Albany, N.Y. – Strong southwest winds are set to disrupt Thanksgiving Day plans across eastern and upstate New York, with gusts up to 45 mph likely to impact travel, utilities, and outdoor safety from Thursday morning into Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph will intensify through Thanksgiving Day before shifting northwest on Friday, maintaining gusty conditions that could topple tree branches and scatter unsecured outdoor decorations. Regions near Watertown, Albany, and Bennington may see gusts pushing into the low 40s.
The wind threat will be compounded in areas near the Great Lakes, where lake effect snow bands could reduce visibility and worsen driving conditions, particularly for those returning from holiday gatherings. Power outages are possible if tree limbs fall on lines, and drivers are urged to use caution, especially on exposed roadways like I-87 and Route 7.
Outdoor plans should be reevaluated, and residents are advised to secure loose items such as inflatables or yard displays before winds pick up Thursday morning.
The strongest gusts are expected to ease slightly by Saturday, though scattered advisories may persist into the weekend as colder air continues to move across the region.
