With a winter storm warning in place, forecasts now include a high wind warning expected to impact several states. Discover which regions are bracing for potentially disruptive gusts.
The National Weather Service in Binghamton, New York, has issued a high wind warning, which will remain in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon until 7 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025.This warning applies to several counties across the city, including Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Onondaga, Otsego, Southern Cayuga, Southern Oneida, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins.Residents in cities such as Utica, Hamilton, Norwich, Owego, Oneida, Rome, Walton, Delhi, Oneonta, Monticello, Ithaca, Waverly, Cortland, Auburn, Syracuse, and Binghamton should prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.West winds are expected to reach 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, potentially causing downed trees, power lines, and widespread outages. New York isn’t alone, as several other states face similar warnings as the storm intensifiesThe affected states include North Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, Delaware, and New Jersey.These states, like NY, are bracing for potentially damaging winds that could disrupt daily life and create hazardous conditions. Travel may be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Residents should use caution, watch for debris, and secure outdoor objects.During high winds, residents are advised to stay indoors and postpone outdoor activities if warnings are issued. If outside, seek shelter, avoid roadways, and watch for flying debris.Moreover, stay away from downed power lines and call emergency services. If a line falls on your car, remain inside unless there’s a fire—then jump out without touching the metal frame.Staying safe during high winds is critical, especially as the winter storm’s impact is expected to persist into Monday, February 17, 2025.Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, revealed that this is a “high-impact storm,” with the most severe conditions likely to hit the Northeast, where heavy snow may shift to sleet and freezing rain.While precipitation is forecast to ease along the East Coast by Sunday afternoon, the storm isn’t finished. Damaging winds, with gusts up to 70 mph, are expected to continue, along with persistent lake-effect snow over the Great Lakes, which may last through late Monday and possibly into Tuesday, February 18, 2025.As the storm continues its path, NY is expected to experience intense winds on Sunday afternoon. Oravec noted, “Anytime you get high winds in a city they funnel right down the buildings. It’s going to be pretty windy.”Along with the strong winds, Arctic air from Canada will push into the Great Plains and south-central U.S., bringing the season’s coldest temperatures.This cold air will set the stage for another storm, expected to hit the Central Plains Monday night, the Mid-Atlantic by Wednesday, and the Northeast by Thursday.
