WEATHER ALERT UPDATE: High Wind Warning for Thursday

FIRST REPORT, 7:24 AM: The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for 7 am-7 pm Thursday, a High Wind Watch, warning of winds possibly as strong as those that hit last Friday night and cut power to thousands:

* WIND…South to southeast wind 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Strongest winds will be near the shoreline.

* TIMING…Winds will increase rapidly early Thursday and continue through the evening.

* IMPACTS…Snapped tree branches and downed trees along with local power outages.

Read the full alert here.

10:59 AM: Now upgraded to a High Wind Warning.

DH December 19, 2018 (8:45 am)

As always thanks for the warning so we can plan! Friday’s outage took me a little by surprise but I’m usually prepared so it wasn’t a big deal.

DK December 19, 2018 (11:20 am)

So, should we expect major power outages again? Seems to be the norm for WS whenever high winds occur.

WSB December 19, 2018 (12:59 pm)

Always a possibility. Lots of trees in proximity to lines.
Steve December 19, 2018 (1:47 pm)

Boy, you’re not kidding!

sam-c December 19, 2018 (11:28 am)

Thanks for the heads up. we will get everything charged. Wondering what we should do with all the eggs we bought to replace the ones that were ruined Friday night/ Saturday morning, lol. Maybe I will come to work Thursday with a bunch of deviled eggs.

Rotten Egg Man December 19, 2018 (1:28 pm)

SAM-C,It is highly unlikely that refrigerated eggs will be ruined by a closed refrigerator without power for even a full day. When power goes out, it is best to minimize the times you access your refrigerator as opening the door allows warm air in. Very few items would spoil in such short term events.

sam-c December 19, 2018 (3:36 pm)

thanks, I would have eaten it all too after the power came back (we kept fridge doors closed during the 15 hour outage). But someone else in the household saw the guidelines posted on the last WSB storm story, and threw the milk and eggs out…. Our fridge doesn’t display a temp, so we were just guessing, I guess. Maybe it didn’t go above 40′ for over 2 hours….https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html

Jim P. December 19, 2018 (1:38 pm)

I concur, do not open your fridge or freezer during a power outage if at all possible. All our food was fine after a 12 hour outage last week. Probably one good thing about the house getting blasted chilly. ;)Of course, if in doubt, throw it out. Check the interior just after power comes back on and seems stable.

Lucia December 19, 2018 (2:44 pm)

Here are helpful tips I have picked up over the years regarding response to power outages (anticipated and/or actual):- have cell phone(s) fully charged- make sure flashlight(s) have fresh/working batteries. Put the flashlight(s) somewhere they will easily be found in darkness- if power is out, do not open your refridgerator/freezer at all, or only at a minimum to preserve the coolness captured in the fridge/freezer- turn off all unnecessary electrical items thus preventing a power surge as they all come back on at the same time when power returns- close doors in house of any unused rooms to keep heat localized to living areas- fill the gas tank in your car(s) and avoid parking in garage if you have a electric garage door- have a small emergency bag for your kid(s) and/or pet(s). Kit with essentials that you can “grab and run” if you need to evacuate your house quickly(i.e. medications, leash, small amount cash, power snack bars, etc.)

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