Downbursts pose risks to both aviation and ground infrastructure. In aviation, sudden wind shear during takeoff or landing can lead to loss of lift, as seen in several fatal crashes in the 1970s and 1980s. On the ground, downbursts create straight-line winds that can flatten trees, damage buildings, and disrupt power lines. These winds are strongest 10-30 feet (3-9 m) above the ground, placing stress on walls, windows, and roofs. Despite advancements in detection, downbursts remain fast and localized, making them challenging to predict (source: EarthDate, source time: not specified).