Wind Advisories: When Is It Too Windy to Drive a Semi ?
Every winter across states like Wyoming(I - 80), Colorado(I - 25), and the Dakotas, high winds decimate the trucking industry.A tractor - trailer acts like a giant sail.When a crosswind hits it just right, an 80,000 - pound truck can be blown over like a toy.
So, when is it time to park ?
The Wind Speed Danger Chart
The danger of wind is entirely dependent on your trailer's weight and the direction of the wind (crosswinds are lethal; headwinds just burn fuel).
1. Winds < 30 mph(Mild)
- All Weights: Generally safe to drive.
- Action: Keep two hands on the wheel.You will feel a slight pull.
2. Winds 30 - 45 mph(Moderate to High)
- Empty or Light(< 20,000 lbs in trailer): HIGH RISK.You should strongly consider parking if dealing with sustained crosswinds.
- Heavy(> 40,000 lbs in trailer): Generally safe, but requires extreme focus and reduced speed.
3. Winds 45 - 60 mph(Severe)
- Empty / Light / Bobtail: DO NOT DRIVE.You are in imminent danger of a blowover.Park facing into the wind immediately.
- Heavy: Moderate to High Risk.Many state DOTs will enact high - profile vehicle bans at these speeds.If the DOT bans light trailers, heavy trailers should reduce speed significantly or park.
4. Winds > 60 + mph(Extreme)
- All Weights: PARK IMMEDITELY.Even an 80,000 - pound truck can be blown over by a 65 mph crosswind gust hitting the broadside of a 53 - foot dry van.
3 Rules for High Wind Driving
1. Speed Kills in the Wind: A truck driving 70 mph has significantly less lateral traction than a truck driving 45 mph.SLOW DOWN.
2. Watch the Dust and Trees: Don't wait for your steering wheel to jerk. Look half a mile ahead. If you see dust blowing violently across the highway or trees bending, brace yourself.
3. Park Smart: When you pull over to wait out the wind, park pointing INTO the wind .If you park broadside to a 60 mph sustained wind at a truck stop, your truck could blow over while you are sleeping in it.
- Check the Trucker Route Map .We automatically overlay NWS Wind Advisories onto the highway map and provide specific weight recommendations.*