12/30/2008 had a critter dumping 8 daytime inches over an 8-10 hour period. And it got quite cold. I loved that event. That was before subforums and phineas was ready to strangle me…lol.
It’s all about duration. 50 mph gusts within 30 mph sustained are one thing. 50 mph sustained with occasional higher gusts can cause widespread power issues. Personally, I’d prefer mundane winds but I don’t get to choose my weather.