Powerful Winds To Hit Hudson Valley Thursday

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties. Gusts could reach 45-50 mph on Thursday, the NWS said.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

The advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

• WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph expected.
• WHERE...Southeast New York, northeast New Jersey and southern Connecticut
• IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

A winter storm will then move into the region Saturday. Snow should begin falling by the early afternoon. It will likely mix with rain at some point.

Arctic high pressure builds toward the region after the storm and prolonged period of below-normal temperatures is expected Sunday into the beginning of next week, the weather service says.