Residents in western Pennsylvania and northern Ohio should brace themselves for high winds this weekend, with gusts reaching 50 mph in some regions. Outside of thunderstorms, breezy conditions are forecast, which will hamper travel and outdoor activities.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Pittsburgh, the strongest wind gusts will most likely occur along the ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where gusts might exceed 50 mph. Other locations, such as eastern Ohio, the northern West Virginia panhandle, and southwest Pennsylvania, are likely to experience gusts of more than 40 mph.
The highest winds are expected on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16. Elevated locations and ridgelines will be hardest hit, although wind speeds of 40–50 mph are anticipated over the region. The NWS advises that strong winds may result in toppled tree branches, scattered power outages, and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile cars.
Residents should protect outdoor objects, exercise caution when driving, and remain up to date on weather alerts. Power companies advise planning for unexpected disruptions by charging electronics and keeping emergency supplies on hand.
Forecasters predict a gradual decrease in winds late Sunday night into Monday morning. For the most recent information, go to the National Weather Service website or follow local predictions.
