Squall

The sudden upspringing of a violent wind, usually of short duration. Squalls are sometimes accompanied with rain, hail, or snow; at other times containing only wind. If the rain sets in before the wind, the squall is likely to be much heavier than when the rain follows the wind, the latter then frequently diminishes in force. As black clouds do not invariably bring violent wind, they are too frequently neglected, preparation being delayed too late to prevent casualties, in consequence of which many ve els have been dismasted or capsized.