High wind warning in effect this afternoon
A high wind warning is in effect from 1 to 4 p.m. this afternoon for Orleans and other counties, including Niagara, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming and northern Erie.
The National Weather Service says there will be southwest winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph.
“Winds of this magnitude could bring down some trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages,” the Weather Service said.
The melting snow in the Buffalo area has saturated the ground, making easier for trees to topple, the Weather Service said.
A power outage in areas with heavy snow melts could result in flooded basements because sump pumps wouldn’t otherwise work unless there is an emergency generator power supply.