I bow to experience, I would have thought trees greatly dampen wind, so much for thinking.
When Hurricane Fran came through Carolina in Sept 96 I was camping in the Triangle. I didn't even know a hurricane was on the way. It was an ..um.. interesting experience watching the trees crash down into the lake.. Have you ever tried to light a cigarette outside in a hurricane? You can't. A car lighter will work though. =) I was 150 miles or so inland from landfall BTW.
Then there was Hugo in the SC Low Country, but I was too busy hiding to watch the trees.. I sure could hear them though..