Dangerous 60 MPH Winds Threaten New York This Week

High Wind Alert: Potentially Damaging Gusts Forecast for the Region

A significant weather system is poised to bring a period of intense and potentially hazardous winds to the tri-state area. The National Weather Service has escalated its previous advisory, now issuing a formal High Wind Watch for the upcoming weekend.

Timing and Potential Impact

The watch is slated to take effect from late Saturday night, continuing through the entirety of Sunday. Meteorologists are warning that this is not a typical breezy day; conditions could become dangerous. The primary threat involves wind gusts reaching staggering speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour. Such force is powerful enough to cause tangible damage.

Residents should be prepared for the possibility of downed tree limbs and scattered power outages. Unsecured outdoor items, from patio furniture to holiday decorations, could become projectiles. Travel, especially for high-profile vehicles, may become difficult and hazardous during the peak of the event.

Why Such Powerful Winds?

The driving force behind this severe weather is a strong low-pressure system forecast to deepen rapidly as it moves through the Great Lakes and into New England. This type of intensifying storm creates a substantial pressure difference, which acts like an engine, generating sustained and powerful winds that will funnel into our region.

The most intense wind gusts are currently anticipated for areas east of the Hudson River, including the city and the island. However, the entire region should remain on high alert as the storm's trajectory and strength become more defined.

Proactive Safety Measures

With several days' notice, officials urge the public to take preparatory steps. Securing loose items around your property is highly recommended. It is also wise to ensure electronic devices are charged and to have flashlights and batteries on hand in case of power disruptions. Staying updated with the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service as the weekend approaches is crucial, as the watch could be upgraded to a warning.

What do you think?

• Are local power companies and municipalities doing enough to prepare infrastructure for increasingly common severe wind events?


• Should there be fines for residents who fail to secure outdoor items that then cause property damage during a storm?


• With climate change in mind, are we underestimating the risks of "non-tropical" windstorms compared to hurricanes?


• Is the protocol for issuing High Wind Watches too cautious, or is it a necessary measure to ensure public safety?