CLEVELAND — A deepening storm system developing this weekend is bringing high winds to the majority of Northeast Ohio, prompting a High Wind Warning for Sunday.
The warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday.
Wind
The High Wind Warning will remain in effect from Sunday morning through Monday, bringing strong westerly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Winds are expected to gradually pick up through out the day Sunday with gusts reaching 60 to 65 mph.
Winds may be strong early Monday morning, but will gradually subside Sunday night into Monday, ending around 7 a.m.
It may be warm now but temperatures crash today into the 30s by the middle of the afternoon. Winds will remain strong through today and tonight.#Cleveland #Weather @WEWS pic.twitter.com/EEE9bDWyyw
— Bryan Shaw (@WxShaw) February 24, 2019
Forecast
By Sunday morning, a strong cold front moves through and will bring in much colder air. Rain early Sunday will switch to lake effect snow by the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will fall into the 30s by afternoon. Strong, damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph possible.
RELATED: FORECAST: Strong winds, light rain to light snow
Damage
Winds were so strong that the roof of the Beechmont Towers apartment complex in Woodmere blew off.
RELATED: Images: Wind damage across Northeast Ohio
Location
The following counties are under the High Wind Warning:
- Lorain
- Cuyahoga
- Lake
- Geauga
- Ashtabula Inland
- Medina
- Summit
- Portage
- Trumbull
- Wayne
- Stark
- Mahoning
- Holmes
- Ashtabula Lakeshore
- Northern Erie
- Southern Erie
- Crawford
The impacts of this event include damaging winds, which can blow down trees and power lines, according to the National Weather Service.
Power outages
Widespread power outages across Northeast Ohio are starting to come in. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Secure any loose, lightweight objects outside if possible.
RELATED: Thousands without power across Northeast Ohio
Safety
Due to the high winds, multiple traffic lights have been reported to be out or working improperly. Police are reminding drivers to treat all intersections where traffic signals are out as four-way stops.
Police are also reminding those out in the high winds to avoid downed wires that may have been blown down from utility poles. You should never touch a downed wire.
By Sunday morning, a strong cold front moves through and will bring in much colder air. Rain early Sunday will switch to lake effect snow by the afternoon and evening.
Health
According to the National Weather Service, changes in barometric pressure that accompany a storm can affect your body.
RELATED: Change in air pressure may affect your joints Sunday
TRAVEL Ban
The Turnpike has a travel ban in place from Indiana to I-71 in Cleveland. Certain long combination and high-profile vehicles are banned from traveling on the Turnpike until 2 a.m. Monday.
Flights canceled out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
There are several flights departing from Cleveland Hopkins that are canceled or delayed. Flights to Boston, Charlotte and Toronto are among the flights canceled.
Related: High winds cause flight delays, cancellations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Warming centers
With thousands of power outages, some locations are opening their doors for people without heat.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium will be open overnight for those without power. The community wing, east end doors will be open to enter. Visitors should bring pillows and blankets. Bathrooms will be available and showers will open at 5:30 a.m.
The City of Stow has dedicated a warming center for residents who are experiencing problems with heat or power at their home. The center will be located at the Community Room at Stow Safety Building at 3800 Darrow Rd.
Stay updated with the News 5 Weather Team:
Mark Johnson: Facebook & Twitter
Bryan Shaw: Facebook & Twitter
