Understanding Wind Speed and Direction with Wind Barbs

How to complete the blank?

Highest wind speeds were found at about 225 mb, from the west-southwest at about ______ knots (two flags, three long feathers, and one short feather on the wind shaft).
a.100
b.115
c.135
d.155

Answer:

Highest wind speeds were found at about 225 mb, from the west-southwest at about 135 knots, option C.

Understanding the wind barb:

A wind barb is a graphical representation of wind speed and direction used in meteorology. The flag at the end of the barb indicates a wind speed of 50 knots.

Each long feather on the barb adds 10 knots to the wind speed.

Each short feather adds 5 knots to the wind speed.

Interpreting the wind barb in this case:

We have two flags, which means 2 * 50 knots = 100 knots.

We have three long feathers, which add 3 * 10 knots = 30 knots.

We have one short feather, which adds 5 knots.

Adding all these contributions, we get the total wind speed: 100 knots + 30 knots + 5 knots = 135 knots.