At 12:32 PM Monday, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory in effect from 1:00 PM until 1:00 PM Tuesday for South Herkimer, South Fulton, North Saratoga, West Schenectady, East Schenectady, South Saratoga, West Albany, East Albany, West Rensselaer, East Rensselaer, West Greene, West Ulster and North Fulton.
“West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts over 40 mph expected,” the weather service explains. “Westerly winds will increase this afternoon into the overnight hours, especially in the eastern Catskills, Mohawk Valley, Greater Capital District, northern Taconics and southern Vermont.”
“There will be gusty winds around unsecured buildings. Tree branches could fall and there could be several power outages,” comments the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”
Navigating High Wind Alerts: What Each Level Means
When it comes to high wind warnings, understanding risk levels is key. The Weather Service classifies them into three different categories:
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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