THE SKYSCRAPER known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ tower has been blamed for a down-draught wreaking havoc among City workers.
LONDON—Gusts of wind at the base of the “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper in London are so strong they have pushed pedestrians over and knocked signs off nearby buildings. Concerns about the sudden winds at street level of the 525 ft (160 m) building have prompted the City of London to investigate. Strong winds near skyscrapers are caused by the “downdraft effect.” This occurs when wind hits a building and, because it has nowhere else to go, is pushed up, down and around the sides. The wind forced downwards then increases air speed at street level. The Walkie Talkie gained notoriety last year when sunlight reflected off it melted parts of nearby cars.
