A gale corresponds to Beaufort forces 8–11: from "gale" (62–74 km/h, large branches break) to "violent storm" (103–117 km/h, widespread damage). Above 118 km/h, winds are classified as hurricane-force.
In Spain, gales are frequent in the north (Galicia, Cantabrian coast, Pyrenees) associated with Atlantic extratropical cyclones. In the Mediterranean, tramontana and cierzo episodes can reach gale force. AEMET issues orange and red warnings for gales.