Wind Gusts

Wind gusts are rapid fluctuations in the wind speed with a variation of 10 knots (~11.5 mph) or more between peaks and lulls. Many weather phenomena can create these peaks in wind speeds, including:

• Hurricanes
• Winter storms
• Strong cold fronts
• Sea breezes
• Thunderstorms

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The wind is essential for the continued production of corn, but it can also damage the plant. Stalk breakage, also called green snap, is common following strong winds and happens when the corn is growing rapidly, and the cell walls are brittle. The term describes the breakage of the stalk, which can happen at any point of the stalk, from the bass to the top. Green snap can cause a reduction in the amount of corn the plant can produce and sometimes destroy the entire plant.