Forecasters say Hurricane Sandy could bring sustained and gusts of wind between 40 and 75 mph. So, how strong could that wind actually be?

The Beaufort Scales are used to measure wind speed. The scale uses a 1 through 12 rating for wind ranging from "Calm" to "Hurricane" force.

Here are some of the ratings.

Near Gale (32-38 mph): Whole trees in motion, inconvenience in walking.

Gale (39-46 mph): Difficult to walk against wind. Twigs and small branches blown off trees.

Strong Gale (47-54 mph): Minor structural damage may occur (shingles blown off roofs).

Storm (55-63 mph): Trees uprooted, structural damage likely.

Strong Storm (64-73 mph): Widespread damage to structures.

Hurricane (74+ mph): Severe structural damage to buildings, wide spread devastation.