Gale

A Beaufort force 8 wind, with a mean speed of 34 to 40 knots.

At sea, a gale produces moderately high waves, spindrift and well-defined streaks of foam, creating demanding conditions for small craft and exposed operations. Strong gale, storm and violent storm are higher Beaufort forces with their own speed ranges.

The range refers to sustained or mean wind rather than an isolated gust. Sea state also depends on duration, fetch, current, water depth and nearby land, so the force number does not describe every effect by itself.