White squall

The definition of a squall requires the gust to be an increase in wind velocity of at least 16 knots (~25MPH or ~11 meters per second), last for one minute or more and then diminish.

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A white squall is a sudden, violent windstorm, that comes unexpectedly and without the black cloud generally charactaristic of a squall. It is so named for the white-capped waves and broken water that are its meager warning to the unlucky seaman caught in its path.

Related Topics:
Windstorm - Cloud - Squall - Wave - Seaman

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The sailing vessel Albatros was alleged to have been sunk by a white squall on May 3, 1961. The film, White Squall (1996) is based on its last voyage.

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Sudden, violent storms on the North American Great Lakes are also called white squalls, as related in the song "White Squall" written by Stan Rogers.

Related Topics:
North American - Great Lakes - Stan Rogers

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