hour
Windiest month: January (14.3 miles per hour on average)
#1. Amarillo, Texas
Annual average wind speed: 12.9 miles per hour
Windiest month: April (14.7 miles per hour on average)
Wind Damage
Spotting wind damage on a roof requires a keen eye for detail. Here are some signs to look out for:
Missing or Loose Shingles: High winds can lift and tear off shingles. Look for areas where shingles are missing or where there are loose, curled, or lifted shingles.
Dents or Cracks: Check for dents, cracks, or punctures on the shingles, especially if the wind has carried debris that could impact the roof.
Leaks: Wind damage can compromise the integrity of the roof, leading to leaks inside the house. Look for water stains or damp spots on ceilings or walls.
Granule Loss: Examine the gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of granules from the shingles. Loss of granules indicates wear and tear, which can be accelerated by wind.
Bent or Misaligned Roof Components: Inspect vents, flashing, and other roof components for bending or misalignment, which can be indicative of wind damage.
Lifted Flashing: Wind can lift and loosen flashing, which is the metal material installed around roof penetrations like chimneys and vents. Inspect these areas for signs of damage or displacement.
Gaps or Tears in Roof Membranes: If your roof has a membrane layer (common in flat roofs), look for tears, bubbles, or gaps caused by wind stress.
Sagging Roof Lines: Wind damage may weaken the structure of the roof, leading to sagging or uneven roof lines. This can be observed from a distance.
Damage to Nearby Structures: Sometimes, wind damage to nearby structures like fences or trees can indicate the likelihood of roof damage.
Check After Severe Storms: After severe windstorms, it's always a good idea to inspect your roof even if you don't see obvious damage. Some damage may be subtle and worsen over time.
If you're unsure about assessing the damage yourself, it's best to contact us to conduct a thorough inspection. We’re happy to provide guidance on necessary repairs or replacements.