The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch at 12:53 a.m. Saturday from 4 a.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday for North Erie and South Erie, as well as Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.
“Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 65 mph,” the weather service said. “Strong southerly winds will gust to 45 to 55 mph late Sunday night in areas of favorable precipitation, including the Chautauqua Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline, with winds quickly turning to the southwest and strengthening Monday behind a cold front.”
“Strong winds may down trees and power lines. Shallow-rooted trees in saturated ground will be more prone to fall. Scattered power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Strong winds will blow around unsecured structures, including outdoor holiday decorations,” the weather service added. “Follow current forecasts and warnings. Secure or shelter objects in a safe place before strong winds begin.”
High Wind Warning: What each level means
When it comes to high wind warnings, it’s important to be informed. The Weather Service categorizes high wind warnings into three levels, each representing a different degree of risk:
High Wind Warning: Start!
There are persistent, strong winds with even stronger flavors. Look for cover. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
Wind Warning: Start!
There are strong winds, but not strong enough to require a high wind warning. Objects that are outside should be secured and care should be taken when driving.
Beware of strong winds: Be prepared!
Sustained strong winds are possible. Secure outdoor items and adjust plans as needed to avoid being caught outside.
How to prepare before strong winds approach
- Cut tree branches away from your house and power lines.
- Secure loose gutters and shutters.
- Designate an interior room in your home, such as a basement or indoor bathroom, where you can take shelter during a high wind warning.
- If you live in a mobile home, identify a permanent building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
- Charge the batteries of any essential items such as cell phones and backup batteries, weather radios, and power tools such as a jigsaw that you may need to clear debris.
- Update your emergency kit and make sure it contains enough food and water for 3 days for each person in your household.
- Make a list of things outside the home that you will need to tie or put away so they don’t blow away or fly through the window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, secure these items immediately to avoid damage or injury once the winds begin to pick up.
How to behave in strong winds
Take cover:
- During a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning, immediately enter a solid building and move to an interior room or basement.
- If you are in a mobile home, move to a permanent building before winds pick up or a storm system reaches your location.
If you were caught outside or while driving:
- If you are not near a solid building, take cover in your car. If possible, drive into a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move the car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
- If no shelter is available, avoid trees, power lines and the edge of the road. Be aware that power lines that lie on the ground may be live. Don’t go near them! Try to find a location that will block blowing or falling debris.
- If you are driving and you are not near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
- Keep your distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles pulling trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers on its side.
What to do after the strong wind subsides
- Stay away from downed power lines. Report a downed power line to the police.
- Be careful when handling trash that may have invaded your yard.
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