Translation of "gale force" into Spanish

It was difficult to keep the car on the road, as the winds were of gale force.

Era difícil mantener el automóvil sobre la carretera, puesto que los vientos tenían fuerza de tempestad.

When the Wind's blowing at gale force, there's no point in sailing against it.

Cuando el viento es un vendaval, no sirve de nada navegar en su contra.