In addition to the prevailing winds, Point Reyes also experiences strong winds from the north and east. These winds are generated by the local climate and topography. The north winds are caused by a cold air mass that moves down from the north and collides with the warm air over the Point Reyes Peninsula. The east winds are caused by the compression of air as it moves through the narrow valleys and canyons of the surrounding hills.
The combination of these factors makes Point Reyes one of the windiest cities in California. The average wind speed in Point Reyes is 17.6 miles per hour, and the strongest wind gust ever recorded in the city was 112 miles per hour. The strong winds in Point Reyes have a number of effects on the local environment. They help to shape the landscape by eroding the coastline and creating sand dunes. They also contribute to the unique plant and animal life of the Point Reyes National Seashore.