High Wind Events Research Articles

Socioeconomic vulnerability and electric power restoration timelines in Florida: the case of Hurricane Irma

Large-scale damage to the power infrastructure from hurricanes and high-wind events can have devastating ripple effects on infrastructure, the broader economy, households, communities, and regions. Using Hurricane Irma’s impact on Florida as a case study, we examined: (1) differences in electric power outages and restoration rates between urban and rural counties; (2) the duration of electric power outages in counties exposed to tropical storm force winds versus hurricane Category 1 force winds; and (3) the relationship between the duration of power outage and socioeconomic vulnerability. We used power outage data for the period September 9, 2017–September 29, 2017. At the peak of the power outages following Hurricane Irma, over 36% of all accounts in Florida were without electricity. We found that the rural counties, predominantly served by rural electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities, experienced longer power outages and much slower and uneven restoration times. Results of three spatial lag models show that large percentages of customers served by rural electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities were a strong predictor of the duration of extended power outages. There was also a strong positive association across all three models between power outage duration and urban/rural county designation. Finally, there is positive spatial dependence between power outages and several social vulnerability indicators. Three socioeconomic variables found to be statistically significant highlight three different aspects of vulnerability to power outages: minority groups, population with sensory, physical and mental disability, and economic vulnerability expressed as unemployment rate. The findings from our study have broader planning and policy relevance beyond our case study area, and highlight the need for additional research to deepen our understanding of how power restoration after hurricanes contributes to and is impacted by the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of communities.

Experimental Study of Metal Roof Decking Systems Subject to Tornado-Borne Debris Impact

AbstractWind-borne debris is a major threat to the integrity of building envelope during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other high-wind events. This paper details the process and outcomes of a series o...

An approach for estimating perpetual endurance of the stratospheric solar-powered platform

The high altitude solar-powered airships have been proposed for use as long endurance platforms, for a variety of military and civilian applications. The challenges of perpetual endurance flight require the airship to generate sufficient power over a wide range of operational latitudes so that the aerial vehicle can keep station through high wind events and maintain persistence. This paper provides a theoretical approach to analyzing the perpetual endurance performance of a high altitude solar-powered airship. According to the features of stratospheric airship and the theoretical model, a custom tool is developed using MATLAB computer program when the airship operates in the cruise condition. The effects of the operational latitudes, wind velocities and solar array areas on the energy ratio are numerically investigated in detail, and the required areas of solar array under the conditions of different minimum energy ratio were discussed. The results showed that the solar-powered airships faced severe operational limitations at high latitudes in the winter, especially in the high wind. In addition, a case study was analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to predicting the perpetual endurance region. The results demonstrated that the theoretical approach suggested a pathway towards planning the flight date and location for an airship.

Dust-associated microbiomes from dryland wheat fields differ with tillage practice and biosolids application

Wind erosion is a significant threat to the productivity and sustainability of agricultural soils. In the dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow region of Inland Pacific Northwest of the USA (PNW), farmers increasingly use conservation tillage practices to control wind erosion. In addition, some farmers in this dry region apply municipal biosolids to soils as fertilizer and a source of stable organic matter. The impacts of soil management practices on emissions of dust microbiota to the atmosphere are understudied. We used high-throughput DNA sequencing to examine the impacts of conservation tillage and biosolids amendments on the transport of dust-associated fungal and bacterial communities during simulated high-wind events over two years at Lind, WA. The fungal and bacterial communities contained in windblown dust differed significantly with tillage (conservation vs. conventional) and fertilizer (synthetic vs. biosolids) treatments. However, the richness and diversity of fungal and bacterial communities of dust did not vary significantly with tillage or fertilizer treatments. Taxa enriched in dust from fields under conservation tillage represented many plant-associated taxa that likely grow on residue left on the soil surface, whereas taxa that were more abundant with conventional tillage were those that likely grow on buried plant residue. Dust from biosolids-amended fields harbored greater abundances of taxa that likely feed on introduced carbon. Most human-associated taxa that may pose a health risk were not present in dust after biosolids amendment, although members of Clostridiaceae were enriched with this treatment. Results show that tillage and fertilizer management practices impact the composition of bioaerosols emitted during high-wind events and have potential implications for plant and human health.

Aggregated particles caused by instrument artifact

Abstract. Previous studies have indicated that superaggregates, clusters of aggregates of soot primary particles, can be formed in large-scale turbulent fires. Due to lower effective densities, higher porosity, and lower aerodynamic diameters, superaggregates may pass through inlets designed to remove particles < 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5). Ambient particulate matter samples were collected at Peavine Peak, NV, USA (2515 m) northwest of Reno, NV, USA from June to November 2014. The Teledyne Advanced Pollution Instrumentation (TAPI) 602 BetaPlus particulate monitor was used to collect PM2.5 on two filter types. During this time, aggregated particles > 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter were collected on 36 out of 158 sample days. On preliminary analysis, it was thought that these aggregated particles were superaggregates, depositing past PM10 (particles < 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter) pre-impactors and PM2.5 cyclones. However, further analysis revealed that these aggregated particles were dissimilar to superaggregates observed in previous studies, both in morphology and in elemental composition. To determine if the aggregated particles were superaggregates or an instrument artifact, samples were investigated for the presence of certain elements, the occurrence of fires, high relative humidity and wind speeds, as well as the use of generators on site. Samples with aggregated particles, referred to as aggregates, were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope for size and shape and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis. It was determined, based on the high amounts of aluminum present in the aggregate samples, that a sampling artifact associated with the sample inlet and prolonged, high wind events was the probable reason for the observed aggregates.

Modeling long correlation times using additive binary Markov chains: Applications to wind generation time series

Wind power generation exhibits a strong temporal variability, which is crucial for system integration in highly renewable power systems. Different methods exist to simulate wind power generation but they often cannot represent the crucial temporal fluctuations properly. We apply the concept of additive binary Markov chains to model a wind generation time series consisting of two states: periods of high and low wind generation. The only input parameter for this model is the empirical autocorrelation function. The two-state model is readily extended to stochastically reproduce the actual generation per period. To evaluate the additive binary Markov chain method, we introduce a coarse model of the electric power system to derive backup and storage needs. We find that the temporal correlations of wind power generation, the backup need as a function of the storage capacity, and the resting time distribution of high and low wind events for different shares of wind generation can be reconstructed.

Recent and Future Outlooks for Nuisance Flooding Impacts on Roadways on the U.S. East Coast

Tidal floods (i.e., “nuisance” flooding) are occurring more often during seasonal high tides or minor wind events, and the frequency is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. During these flood events, coastal communities’ roads are often impassable or difficult to pass, thus impacting routine transport needs. This study identifies vulnerable roads and quantifies the risk from nuisance flooding in the Eastern United States by combining public road information from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Monitoring System with flood frequency maps, tidal gauge historic observations, and future projections of annual minor tidal flood frequencies and durations. The results indicate that tidal nuisance flooding across the East Coast threatens 7508 miles (12,083 km) of roadways including over 400 miles (644 km) of interstate roadways. From 1996–2005 to 2006–2015, there was a 90% average increase in nuisance floods. With sea level rise, nuisance-flood frequency is projected to grow at all locations assessed. The total induced vehicle-hours of delay due to nuisance flooding currently exceed 100 million hours annually. Nearly 160 million vehicle-hours of delay across the East Coast by 2020 (85% increase from 2010); 1.2 billion vehicle-hours by 2060 (126% increase from 2010); and 3.4 billion vehicle-hours by 2100 (392% increase from 2010) are projected under an intermediate low sea-level-rise scenario. By 2056–2065, nuisance flooding could occur almost daily at sites in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, and Florida under an intermediate sea-level-rise scenario.

Field and laboratory comparison of PM10 instruments in high winds

Abstract Instruments capable of measuring PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 µm in aerodynamic diameter) concentrations may vary in performance as a result of different technologies utilized in measuring PM10. Therefore, the performance of five instruments capable of measuring PM10 concentrations above eroding soil surfaces was tested during high wind events at field sites in the Columbia Plateau and inside a wind tunnel. Comparisons among the Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) sampler, DustTrak monitor, E-sampler, High-Volume sampler, and Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) monitor were made at field sites during nine wind erosion events and inside a wind tunnel at two wind speeds (7 and 12 m s−1) and two ambient PM10 concentrations (2 and 50 mg m−3). PM10 concentrations were similar for the High-Volume sampler and TEOM monitor as well as for the BSNE samplers and DustTrak monitors but higher for the High-Volume sampler and TEOM monitor than the E-sampler during field erosion events. Based upon wind tunnel experiments, the TEOM monitor measured the highest PM10 concentration while the DustTrak monitor typically measured the lowest PM10 concentration as compared with other instruments. In addition, PM10 concentration appeared to lower for all instruments at a wind speed of 12 as compared with 7 m s−1 inside the wind tunnel. Differences in the performance of instruments in measuring PM10 concentration poses risks in comparing PM10 concentration among different instrument types or using multiple instrument types to jointly measure concentrations in the field or laboratory or even the same instrument type subject to different wind speeds.

Climatological Characteristics of Historical and Future High-Wind Events in Alaska

High winds cause waves, storm surge, erosion and physical damage to infrastructure and ecosystems. However, there have been few evaluations of wind climatologies and future changes, especially change in high-wind events, on a regional basis. This study uses Alaska as a regional case study of climatological wind speed and direction. Eleven first-order stations across different subregions of Alaska provide historical data (1975-2005) for the observational climatology and for the calibration of Coupled Model Inter comparison Project (CMIP5) simulations, which in turn provide projections of changes in winds through 2100. Historically, winds exceeding 25 and 35 knots are most common in the Bering Sea coastal region of Alaska, followed by northern Alaska coastal areas. Autumn and winter are the seasons of most frequent high-wind occurrences in the coastal sites, while there is no distinct seasonal peak at the interior stations where high-wind events are less frequent. An examination of the sea level pressure pattern associated with the highest-wind event at each station reveals the presence of a strong pressure gradient associated with an extratropical cyclone in most cases. Northern coastal regions of Alaska are projected to experience increased frequencies of high-wind events during the cold season, especially late autumn and early winter, when reduced sea ice cover in the late century will leave coastal regions increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion.

Ammonia Emissions from Dairy Lagoons in the Western U.S.

Abstract. Ammonia (NH3) emissions from dairy liquid storage systems can be a source of reactive nitrogen (N) released to the environment, with a potential to adversely affect sensitive ecosystems and human health. However, little on-farm research has been conducted to estimate these emissions and determine the factors that may affect these emissions. Six lagoons in south-central Idaho were monitored for one year using open-path Fourier transform spectrometry, with NH3 emissions estimated using inverse dispersion modeling (WindTrax software). Lagoon physicochemical characteristics thought to contribute to NH3 emissions were also monitored over this period. Average total emissions from the lagoons ranged from 12 to 43 kg NH3 ha-1 d-1, or 5.4 to 85 kg NH3 d-1. Emissions from the settling basin on one dairy were 30% of the total emissions from the liquid storage system, indicating that basins are important sources of on-farm NH3 emissions. Emissions generally trended greater during the summer, when temperatures were greater. High wind events and agitation of the lagoons created temporary increases in NH3 emissions irrespective of temperature. Lagoon physicochemical characteristics, such as total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), were highly correlated with emissions (r = 0.52 and 0.55, respectively). Regression models were developed to predict on-farm NH3 emissions and indicated that TKN, TAN, wind speed, air temperature, and pH were the main drivers of these emissions. An on-farm N balance suggested that lagoon NH3-N losses represented 9% of total N lost from the facility, 65% of total lagoon N, and 5% of dairy herd N intake. A process-based model (Integrated Farm System Model) estimated values for N excretion and NH3-N loss from the lagoon within 5% of that measured on-farm. More on-farm research is needed to better refine both process-based models and emission factor estimates to more accurately predict NH3 emissions from lagoons on dairies in the western U.S. Keywords: Ammonia, Emission, Inverse dispersion, Manure.

Assessing the Anchorage and Critical Wind Speed of Urban Trees using Root-Plate Inclination in High Winds

This study demonstrates a new method to assess the anchorage of urban trees by quantitative analysis of the relationship between root-plate inclination and regional wind data. The load required for root failure correlates with loads required to achieve a specified inclination in the non-destructive range. Since load correlates with wind speed, researchers studied the reaction of urban trees in high-wind events. Specifically, researchers studied whether wind data from regional weather stations can be used to find the correlation between wind speed and root-plate inclination. More than 200 trees in 57 storms in three years were tested using tilt sensors, installed at their base. The analyses show that wind-speed data can be taken from weather stations several kilometers away from the tree. The quality of the wind speed-tilt correlation does vary, depending on local conditions and topography. The tree’s reaction to wind can be extrapolated by 10 km/h beyond the measured maximum wind speed in many cases. The reliability of the extrapolation can be assessed statistically. The shape of the curve fitted to the wind and tilt data allows differentiating safe from unsafe trees in wind events of 50 to 60 km/h. The curve of trees with signs of failure in high winds was significantly different from that of the remaining trees. Based on techniques from static pulling tests, this approach can be used to estimate the wind speed at anchorage failure. While previous approaches using tilt sensors merely indicate whether a tree needs further monitoring, the result of this method is a likelihood of failure.

New pull-out capacity equations for the design of screw fastener connections in steel cladding systems

In recent times, the roofing systems made of thin and high strength steel roof sheeting and battens or purlins are predominantly used in the construction of low-rise buildings. However, such thin steel roofing systems continue to fail frequently at their screw fastener connections during high wind events such as storms and cyclones due to inadequate connection capacities. Localised pull-out failures occurring at the thin steel roof sheeting to batten or purlin connections have been the root cause for extensive loss of roofing systems under high wind uplift loads over many years. Such premature connection failures often cause partial or even complete loss of steel roofing systems and, thus allowing rainwater to cause severe damage to building contents. Therefore a detailed experimental study was conducted to investigate the pull-out failures occurring at the steel roof sheeting to batten or purlin connections. One hundred and eighty-seven small scale pull-out tests were conducted for this purpose using a range of screw fastener sizes and many thicknesses of thin steel roof battens and purlins. This paper presents the details of this experimental study and the pull-out capacity data obtained from the tests. It then presents suitable design equations and capacity reduction factors to accurately determine the pull-out capacities of screw fastener connections commonly used in steel roofing systems. In the development of design equations, 592 pull-out capacity data obtained from another experimental study at the Queensland University of Technology were also used. The new design equations can also be used for the screw fastener connections in steel wall cladding systems subject to high wind suction loads.

Finite element modelling of pre-stressed concrete poles under downbursts and tornadoes

Among different types of electrical transmission line structures, pre-stressed concrete transmission poles have the advantages of low installation and maintenance cost, appropriate delivery time, and high corrosion resistivity. Typically, these concrete poles are designed to resist only synoptic wind loading as current codes do not consider high intensity wind events in the form of downbursts and tornadoes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first investigation to assess the behaviour of pre-stressed concrete poles under High intensity wind events. Due to the localized nature of those events, identifying the critical locations and parameters leading to peak forces on the poles is a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, a built in-house numerical model is developed incorporating the following: (1) a three-dimensional downburst and tornado wind field previously developed and validated using computational fluid dynamics simulations; (2) A computationally efficient analytical technique previously developed and validated to predict the non-linear behaviour of the conductors under non-uniform loads resulting from those events (3) a non-linear finite element model developed in the current study to simulate the structural behaviour of pre-stressed concrete poles considering material nonlinearity. The non-linear finite element model, is validated using experimental data available in the literature. Extensive parametric studies are conducted using the numerical model to determine the critical downburst and tornado configurations leading to peak overturning moment acting on a pole which is designed to remain un-cracked under synoptic wind load. Failure studies are then conducted to assess the downburst and tornado velocities that would lead to a full collapse of the pole.

Martian aeolian activity at the Bagnold Dunes, Gale Crater: The view from the surface and orbit

AbstractThe first in situ investigation of an active dune field on another planetary surface occurred in 2015–2016 when the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover investigated the Bagnold Dunes on Mars. High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment images show clear seasonal variations that are in good agreement with atmospheric model predictions of intra‐annual sand flux and migration directions that together indicate that the campaign occurred during a period of low wind activity. Curiosity surface images show that limited changes nevertheless occurred, with movement of large grains, particularly on freshly exposed surfaces, two occurrences of secondary grain flow on the slip face of Namib Dune, and a slump on a freshly exposed surface of a large ripple. These changes are seen at Martian solar day (sol)‐to‐sol time scales. Grains on a rippled sand deposit and unconsolidated dump piles show limited movement of large grains over a few hours during which mean friction speeds are estimated at 0.3–0.4 m s−1. Overall, the correlation between changes and peak Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) winds is moderate, with high wind events associated with changes in some cases, but not in others, suggesting that other factors are also at work. The distribution of REMS 1 Hz wind speeds shows a significant tail up to the current 20 m s−1 calibration limit, indicating that even higher speed winds occur. Nonaeolian triggering mechanisms are also possible. The low activity period at the dunes documented by Curiosity provides clues to processes that dominated in the Martian past under conditions of lower obliquity.

Preparing for the new normal: Students and earthquake hazard adjustments in Oklahoma

Since 2010, Oklahoma has seen a major increase in earthquakes, with an average of one-to-two M3.0 earthquakes occurring per day in 2015. We know little, however, about resident's risk perceptions regarding this new hazard. This study examines how individual risk perceptions, hazard experience, hazard salience, and other factors influence individual hazard adjustments efforts. We find that risk perceptions are related to an individual's intention to adopt hazard adjustments, but not the actual adoption of adjustments. Hazard salience is related to actual adoption of hazard adjustments, as are several demographic variables. We also find that individuals are more likely to make hazard adjustments for earthquakes if they believe those adjustments will also protect them from other hazards, such as high wind events. This leads us to make some practical suggestions for emergency managers regarding educating citizens about the actual risks associated with earthquakes and the value of individual mitigation efforts.

Effect of deforestation on water chemistry in the Kościeliska Valley in the Western Tatras in southern Poland

Abstract Effect of deforestation on water chemistry in the Kościeliska Valley in the Western Tatras in southern Poland. Bark beetle infestation is a leading source of local tree stand damage in Tatra National Park. In addition, hurricane-force winds also cause damage to tree stands, as in the case of the 2013 wind event in the Kopki Kościeliskie area of the Kościeliska Valley. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of deforestation on seasonal changes in water chemistry, especially in the case of nitrate. The research was performed in the years 2015 and 2016 in seven catchments. The total number of monthly water samples was 175. Three forested catchments were selected along with two catchments deforested by high winds, one catchment deforested due to the action of the bark beetle, and one catchment affected by several different forms of deforestation. The following four types of measurements were performed in the field: pH, electrolytic conductance (EC25°C), total mineralization (Mt). The following analyses were performed in the laboratory using DIONEX 2000 ion chromatography equipment – concentration of 14 ions in water samples: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, Li+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−, Br−, F−. The concentration of NO3− was many times higher in samples collected in deforested areas (x̅ = 16.53 mg·L−1) versus forested areas (x̅ = 3.06 mg·L−1). The share of NO3− in overall water chemistry in catchments deforested by high wind events is more than three times higher (3.25% mval·L−1) than in forested catchments (1.07% mval·L−1), and almost twice as high as that for a catchment affected by the bark beetle (1.8% mval·L−1). In fact, it is high enough that the position of the nitrate ion in the sequence of anions in the deforested catchment shifts from HCO3 > SO4 > NO3 > Cl (natural sequence occurring in forested carbonate-type catchments) to HCO3 > NO3 > SO4 > Cl. In addition, the concentration of nitrate in stream water was found to be lower during the vegetation season, which is associated with the nitrogen intake of plant root systems in the summer season.

07.23: Effect of loading rate on the pull‐through capacities of cold‐formed steel roof battens

ABSTRACTLocalised connection failure is the main shortcoming of cold‐formed steel roofing systems subjected to high wind suction loads. Pull‐through failure in the vicinity of roof batten to rafter connection is the major connection failure observed during recent high wind events. Both static and fatigue pull‐through failures occur based on the type of wind loads (static or cyclic loads). The loading rate to be used in the static and cyclic pull‐through failure tests is a moot point as the wind loading frequency can vary during wind events such as storms and cyclones. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effect of wind loading frequency/rate on the pull‐through failures of steel roof battens. This paper investigates the influence of loading rate on both static and fatigue pull‐through capacities of steel roof battens by means of a series of static and cyclic tests conducted at various loading rates/frequencies. Initially, tests were conducted on roof battens made of two steel grades (G300 and G550) and two thicknesses (0.8 and 1 mm). The results showed a significant improvement in the pull‐through capacities during tests using higher loading rates. They also showed that the current static and cyclic pull‐through design rules/guidelines do not include the effect of loading rate. Secondly, to understand the influence of loading rate on the pull‐through capacity of battens, the effect of loading rate on the mechanical properties of steels was investigated using 40 tensile coupon tests. The effect of loading rate on both the tensile strength of steel used and the pull‐through capacity of roof batten was then compared. Using the results of comparison, the reasons for the increase in the static pull‐through capacity of roof battens with loading rate are discussed and, a recommendation is made in relation to the loading rate to be used with the new Low High Low (LHL) cyclic test. This paper presents the details and results of this study.

Effect of turbulence characteristics in the atmospheric surface layer on the peak wind loads on heliostats in stow position

This study investigates the dependence of peak wind load coefficients on a heliostat in stow position on turbulence characteristics in the atmospheric surface layer, such that the design wind loads, and thus the size and cost of heliostats, can be further optimised. Wind tunnel experiments were carried out to measure wind loads and pressure distributions on a heliostat in stow position exposed to gusty wind conditions in a simulated part-depth atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Force measurements on different-sized heliostat mirrors at a range of heights found that both peak lift and hinge moment coefficients, which are at least 10 times their mean coefficients, could be optimised by stowing the heliostat at a height equal to or less than half that of the mirror facet chord length. Peak lift and hinge moment coefficients increased linearly and approximately doubled in magnitude as the turbulence intensity increased from 10% to 13% and as the ratio of integral length scale to mirror chord length Lux/c increased from 5 to 10, compared to a 25% increase with a 40% increase in freestream Reynolds number. Pressure distributions on the stowed heliostat showed the presence of a high-pressure region near the leading edge of the heliostat mirror that corresponds to the peak power spectra of the fluctuating pressures at low frequencies of around 2.4Hz. These high pressures caused by the break-up of large vortices at the leading edge are most likely responsible for the peak hinge moment coefficients and the resonance-induced deflections and stresses that can lead to structural failure during high-wind events.

Windblown sediment transport and loss in a desert\u2013oasis ecotone in the Tarim Basin

The Tarim Basin is regarded as one of the most highly erodible areas in China. Desert comprises 64% of the land use in the Basin, but the desert–oasis ecotone plays a prominent role in maintaining oasis ecological security and stability. Yet, little is known concerning the magnitude of windblown sediment transport in a desert-oasis ecotone. Therefore, aeolian sediment transport and loss was assessed from a desert-oasis experimental site located near Alaer City in the northwestern Tarim Basin. Sediment transport and factors governing transport were measured during three high wind events in 2012 and four events in 2013. Sediment transport was measured to a height of 10 m using passive aeolian airborne sediment samplers. The mass flux profile over the eroding surface was well represented by the power-law (R2 > 0.77). Sediment loss from the site ranged from 118 g m−2 for the 20–24Apr 2012 wind event to 2925 g m−2 for the 31Mar–11Apr 2012 event. Suspension accounted for 67.4 to 84.8% of sediment loss across all high wind events. Our results indicate the severity of wind erosion in a desert-oasis ecotone and thus encourage adoption of management practices that will enhance oasis ecological security.

Windbreaks working as barriers to high speed winds for protection of electric power transmission lines and towers

The effects of bad weather conditions on transmission lines associated with high speed wind events have concerned not only industry players, but also the government and consumers of electricity. Recently in Brazil, events of this nature have caused large-scale disruptions in the supply of electricity, resulting in direct economic losses throughout the chain of production and consumption. This paper aimed to propose a methodology for reduction of the occurrence of faults in transmission lines and towers related to high speed wind events and gusts, including a safety analysis and recommendation for corrective maintenance. Results are based on a R&D project, with its development including: a) the identification of transmission line faults occurred in Brazil, with wind events as the main underlying cause; b) the description of wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling results aiming at exploring the effectiveness of windbreaks (tree rows alongside the transmission line corridors) as a mean to reduce wind impacts against towers and transmission lines; c) recommendations to reduce the risks of collapse of the transmission infrastructure of large-scale electric power systems which are exposed to extreme weather events. The research development was supported by State Grid Brazil, as a part of their R&D investment in its subsidiary company, Porto Primavera Transmissora de Energia (PPTE) during the years of 2014 and 2015.