High winds are a common phenomenon that can cause damage to property and disrupt daily life. GALES, oboes, fifes, and flutes are all terms related to high winds. GALES are strong gusts of wind that can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Oboes are a type of wind instrument that produces a sound similar to the howling of the wind. Fifes are another type of wind instrument that produces a higher-pitched sound than oboes. Flutes are a type of woodwind instrument that produces a soft, mellow sound. GALE is also a term for a strong gust of wind, but it is typically used to describe a less intense wind than a GALE.