Blizzards are severe winter storms characterized by heavy snow and strong winds. Hot winds and sand storms occur frequently. Such storms can feature strong surface winds and severe hail. Corvo recorded sustained winds of and gusts reaching . Wind turbines have ways of reducing torque in high winds. Strong westerly winds and cloudy skies are common. Heat waves are rare due to mountains blocking southerly winds. These are strong, gusty, hot, dry winds that blow during the day in India. Thuringia's climate is temperate with humid westerly winds predominating. There, the Vosges act as a rain shield in the face of the prevailing winds. They are susceptible to heavy damage from rains, winds, and insect infestation. Voyager data indicate peak easterly winds of . The port provided shelter for ships from the violent northerly winds. There are occasional typhoons that bring high winds and floods. Hot conditions prevail year-round along with periodic monsoon winds and irregular rainfall.