Storms are four-dimensional complexes that develop in breadth, distance, altitude, and time. Their parts push into and pull at each other, amplifying, diminishing, and transforming. Wind speed is only one factor; others include storm surge, precipitation type, and shifting wind direction. What the weather forecast says is not necessarily what you’ll meet.
So, you might not know exactly what is coming, but you must be prepared for the probabilities. Studying how to prepare for storms is part of getting started in boats.
Remember Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong will go wrong. What are your boat’s vulnerabilities and how might the storm strain them?