#SWEM Why are strong winds dangerous even when it isn’t raining?

As part of the information and awareness-raising campaign for the “Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM)” project, implemented under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027, we are sharing useful information to help communities better prepare for extreme weather events and minimise their impact.

Strong winds are often underestimated if they are not accompanied by rain or storms. At the same time, it is precisely gusts of wind that can lead to emergencies, pose a threat to people, damage infrastructure and hamper the work of emergency and municipal services.

During strong winds, the following may occur:
- falling trees and large branches;
- damage to roofs, building façades and advertising structures;
- power lines being torn down and power cuts;
- dangerous situations on the roads due to reduced visibility and strong gusts of wind;
- unsecured objects being blown about, which may pose a danger to people.

This is why one of the key areas of the SWEM project is to improve communities’ preparedness to respond to weather-related risks, to develop cooperation between services, and to raise awareness of how to act during extreme weather events.

Awareness, timely preparation and the coordinated work of the relevant services are vital components of community safety and help to respond more effectively to the consequences of extreme weather events.

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Executive Committee of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021- 2027 management structures.

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