I have always kept covers on my cooker kettles. Yesterday we had a high wind warning forecast in the Bay Area, with wind gusts up to 50 mph. I have had wind gusts in my area up to 65 mph in the past and never had a problem with my Webers.
That is until yesterday.
Walked out back to find my yellow 22" laying on it's side with the cover still on. Pulled the cover off and this is the damage from the fall.
Take a look at the impact damage to the handle.
I've seen a lot of damage to handles but none this bad. The wind must have gotten beneath the cover and lifted the kettle, causing it to vault over the front leg. It's the only way I can figure how the impact occurred on the front bowl handle, causing the extensive damage.
Two covers from other kettles were blown off and found in the corner of my yard. Three other kettles with covers experienced no problem.