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A 'gale' is a very strong wind of at least 28 knots, 32 mph, or 51 km/h; and up to 55 knots, 63 mph, or 102 km/h.
It is divided into three or four categories:
# A 'moderate gale' or 'near gale' is up to 33 kt., 38 mph, or 61 km/h, and a small craft advisory is issued.
# A 'fresh gale' or just 'gale' is 34~40 kt., 39~46 mph, or 62~74 km/h, and a 'gale warning' is issued.
# A 'strong gale' is 41~47 kt., 47~54 mph, or 75~88 km/h, and usually a 'gale warning' is issued or maintained.
# A 'whole gale' or 'storm' is 48 kt., 55 mph, or 89 km/h or greater, and a 'storm warning' is issued.
The last category is often not considered a gale, but the lower half of a storm. If any of the latter three categories are in association with a tropical storm or hurricane, a tropical storm warning (or local equivalent) is issued instead.