Wind effects are critical considerations in the design of topside structures, overall structural systems, or both, depending on the water depth and type of offshore platform. The reliable design of these facilities for oil fields in regions of hostile environment can only be assured through better understanding of the environmental load effects and enhanced response prediction capabilities. This paper summarizes the analysis and performance of offshore platforms under extreme wind loads, including the quantification of wind load effects with focus on wind field characteristics, steady and unsteady loads, gust loading factors, application of wind tunnel tests, and the provisions of the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 2A - Working Stress Design (API RP 2A-WSD) for the construction of offshore structures under the action of wind. A survey of the performance of platforms and satellite structures is provided, and failure mechanisms concerning different damage scenarios during Hurricane Andrew are examined. Guidelines and provisions for improving analysis and design of structures are addressed.