UPDATE 3:20 p.m. Thursday: A high wind warning now replaces one of the high wind watches and wind advisories also have been issued for some counties in our area. The story below has been updated to reflect the changes.
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By SALINA POST
Multiple wind-related notifications have been issued for the counties in our area, including a high wind warning, high wind watches, and wind advisories.
High wind warning
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has moved Jewell County and Mitchell County under a high wind warning, in effect from noon Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday.
South winds at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.
Some of the strongest winds Friday will come after dark, just ahead of an approaching cold front. While winds will be strong all day, a surge in winds just ahead of the cold front is expected during the late evening through overnight hours.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and possibly even power lines. Isolated power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
People should avoid being outside around large trees or near loose objects during this windstorm. All loose objects kept outside should either be secured or brought inside. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
High wind watches
High wind watches have been issued for counties in our area for Friday.
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a high wind watch in effect from Friday afternoon through late Friday night that includes Ellsworth County.
South winds at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are possible.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Additionally, the National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a high wind watch in effect from Friday afternoon through late Friday night that includes Lincoln County.
South winds at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Wind advisories
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle on roadways oriented in an easterly or westerly direction.