FR made me look and to some extent, it looks like winds do play a factor in the movement of a cane.
I had to resort to images that I can easily understand, which can explain the link.
http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov/kids/Problem_Board/problems/weather/hurricanebasics.swf
Don't get me wrong - she is STILL a moron, just thought it was interesting. Been a northerner for so long, all I had to worry about was if the snowblower would start on October 1st. :-)
Yes, winds affect hurricanes, but they are only one factor, and there is no "tumbleweed effect".