Wind Causes Devastation in Brooklyn Heights

By on May 9, 2010 6:47 pm in Brooklyn Heights

As we reported yesterday, high winds wreaked havoc on Brooklyn Heights on Saturday.  A tree was downed on Clark Street and many others were ripped apart sending branches all over neighborhood streets.

While waiting on line to see 104 Willow Street during the BHA House Tour we witnessed a motorcycle get toppled over by the wind.  Reader photos (and that motorcycle) after the jump.

Motorcycle down!

Motorcycle down!

Photo by Andy D.

Photo by Andy D.

Photo by Andy D.

Photo by Andy D.

Photo by Shayna G.

Photo by Shayna G.

Photo by Scott G.

Photo by Scott G.

Photo by Scott G.

Photo by Scott G.

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  • John

    “Devastation” is a bit strong.

  • Andrew Porter

    What’s really causing the problems in the north Heights are the wind-tunnel effects caused by the highrises, esp. the Towers Hotel and the St. George Tower. The wind coming from the west is funneled down the narrow streets and can double in speed—so a 40mph gust can go as high as 80—which is hurricane strength. There’s also any area of strong winds at the corner of the Promenade and the back of 160 Columbia Heights. By contrast, where most of the buildings are no higher than 6 storeys, as in the far north Heights, around Middagh and Poplar Streets, the winds are much less.

  • nabeguy

    Andrew, don’t forget the Venturi effect. It applies to wind as well as fluids.

    http://preview.tinyurl.com/bu72m

  • http://www.bestmugshotever.com othersideofthebridge

    Here’s one in Cadman Plaza Park next to the War Memorial.

    http://i43.tinypic.com/1y1qp3.jpg

  • MRG6726

    What Mr. Porter has said is true for the most part. The winds do most certainly play a factor, though I’m not exactly sure of the source of information for those wind velocity numbers. However, as I had commented in another post, the biggest contributing factor to damage sustained during a storm anywhere is species selection. Please refer to my comment in the “A Profusion of Fallen Foliage” thread for more information.

  • MRG6726

    Our crew cleaned up both the tree on Clark and the tree at Cadman. The stump of the tree at 60 Clark Street was difficult to flush with the ground because of the ornamental planting pit guard that’s embedded in the ground. Nevertheless, both trees have been cleaned up, and we’ll be in and out of the area over the course of the next few days to tie up loose ends.

  • matt h

    My several-times-daily trip to/from the train always takes me onto Hicks near Remsen and I have noticed that even on mild days the wind can be intense. I imagine that the Bossert (by the orange limbo cones) plays some role in this particular wind tunnel…?

  • David on Middagh

    The Bossert seems to have an effect also at Montague & Hicks, where I have been nearly knocked down by wind.

    Anyone moving to this area is advised to buy either the cheapest or the most expensive umbrella they can find.