High Winds

Lady K;
Since we're sharing the same storm with you here in Salem, Oregon thanks for asking. I was wondering the same thing. I've seen a few rigs on their sides up along the Columbia Gorge and definitely do not want to end up like that!
Be safe.

 

The trailer is a big sail that catches a cross wind. Loaded is better because of the physics. There are two types of winds, gusting and steady. Gusting winds (microburst)from a storm front are the most dangerous. Many trucks have been laid over and most were empty or a light load. I've never stopped for winds but have had a few hairy situations. Open areas between mountains tend to funnel heavy cross winds. My scariest situation was coming out of a tunnel cut through a mountain. I swear my trailer tires come off the ground about 6". I've out run and had tornado's all around. You see it all trucking.
Steady heavy winds are mainly in the southwest like with dust storms. You just counter steer and hold her steady. It's a strange feeling you quickly get use to.

 

One of the "perks"of pulling a flatbed.. I had to come back....course,there are those "#### " tarps to worry bout in high winds...Nevermind..

 

Well I got shut down in Wyoming back in 08 along with a bazillion other drivers. Winds were sustained around 60 gusting to 80 mph. The DOT put out an alert and shut down I 80. No big surprise in Wyoming really.

A 30 mph gust can knock over a fully loaded semi. An empty one can go over in way less of a gust.

 

LadyK it affects trucks very much! A lot of trucks get blown over or blown off the road. You will definitely get to experience this. Nebraska is one of the worst. You can be driving down the highway and if it is a sidewind strong enough you can actually look in the mirror and notice how far the truck is leaning over. Plus if you are in a governed truck and loaded to the max if you have a strong headwind it takes a lot longer to accelerate. Watch your fuel average too. A strong headwind will burn up your fuel quick! Another place you need to watch out for is LA when the Santa Ana winds are kicking. If you are not fully loaded you need to be very careful on those super high overpasses and bridges. Driving through places like Wyo. you can hit a good wind in between certain canyons and valleys. It will scare the hell out of you. Also be very careful opening and closing your doors on the cab of the truck and especially the trailer doors. If the wind catches them you can get seriously hurt. Plus the door could get ripped off. In the deserts the high winds create dust storms and if you get caught in one of those it can really blind you. As bad if not worse than a blizzard! Never be afraid to shut it down if you think it is too windy. Happens all the time. Especially if you are hauling a light load. LadyK you will soon get to experience all this first hand!

 

Yeah,That was kinda funny,wasn't it.,I do have my moments.

 

A trailer equipped with side skirts will rock in the wind more: