The term is somewhat ambiguous but generally refers to extremely strong winds in the 45mph range, which equates to about the same in knots, and about 75kph in metric.
Gale, aside from being a woman"s name,. is a catch all term for violent or forcible Maritime storms. Gale force winds- 35 knots and up- it varies ( Cyclonic used to be 65 Knots- nautical miles per...