STORM ALERT UPDATE: High Wind Watch for Thursday night-Friday morning

ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:01 PM TUESDAY: The National Weather Service now has an official “special weather statement” for our area, warning of multiple storm systems headed this way – first, lots of rain starting Wednesday night; then, potentially, lots of wind this weekend. Read the alert here. Forecasts can and do change, but at least take this as a reminder to get your fall/winter preparations in place – batteries, flashlights, and other things you might need if the power goes out. Updates as the week goes on!

10:19 PM: The newest “forecast discussion” from the NWS is out and the storms are still on the way. Higher-level alerts, such as a wind watch, could be issued as soon as tomorrow.

7:17 AM WEDNESDAY: And indeed, a High Wind Watch was issued early this morning. See it here. The NWS says the wind could get up to 35 mph sustained, 55 mph gusts, in our area Thursday night-Friday morning.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: We have a new update up here – the alert has been raised to a high-wind warning.

Trees October 11, 2016 (9:18 pm)

In addition to what the alert says, people should be aware that this is a perfect recipe for falling trees. Probably wise to avoid Lincoln Park and similar areas during the worst winds. Remember someone died at Seward Park earlier this year in a wet and windy event.

TM October 12, 2016 (5:09 pm)

Check out Cliff Mass’ blog post on these storms. Look to be very significant, he is pretty awestruck by the current models. Hunker down!

WSB October 12, 2016 (5:15 pm)

We have an updated story currently at the top of the WSB home page – will go check out his post and add the link. Thanks!

jenla13 October 12, 2016 (5:20 pm)

All the leaves on the trees + big winds and rain spells trouble for our storm drains too. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on the ones near our homes as the weekend unfolds, to hopefully minimize standing water and flooding…

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