Buffalo, N.Y. – Strong, gusty winds are hammering parts of western and northern New York and will continue into Thursday evening, especially along the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario shorelines where gusts could hit 55 mph. Areas northeast of both lakes—including Buffalo, Watertown, and surrounding towns—are facing the highest impacts.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, wind gusts overnight into Thursday morning will range from 45 to 55 mph, particularly in cities like Dunkirk, Niagara Falls, and Lockport. The strongest winds are expected through early Thursday evening, with widespread impacts likely across elevated terrain and exposed shoreline routes.
Inland areas including Rochester and Batavia will still feel gusts near 40 mph, potentially causing minor tree damage and isolated power outages. Drivers, especially those in high-profile vehicles, should use caution on I-90, I-190, and Route 219, where crosswinds could be hazardous.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects and prepare for possible downed branches or brief outages. Utility crews may be dispatched if tree limbs cause service disruptions.
Winds are expected to ease late Thursday night, but breezy conditions could linger into early Friday.
