While a winter storm drops heavy snow, rain, and ice over portions of the eastern United States today and tomorrow, it will also bring another hazard with it: damaging wind gusts to portions of the northeast.
In addition to widespread Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories that extend from the southeast to the northeast today, Lake Wind Advisories, Wind Advisories, and High Wind Warnings have been issued for the northeast.
Damaging wind gusts, especially as a squall line moves through as part of the evolution of the winter storm tomorrow, could knock down power lines, tree branches, and perhaps even trees, killing power for some. People should be prepared for the possibility of power outages in the wake of this storm.
While winds will be gusty far inland, they’ll be more severe at the coast. Gusts up to 26 mph are possible in Detroit; 39 mph in Buffalo and 30 mph in Pittsburgh. Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC will all see wind gusts over 40 mph.
In coastal New England, wind gusts will be over 60 mph, with a greater threat of damage and power outages there.
The heavy inland snows and heavy coastal rains will wrap up by Monday evening from southwest to northeast, with dry air arriving. However, bitter cold weather will also be arriving in the days ahead in the wake of this storm. Those without power may have issues keeping their water lines and perhaps even themselves warm as crews work to restore utilities.
Once this storm exits the region, attention will be paid to the next one. That storm looks like it’ll bring heavy snow to portions of the I-95 corridor seeing rain this storm. More specifics about precipitation types, amounts, and locations will be better known once this current storm exits the region.
